When the application deadline for student government appointed positions arrives at noon Friday, the recently elected officers will immediately begin the search for new ASUA blood.

"We're looking for the people who are going to be really involved," said Executive Vice President-elect Melanie Rainer.

President-elect J.P. Benedict also hopes to bring in fresh energy to the Associated Students of the University of Arizona with the appointment of 28 new cabinet members.

"Basically I'm looking for the best people possible; someone who's creative, hardworking, and responsible," he said.

Next year's appointed positions will see some turnover, as many of the people currently holding positions will be graduating, said ASUA Adviser Claudia Davila.

"We have a lot of upperclassmen leaving this year, so I'm not sure what our application pool will be," Davila said.

However, some will reapply for appointed positions. With the possibility of experienced cabinet members, and others who are brand new, Benedict said that he is optimistic about the coming year.

"I'm hoping that the new blood will bring in excitement and ideas on how to reach the student body," Benedict said.

Already, many students have approached him for applications. He hopes the interest will be indicative of next year's administration, although few students have actually turned in applications.

"Traditionally, nothing comes in early," Davila said.

But when the applications do begin to flow in, Benedict and Rainer will immediately begin sorting through them to find the people they think are best qualified for the available positions.

Both Rainer and Benedict, who were running mates, promised to increase club awareness and unity on campus.

Rainer is responsible for directly hiring the people who would work closely with clubs and organizations, which she said is a major aspect of student government.

"Ninety percent of the time when students come to our office, it's for club affairs," she said.

Last Wednesday, ASUA approved the creation of two new positions, both of which were part of Benedict and Rainer's platforms.

According to Benedict, the positions, Technology Director and Spirit Director, will help students get more involved with UA and ASUA.

The Spirit Director will work as a liaison between student government and the athletics department and will help organize events for fans, such as tailgates and road-trips.

The Technology Director will help to update the Web site, as well as aid in the design of student government program flyers.

In addition to the new positions created for Benedict's cabinet, Rainer has refocused the philanthropy task force director position.

By renaming the position to club development director, Rainer said it will help all clubs find funding.

"It's still there to help the philanthropic clubs, but it's also there for the other clubs," she said.

Benedict and Rainer intend to make student government more accessible to the student body next year, and will ensure the entire cabinet shares the same goal.

Rainer said fresh faces in ASUA are always appreciated, especially in appointed positions, adding that she began her involvement in student government working as an appointed official.

After Friday, the elected officers will sift through applications and begin to schedule interviews, which will take place near the end of the month.

Applications for appointed positions can be picked up in the ASUA office in room 325 W, located above the bookstore in the Student Union Memorial Center.

For more information about appointed positions, log on to www.asua.arizona.edu or call 621-ASUA.