After realizing he needed business casual attire to qualify as a Student Senate candidate, Trevison Clark ran home to grab his blue checkered shirt and suit.
“I didn’t want to be disqualified because of that,” the UF biology junior said.
Clark visited the Reitz Union on Thursday to register as an independent candidate for Fall 2017 Student Government elections. Other students came to interview with one of the two registered SG parties — Impact Party and Inspire Party.
This Fall, students will vote to fill 50 Senate seats based on residential locations.
Erica Baker, the SG supervisor of elections, said 18 students interviewed with Impact and 8 with Inspire. One student registered as independent. Two registered as undecided, which means they may go to either party.
On the first day of Senate candidate selection for Fall 2016 SG elections, 30 students met with Impact Party and four students registered as independent.
Clark, 20, said he decided to run as an independent for the Murphree Area because most of the Senate is one party.
“It’s kind of ridiculous that only one party represents us, especially on that degree,” Clark said. “I think it’s very dangerous to not have any dissent.”
Impact Party President Benjamin Auyang wrote in an email his party wants students motivated to serve UF and who can promote transparency, affordability and accountability.
“We are excited that we had the opportunity to listen to student leaders discuss their ideas about how we can improve the university,” Auyang said.
Inspire Party President Ben Lima said his party is looking for students with ideas about how to solve campus issues. He said they want students who agree with Inspire Party’s values of transparency, inclusivity and accountability.
“It’s really great to see so many faces coming from different backgrounds, years in college and interests,” Lima said.
The interviewing process will continue from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Tuesday at the Reitz Union.
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