Student Government Association candidates have been finalized and already spoke to students about their platforms.
The only contested race is for SGA president, and the two candidates running are Randy Gipson-Black, religion sophomore, and David Samuel Hall, music education/sociology junior.
“There was an application period that was open for several weeks for not only the president position, but for vice president, vice president for SAC and the senate positions,” said Lesley Black, associate dean of students.
Some of the positions are not filled, and some of them are, but are not running contested, Black said. The applications closed on March 20.
“There are some stated requirements for the presidential position in the SGA constitution,” Black said. “Any student can apply, and I double check that they meet the requirements.”
The candidate forum was held on March 22 at in the Wanda L. Bass Music Center Atrium. Candidates were introduced, and then had five minutes to talk and give their platform. The audience had the opportunity to ask questions. This was the first time candidates discussed their platforms with an audience during this election.
“A lot of people really do come in with some pretty specific ideas about what they want to accomplish, but no matter what it is, the platform is always going to involve how to make the campus better for students,” Black said. “And typically, that also involves some specific ideas they may have, some specific plans and/or some ways they want to engage the administration.”
The winner will be chosen on a “majority rules” basis, Black said.
“I want to see someone who is level-headed and in touch with what the students really want,” said Kyle Palmer, accounting junior. “I want someone smart and honest.”
Voting will be via OrgSync. The ballot will open 8 a.m. March 28 and close 5 p.m. March 29. Students should expect an email with a link to the ballot.
“These are their representatives to the university, so it’s in the students’ best interest not only to vote in this election, but also to look at the open senate seats that we still have available. There are open positions, and we would love them to be filled. That’s their opportunity to have a voice.”
If a student is interested in a position, they should contact Black at lgblack@okcu.edu.
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