Marketing of both Associated Students Inc. programs and student organizations was one of the main topics discussed during today’s ASI election debate.

Curtis Grima, the candidate for ASI vice president of Academic Affairs, suggested the student government readily use its new marketing department to promote different student groups and activities.

Creating a campus community is an issue to deal with, particularly with a commuter campus, said Walter Wallace, the candidate for ASI vice president of University Affairs. He said ASI needs to have a better way to reach the students.

Valerie Boogaard, who is also running for ASI vice president of University Affairs, suggested student groups and organizations have more lunchtime activities in the Library Quad and other locations with a lot of foot traffic.

“We should also be marketing the (ASI election) campaigns,” Grima said. He added it would increase the visibility of candidates.

On the topic of retention rates for California State University campuses, Boogaard said she would like to survey students to see what they would like to have improved at Sacramento State to encourage them to stay.

Grima said the university should focus on students who have issues with academics and grades. He suggested the promotion of academic advising to students.

“Destination 2010 will also help boost the retention rates,” Grima said.

Wallace also said student involvement in organizations helps improve retention rates. Thus, he said, ASI should be more of a voice for these groups.

The debate for executive vice president and the vice president of finance will be at noon on Wednesday in the University Union Lobby Suite.

Jamie Gonzales can be reached at [email protected]