Freshman elections are nearing and a large diverse group of students have already begun their campaigning. The candidates are Robert Phillips, Shaneika Anderson, Laura Authier, Justin Neal, Julius Daniel, Charles Winn, Erin Albee, Kaitlin Helms, Sheridan Long and Jamal Crayton. They will each be running campaigns on campus from Sept. 1-14. Student elections will take place online from Sept.13-14.

Available SGA positions for the freshman class include one spot for Freshman Class President and six spots for freshman representatives; the candidate with the most votes will be declared president.

Many of the nominees will be seen trying to get the word out around campus in the next couple of weeks by chalking, posting flyers and posters, meeting students and asking about general concerns for the university. One such candidate, Erin Albee is expecting to meet students by handing out lollipops on campus. “The reason I wanted to run for Freshman Class President is because I love being a part of SGA; they are such an awesome group of students who strive to make UNCW a better place,” she said. “It’s great to listen to the voices and opinions of students and faculty and being able to act upon their suggestions.”

A freshman class president’s responsibilities involve representing the feelings, concerns and values of the freshman student body in the SGA. They will have a vote on resolutions, bills and constitutional amendments that represent the entire freshman class. Ten freshmen have enthusiastically volunteered for the job.

“The main issue in my campaign is to represent and be the voice of the freshman class. Students have already started coming up to me to express what they think would be helpful adjustments or changes to implement around our UNCW community. I would love to share them with the rest of SGA and try my best to make things happen.” Albee said.

Another contender, Laura Authier, plans to get more students involved in campus activities if she is elected. “I would really love to work with the other Freshman Class Representatives to get freshman students feeling more comfortable at this university,” she said. “I think every new student at UNCW needs to feel welcome and have a stronger voice.”

“I feel that the best candidate for freshman class president should be very outgoing and involved in many activities, so that they can best represent the freshman class as a whole,” Freshman Peyton Jeter said.