Good ideas, few details

For all the talk of student engagement at the IUSA Candidate Debate last night, it was hard not to notice that, on a campus of almost 40,000, it didn’t seem like more than 50 students were in attendance.

IUSA tickets almost always agree on one thing: Their organization needs more exposure.

But for most students, it takes too much time to find credible information about which candidates can really deliver. Did last night’s debate help students cut through the campaign rhetoric?

The moderator, IU Chancellor Ken Gros Louis, opened the debate with questions about the Student Voice Project. The candidates quickly moved on to their thoughts about the new master plan and the international role of IU.

Andrew Hahn, presidential candidate for the Red-Hot ticket, talked about different cliques creating a “silo effect” on campus. He discussed creating a virtual student union – an IU social and academic networking site – that he hoped would help students find clubs and study abroad opportunities while networking.

Peter SerVaas, presidential candidate for the Btown ticket, spoke about his plans for a bike rental program. He also said he wants to install cameras in the SRSC so students can check for equipment and court openings online.

Ben Blair, presidential candidate for the ONE University ticket, talked about getting more professors to utilize OnCourse and OneStart. He mentioned making the Indiana Memorial Union more accessible with free parking after 7 p.m. for students. Saad Saghir, the ONE University vice presidential candidates, commented on bridging the gap between professors and students. His suggestion: an area on campus where both could enjoy adult beverages.

Details matter just as much as ideas. How would Red-Hot create a campus Web site that could compete with Facebook? How many students would really rent a bike on a day-to-day basis? And when it comes to helping students and professors bond, will IU lose its official status as a dry campus any time soon?

This debate was light on substance and there was almost no interaction between the candidates.

That might be why when it came to the best question of the night, the responses were disappointing.

Gros Louis asked how the candidates would advise the University if the state were to cut funding. He tried to steer them toward specifics such as across-the-board cuts, salary caps or tuition hikes. Instead, there was talk of compromise and how different groups would be consulted.

But we already know that.

Candidates only mentioned what they wouldn’t cut. Hahn expressed support for the Kelly School of Business and the Jacobs School of Music. Btown called across the board cuts are a “cop-out” option. ONE University talked about cutting costs through privatization, but again, wasn’t specific.

When it came to experience, Hahn emphasized his work with the current IUSA administration. ONE University president Ben Blair was somewhat disappointing when he admitted he hadn’t met with any IU administrators. Meeting with students is great, but it give you little insight into what is possible.

When asked which initiative would be their priority Btown put a priority on lowering the cost of textbooks, Red-Hot wanted to secure more state transportation funds, and ONE University emphasized community service. All candidates pledged to look after students’ best interests.

Most of those students, even though they have been exposed to some good ideas, will probably still have plenty of questions as they begin voting next Tuesday.