University students met the candidates for the Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA) spring 2020 election in Bucknall Theatre on Feb. 13. Candidates for president, treasurer, and senator presented their platforms to students. Candidates who could not make the event shared their platforms via recordings or they had election committee vice-chair, Kenzie Whiting read their statements for them.

Two students are running for USGA President. In the past three years, Angelo Prevosto, a junior communication major. has worked with USGA as treasurer, assistant treasurer and senator. As president, he said he hopes to make USGA more diverse and engaged on campus. In his written platform, Prevosto said, “I want to eliminate the idea that students need to come to USGA to make change and challenge next year’s USGA to find the change. If elected, the most direct way I can increase diversity is by carefully selecting an executive board that provides multiple perspectives on campus matters.”

The second candidate is sophomore Sofia Martinez, a communication major. Martinez is the senator for LGBTQ+ students, is on the points committee, and is the liaison for the Title IX office. Her goal as president, she said, is to help students have a better experience on campus. In her written platform Martinez said, “I want to implement a theme for the year by having students vote on what they would like to focus on in the upcoming academic year. The theme would be announced during USGA training and utilizing our Senate to create a more collaborative approach to student engagement.”

The candidate for treasurer is sophomore Emily Lavinge. Lavinge is the Class of 2022 Executive Assistant, the USGA Senator for resident students, and is on the points committee and budget committee. As treasurer, Lavinge said she wants to help student leaders collaborate and host events, and help student organizations grow.

For the Senate positions, there are eleven nominees.
Senator for the Sophomore Class nominee: Rayna Kruzona
Senator for the Junior Class nominee: Nicholas Meaney
Senator for the Senior Class nominee: Robin Heins
Senator for the Commuter Students nominee: Nouhailia Lamhader
Senator for the Henry C. Lee College nominee: Timothy Vuong
Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences nominee: Kaelea Caporuscio
Senator for the College of Business nominee: Gregory Gray
Senator for Club Sports nominee: Kelly Adkins
Senator for LGBTQ+ Students nominee: Drew Becker
Senator for the School of Health Sciences nominee: Morgan Fitch
Senator for the College of Engineering nominee: Matt Major

Campaign tabling will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 17 and Thursday. Feb. 20.

The first presidential & treasurer debate will be at 7 p.m. Tues. Feb. 25 at the German Club. The second debate will be 6 p.m. on Thurs., March 3, also at the German Club.

Voting will be open on Charger Connection from Fri. Feb. 28 to Fri. March 6 at 12:00 PM.