Follow this post for all the latest news and updates from the 2015 Student Government Association and student trustee debate. The debate is set to begin today at 4:30 p.m. EDT.

4:34 p.m.: Dr. Francis Talty introduces the candidates and opens the debate.

President and vice president candidates James Christopher (left) and Jesse Kruszka (right) deliver their opening statement. (Mariah Alix/Connector)

4:36 p.m.: President and vice president candidates James Christopher and Jesse Kruszka deliver their opening statement as uncontested runners. Christopher says they plan to “make action-oriented changes to the university.”

4:42 p.m.: Amanda Robinson delivers her opening statement. On making UMass Lowell smoke-free: “We have reached out to a thousand students, which let us achieve a new level of communication with the student body.”

“I also want to increase safety on campus by increasing awareness of sexual assault…”

4:47 p.m.: MacKenzie Mahoney delivers her opening statement.

“I plan on being a third-party student voice for the student body to the board of trustees.”

“As someone who has seen these clubs grow from small organizations… I will show that I am the next candidate that will take UMass Lowell to the next level.”

Trustee candidate MacKenzie Mahoney patiently waits to speak. (Photo courtesy of Hayley Norman.)

4:52 p.m.: “Keeping UMass Lowell affordable is one of the biggest issues for students.” – Amanda Robinson

4:54 p.m.: “I would make sure that the parking increases wouldn’t get as big as they are. … I will make sure the voices of out-of-state students will be heard as well.” – MacKenzie Mahoney

4:56 p.m.: “There should be a more succinct way for students to advocate for themselves.” – MacKenzie Mahoney

4:57 p.m.: “The Student Government is trying to be as transparent as we can.” – Amanda Robinson

Amanda Robinson explains why she should be elected student trustee. (Photo courtesy of Hayley Norman.)

4:58 p.m.: “Whenever something changes at UMass Lowell, the students should be the first ones to know.” – MacKenzie Mahoney

5:00 p.m.: “My biggest strength is that I’m very result-oriented.” – Amanda Robinson

Dr. Francis Talty, who served as UMass Lowell’s first student trustee, moderates the debate. (Mariah Alix/Connector)

5:01 p.m.: Both trustee candidates agree that conferring with current student trustee Phil Geoffroy for advice would be their first step if elected.

5:04 p.m.: Trustee candidates offer questions for each other.

5:06 p.m.: “We are here to represent the students. That is our priority.” – Amanda Robinson

5:08 p.m.: “It is about compromise and working with all campuses to ensure that UMass grows as a whole.” – MacKenzie Mahoney

5:12 p.m.: “I know how hard UMass Lowell students work, and I promise to work just as hard here as a trustee.” – Amanda Robinson

5:13 p.m.: “I am running for student trustee because the school is growing, and I do not want the voice of the students to be left behind.” – MacKenzie Mahoney

5:15 p.m.: Debate concludes.