Students interested in determining who receives financial aid can now apply to be a commissioner on the State Student Assistance Commission.
Since the 1960s, the governor has appointed a student to serve a two-year term as a commissioner. Students serve along side other commissioners selected from Indiana's Congressional districts.
They help oversee public policy and regulate the conditions for awarding financial assistance, said David Perlini, the executive director of the commission.
Perlini said the applicant must be a student in Indiana and should have two or more years left in their higher education.
Terms begin in August and end in August two years later. Applications are due May 17 to Perlini.
"A group of students is recommended to the governor by a committee of students," Perlini said.
Students can also apply to be part of the recommendation committee.
Commissioners have to attend about six meetings a year, Perlini said. The meetings often occur at universities.
"Most are in Indianapolis and the central Indiana area," Perlini said.
He said those who apply are usually interested in community or public service, government, political science and journalism.
"We usually have people interested in public policy, but applicants are not necessarily restricted to that particular curriculum," Perlini said.
There are benefits to serving on the commission aside from experience, he said.
"The student gets recognition that they are spending time," Perlini said. "Travel and meal expenses can be covered."
The SSACI is currently made up of eleven members, but it will only have ten next year because of political redistricting.
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