The Migrant Student Union is the newest student organization on the University of North Georgia's Gainesville Campus.
Its mission, according to a UNG press release, is to encourage members to become leaders in promoting the migrant and seasonal farm work culture "as a source of empowerment through socialization, education and leadership."
It is open to all UNG students, and will work with the College Assistance Migrant Program to communicate and get feedback from the students and staff involved with the organization.
Jorge Deras, a sophomore engineering major, is chairman of the MSU's executive committee. He has helped establish the organization's goals, values and positions with an executive council and the faculty advisor, Christian Bello.
"Because the organization is new, I've taken a more hands-on approach when organizing and hosting events," Deras said. "In our first year, we want to clearly define who migrant students are and to help the Gainesville-Oakwood community through various volunteer activities. We currently have around 40 members, 15 of whom have been deeply involved with the building and promotion of MSU."
Deras has a clear vision of the purpose and future of MSU.
"We're seeking to help UNG's migrant student population adapt to college because the vast majority of migrant students are first-generation students," he said. "We want to ensure that we enhance the college experience of anyone who participates or attends our events."
For more information on CAMP and MSU, visit https://ung.edu/college-assistance-migrant-program/index.php
