There’s a new council this semester at Iowa State that’s trying to give participants in student organizations more input into university policy decisions.

The council was formed in October by Terri Houston, ISU assistant dean of students, because she “felt the need for a better link” between the student organizations and her department — the Student Organizations and Activity Center.

The council is made up of students involved in ISU student organizations. The council meets twice a month to share views and concerns of their peers about university policies, said Jennifer Plagman, student intern at the Student Organizations and Activity Center.

Organizations represented by the council are the InterFraternity Council, Graduate Student Senate, Student Alumni Association, International Student Council, Black Student Alliance, Student Union Board, Inter-Residence Hall Association, Veishea and the Government of the Student Body.

Plagman said the council is seeking representatives from the athletic department and nontraditional students.

The council is not looking to “gather a lot more members,” Plagman said, but if an organization exists that feels it is not represented by one of the organizations already on the council, concerned members should talk to Houston or Plagman.

The council is still setting long-term and short-range goals. “There is a lot of flexibility at this point,” Plagman said.

The Student Organizations and Activity Center serves as a place for student organizations to register events and provides advising to students looking to get involved in the university. Houston said more than 500 university organizations exist, “and a better relation between these groups is needed.”