CEUSA candidates in open forum

This archived article was written by: Brianna Johnson

An open question forum featuring the six candidates running for executive positions in the College of Eastern Utah Student Association was held on March 25. Those running included Andrew Hardman and Emily McRae, president; Andrew Barrus and Amy Lofley, vice president of student services; Amy Cutter, vice president of activities; and Danielle Tremelling, vice president of academics.
The forum began with each candidate introducing himself /herself, explaining something about themselves and stating their platforms.
Hardman has been a student for three semesters and has had many leadership experiences. His platform was how to unify the school. He wanted the school to grow and continue to be successful. His dream was to see the school grow through unification. He believes that how the school unifies will determine whether the college stays as the College of Eastern Utah or becomes an extension of Utah State University. “We need to throw out our egos, and focus on two things to better the school: enrollment and retention.” Hardman concluded.
McRae has been a student for two years and is graduating May 3. She has been on student government both years. She helped with the revision of the CEUSA constitution, and would like to continue with changes. She wanted the students to know they can be involved with such changes. Her platform was focused upon getting students involved.
Barrus has been at CEU two years. He believed that there is a lack of communication and as such, he built his platform around extending the lines of communication between students, faculty and staff.
Lofley presented her platform to focus on student involvement.
Cutter stated that her platform would be to increase the number of dances and activities held on campus; after which she threw up the “Rock On” sign and shouted across the room, “Party On!”
Tremelling was running on the platform of maintaining good relationships between professors and the head of their departments.
After Tremelling sat down, the forum was opened to the audience – a group of 15-20 people – who could ask questions of the candidates.
The first one was, “CEUSA focuses on assisting in clubs who are competing elsewhere, how important is that?”
McRae answered first, saying it was wonderful that clubs are working hard; it makes a good impression of the school. She would like to increase the funding in the recognition fund and also look at a reassignment of fees to help the clubs as well.
Hardman answered, “It’s not only important, it’s vital.” The clubs need to be given opportunities and be given support. This will not only increase the success in the area of clubs but in enrollment as well. He believes that the community should be involved as well.
The next question was, “How would you keep CEU, CEU, and not branch? How would you control that?”
Hardman answered, “We [students] don’t have the final say, but we do have an influence.” He believes that CEU has so much to offer; there are great people on campus and great programs. The programs offered aren’t recognized just on a state level, but on a national level as well. There are countless opportunities that are offered by CEU, not USU [Utah State University].
A question was then posed to Cutter directly, “Will there be mud fights?”
Her reply was a confident, “Yes”.
Another question was asked, open to everyone, “With the problems on campus, how do you plan to deal with them?”
Barrus was the first to reply with, “We need to have the proper representatives hear the student’s problems and get them the changes they want.” He added that he would use representation as power. CEUSA will write down the dates and times, thus keeping accurate records.
Lofley replied by letting students know they have a say, by word of mouth, and by putting things up. She agrees that the problems do need to be addressed.
McRae answered, “People need to know who to contact.” There isn’t an issue until so many people complain. We need to give people proper training, by making sure people on repair staff are competent.
Hardman said he can’t promise to replace someone’s position. Students need to be aware that the advisory board is open. The entire student government will be behind the student, not just one person.
A question was then posed to the presidental candidates, “What morals and standards do you posses that make you qualified?”
Hardman answered, simply, his love for the school. “This part of my life, my attendance of here at CEU, has changed me for the better.” He referred to CEU as, “Our CEU,” and wants it to always be so.
McRae then stood up and said, “That questions isn’t applicable. I’m not a drug dealer and I don’t drink. That would then apply to a lot more people on campus.” She then continued to state that she doesn’t have any that would make her qualified.
Student Service candidates had a question directed to them, “What are your main focus areas, what changes do you want to make, and what issues are you going to address?”
Lofley stated that residential life would be her main focus. She believes that the RA’s [residential assistants] should be the main contacts. She said that the residential life chair will be an RA. She also wanted to help the non-traditional students in getting involved and active on campus.
Barrus replied with four ideas. “First, I believe that IT [information technology] is sub-par. I want to make the full-campus wireless and strengthen the signals. Second, dorm maintenance needs to be improved. The current set-up is not working, and I plan on finding where the flaw lies. Third, campus maintenance needs to be improved as well. The snow and ice on the parking surfaces and sidewalks need to be taken care of more effectively and efficiently. Fourth, I believe that food services has many issues and I want to help fix and improve them.”
After Barrus’ last remark, the question “How will you ensure that we eat healthy, have quality food, avoid food poisoning, and ensure that our money is spent well?” was then asked of everyone.
Hardman replied that with his involvement with the SUN [Serving Utah Network] Center, he had talked to Jon [Bergthold] and done research. Jon told him that the funds provided him were not able to stretch very far. Hardman believes that the food should be top-notch and is looking into further training of the food service employees as well as looking to the alumni to providing more funds for the budget.
McRae stated that she believes the food service employees need proper training. “Most don’t even have food handler permits!”
The presidents had another question posed to them, “How will you step in and increase enrollment?”
McRae responded that she believed the school isn’t advertising as well as it could, and that the commercials that were being broadcasted are not effective. She stated that the school should start a new advertising campaign. “We need to use the [CEU] Ambassadors to express and talk up CEU.”
Hardman answered with the suggestion of putting out the word, “selling ourselves,” talk CEU up. “Our trade education programs need to be out there.”
The final question, “How do you plan on getting students, professors and staff involved academically?” was asked of Tremelling.
She replied CEUSA should speak up at events as a means of communication between the groups. She also stated that it wasn’t important to find a major here [CEU], but to try out a lot of classes until find the one a student was most interested in. The students should also get involved on campus.
This concluded the open question forum, and the audience was reminded that the final debate would be held on April 1 and voting would be on April 2. Election results were not available at press time.