Communication approaches and possible programs were among the topics discussed Wednesday during the Student Government Association debates by the candidates running for vice president for operations.

The candidates are current vice president of operations Lauren Sharp and sophomore marketing major Nick Daigle. Sharp has been in SGA for three years, serving as an Honors College representative and the chair of two committees. Daigle has been in SGA for two years and has also served as a committee chair.

The debate began with opening statements from both Daigle and Sharp.

In his opening statement, Daigle emphasized the three main points of his campaign: confident, consistent and connected. Sharp, on the other hand, discussed her success with projects she has been working on with SGA.

The projects Sharp discussed include providing free scantrons and blue books for the entire student body, a database which allows students access to current SGA projects and putting printers in freshman residence halls.

Daigle said he is confident that he can work hard to incorporate all of the student body and that he has been a consistent leader in SGA. He also said that he is connected with the administration and other university officials because he has had three older siblings graduate from the university.

“I’m really confident and really passionate about SGA, and I feel like I can really perform this job to the best of my ability,” Daigle said.

Sharp said she wants create a system to connect SGA with student organizations, including a year-long initiative to create stronger relationships and better communication between SGA and the student body.

“My goal for the future of SGA is that we have more overall student body involvement,” Sharp said.

Daigle said he is uniquely positioned to hear the voice of the students because of his current leadership roles with Frogs First, Connections and Student Foundations, all of which have allowed him to connect with current students, prospective students and alumni.

Sharp discussed her future plans for the database, including adding background information about SGA projects on the database. Sharp also said the database will allow students to get involved with SGA committees since most are open to all students.

Daigle said the database is a great way for student to hear what is happening in SGA, and it is a way for SGA to be transparent.

He also mentioned that he would like to expand on the table talk program, which allows students to voice their opinions and ideas to SGA members.

Both candidates were asked about their communication approach. Daigle mentioned improving social media and having open lines of communication while Sharp discussed updating the SGA website quickly and expanding the March on Campus initiative.

The candidates were asked by an audience member about their first initiatives if elected. Sharp mentioned expanding the scantron program and Daigle discussed implementing a safe ride program on campus so students have safe ways to get home.