Five Associated Students, Inc. candidates from three colleges attended the first candidate forum on Monday, March 4 to introduce themselves and inform students of their platforms in the University Union.

Candidates for the director of education, director of graduate studies, and director of undeclared students were present at the first of six candidate forums during election campaign.

Director of Education candidate Stacy Prokopos said she was not OK with her college, which is considered the smallest on campus, being overlooked and underestimated.

“I would like to advocate for students for their wants, needs and concerns within the community, as well, as the college,” Prokopos said.

Catalina Ruiz, who is also running for director of education, said her motivation for running was to inspire people.

“You don’t have to come from money, you don’t have to be of a certain color. You can be anyone,” Ruiz said. “I’m here to let you know I’m just you, I’m not better than you.”

Greg Hernandez, director of Graduate Studies candidate, said he wanted to be the connection between undergraduate and graduate students to bridge a gap, so undergraduate students can feel empowered to obtain a graduate degree.

The candidates also had the opportunity to share with the audience what their number one priority would be in their college, if they were elected into their position.

“So often we aren’t heard or we’re not even thought of. And, if we are thought of, it’s usually an afterthought,” Andrew Michawd, director of Graduate Studies candidate, said. “I want to begin to change that. I want to make sure we are thought of along with undergraduate, because we are equally important groups of people.”

The sole candidate for director of Undeclared Students’ Thaddeus Turner said he had one major goal.

“To change the stigma that undeclared students are in a position of uncertainty, rather than in a position of power,” Turner said. “Because you can go into whatever you want to.”

Videos of the forums are available online on ASI’s website for students who were unable to attend to the candidate forums.