Early this summer, Taylor and I were sworn into office as the UCF student body president and vice president.
Ever since then, we have been working hard to construct an experienced and dedicated leadership team that will be able to take the Student Government Association to a new level of representing student interests.
Progress has really been the theme of the summer for us, and I hope you will share my excitement when looking at some of the accomplishments that have already been made.
24-Hour Study Space: SGA has entered into a partnership with Knights Plaza, and we will be opening a 4,400-square-foot dedicated 24-hour study space in the UCF Arena. We have been working hard to gain student input for this new area, and we’re very confident it will have something for everyone. This project is currently in the design phase and will be entering construction during the fall semester.
Campus Traditions & Pride: SGA Leaders have been working with the Student Union and Recreation & Wellness Center to bring more black and gold to our student facilities. We are proud to be Knights, and our facilities will finally start to reflect that.
The SGA Executive Team is also working on creating new events and programs to add to the Knight experience. Be on the lookout for our first away game viewing party sponsored by SGA in October.
Strengthening Green Initiatives: The Student Union and Recreation & Wellness Center will be installing even more LED lighting in their facilities. These building upgrades are not only making student facilities more environmentally friendly, they are saving students money.
Zimride: SGA has partnered with Parking & Transportation Services and launched the Zimride Ride Sharing Program.
This program facilitates carpooling and ride sharing exclusively for the UCF community. More than 500 people have already signed up since our Summer B launch and an exciting 1,500 rides have already been posted.
Creating Avenues for Student Input: The Executive Branch has created an Information Management Unit to leverage technology and increase ways for students to get information and be involved with student government. SGA will be launching a new website for the fall semester that was designed to make accessing information easier for all students.
Moreover, we have been reaching out to all our incoming freshmen at the orientations and have already had more than 800 of them sign up to learn more about getting involved on campus.
“You must never stand still. You’re either moving upward a little bit or you’re going the other way. You can’t expect to go upward too quickly, but you can sure go down very quickly.” Those words of former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden summarize our motivation.
SGA leaders have worked nearly a combined 2,500 hours this summer putting key projects in place for students to enjoy this upcoming academic year. While progress may not always be immediate, rest assured that our passion and dedication to the UCF community never falters.
On a personal note, please remember that I was elected to serve you. If there is ever a concern you have about our activities, or if you have even the smallest question about student government, I hope that you will see me in the SGA office or take a few minutes to send me an e-mail. I promise you, I’m always ready and willing to listen.
Two easy ways to get in contact with me are, of course, my e-mail sga_pres@mail.ucf.edu or on my brand new twitter account @UCFSGA_Pres. I am looking forward to an exciting school year filled with challenges and opportunities. See you back in August.
Go Knights!
Be the first to comment on this article!