The official list of candidates for the 2005-06 Undergraduate Student Senate released yesterday showed five unopposed positions, including that of executive director.

“I’m a little disappointed that there’s not a bigger interest this year in the student senate,” said Sen. Bill Ross, the unopposed candidate for executive director. “I am a little happy I can just continue to focus on my current position as academic affairs senator.”

Ross said he understands why some students may be nervous about the lack of competition.

“Students should be comfortable with the fact that I am running unopposed,” Ross said. “I’ve done a lot to be in the trust of the student body. They can trust that I will do a great job next year.”

Candidates’ platforms have not been released yet, but most already have ideas about what they want to accomplish in the next year.

Karli Chaboudy, who is running unopposed for academic affairs senator, said she wants to work on improving the freshman orientation classes.

“I know a lot of students were unhappy with their experience,” Chaboudy said. “I want to make sure it’s as beneficial as possible.”

Dennis McCann, who is running for governmental affairs senator, said he would like to streamline the scholarship process by allowing students to apply for multiple scholarships with one form.

Candidates began campaigning last weekend, and most attended the basketball game to vie for votes.

The candidates will field questions from the student body at a candidate forum at 5:30 p.m. March 2 in the Rathskeller.

The election will be held March 9 and 10. Students can access candidates’ names and photos on the USS Web site at http://www.uss.kent.edu/election.

Candidates’ platforms will be posted when they are available.

Contact student politics reporter Jessica Rothschuh at [email protected].