Throughout past student government administrations officers tackled many of the same issues.
From tuition to minority and environmental affairs" commonly covered points are seen again and again.
Many of those issues are also raised in this year's student body president candidate platforms as areas to be worked on - a sign that the position is characterized not by the goals of the president but by personality and drive.
""The reason why these are always brought up - there's always more that can be done" candidate Logan Liles said. If the student body president doesn't spend time on tuition or making sure that students are getting the education they pay for" then they're missing the boat.""
That philosophy is a main reason why the traditional platform points are included every year.
In researching planks" many candidates consult with several campus groups or use former candidates' platforms as a basis for what they want to do in office.
With candidates all talking to the same groups there is a finite number of issues and resolutions that are brought up which is why many planks are alike.
Because there are so many similar goals" candidates have to work to stand out - something that requires a base of supporters.
""I think you need a strong group of people around you who aren't afraid to take risks with you" candidate Kristin Hill said at the Young Democrat's forum Jan. 28.
Candidate J.J. Raynor said part of the platform plank rollover is because issues do not get passed from president to president.
When you do see something that's recurring in a platform a lot of the time it's just that these are things that need to be addressed" she said.
Several candidates in the past have addressed the issue of revising the nondiscrimination policy. The policy has been criticized for being outdated and exclusive of certain groups on campus by candidates from the past two administrations.
All three of this year's candidates also advocate for increased performing arts space, improvements to campus dining options and predictable tuition increases.
They said it's key to know what is already in progress by the current administration so the next president can continue to work on those plans and finish them when possible.
Any and everybody can have these laundry lists" which is what platforms are but the question is whether or not you can get it done" Liles said. Also the question is: Are you going to get them done in a manner that's going to directly benefit students?""
Raynor said the amount of research that goes into creating a platform shows how much institutional knowledge a candidate has and how much planning was done.
""I think it's more how comprehensive you make your approach"" she said. It's not enough to address the issues that come down the policy pipeline.""
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
