The primary goal of the External Affairs Committee is to strengthen relationships between the university and the community. The committee aims to do this through the organization of meetings between students and local, state, and national leaders, where the needs and concerns of students will be brought. It is important to have an External Affairs Committee because the relationships with elected officials at all levels could help in several areas, particularly when it comes to fundraising/raising awareness for issues pertaining to the university. One goal the committee has this year is to work with the Executive branch to organize a trip to Jackson, Mississippi, where the committee will be able to meet firsthand with different legislators to discuss ongoing issues and how they can help. The committee believes this will not only allow them to speak directly to discuss issues/concerns faced by both students and faculty, but it will also allow the committee the chance to create relationships that will hopefully last for years to come.