By ABIGAIL SHEARER
Tiger Media Network
Ahead of this week’s Student Government Association elections, members of each ticket had the opportunity to discuss their platforms and sway voters at the SGA candidate debate Tuesday in Cody Commons of the Memorial Union.
All three candidate pairs were asked a series of predetermined questions, followed by a student-question section.
Each ticket was asked what their goals were for the 2026-27 school year.
Caden Becker, current SGA treasurer, and Olivia Pince, current SGA senator.
“Our slogan we’re going off of this year is affordability, sustainability and community.”
Cade Becker, current SGA senator, and Anthony Airal, current SGA senator.
“Our main principles are engaging and empowering through our experiences.”
Marcell Dely, ex-SGA senator, and Justus Nelson.
“The heart of our campaign has been reaching out and finding Tigers wherever they are. We want to create an open and transparent student government.”
Candidates were asked what their plan of action was with the state legislature continuing to cut large amounts of money for higher education.
Caden Becker and Olivia Pince.
“Ultimately, it’s from the higher-ups. There is a lot of stuff, ways you can tackle the problem. We had a lot of people go to Higher Education Day. We had over 20 students. We made a great impact on Fort Hays State University this year. However, Fort Hays State University is still getting cut, along with every other university. So we need to implement practices that can be taken into effect here at our campus.”
Cade Becker and Anthony Airal.
“I think the biggest thing is just advocating. Something that SGA should really emphasize is use the PRD (Public Relations Director) and the social media to let students know what’s going on, and also getting people up to the state.”
Marcell Dely and Justus Nelson
“We believe that our strength is in our numbers, so if we can get as many people encouragingly to go to Topeka on Higher Ed Day, that would be amazing.”
One of the student questions was: If elected, how will students know you have been successful by the end of your term?
Caden Becker and Olivia Pince.
“Our slogan, again, is affordability, sustainability and community. These are all tangible things that we can see implemented across campus. Affordability: lower textbook cost. You will see that in your tuition every semester. Sustainability: You will see recycling centers in your dorm, plus anywhere else across campus. Then with community, the Tiger Thrift Exchange, that anything in the dorm.”
Cade Becker and Anthony Airal.
“I think they’ll know the success, not by data and metrics, but given to the university, but also when students at games is higher. When people are more prideful to be a Tiger, I think you know they’ll get a change in the atmosphere.”
Marcell Dely and Justus Nelson
‘We will know that our goals have been met when the students feel empowered, enabled and really connected with each other on campus, whether you’re a music major, whether you’re on the band, whether you’re an athlete, whether you’re a political science, biology, anything. They one thing that will unite us is being a Tiger.”
Voting will open at 8 a.m. today and will close at 4:30 p.m. Thursday. A link will be sent via email with voting information to FHSU students.