What Florida Students Think 2000

Excessive Drinking
Florida Atlantic University's Student Government is helping rowdy collegians reconsider their lifestyles. "SG subsidizes clubs' workshops on alcohol, but when it comes to serious problems we leave that in the hands of the counselors," says Justin Flippen, SG president. SG refers students to Barry Gregory, FAU's Alcohol and Drug Program coordinator, who tries to correct the harm done by the previous attempts to control student drinking. "We've done a disservice to students by scaring them—it made people overestimate how bad the problem is." Gregory says students feel like they're the only undergrads who aren't out partying.
As GAMMA's faculty advisor, Gregory launched a project in which Greeks take Breathalyzer units to nightclubs and provide free tests to discourage drunk driving. "The school's attorney also approved our plans to present a live drinking scene for students," Gregory says. "We're going to do things like give drinks to a 100-pound girl, who's had nothing to eat, and see the effects and give people drinks they think contain alcohol to show the psychological affects." By not letting students know which beverages contain alcohol, the presentation will display how the effects of alcohol are sometimes mind-over-matter.

Recruitment
     It's not new news that recruiting members can be one of the hardest tasks for leaders to tackle. However, The University of West Florida is dragging apathetic students out of their residence halls, organizing educational programs related to campus problems, and communicating with future leaders before they even leave high school. "We want students to be aware that when SG sees a problem, we'll address it," says Israel Cruz, SG president. "UWF consists of 80 percent white Americans, so it can be uncomfortable for the other 20 percent. We're hosting 'True Colors,' in which Professor Joe Martin and his former college roommate talk about the racial issues they had to face because they're from different backgrounds. We're marketing this event to the entire community—high schools, churches, and civic organizations.
     "I reviewed the results of a campus poll and realized that 80 percent of the students living on campus don't have a car, and 90 percent of those residents don't come to events—that meant people are staying in their dorms," Cruz says. "So, we organized 'SG in Their Backyard,' where SG gives out shirts, has huge ice-cream bashes, pool parties, and volleyball. We go to the dorms rather than them coming to us."
     The Pensacola leaders also are recruiting members before they get to college. "We have the 'Emerging Leaders Conference' in the spring. We invite SG officers and students suggested by guidance counselors that are in 10th grade and up to spend the day listening to speakers talk about leadership and participating in panels to discuss problems that face high schools. The professors host the workshops, which take place during classes, so they get a feel for the campus."

SG Awareness
While some students appreciate Student Governments’ policy-making efforts, other constituents don't realize how influential the groups are. At Gulf Coast Community College, the Student Activities Board makes sure enrollees know the group addresses their concerns. "Any problem that a student has, they can present it to a SAB rep or put a note in the suggestion box, and we'll present the request at our tri-college meeting, where students, faculty, and the school president meet to express the concerns or opinions," says Erica Hayes, SAB president. "When a student complains to faculty, they also tell the students to come talk to SAB.
To let undergrads know how their representatives are working for them, the board gives students updates on how SAB acted on their suggestions. "We also host a lot of activities and always label materials with ‘Student Activities Board,’" Hayes says. "This lets them know that we're the ones who handle finances and create the programs, and it's their money, so they should be involved in the events. We also wear shirts on certain days and our newsletter has members' pictures, names, and class rank, and describes our roles, so they can see who we are."

Do you support the One Florida initiative? Why or why not?
YES	"It creates a level playing field." —Scott Osteen, SG president, Santa Fe Community College, scott.a.osteen@santafe.cc.fl.us
NO	"The Talented 20 part isn't truly open to all students. The required pre-courses aren't universally available at all schools." —Justin Flippen, SG president, Florida Atlantic University, jsffau@aol.com
NO	"It's based upon providing a seat for the top 2 percent of high school seniors. However, if you're in the top 2 percent, you've got a seat already." —Vladimir Monroe, Political Science Association member, Edward Waters College, vam8_4@hotmail.com
YES	"I think people's opportunity to further their education should be equal. Race, religion, sex, etc. shouldn't determine eligibility requirements." —Tracey Pinto, SGA president, Manatee Community College, mccscsgapresident@yahoo.com

Describe your group's relationship with administrators
"Our relationships with administrators are great, and when the students that aren't involved see that, they want to become part of the group as well."
—Yadira Colon, SG president, Webber College, yayisenfuego@hotmail.com

"I feel we're very influential. Act like a professional and you'll be treated like a professional."
—Tyvi Small, SG president, University of South Florida, tyvismall@hotmail.com

"The director of our college sits in at our meetings as an advisor, and we are included in some of her functions as well."
—Adriane Carlson SGA president pro tempore,
University of West Florida-Fort Walton Beach
nacarlson@cyou.com

"If you have an advisor who is a strong leader themselves, they'll motivate students in the organization."
—Shannon DeLucia, SG secretary, Tallahassee Community College, s_delucia@hotmail.com

What is the most popular custom for students at your school?
"Chapel Program—a spiritual social every Wednesday. It gives students, faculty, and staff an opportunity to bond spiritually and break away from the issues plaguing the present moment."
—Herman Felton, SGA president, Edward Waters College, delianlaw@yahoo.com

"Traditions like Winter Formal and Spring Fling which includes RA and campus organizations competitions. These events are enjoyed not only by students, but by alumni as well."
—Megan Bubb, SGA vice president, Lynn University

"The most popular custom would include block painting, where clubs paint the sidewalks by the dorms."
—Michelle Scottie, SG homecoming director, Florida Atlantic University

"The most popular tradition is Homecoming. It brings all the different organizations on campus together by encouraging school spirit through events such as the best cheering group at basketball games."
—Patrice Scipio, SGA vice president, Florida International University, vpresident00@yahoo.com