The student government hosted a debate on Thursday, April 4. The non-presidential candidates were asked questions by the audience and the host.
The candidates were asked a couple of questions, one being about housing life on the campus. All candidates held the opinion that the housing life at New England College is not the greatest and that the bathrooms at most times are not always sanitary. A resolution to this is to keep reaching out to the RA’s at the dorm’s to encourage the school to keep the dorm’s sanitary.
Non-presidential candidates also discussed the clubs and funding at the school, saying they could try and do a better job with events to keep kids on the campus during the weekends. Another topic they covered was academics and classes. They talked about how they want students with a major to be able to take classes that they would like without there being any stress about missing a class that may be required to graduate.
After the non-presidential candidates shared viewpoints and answered questions about the school, it was time for the president to talk and answer questions. Michael Barnard is the current president of the NEC student body. The person running against Barnard was not at the debate.
Barnard talked about future big plans for campus. Barnard is planning on getting more money for clubs so the clubs can host more events; 25% of the student body is in a club at NEC. He went over his plans and what he wants to continue to do if he is re-elected, which is to keep meeting with President Lesperance. Barnard said that when he meets with Lesperance, he goes through a list of complaints and he will not leave without hearing yes or no answers from him.
Barnard went over parking and how that could start looking over the next few years. The school is looking to pave the bridge house lot and the tennis court to create new parking spaces. Barnard also talked about the school’s dining and ways to make it better. He went over how the school could end up looking for a new company since the company that is currently under contract is almost up.
Barnard’s four main focus points if he were to be re-elected are: dorm cleanliness, parking, price of laundry, and food in the dining hall.
“Continuing to carry the voice of students to administration, any complaint or concern has to be brought up to administration, keep making noise and keep complaining,” Barnard said as a message to the students at NEC.
The student election takes place on April 9; don’t forget to vote.
