A small crowd of students gathered in the Stone Lodge at 5:30 p.m. on Monday to witness a debate between Sarah Emerson and Nikki Messer for the Vice President of SGA Senate position. The debate was hosted by Good Day UNA and moderated by outgoing SGA President Will Riley.

The candidates were allowed to give opening and closing statements, with the debate following an alternating question and answer format. Questions were prepared beforehand or submitted by the audience and ranged from how to improve interaction between SGA and students to the senators opinions on Freshman Forum.

“I think that they both have similar platforms,” said Laura Giles, the unopposed candidate for SGA President. “I think these (platforms) are good for the campus and show that they care about the students. I’m excited for either of them to be in office.”

While some students found similarities between the candidates’ platforms, Amber Scivicque, a junior, said she felt their goals were very different.

“I want to be your VP because I want your voice to be heard,” said Messer. “I plan to go to all the RSOs and speak to them. I really want senate to be in sync with the student body.”

Messer said she believes senate is a respected body on campus that could be expanded to better meet student needs. She said her goal is to strive for transparency in senate and wants students to feel comfortable approaching offices with ideas and issues.

“I’d like to build not only strong senate but a diverse senate,” said Emerson. “I would like each senate to write at least one bill a year. I think it’s important to be a mover and shaker inside of senate.”

Emerson said she treats her position in SGA senate as a full time job and wants to continue working hard for students. She said she wants to see new campus traditions established like Lion Night downtown and other events.

One question submitted by an audience member asked the candidates about the improper placement of their ads on campus during the campaign.

“Do you think the SGA Vice President (of Senate) should be knowledgeable of the poster and signage placement set by the University,” the question read.

Both candidates agreed that students should be aware of University policies when it comes to advertising for events and campaigns, in order to protect the beauty of the campus. They said they enjoyed hearing feedback questions from the audience that allowed them to address student concerns.