The evening of Monday, March 31, dozens of students crowded into Toyota Auditorium to watch the seven candidates for the Student Government Association’s top positions debate issues affecting the university and their qualifications to be the next leaders of the student body.

First to speak was Campbell Butler, who is running unopposed for Speaker of the Senate. A two-term senator and SGA representative to the Provost Advisory Council, Butler outlined her goals for a better, more connected Senate.

“As speaker, my top priorities will be community, efficiency, and making sure the Senate works for you, the students,” Butler said. “I believe strongly in the power of community and that it starts with us, senators, coming together.”

She highlighted the importance of building a stronger community to increase interest in SGA and that a renewal of the Senate community could help remind senators of their power to make change around campus.

The vice presidential candidates, Jaxson Berg, Ella Blair and Jack Bulmer, then shared their ideas.

Berg, a sophomore, currently serves on the Interfraternity Executive Council as Health and Safety Chairman. In addition, he’s a campus ambassador and involved in the Volunteer Channel.

“A lot of people are unsure of the entire purpose of SGA,” Berg said. “I don’t think any random student has to know the entire org chart of SGA or anything like that, but rather that we’re here for them and that we are advocates for them to our administration.”

Berg continued to share his plan to connect students to SGA and UT alumni who could help them in their fields.

Blair, a three-year SGA member, executive board member of her sorority Delta Zeta and campus ambassador, also explained her vision for elevating student involvement in SGA.

“I think if we’re more clear with the student body about what SGA does, what we’re all about, what we’re accomplishing, what we’re working toward, they’ll be more excited and more willing to be a part of our work,” Blair said.

Bulmer, a senator representing the Interfraternity Council, talked about his goal of increasing student involvement and SGA presence by working more closely with student organizations.

“I will promise to amplify the voices of students who are currently not involved in SGA and will promise to work with organizations and offices on campus to get a better picture of campus concerns from all students across our great university,” Bulmer said. “I believe that in our collaboration with more organizations on campus, we can also provide an avenue for more student leaders.”

Finally, the candidates for student body president had the chance to pitch their vision for the university. Typically, the candidates for student body president have only been from the SGA every year, but this year features an outside candidate.

Chase Darwin, who holds multiple leadership positions in his fraternity Sigma Nu and is a campus ambassador, acknowledged his lack of time in SGA. However, he rebutted that this makes him qualified to speak for students not connected with student government.

“I’ve not only seen, but I’ve felt the disconnect between the student body and SGA, and I think that I will be the perfect candidate to bridge this gap,” Darwin said. “Because to be honest, I’m not pursuing a career in politics or law. I’m a marketing major. But I’m a student who loves UT and who’s willing to do anything to make this campus better.”

Ella Krull, former senator and current assistant director of the student services branch of SGA, explained that her campaign focuses on transparency and communication, accessibility and inclusivity, school spirit and community and academic and professional success.

“I believe student government should be an advocate for every single student and not just a select few,” Krull said.

Avery Combs, who has served in all five branches of SGA and is the current secretary of the Senate, spoke of the importance of increasing SGA presence on campus.

“I’m going to have weekly office hours, a monthly press conference, hopefully in collaboration with student news, and then also a biannual state of the student body address,” Combs said.

She also highlighted the need for better mental health resources on campus.

“I think that mental health is the biggest issue that students are facing on our campus. The Daily Beacon reported that 12 suicides took place in the fall semester,” Combs said.

If elected, she plans to alleviate the counseling center, promote mental health resources and develop the skills to help others with mental health among members of SGA.

Overall, the candidates acknowledged the need for SGA to increase student engagement and campus presence.

Darwin noted the great turnout for the debate and pointed out the election’s achievements.

“Over the last week, I’ve had students who previously have had little to no SGA involvement come up to me and express their excitement about voting in this year’s election, and also about getting involved in SGA,” Darwin said. “And I think that’s the goal that we’re all kind of running for here, right? And so, I’m sure we’ve all heard the phrase, I haven’t voted before, but I’m going to this year. And this buzz and excitement isn’t because of any one of us.”

The ballots for each candidate are now open and accessible through SGA’s website.

Students may also vote in person at the 21st Mortgage Plaza outside the Student Union today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The ballot closes tomorrow.