At the first open forum of the spring 2016 ASUI elections season, ASUI senatorial and presidential candidates introduced their platforms and intentions for their position.
In addition to the forum, a majority of candidates have also made their campaigns present on social media and some have visited living groups around campus. The open forum on Tuesday gave the candidates the chance to elaborate on key issues to an audience of Vandals in the Idaho Commons food court.
Presidential candidate Rachael Miller and her running mate Mckenzie MacDonald were present at the Tuesday forum, as were ASUI senate candidates Danny Bugingo, Seth Berryhill, Jordan Kizer, Nathan Kofmehl and Austin Jenkins. Election Coordinators Brianna Larson and Bailey Brown moderated the forum.
Larson asked Miller how ASUI could help increase student enrollment at UI. Miller said increasing enrollment at UI is important as to avoid an increase in tuition that would account for the absence of students. She said one way the university can increase enrollment is by assisting students who are applying for scholarships and providing more scholarship opportunities.
When Larson asked the candidates what offices or programs they would give $1 million if they could, MacDonald said she would like to see the funding go toward tutoring. She said when considering the values of a university, students and education should come first and improving tutoring would help students achieve their academic goals.
Senate candidates were asked what sets them apart from their fellow candidates.
Current ASUI Sen. Danny Bugingo, who is running for re-election, said he has a different perspective on campus issues since he is triple majoring in computer science, French and international studies. He said this gives him the opportunity to talk about student concerns from a diverse group of the student population.
Seth Berryhill said his strong initiative to be involved in the Vandal community is what makes him unique. He said an example of this initiative is the club he and Bugingo established called the Drone Zone to create and fly drones.
Jordan Kizer called himself a “non-traditional” student because instead of attending college directly after high school, he worked for six years and spent time studying abroad in Peru. This diverse background is what he says gives him the skills and experience to be a successful ASUI senator.
Nathan Kofmehl said his leadership skills and ability to set high goals give him an advantage over the other candidates. He said he is dedicated to UI and has already been active on campus through community service and university events.
Austin Jenkins, Kofmehl”s running mate, said he has also been involved with community service and has experience from being a part of his high school debate team. He said his understanding and plans to improve procedures in ASUI is what distinguishes him from other candidates.
Editor”s note: Danny Bugingo is an Argonaut columnist and former reporter.
Jessica Gee can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @JessicaC_Gee