Students a no-show for IUSA forum

No student unaffiliated with the election showed up to the IU Student Association’s open forum Thursday night. The forum was originally scheduled as a debate before the High 5 ticket withdrew from the election, leaving only one party of executive candidates.\nIUSA Aid Funding Board Candidate Alexandra Chtchedrina, Dean of Students Dick McKaig and Graduate and Professional Student Organization Moderator Paul Rohwer were the only attendees besides members of the Hoosier ticket and the IUSA election commission.\nMcKaig said it makes sense that people didn’t come because they have busy schedules and the ticket is unopposed. But, it puts a bigger burden on the candidates; they’ll have to go out and find students, since the students aren’t coming to them, he said.\n“It’s tough because a lot of people don’t vote,” said Joe DeJean, Hoosier vice-president elect. “(Students) might not care about IUSA, but they still have concerns and care about the University.”\n“We want to hear what the students want and need,” said Alex Gutmann, Hoosier treasurer elect.\nThe Hoosier ticket gave a short presentation of their platform to the small audience. Their goals include establishing an athletic loyalty system, – where students earn better seating in accordance to how many athletic events they attend – increasing Midnight Special bus routes and extending the drop period before students receive a ‘W’ on their transcripts.\nThe Hoosier party is awaiting certification to take office from the IUSA Supreme Court, and IUSA Election Commissioner Brad Allen said the IUSA Supreme Court will announce their decision next week along with the congressional election results. The elections for congressional seats will be held from 9 a.m. Feb. 27 to 9 p.m. Feb. 28. \nHoosier President Elect W.T. Wright said the party will continue to seek out the student voice, and students can e-mail votehoosier@gmail.com if they have any questions or ideas.