UPAC elections suffer from lack of candidates

By CINDY KOONS
Collegian Staff Writer

Only five candidates are running for the eight elected undergraduate positions on the University Park Allocations Committee, which funds programs for student organizations on campus.

"It's a closed election now," said Scott So, elections commission special prosecutor.

Candidates still can run as write-ins, however. In addition to campaign material registration with UPAC, write-in candidates also must submit a financial statement to assess campaign costs, he added.

"I'm disappointed more students are not jumping at the chance to be in the UPAC committee with a say in allocation of student activity fee," So said.

The entire committee is comprised of 35 people, with 25 appointed positions. Twenty-one appointed members are undergraduates while graduates occupy the remaining four positions. An internal UPAC committee determines the appointed positions through an interview process, he said.

The interview panel is composed of the Undergraduate Student Government president, Graduate Student Association president, UPAC elections chair and student trustee Robert Myers, UPAC Chair Keith Magasich said.

Some students not chosen for the 25 appointed positions were given alternate spots, So said. Alternate positions are committee members without voting privilege. Because there are only five candidates running for the eight elected seats, the alternate members can occupy the positions if no other write-in candidates are elected, So said.

UPAC receives funding from the student activity fee, charged to all full-time students, and a general university account, Magasich said.

UPAC funds travel budgets for conferences and competitions, student organization publications and media, equipment, operational funds for registered student organizations, and membership dues for national organizations. UPAC also finances numerous organizations such as the Interfraternity Council, Magasich said.

"I'm happy with the way the (election) process is going this year," Magasich said. "My disappointment is not having more than five people in the elections. It's becoming better than ever. I'm happy with the way things are proceeding into the future."