The two presidential candidates are current SA Vice President Rhett Hobart and Brad Hollinger, current director of External Events for SA.
One of the key components of Hobart’s platform was the improvement of the announcement system on campus, and he said he would like to continue to improve the student BullyMail e-mail system.
“I want to create an opt-in/opt-out e-mail system,” Hobart said, adding that this would help keep students’ inboxes organized and ensure students would only receive relevant emails.
One of Hollinger’s key points was the importance of student involvement.
“I feel like getting involved on campus is one of the reasons why people love this university,” he said.
When questioned on how to incorporate MSU’s unique student body into campus activities, Hollinger said communication is crucial. He said SA needs to publicize and create events that involve the diverse student body of MSU.
Both candidates addressed the issue of funding as projected enrollment numbers pass 20,000 this fall and cuts will likely be made in federal funding.
The candidates mentioned both the 2 percent food and drink tax in Mississippi, as well as the portion of Starkville sales tax returned to MSU as sources of revenue which will hopefully continue to grow.
         Three students are vying for the vice president position.
Halston Hales, who has previously served as attorney general, said he believes SA has great potential as it moves forward. Hales said he plans to improve relations between SA and the student body by implementing monthly focus groups, and he also said he wants to hold regular question and answer sessions between students and top university officials.
Courtney Harris, the campus senator for Hathorn Hall, said she believes officials need to report back to students on the work they do. She also said she believes in increased SA outreach.
         The third contender for the position, current off-campus senator Hudson Frey, said he can bring new ideas and energy to the SA and be a voice for the student population. Frey also said he wants to continue MSU’s efforts toward becoming environmentally friendly.
         Olivia King and Meredith Sledge are competing for the position of secretary.
         King, an off-campus senator for SA, mentioned putting a senate comment box in Colvard Student Union and working with the senate and cabinet to improve relations between the two branches.
Sledge, current director of External Events for SA, said she wants students to be able to meet with their college’s senator once a semester to voice their concerns. Another part of Sledge’s platform includes senate community service projects.
         Justin Watts is running unopposed for the position of attorney general and currently serves as the assistant director of Academic Affairs. Watts said he would like to work with the registrar to improve the class registration process, making it less frustrating and complicated for students.
         A second uncontested position is treasurer. Mary Kimble Bridgers, the current director of Information Technology for the SA, spoke about her platform.
         “I want to encourage all professors to post their syllabi online,” she said.
This requirement would hopefully allow students to understand better what each class requires before they register, Bridgers said.