Though the academic year is just underway, Mercyhurst Student Government (MSG) is hard at work planning a fun and productive 2013-2014 year.

“We are passionate about helping students, and pumping up school spirit,” said Student Government President Amber Penna. “We want students to get involved.”

As with last year’s introduction of a spirit committee and other incentives, MSG hopes to increase sporting event attendance and provide students with a great year.

MSG aims at creating an active campus and lively student body. Students are encouraged to submit their ideas and concerns in the student suggestion box in the Mercyhurst Student Government offices in the lower level of the Student Union.

Penna expects this year to be one full of fun, including events like the Masquerade Ball, taking place Friday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m. in Herrmann Student Union. Tickets will be sold for $5 on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Student Union.

To keep students in the know about campus events, MSG has distributed a fridge magnet with a calendar of events to freshman students. Upperclassmen received cup holders in the ‘Hurst colors that inspire Laker Pride.

MSG has so far used their budget to buy t-shirts and plan to help improve upperclassman housing.

Along with the Student Activities Council (SAC), MSG plans on having a “Wings and Football Night” on the last Monday of every month. They also hope to introduce a new food vendor to Mercyhurst students soon.

They are especially excited about a surprise speaker in the spring.

The Student Government hopes to increase sporting event attendance and provide students with a great 2013-2014 academic year.