USG candidates focus on diversity

By DARYL LANG
Collegian Staff Writer

One of USG's biggest tasks is bringing together the multitude of different interests of University students.

Candidates for USG president discussed how USG can work to promote diversity at the University.

"I think USG should be playing an active role in promoting activities on campus for minorities," Casagrande said.

A comfortable atmosphere at the University is an important step for improving the minority retention rate, Casagrande added.

Mario Ciabarra and Allison Szabaga

"I don't see as much diversity today in USG as I should," Ciabarra said. "You get the same type of people every year."

USG should actively recruit students from minority groups on campus, Ciabarra said.

Roshani Herath and Christine Muchi

"We need to promote the educational aspect of diversity," Herath said.

Holding multicultural forums and participating in cultural events can help students learn more about different cultures, Herath said.

Rocco Impreveduto and Marc Nathan

"I don't think USG recognizes multicultural organizations nearly enough," Impreveduto said.

Impreveduto said he is considering holding a day of celebration and recognition of ethnic groups on campus.

Todd Krout and Karen Skomorucha

"I see it as USG's responsibility to promote all organizations," especially multicultural groups, Krout said. "We want students to feel welcome on campus."

USG should celebrate students' individuality through co-sponsorships of multicultural activities, Krout said.

Matt Lohr and B. J. Werzyn

"I think all that USG can really do in diversity is programs and activities," Lohr said.

There's not much beyond activities that USG can realistically do to improve diversity, Lohr added.

Andrea Prinzi and J. P. Jaworski

"A lot of people are missing out on what multicultural events there are," Prinzi said.

Because diversity includes all people, USG needs to do more to reach students who aren't involved in student organizations, Prinzi said.

Kornelius P. Spankum and Kendra Ciesla

"Anything we want to accomplish diversity-wise can basically be done," because the administration supports it fully, Ciesla said.

USG is already doing well to promote diversity through multicultural forums, Ciesla added.