"The word 'community' is nice and it's something we've thrown around a lot this semester," said Redmond, who is a Crimson editor. "But we really need to start talking about substantive leadership [and] the things students talk about on campus."

Proposals offered by candidates struck similar themes, including advising reform, increased funding for student groups, the creation of ethnic studies programs and the construction of a student center.

But some candidates said their leadership abilities differentiated them from other candidates.

Trevor S. Blake '00 said he would embody the council in the same way Lamelle D. Rawlins '99 did during her presidency two years ago.

"We need someone that has the appeal that will reach out to all the segments of the student population," Blake said. Along with his running mate Nicholas J. Stone '00, Blake said he advocates lobbying the administration to give 1 percent of the annual College fund to student groups.

Other candidates said they would be more effective leaders because they are council outsiders.

"I'm...not a politician, which I think certainly helps," said Edward "Ted" A. Swasey '00, who is running with vice-presidential candidate Jared S. White '00. Swasey said the council should help student groups get started, serving as a clearinghouse for information on topics such as how to open a checking account.

Vice-presidential candidate Gerard Hammond '02 said serving as a male cheerleader for Harvard has given him the experience necessary to build community. He also said that as a first-year, he is best qualified to represent first-year's concerns.

Although fewer than 50 students attended the Institute of Politics-sponsored debate in Harvard Hall last night, candidates generated some excitement of their own.

Quillen attended dressed in his trademark "Scream" costume.

And rather than offering an opening statement, Robinson said simply "The Undergraduate Council" and then stood silently at the podium as her minute inched by, ending her speech with "dawn" after time was called.

Presidential candidates Jonathan Gruenhut '00 and David L. Levy '00 did not attend the debate