By Kayleb Blanton, Staff Writer 

The Student Government Association (SGA) held their annual presidential debate on Monday. Junior chemistry and physics double major Brigid Burke and junior Philosophy, Politics and the Public major Allison Gorius are running on one ticket. On the other ticket is sophomore Philosophy, Politics and the Public and French double major Kiaralys Rosario and Philosophy, Politics and the Public and Economics double major Ben Jenkins. 

This is not the first event in the bid for SGA presidency. Candidates submitted paperwork indicating interest in the position by October, campaigning began Oct. 19 and the Senate & Executive Meet & Greet happened on Oct. 21. 

“Our ticket is focused on improving student-centered spaces around campus such and the cafeteria and the HUB and increasing communication between the SGA executives and the student body,” Burke said. “We plan to do this through continuing to meet with administration to propose new ideas and changes students would like to see and being available around campus through office hours, social media, email and casual conversations.” 

Burke already advocated for the Dole Whip Machine and the Nacho Station as well as expanding the “Dine Without” station in the cafeteria to better accommodate students with celiac disease. 

Burke has experience with the needs of STEM majors while Gorius brings politics and communication background to their ticket. These skills are concurrent with the team’s goals of enhancing student spaces and SGA’s social media presence.  

Burke and Gorius aim to maintain and more accurately enforce currently existing speech guidelines at Xavier to ensure students remain safe and heard while also allowing students to express and share their views.  

They have particular emphasis on maintaining a community of respect regardless of individual perspectives, which is achieved when clubs invite speakers through approved pathways. 

They also aim to combat the rising vandalism around campus by increasing student involvement in cleanup, intending to inspire student pride for Xavier’s campus. 

Lastly, Burke made it clear that in order to maintain impartiality as a representative of Xavier students and the university itself, she would withdraw from attending overly controversial events. 

Burke has served as an SGA senator for two years. She also serves as the chair of the On and Off Campus Living Committee of SGA, the co-chair of the 10 p.m. Mass committee, president of Xavier’s Astronomy, Physics and Engineering Club, a school tour guide and part of the university safety committee. 

Rosario and Jenkins also outlined their platform at the SGA Debate. 

“We are primarily focused on issues such as student accessibility to resources like the food pantry, transparency between students and the administration through continued State of the Semesters, implementing an anonymous SGA feedback loop and expanding student resources like Let’s Talk Muskie Mental Health Drop-ins,” Rosario said. 

Having served as chair of the Student Rights & Identity Committee of SGA , the vice president of H.O.L.A., a fellow for Take It On, a Student Wellbeing and Anti-Violence Peer Educator and a Smooth Transitions mentor, Rosario has connections to advocacy organizations across campus. 

Rosario highlighted one of her biggest achievements in SGA as being an organizer of events where students could get connected with staff that handle anti-discrimination and therapy services like Kate Lawson and Susan Pelle. 

Combined, Rosario and Jenkins plan to increase SGA communication with students, faculty, administration and the school newspaper. 

The ticket aims to fulfill their slogan “All For You. Starting with All Of Us” through advancing sustainability like waste and recycling management, making an anonymous SGA feedback system, encouraging teachers to implement policies regarding AI use in the classroom, making student support resources more known and accessible and paving H Lot. 

Rosario and Jenkins want to develop and institute an official campus hate speech policy in line with Jesuit values that balances students’ right to free speech and to feel safe and included at home and on campus. 

They also want to advocate for increased funding for the physical plant to increase the speed of repairs for utilities like elevators and exit signs. 

Lastly, Rosario stated she would attend student events she was invited to, regardless of her support for the issue in order to stay informed and unbiased in representing the student body.  

The SGA Election is happening today. Students can go here to find the link to vote or to learn more about the candidates.