Students at two Bemidji institutions are uniting for change.

The student senates at Northwest Technical College and Bemidji State met as one group for the first time ever on Thursday.

They had formed a partnership in the last month, attending each other’s meetings with the goal of making everyone feel welcome on both campuses.

Due to differences in size and programs, senate leaders say there’s a disconnect between the schools. Bemidji State tends to have more membership stability, since students often stay for four year degrees. NTC programs usually only last two years, which forces the senate to rebuild nearly every semester.

The first joint meeting ended with an afternoon of bowling for all.

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By — Jackson Brunner