By Loren Jaggersmanaging Editor
One word can be used to describe the three candidates running for Student Government Association Services Vice-President, and that’s “passionate.” All have seen the issues facing this campus and have decided to step forward to be an active pursuant for addressing student issues.
All three have been actively involved in the university community and have demonstrated strong leadership skills. Amber Brooks, a junior management major, is a member of Kappa Delta sorority, GAMMA, and has been involved in the Panhellenic Council as president.
Sarah Carter, a junior psychology major, is a McConnell Scholar and a member of Golden Key. She is currently serving as a SGA Senator.
Charles Ross, a senior computer information systems major, has been a three-year Residence Assistant, is a member of the Black Diamond Choir, a Porter Scholar, and is currently serving as SGA Information Technology Director.
All three candidates have focused their attentions on specific areas. When asked what area they deemed most pressing, each candidate addressed three main areas, the first of which is parking. Each candidate sees that changes need to be made, especially dealing with issues of stadium parking and the shuttle service. Brooks said she believes that “more investigation into a stadium parking pass would be a really good idea.” With this, however, some changes need to be made to the current shuttle system. “Many students don’t feel safe riding it, especially at night.”
According to Carter, a loss of parking next year means “it is a necessity that shuttle services run more efficiently, and that the price of the green parking permits are significantly lowered.”
Brooks adds that the current parking appeal protocol should be addressed. “Currently, there are over 980 appeals waiting to be reviewed. This number has increased from prior years, and something needs to be done.”
Food service is another issue that each candidate wishes to address if elected. Brooks hopes to make changes in variety. “While other services on campus increase in quality, food service tends to stay at a constant level.” He also would like to see changes made in the nutritional level of the food served. All of the candidates have stated that changes need to be made to the current availability of food service, especially at the Law School and Health Sciences campus. Ross wants to tackle the problem of a lack of options at the Health Sciences campus. “There is only one place to eat, which is a nice restaurant, but I hear it’s pretty expensive.”
Another hot topic the candidates want to investigate is the new Cardinal Card. “Currently, we have a SOME-in-one card, not an ALL-in-one card,” Brooks voiced. She would like to see increased services placed on the card. Carter agrees, and wants more services placed on the Cardinal Card, including Thorn card accessibility at the Law School and Health Science campus.
In addition to these topics, the candidates are focused on preserving upperclassmen residence halls and reviewing DPS procedure and protocol.
While many of these issues are pressing, Ross adds that he would like to focus on “the little things” as well, such as computers. “We’re paying these fees to have them work, but they’re hardly working.”
Overall, however, all three candidates have made it a priority to be a voice for the students. Ross says that he wants “to change the paradigm of what SGA is.” Brooks wants to help SGA in promoting and encouraging students to speak up. Carter said, “I want to help bring an environment conducive to education.”
