The Student Government Association (SGA) at Montclair State University held its annual student presidential debate forum and Q&A ahead of the general election for the 2026-2027 school year.
Student candidates Ben Coulson and Quentin Ocampo are running for the upcoming election, seeking to succeed current SGA president, Leila Jones. The Q&A allowed candidates five minutes to speak after each question asked by moderators.
The forum, hosted by the Political Science Club alongside the SGA and Office of Civic and Voter Engagement, was held in the Student Center, room 411. SGA legislator, Johnny Mukata and Political Science Club president, Luke Grebeck, moderated the forum.
Current SGA President Leila Jones (middle) watching the Q&A between Quentin Ocampo (left) and Ben Coulson (right). David Bien-Aime | The Montclarion
The forum provided students with an opportunity to hear directly from candidates as they prepare for the upcoming election. While their approaches differed, they emphasized improving communication, addressing student concerns and strengthening the relationship between the SGA and the student body.
Coulson, a junior political science major and current SGA Chief Justice, highlighted his involvement in student government and political organizations. He described his experience working with campaigns and local officials, as well as his role within the SGA, as foundational to his candidacy.
Current SGA Chief Justice and presidential candidate Ben Coulson answering questions at the SGA Q&A forum. David Bien-Aime | The Montclarion
“I find that the person you see in front of you today comes from those positions I held in the past,” Coulson said. “Being able to serve the student body, whether it was in a position where students were able to appreciate you openly or had no clue you existed, is equally fulfilling, and it’s mainly the person I am from you.”
Ocampo, a third-year biochemistry student and a student trustee, introduced himself through personal experiences as a first-generation college student. He spoke about family challenges and how they shaped his perspective on leadership, resilience and inclusivity.
Current student trustee and presidential candidate Quentin Ocampo speaking during the SGA Q&A. David Bien-Aime | The Montclarion
“My grandmother taught me that time is invaluable and everyone deserves to be welcomed with love and respect,” Ocampo said. “Facing her dementia and my parents’ divorce taught me resilience and independence — values I carry forward in every leadership role and interaction, making sure everyone feels seen, supported and like they belong.”
When asked what motivated them to run for SGA president, both candidates pointed to student experiences.
Coulson focused on student perception of the SGA, noting that many students either feel disconnected from the organization or are unaware of its role on campus. Emphasizing the need for leadership to take responsibility on improving that relationship.
“Most of the students either don’t know what the SGA is [or] don’t like them,” Coulson said.
Ocampo centered his response on student struggles with affordability and access. Sharing examples of peers facing financial hardship, balancing multiple jobs and navigating challenges that impact their ability to stay enrolled.
“No student should live like this,” Ocampo said, emphasizing the importance of support systems for students in need.
As the discussion shifted to policy and outreach, Coulson emphasized the importance of visibility and direct engagement with students. He said SGA leadership should be more present across campus and accessible to the student body.
Ocampo focused on transparency, proposing clearer communication between SGA leadership and students. He suggested improving existing channels, such as newsletters, to better inform students about decisions and ongoing initiatives.
Both candidates acknowledged ongoing concerns related to tuition, infrastructure and campus services.
Coulson pointed to issues such as overcrowding, transportation delays and classroom disruptions, describing them as common experiences shared by many students.
Ocampo emphasized that many of these challenges are interconnected and require long-term solutions. Drawing from his experience working with university leadership, he stressed the importance of collaboration and understanding institutional processes.
“These concerns are being listened to,” Ocampo said. “[But] these things do take time,”
Both candidates highlighted the importance of registered student organizations (RSOs) in fostering community and engagement.
Coulson highlighted on fairness and advocacy, noting that student organizations should be treated as equal partners within the broader SGA structure. “They’re as much a part of this organization as we are,” Coulson said.
Ocampo proposed structural improvements, including creating councils for organizations with similar interests and enhancing on-boarding processes for new groups.
“RSOs are the backbone,” Ocampo said. “So it’s time to treat them like it.”
During the Q&A portion, students raised concerns about financial transparency and emergency preparedness.
Both candidates addressed concerns about campus safety following the recent flooding incidents in residence halls, indicating the need for stronger emergency resources and quicker response systems.
Quentin Ocampo and Ben Coulson shaking hands during the SGA Q&A forum. David Bien-Aime | The Montclarion
Ocampo emphasized unity, describing the race as an opportunity for collaboration rather than competition. “Ben isn’t my enemy,” Ocampo said. “[We’re] both going to bring that change to the campus, that we need.”
The voting period began on March 30, and will continue until April 1 at 12pm. Students can vote on Montclair State’s engage page.
