As the Student Association presidential candidates prepare for their next debate, they should better hone their ideas to be more relevant and feasible.

The presidential and vice presidential candidates participated in the first debate of election season on Friday. The candidates discussed on-campus issues such as self-segregation, student hunger on campus, advising and tuition.

The three candidates, Duane Ford, Ivan Rosales and Boris Gresely, have identified issues that students face. However, they should refine their platforms to include more measurable goals.

Self-segregation was one of the most discussed topics at the debate. Each candidate said they wanted to diminish self-segregation at Syracuse University through a method unique to each presidential hopeful. It is important to note that this is not a surface-level issue. It is one that has faced the university for decades.

This topic is fairly ambitious because it will take more than one presidential term to complete. Therefore, it should not be the primary focus of the candidates’ campaigns. They should target specific aspects of university life on which they can have a significant effect, such as orientation, campus safety and SA’s own student outreach.

Candidates should work to revamp Orientation Week. University officials should care more about this event, as it familiarizes students with SU. The first week at college is crucial for students. Improving the program could also benefit the retention rates of first-year students.

The candidates should also consider how SA can better serve its purpose as a student voice and resource, specifically on student safety.

Although the university has recently experienced a decrease in off-campus crime, security should always remain an important topic in presidential campaigns. SA has already established a relationship with the Department of Public Safety, but presidential candidates should ask themselves how they can further this relationship and make students feel more secure on and around campus.

Finally, candidates should focus on better promoting SA and its relevance to students. Currently, students do not know what the organization can do for them, as evidenced by the poor attendance toward the end of Friday’s debate. Candidates have recognized the need to refine SA’s image, but should now focus on how to connect the organization with the university and its constituents.

The presidential and vice presidential candidates should consider these platforms and ask themselves about the practicality of their goals. By refining their ideas, they can better differentiate themselves from one another.

Only then will a more competitive race ensue.

Published on October 21, 2013 at 2:14 am

Contact: opinion@dailyorange.com