Two Student Association Senate veterans battled during Wednesday’s vice presidential candidate debate held in Colvard Union’s ballroom.
Jeremy England, a senator representing the College of Arts and Sciences, and Edward Sanders, the current senator from Hightower Hall, spent most of the debate sparring over how to better involve students in the SA.
“We have the biggest Student Association in the state, but I don’t feel it reaches out to all the students,” England said.
England proposed placing suggestion boxes around campus and putting a link on the SA’s Web site that would allow students a place to send in ideas. He also said he would expand on Campus Invasion, a program where SA senators visit with students to get suggestions for legislation.
Sanders said he would like to events similar to Bulldog Bash-an annual concert and street party-moved to campus “but on a smaller scale.” He pointed to the success of Celebrate Mississippi, an event held in the spring 2003 which featured free barbecue and blues music on the Drill Field.
“We can bring students together,” Sanders said.
Sanders also said he would focus on meeting with students personally and address student organizations on a regular basis.
Both candidates supported a freshmen experience program, which involves putting freshman in living communities and requiring a class dealing with Mississippi State’s history and what the university offers to students. The incoming vice president of Student Affairs, William Kibler, supports such as program as well.
“(Freshman experience) will help out retention rate, which will ultimately help our (SA) funds,” England said.
He said the additional funds could be used on additional appropriations for student organizations.
Sanders would like to see campus honors and activities included on a student’s university transcript.
“It’ll help students in the long run … after they graduate from college,” Sanders said.
England said his role in sponsoring legislation like the academic forgiveness policy, combined with his work ethic, makes him the best candidate for vice president.
“I’m going to be very accessible to the students,” England said. “You will see me in the SA office. You will see me on the Drill Field.”
Sanders pointed to his two years in the SA Senate, where he has authored 27 bills and resolutions. Sanders was also recognized as the 2002-2003 Senator of the Year, when he represented Hathorn Hall.
However, he said his reason for running came from something State alumnus and former 3rd District Rep. G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery told him. Montgomery is also a former SA president.
“(Montgomery) told me that serving the students is the most exhilarating experience you can have,” Sanders said.