It is one the biggest events that takes place at Ball State University: Student Government Association’s elections. Potential student leaders are eagerly waiting to do everything in their power to make Ball State a better community. One particular group of student leaders is made up of Jacob Cash, Presidential Candidate, Wesley Crouch, Vice Presidential Candidate, Jessica Sharkey, Secretarial Candidate, and Destinee Nicole Burrell, Treasurer Candidate. These groups of individuals all share the same ideas on what they can do to improve Ball State University, and they are known as Cardinal Connection.

The first point is Ball State can be Visionary. For visionary, Cardinal Direction will have a Dead Week, which will give students a break during Finals Weeks. Professors will not give students big projects/tests the week before they prepare for their exams. Cardinal Direction can also develop a four year strategic plan, which will allow those student leaders to have more time to work on any issues that still need to be taken care of. Lastly for vision, Cardinal Direction can foster Student Relationships. By doing so, they all plan to publish a monthly SGA Newsletter as well as a semesterly State of the Student Government Address.

The second point for Cardinal Direction is Advocate. In order to advocate, they will develop a SGA App that will promote the newly adopted Diversity Statement. Cardinal Direction also wants to start a social media campaign, known as #Chirp4U. With this social media campaign, any student that has any questions or concerns they can easily be addressed quickly on social media.

A third point for Cardinal Direction is Active. Ball State will provide eco-friendly chirp totes and Cardinal Fit. With chirp totes, they will be available for students to buy and use regularly instead of using plastic bags. And with Cardinal Fit, free workout plans, trainers and nutrition plans will be offered for students so it can help them stay on track. Cardinal Direction will also create an athletics tradition with the help of students giving them ideas on what they can do to enhance the student experience at a home athletic event.

The fourth and last point for Cardinal Direction is Safety. Ball State will be safer with A Brighter Muncie Campaign. With this Campaign, Cardinal Direction plans to place more street lights off campus to make it easier for students to see at night. Another plan within this point is to provide free UPD Self-Defense Classes, because many students do not know how to protect themselves. Lastly with safety, Cardinal Direction plants to create an on-campus, 24-hour Study Lounge.

To learn more about Cardinal Direction and their platforms, visit bsudirection.com and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.