Southwestern University restructured its Student Government Association last year, in hopes of giving more transparency to the process and greater power to the students.

Campaigns for the 2016-201 school year recently kicked off recently with students announcing their running and a "Candidate Meet and Greet/Presidential Debate" last Monday, April 18.

Here is all you need to know about the presidential candidates and their platforms!

President:

Oscar Barbour

Barbour, a junior Psychology major, defended his passion for SU Monday night, referring to his 'lifelong ties" with the school. His slogans are "Believe in Barbour" and "Approachability, Experience, and Efficiency," the latter which was highlighted consistently during the forum. Barbour referred to his experience as Organization Chair and exec council for the restructuring and wants to "expand the capabilities" of SGA. Barbour although quiet, was confident in his ability and "immense experience" to aid the social justice efforts of many groups on SU - as these efforts are an integral part of our campus environment. When fielding audience questions, both Candidates were asked what quality they admired in the opponent; Fisher complimented Barbour's relations with fellow Pirates and ability to be so personable all the time. Other audience questions centered on the controversial desire for reforming Paideia and giving a voice to the voiceless, under-represented portions of the student body. Barbour addressed both of these calling for a development of an "accolade to represent...in the professional world" the hard work Paideia requires, and cited his own bilingual standing and knowledge of the strenuous "resources needed for organizations to flourish here." Barbour did well and definitely had support in the audience.

Emilie Fisher

Fisher, a sophomore Political Science major, hopes to bring more transparency to the overall processes of SGA. Fisher is garnering support with her basis of "EXPERIENCED. EFFECTIVE. EMPOWERED" due to her work in shaping the new SGA structure and proximity to both students and SU administration as Parliamentarian and Paideia Steering Committee member. Fisher held her own throughout the forum, repeatedly highlighting her involvement in the restructuring and a focus on "highlighting student voices" from all corners of campus. Fisher did not highlight any ties with the university but expressed feelings of "truly [loving] Southwestern" and wants all to be proud to graduate from and associate with SU. On her platform of transparency, Fisher wants clear communication to and most importantly from student — "lacking student voices means...failing." She mentioned she has spent the last yea as Parliamentarian "advocating for students," something Barbour complimented her for: "eloquence" with the issues. As for the audience questions, Fisher reiterated VP candidate Savanna Medley's proposal to have all committee notes open to the student body, and even proposed a Megaphone newsletter describing SGA actions for the month. Audience members seemed to have mixed emotions for Fisher's Paideia solution of adding items to the Paideia Distinction checklist, and reformatting those requirements for students with mandatory Paideia. Fisher was eloquent as always throughout the forum to reinforce her hopes for a clearer, more effective Student Government.

Vice-President:

Savannah Medley — a junior, Political Science major.

Andrew Seymour — a sophomore Accounting major.

Parker Wilson — a sophomore Chemistry Major.

Look forward to a follow up on the winners in coming weeks! Make sure to vote Friday!