Millions of Americans watched Donald Trump give his first State of the Union address Jan. 30.

However, almost none of them were at Midwestern State University.

Outside of the political science department, few students are actively involved in national politics despite Student Government Association’s efforts to get students more involved in politics.

“We want to get people involved in the political process. The most we can do is talk about issues that are fundamental to the campus whether it is LGBTQ rights, DACA, international students, issues being raised in class, that kind of stuff,” Damian DeSilva, vice president of SGA and economics senior, said.

Maria Peña, president of the SGA and political science senior, said though members of SGA try to get students involved in politics, they make sure that they are not advocating for a specific political party.

Peña said, “[SGA members] try to stay away from influencing which political affiliations students should be geared more toward. We will share information about events or organizations that the political science department offers to their students regardless of what political party it may be.”

To DeSilva the most effective way to get students involved is to discuss political issues that affect students on campus.

DeSilva said national political issues are brought to their attention when it needs to be discussed with students on campus and that due to the divisiveness in today’s political climate, issues addressed lend themselves to discussion.

“This current climate is perhaps the most divisive it has been in the last generation. There hasn’t been anything that has divided the the country like this, politically, since the Vietnam War,” DeSilva said. “Many of these things tend to cut across the political divide. It is usually something that is conservatively or liberally leaning. Most things tend not to be bipartisan issues. Typically bipartisan issues are more easily discussed and worked. It is opposing views that are seemingly at odds with each other.”

No official watch parties were held on campus last night.

Are you going to watch the State of the Union Address?

Christelle Billan, mechanical engineering junior | “No. I have to study, do homework, and practice my instrument.”

Phillip Torres, math senior | “No. I honestly do not know what that is.”

Kylan Harrison, undecided freshman | “No sir. I don’t know what that is.”

Zach Madison, political science senior | “Yes because I am a political science major and that interests me.”

Bryan Ordornez, computer science freshman | “No. I don’t know what that is.”

Dorihan Funga, business management freshman | “No. I don’t know what it is.”

Taylor Beeson, nursing freshman | “No. I wasn’t informed about it. I didn’t even know it was tonight.”

Lexi Bandy, marketing freshman | “No. I was not informed.”

Savannah Mueller, radiology freshman | “I am not. I had no idea it was going on.”

Eliza Cameron, english sophomore | “I did not plan to. I wasn’t aware it was tonight.”

Jasper King, radiology freshman | “No, I am not. I am not an American citizen and I feel like certain aspects of American life do not concern me.”