Applications are being accepted for students who would like to be a student representative on the CSU Board of Trustees.

The California State Student Association is accepting applications for students who want to be on the board and represent the 23 campuses.

"The best part about being a student trustee is that you are given the opportunity to be the voice of hundred of thousands of students at Board of Trustees meetings," said student trustee Curtis Grima in an e-mail.

Grima, from Sacramento State University, votes on the board while Russel Statham of Fresno State University and is the non-voting student trustee, according to Sarah Vagts, director of university affairs at CSSA.

Both students, however, sit on the board and are allowed to have input on topics discussed.

"Legally, there is no difference between Curtis and I," Statham said. "We both receive the same information, except he gets to vote."

Statham continues on to say that there is "never a dull moment" and it's great feeling to be able to have an "impact on the education for the world."

"I really want to encourage students to apply," said Steve Dixon, vice-chair of external affair for the CSSA. "My goal is to have a strong diverse application pool."

Natalie Franklin, president of the Associate Students, Inc. said she believes that it's important to have students on the board instead of "decisions being made solely by the suites."

"By having a student serve on the CSU Board of Trustees the student's voice has a chance to be heard and influence the board," Franklin said.

While on the board, Grima has come to admire "the trustees and other CSU leaders who have dedicated a large portion of their lives to see the CSU succeed."

The student will interact with other officials such as the governor's office and the chancellor of the CSU and be paid a $100 every day they are required to attend meetings. All transportations including flying and hotels are reimbursed when necessary.

No experience is required, but a background in student government would be good, and the "ability to work with others," Dixon said.

Students must be a junior standing by July 2009 and must be a student at a CSU through 2011.

The application deadline is April 1.

For information on how to apply, visit the website at http://www.csustudents.org/university_affairs/trustee/index.asp