Many freshmen enter Associated Student Government Senate each year with a background in high school leadership and an optimistic attitude about making a difference in the Northwestern community.

But, as senators prepare for their third Senate meeting of the year, freshman senators in ASG have realized they are not in high school any more.

Although the ASG experience leaves a few senators with jaded feelings about how much of an impact a student can have on the community, freshmen generally stick with ASG for the entire year, said Jason Warren, ASG rules chairman.

Weinberg freshman Michael Ratterman, an Elder Hall senator, was admittedly “a little lost” during the first Senate meeting, but said the organization has helped him become acclimated to NU.

“Being a part of ASG really grounds you very well,” Ratterman said. “You learn so much about school and what makes it tick.”

To calm new senators’ anxieties and explain ASG procedures, senators attended a weekend retreat. In addition, freshmen are given ample warning of this commitment through an information session at the student activities fair, New Student Week’s Night at Norris and discussions with Executive Board members at dorm elections, said Joel Richlin, ASG’s campus public relations chairman.

Only 45 of about 80 senators attended the retreat, but Speaker of the Senate Kawika Pierson said most absentees were not new to Senate. Ratterman was one of the many freshmen to attend and he described the retreat as an ASG “cram session” that immediately acquainted him with Senate proceedings.

“For the most part, senators are aware of what they are getting themselves into,” said ASG President Rachel Lopez. “If they don’t, then they realize very quickly when they enter their first Senate meeting.”

Overall, ASG retained about half of its senators from last year, said Warren, a Communication junior.

“On the whole we have a pretty good retention rate,” he said. “Most have done their research, know what they’re getting into and stick it out for the long haul.”

Although it is too early for ASG to experience defections or recurring absences, every year there are a few senators who resign or stop showing up, Warren said.

Greg Pietrowski, a Communication sophomore, became a Willard Residential College senator last September and resigned midway through the first quarter. He said he was fully aware of the time commitment but had many other responsibilities that he thought gave him a better opportunity to contribute to campus.

“It was very frustrating to be part of ASG,” he said. “It seemed to be a pretty ineffective body.”

This year ASG has yet to address any active legislation, which senators attribute to the time spent at retreat.

But the retreat is meant to facilitate bill-writing throughout the quarter and Pierson said legislation will be introduced Wednesday.

Weinberg freshman Jonathan Marino, a senator from Shepard Residential College, said he will introduce a bill Wednesday to provide students with safety whistles.

“At the retreat they had a half-hour session where they taught us about writing legislation,” Marino said. “And Kawika (Pierson) and everyone else I’ve talked to has been more than helpful.”

Many freshmen, however, said they still are too new to the process to begin writing legislation.

Bonita Crockett, a Weinberg freshman and senator from the College of Cultural and Community Studies, said she did not attend the retreat and does not feel comfortable enough to write a bill. However, after being involved in student government since sixth grade, Crockett said she is committed to ASG and improving the NU community.

“I just want to take time, get myself familiarized with the proceeding and go from there,” she said.