The student body had its chance to have its voice heard in the south quad with the student government’s Kickin’ it in the Quad program Thursday.

Several senators handed out snacks, drinks and surveys, as well as invitations to play games with them.

“Our main goal is to get more in touch with the students and get their feedback, but on a more personal level,” said Alex Boyd, a sophomore political science and foreign language major.

The booth received a lot of attention from students, Boyd said. He noted the most students came between classes and were willing to fill out surveys.

“I didn’t expect to have a huge crowd,” he said.

Boyd, along with a former senator, came up with this idea. He wanted to go through with it last year, but there was not enough time.

“I really liked the idea,” Boyd said. “And I wanted to see it through.”

“I was one of the first senators to ask people and pass out surveys about what they wanted. I gave out my email and was open to talk,” student senator Anna Nasinska said. “We just want to get as much feedback as possible.”

The junior history major with teacher certification also said a lot of the students do not even know what student government does.

“I’m hoping that they see we are trying to improve the campus. There have been a lot of people that see that already happening,” Nasinska said.

The student reactions to the program were mixed. Some learned something new from this experience.

“I learned a lot. I didn’t know about the Panther bus, or that they do a lot of stuff for us,” said Jorie Sutton, a sophomore undecided major.

Other students did not learn as much.

“I didn’t learn a thing,” said Jordan Rozycki, a junior exercise science major. “There’s nothing more for me to learn. I’ve known people on student government.”

Still, some students were left questioning.

“I’m not honestly sure what Student Government does. I understand they’re like Student Council in high school-they’re the ones you go to report what you want to see changed or a program,” said Caitlin Garstkiewicz, a freshman elementary education major.

Even through some of these reactions, Boyd remains optimistic.

“I’ve learned that there are a lot of students happy with stuff here. There’re not too many changes to be made. There are a couple of people who have shown interest in student government and liking the fact we have a more active atmosphere,” Boyd said.

Jacob Swanson can be reached at 581-7942 or jjswanson2@eiu.edu.