6A / NEWS / TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011 / THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN / KANSAN.COM
Student Athlete Advisory Committee endorses KUnited
SAAC cites KUnited's history of supporting student athletes as reasoning behind its endorsement for Senate elections.
BY HANNAH DAVIShdavis@kansan.com
The Student Athlete Advisory Committee endorsed KUnited Monday night following a debate between Renew KU and KUnited Casey Briner, Renew KU's presidential
dential candidate and Josh Dean, Renew's vicepresidential candidate faced off with Libby Johnson, KUnited's presidential nominee, and Gabe Bliss, vicepresidential nominee.
Renew KU's josn Dean focused on streamlining funding requests for student groups.
"We want to make applying for funding easier, we want students to feel comfortable enough
student athletes can train at the rec," Johnson said.
"I know athletes can utilize the weights provided for teams,but when those facilities aren't open, student athletes can train at the rec."
Libby Johnson
KUnited presidential nominee
KUited and Renew KU's platforms largely didn't deal with student athletics. Libby Johnson said KUited's promise to bring more free weights to the student recreation center would benefit student athletes.
"I know athletes can utilize the weights provided for teams, but when those facilities aren't open,
to approach Dean said.
During the debate candidates discussed their platforms and how each coalition planned on courting SAAC. After the debate student athletes debated amongst themselves whether or not to endorse a coalition.
After the student athletes voted to endorse a coalition, the debate turned to which coalition to publicly endorse.
In the end, SAAC decided on KUnited because of the coalition's track record of supporting student athletes.
- Edited by Dave Boyd
Student athletes listen to the KUnited and RenewKU representatives' points of view on issues at the SAAC open debate at Hadel Auditorium in Wagonon Athletic Center. KUnited was represented by Libby Johnson and Gabe Bliss, while Renew KU was represented by Josh Dean and Casey Briner.
Chris Bronson/KANSAN
DEBATE (CONTINUED FROM 1A)
An audience member asked about student participation and voting. Last year, 2,034 votes were cast in the senate election, while there were about 30,000 students enrolled.
Both coalitions made the case that more participation was needed. Johnson said a President's Council, made up primarily of non-senators, would help keep senate in line and help communicate with students.
Dean said that representatives would be sent to campus groups and organizations to act as liaisons between students and senate.
"We beg people for votes one week out of the year and that's the only time they see us and we need to be more prominent," Briner said.
Another audience question focused on how the candidates would ensure accountability so that they follow through on their promises.
"You have to know how the University works in order to get your goals accomplished." Johnson said. "That's something Gabe (Bliss) and I have."
Technology planks were also topics of discussion. KUnited made its case for expanded wireless Internet on campus and in student housing by using the wireless fee. Renew KU's technology platform centered on providing wireless printing capability in the libraries.
Other topics were also touched on briefly, including how the candidates would hire executive staff. Briner said anyone who applies would receive an interview, while Johnson said she would be looking for leadership ability and passion.
KUnited also noted that it would support the creation of gender-neutral bathrooms across campus, while Renew KU emphasized the importance of senate transparency.
— Edited by Tali David
Chris Bronson/KANSAN
Man Equals Man
Sargeant Fairchild, portrayed by Mike Claman, declares his search for a "wanted man missing a chunk of hair" during KU Theatre's production of Bertolt Brecht's drama,"Man lequis Man". The play will be featured at the William Inge Memorial Theatre in Murphy Hall April 7-10, and April 13-16.
GET INVOLVED STAY INVOLVED
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Lisa Howell-Burch
"Getting involved gives you the opportunity to meet other KU students,to better understand your own professional interests and to give back to the university and Lawrence community.All of these benefits increase your self-confidence and help you integrate more quickly into life at KU. Staying involved as an alumna allows me to participate in the activities that contribute to my KU passions and beliefs."
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies; 1992 Dallas, Texas
ALUMNI LEADERSHIP
Chancellor's Club member; KU Alumni Association member; KU School of Pharmacy Dean's Club; Established the Frederick Burch Scholarship fund in 2002; Rock Chalk Ball
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