What you need to know about running for an ONA Mizzou office

By Elise Schmelzer

It's that time of year again: Final exams lurk in the near future, summer can't come soon enough and ONA Mizzou is looking for its next batch of student leaders.

Student leaders are in charge of the club's events from the first brainstorming session to putting the chairs back after everyone has left.

This year, our events included topics like web analytics and our guests included former New York Times reporter Brian Stelter, who now is the senior media correspondent for CNN. We also hosted a hands-on tutorial on building custom Google maps and offered portfolio site reviews.

Anyone who has attended at least one of our events is welcome to come hear the candidates' speeches and then cast a vote.

When: 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 1
Where: Palmer Room (100A Reynolds Journalism Institute)




Are you interested in helping lead ONA Mizzou during the 2014-15 school year? Here are answers to some common questions.

Who can run?

Any MU student interested in digital journalism. There are no restrictions based on major, year or journalism emphasis area.

What positions are available?

President, vice president, treasurer, secretary and social media coordinator. If you don't get elected to your first choice, you can run for another position.

I'm studying abroad next year. Can I still be a student leader?

Yes. There are two options:

• If you're studying abroad in the spring, you can serve for the fall semester so long as you find a replacement. That person will be subject to a vote. 
• You can run as a tandem pair with someone who’s studying abroad during the semester you're not. You would each serve during the semester you're at MU.

I'll be abroad during the election. Can I still run?

Yes. We'll Skype you in.

OK, I want to run. What's my next step?

First, answer the questions on our online application and email it to ONA Mizzou adviser Amy Simons (simonsa@missouri.edu).

At the election, we'll give everyone a copy of your application, so they can see your answers. Then, you'll have the opportunity to make a short speech about why you'd make a great student leader. Lastly, we'll vote.

Have more questions? Feel free to email us (ONAMizzou@gmail.com), send us a message through Facebook or Twitter, or talk to one of the current student leaders.