It is nearing the end of February, but our thoughts are already turning to March and April. Two issues come to mind — the search for a Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, and the circus atmosphere that often marks student government elections.

Maybe you’ve thought about running for SGA offices. The notion is surely tempting with all of the benefits that come with the jobs. But unless you are one of the 60 or so eligible students around campus who have served a full year in the SGA senate or in an appointed position, it will never happen.

“Good grief, yet another editorial in The Pacer,” some will say. “Can’t they write about anything else?”

The game, however, has changed.

We opened last fall with the revelation that, in addition to free books on loan, and a $400-$600 stipend a year, the SGA president, vice president and secretary general receive almost half of SGA’s total budget in tuition payments, or about $15,000 a year.

We believe this is yet another reason students should pay closer attention to what their SGA is doing for them, or, more importantly, what the SGA is doing in the name of the student body.

Two excellent opportunities for involvement are looming. First, the finalists for VCSA will interview at the end of February. SGA is trying to take the lead to help find the next VCSA, so you can have your say by attending the public interviews and filling out forms on each VCSA finalist.

You also should vote in the SGA elections, so that your officers will be elected by more than a mere one-fifth (or less) of the student body.

It’s your campus — be part of its future.