In a small, dimly lit room in the African American Cultural Center Wednesday night, Student Government presidential candidates Colorado Robertson and Dixon McMakin addressed an audience of fewer than 20. They discussed their plans if elected next year. The forum, hosted by the Black Student Union organization, focused on the candidates’ plans concerning University’s diversity. Robertson said he wants the future BSU president to be involved with SG for any policy issues that relate to the black campus community. Robertson’s running mate, Shannon Bates, outlined a plan to return homecoming to the “whole university.” “We want to reach out to all organizations and groups,” Bates said. “We want to bring them together to do activities for homecoming.” McMakin’s running mate, Kristen Oaks, said they plan to better promote programs and events during Black History Month, by utilizing screen savers in computer labs and Facebook.com. Robertson said he hopes to consolidate down to two the number of ways to pass fee increases to better control them. “Fees are something [with which] the University has gone crazy,” Robertson said. “We need to let students voice their opinions and concerns for every fee increase.” Robertson said he wants to “revamp the process” of the newly organized Student Required Fee Committee. “[The Legislature] shouldn’t be passing all these operational fees,” Robertson said. “They should come up with a comprehensive tuition policy so that it’s included under tuition or covered by TOPS.” In response to a question about his hopes for the new chancellor of the University, McMakin said he would like to see someone like acting Chancellor William Jenkins take over the role. “We need someone who focuses on what he talks about: education, diversity and self-awareness. And I hope we get someone very smart.” The Robertson-Bates party also spoke about their plans to implement a “rollover Ws” policy, in which Ws – transcript letters given to students who withdraw from classes past the proper deadline – not used the previous year could be used later. Robertson also outlined plans to make debit or credit cards accepted at the Union Tiger Lair, eliminate taxes from textbooks and place emergency ponchos in academic buildings for students who get caught in the rain. These ponchos would be funded by corporations at no cost to students. McMakin said he plans to bring back the President’s Cabinet, in which the presidents of 37 organizations on campus would meet with the Chancellor once a month to discuss campus issues. McMakin also said a Mayor’s College Council would be formed, so the SG presidents of all local colleges would meet with the mayor’s office to address issues of the area. Other plans included increasing lighting on campus and creating a syllabus data base, so students could read a class’ syllabus before scheduling. McMakin also said he plans to open 459 Commons dining hall on Saturdays and extend its hours until 3 a.m. on weekdays.
—-Contact Katie Kennedy at [email protected]