By Austin Schmitt

Student Government presidential candidates answered questions on topics such as how to instill a better sense of community on campus, student involvement and diversity during an event Thursday night.

The Resident Student Association hosted the SG presidential candidates in an informative debate in the W.T. Young Library. The debate was purely for informational purposes and RSA does not endorse a candidate, said host and RSA Treasurer Elise Albro.

The debate is the third in a series of four events to discuss the viewpoints of the three men vying for the top spot in SG, an organization that controls part of student funding. All three of the candidates — Colby

Khoshreza, Tyler Owen and Ryan Smith — were in attendance.

“It’s just something we do for our residents,” Albro said.  “RSA feels people’s votes are their own.”

Khoshreza said when you think of community, you think of purpose.

“What is your purpose in life?  Student organizations provide purpose,” he said.

When asked how they intended to promote more diversity on campus, Owen and Smith agreed it was a difficult issue to grasp.

“Diversity for me is a tough issue to address because it’s so intangible,” Owen said.

Smith said diversity comes down to interactions with student organizations.

“Diversity is a difficult issue,” Smith said.  “A lot of it boils down to relationships and communication with student organizations.”

An RSA member asked the candidates how they planned to involve RSA with SG.  Smith said they needed to work together closely.

“The two are basically acquaintances now, and they need to be friends,” Smith said.

The debate will be shown on UK Channel 50 everyday through SG Election Day at 11 a.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. starting Saturday.