The presidential and vice-presidential candidates in this month's Undergraduate Student Government elections say a top priority is to increase USG's role in providing student services.

The candidates have proposed allowing students to use meal points at McDonalds, opening a 24-hour University computer center and library, creating weekly self-defense classes for women, and training upperclassmen to help with student advising.

Jim Van Horn (junior-history) said he wants to eliminate the HUB Eateries and instead rent out the space to franchised fast-food chains.

"It's so expensive in the HUB basement compared to what it should be," Van Horn said.

He said renting the space to chains like Burger King and TCBY, The Country's Best Yogurt, would raise funds for student organizations, provide cheaper food and give students a greater variety of food to choose from.

Mark Stewart (junior-English) said he plans to install point machines in downtown fast-food restaurants. Meal-point cards could be used like credit cards, with the University getting a small cut of the money from the food purchases.

Eric Martin, assistant manager of Burger King, 420 E. College Ave., said that Burger King managers have already discussed the benefits of allowing students to use points. He said they may approach the University and ask for installation of a point machine, but that moving a store into the HUB may also be a possibility.

"Using the point system would bring more business to our store," Martin said.

Leslie Osborn (senior-advertising) proposed a 24-hour University center that would be built into Pollock Library combining a library, study lounges, computer facilities and a snack bar.

The library would be a good location because it is already open 24 hours a day and has the capacity to expand, Osborn said.

Courtney Malveaux (senior-sociology) said USG should sponsor self-defense classes for women. While the USG Department of Women's Concerns currently sponsors such classes a few times each semester in the HUB, the classes could be offered about once a week and in residence hall areas, Malveaux said.

Roger Czulewicz (senior-political science) said USG should ask seniors to volunteer to help freshman undergraduate students understand class scheduling procedures.

These volunteers would be more available for appointments than University advisers but would not replace them, Czulewicz said. The volunteers could not only help freshman fill out schedules but recommend classes.