Despite the passion and fervor of young voters to participate in the presidential election, the same enthusiasm hasn't been seen at Augusta State University with its student government association.

The 34-member Senate, responsible for addressing student concerns, hasn't had a full membership for as long as its president can remember, and turnout for student elections is considerably less than for many Jaguar basketball games.

"A lot of students don't know about the opportunities here," Student Government President Andre Goodman said.

So on Tuesday, Mr. Goodman took a new approach to spur more students to get involved with student organizations. He addressed the monthly meeting of Augusta State's faculty and staff, asking that they encourage students to participate in campus activities.

"Student government, as well as student organizations on this campus, play a very strong role in shaping students that go here," he said at the meeting.

Mr. Goodman offered his life as an example - someone who teetered between pursuing a degree and dropping out.

His involvement in student government created a connection to the university, one that kept him in school and on track to graduate.

"One of the biggest things I see in getting involved is retention," Mr. Goodman said.

Participati on in student government has improved but remains low, he said after the meeting.

This year, 463 students of the roughly 6,000 enrolled voted. That's up from a year earlier, when fewer than 100 cast votes.

The Senate has more than a dozen vacancies.

"Unfortunately, we've never had a full Senate," Mr. Goodman said.

"It was assumed before that students didn't care about student government."

But after speaking to classes, he found that many didn't know it existed.

Now the SGA is pounding the pavement, speaking to classes, turning to the Internet and addressing the faculty.

"We try to take tidbits of (President) Obama, but obviously we're limited on money," Mr. Goodman said.

Student Government Vice President Najhee Jackson said the lack of involvement is frustrating but understandable because ASU is transitioning from a commuter school into a traditional university.

The SGA, though, is actively marketing itself, he said.

"We're very active now, but we're small, so we're limited in what we can do," Mr. Jackson said.

The SGA's latest strategy of turning to the faculty could prove successful, said Peter Levine, the director of the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement at Tufts University.

"Recruitment is key, especially for young people," Dr. Levine said.

Mr. Obama and his campaign team were effective in recruiting and mobilizing young voters, Dr. Levine said, adding that the "statistics are incredible" supporting this point.

Often what is mistaken for apathy is instead a lack of opportunity, he said, adding that Mr. Obama was able to create opportunities by targeting efforts to younger voters.