While presidential debates continue across the country, ACU will be holding its own version of these notorious showdowns.

The Students’ Association officer debate forum will take place April 9 in Moody Coliseum from 8-9 p.m.

Students running for executive officer positions will begin by introducing themselves to the student body and then will explain their motivation behind running for office. All of the candidates will have the opportunity to answer broad questions before specific questions are directed toward the candidates running for each position. In the last half of the debate, audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions via text message.

Executive vice president Julianne Hart, the officer in charge of SA elections and organizing the debate, will appoint an election’s co-chair and three election committee members, all of who will not be affiliated with SA.

“Together, we will be working on specific questions to ask the candidates and what we think the students need to know,” Hart said. “We’ll also be open to input from other SA members or other students on what the important issues are this year.”

Every year, candidates can count on being asked about their personal faith. Hart appreciates this aspect of the debate.

“As a university, our Christian mission is really important, and we think it’s important our student leaders are invested in the mission of our school,” Hart said. “We also always ask about people’s motivations for leading, their passions and their plans for the future.”

Executive SA president Connor Best thinks the debate offers an opportunity for students to become informed voters.

“It is sometimes difficult for people to know enough information to make an informed decision, but if people come to the debates and hear the candidates’ speeches in Chapel, they should have plenty of information to make a good decision,” Best said. “It is good for the candidates because it makes them think about issues that are important to the student body and decide where they stand on those issues.”

If being more involved in ACU is not enough incentive, students will also receive two Chapel credits for attending the officer debate forum.