With Undergraduate Student Government elections less than a week away, candidates on the campaign trail are employing everything from traditional buttons to electronic bulletin boards and a promise to preach from an on-campus soapbox.

Unlike previous elections, candidates for the USG presidency have opted for a more creative and innovative approach in getting the vote, said Jennifer Bronzini, candidacy and campaigning commissioner.

"I think that because there is so many people, they have to do something to set themselves apart so the student remembers," Bronzini said.

Brad Haartz (junior-aerospace engineering)and Doug Delong(junior-accounting) are attempting to visually set themselves apart by donning politically oriented silk screen T-shirts.

Haartz called the shirts "walking billboards." Although the official shirt is white with red and black lettering, students may choose from a rainbow of colors, tailored to their liking.

Trying to make a more electrical statement, Tony Dutzik (senior-public service) and Kelly Glazier (sophomore-public service) are flashing their political advertisement across the HUB announcement board.

Though this method gains name recognition, Dutzik said he is more comprehensively voicing his platform by speaking to various student organizations.

"Some of the most informative things we've had, have been through direct discussion with the students," Dutzik said.

This sort of personal campaigning is the forte of Allistair Rae (senior-history) and David Bindseil (junior-accounting). Rae said he prefers the door-to-door approach because it not only makes students aware of his platform, but also allows him to gain input on their concerns and needs.

"I've been getting a lot of positive feedback from students and sparking student involvement," Rae said.

J.P. Muir (junior-political science) and Sue Williams (junior-health planning) want to reach students in an atmosphere different from the classrooms, in which fliers are hung and the residence areas where debates are held.

"We want to go out to the students," said Muir, commenting on his new idea of placing table advertisements in local bars.

In a modified version of the Willard preacher, Muir said he will stand up on a soap box and interact with listening students as they congregate between classes on Monday and Tuesday.

"I love doing that stuff," Muir said. "I'm there with the students and not up behind a desk."

Putting a new twist on the traditional fliers found around campus, Jeff McCarty (senior-science) and Drew Maerz (senior-chemistry education) will be showcasing a complete series of fliers, each one stating a particular goal of their platform.

McCarty said his campaign will concentrate on bringing out the issues and making students aware.

"Our message will be what sets us apart," McCarty said.

Eric Epp (senior-secondary education), said he and running mate Sue Donohue (sophomore-real estate) hope to include student involvement in their campaigning by hosting an outside rally in the East Halls quad on March 19. Students can come to hear his campaign platform and be treated to free food and music, Epp said.

"It will be one of the few times people will get to see us and it is going to be a fun time," he said.

The Jim Van Horn (sophomore-business administration) and Denys Wilmer (senior-elementary education) ticket will utilize the traditional media blitz, with fliers, stickers and buttons.

They will also be applying artistic skills on a painted campaign window in the HUB.

"We've really tried to focus on activities and ways to take advantage of students who want to get involved and help out," Van Horn said.