The Undergraduate Student Government executive candidates debated last night in the last official forum before tomorrow's election.

The presidential hopefuls, all attired in formal shirt and tie, sat seriously in a long row as nearly 60 people listened to them intently during the event in the HUB-Robeson Center's Heritage Hall.

Topics included feminism, a potential academic minor in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender studies, greek life and University Park Allocation Committee reform.

The Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance submitted a question asking the candidates to define feminism and what it means to the Penn State community.

"It's equal rights which is important to the student body," Jonathon Koltash (junior-finance and economics), presidential candidate, said. "If a group — any group — is silenced here, that means a lack of diversity which destroys education."

Presidential candidate Rubina Javeri (junior-finance and international business) — the only woman running for the executive branch — did not attend the debate. Her partner, Kris Ankarlo (senior-journalism), talked about the importance of women's voices being heard on campus.

"Feminism is not blaming a person for rape, and when men look at women, it's not seeing them as objects — not just someone they want to have sex with," he said.

Presidential candidate Erik Ives (junior-political science) said the university has suppressed expression of women's individuality.

He said that if he were elected he would support potentially controversial projects such as Cuntfest, Sex Faire and the funding of rape cards.

The debate also included a student-submitted question asking for the candidates' feelings on the proposed LGBT minor.

The candidates were all in favor of the potential new course.

"You don't have to take it, but it should be offered because it diversifies students and that moves us forward as a civilization and a society," Ankarlo said.

"We should have an LGBT minor!" he then shouted twice.

The candidates also talked about the recent attention UPAC has received regarding its decision to keep its voting sessions closed to the public.

Five of the tickets agreed with UPAC, saying it is necessary for meetings to be closed so funding decisions can be made objectively and without the pressure of a student audience.

However, one pair disagreed.

"Students need UPAC to publicize all information, and senate will be taking it upon itself to publish allocations on a Web site and plans to appoint someone as a liaison to UPAC meetings," said Chris Miller (sophomore-mechanical engineering and economics), the partner of Mike Gallo (junior-political science).

During the debate, the candidates without prior USG experience seemed confused about the day-to-day workings of student government.

"To be totally honest, we don't know what the USG President does. We are outsiders, but we are not intimidated by politics," Christian Boris (junior-meteorology), vice presidential candidate for Ed Brown (junior-political science) said.

Koltash answered the question similarly.

However, Dave Somerman (sophomore-pre-medicine), presidential candidate, remained committed to his "work for students" motto, which he used in every response during the night. He said he would spend less time in the USG office and more time in the HUB-Robeson cafeteria, walking through campus and meeting with students.

Gallo, current USG Town Senator, included in his response that his vice presidential candidate, who is also in senate, will be integral in upholding the ticket's responsibilities.

"Chris will know how to run senate meetings; he has seen how not to do it all year," Gallo said, criticizing the way current USG Vice President and Senate Chair Amanda Hudnall conducts meetings.

The debate also included a question from the Interfraternity Council on how the candidates would be able to represent the wants and needs of the greek community.

Koltash said USG and the greek community need to unite, meet on a regular basis, and participate in each other's activities on campus.

"IFC does a great wealth of community service and we need to take advantage of that," he said.

Ankarlo agreed that USG needs to make use of the greek community's experience with philanthropies.

"We need to use IFC in our lobbying initiatives and go to Harrisburg together," he said.

Both Gallo and Boris mentioned having a greek affairs department within student government.