Student Government Association
Steinberg, Lee, and Dawkins Administration

Keep track of what YOUR Student Government is working on!

Jump to for: ADVOCATE FOR STUDENT VOICES | ENGAGE THE STUDENT BODY | ENHANCE CAMPUS SAFETY | AWARENESS & TRANSPARENCY | ACCOUNTABILITY | FURTHER FSU STRATEGIC PLAN 

ADVOCATE FOR STUDENT VOICES

• College Affordability
• College Affordability is an issue that can be advocated through all areas of the University structure. Through the legislature, we can ensure students are able to receive merit-based and need-based aid. Through the Board of Trustees, we are able to ensure tuition remains affordable for students of all backgrounds, and through other avenues, we can ensure students are receiving the appropriate resources for tuition and fees.



Tangibles

As stated in the Initiative description, “College Affordability is an issue that can be advocated through all areas of the University structure.” The Executive Branch has taken a variety of steps in order to fully advocate for College Affordability and to best “ensure students are receiving the appropriate resources for tuition and fees.”

Through Federal Advocacy in October, the Executive Branch traveled to Washington D.C. to advocate for an increase to Federal Financial Aid, including an increase to Pell Grant Funding, and Research Grants which in turn can pay for student work study and other on campus opportunities. Additionally, the Student Government Association was able to invite Congressman Lawson to host a roundtable with students to expand the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for college-students, and to tour both the Professional Clothing Closet and the ‘Food for Thought’ Pantry.

Through Statewide Advocacy, the Student Government Association has continually advocated for student scholarships through the Florida Legislature including maintaining funding for Bright Futures and other scholarship programs, continuing to fund the HDGAP Scholarship for student-veterans initiated by FSU SGA OGA, as well as the expansion of new programs such as the Purple Heart Tuition Waiver, and the Open Educational Resources Grant Program. Through the advocacy efforts of other Student Governments in the State University System and FSU SGA, Representative Ponder filed HB 3419 for Food and Housing Insecurity.

On campus, the Student Government Association relaunched the Round-Up Campaign which goes directly towards the ‘Food for Thought’ Pantry in the Dean of Students Department. Additionally, the Executive Branch secured funding for the ‘Food for Thought’ Pantry through Bill 96 which passed the 71st Student Senate. More information on the Round-Up Campaign can be found on the Office of Business Services website at https://obs.fsu.edu/roundup.

The Local Fees Committee alongside the Executive Branch, Legislative Branch, and Congress of Graduate Students advocated for an increase in Local Fees (Athletics Fee, Health Fee, and the Activity & Service Fee), which hasn’t been increased since 2012. Although an increase in Fees at first glance might seem to be in direct conflict with College Affordability, an increase actually helps the student body. An Increase of local fees results in an increase of resources at Florida State University including continuing access to free tickets through the Athletics Fee, enhanced services through Campus Recreation and the Oglesby Union, increased programmatic events including Concerts and Lectures through the Student Government Association, and more events with Free Food on campus through the Activity & Service Fee, as well as decreased wait times, and ensuring the University Counseling Center is able to retain counselors through the Health Fee.

• Heritage Week
• The purpose of the week is to start the conversation about discovering, preserving, and exploring mixed heritage. While there are spaces for those with specific heritages, there lacks one for those who have more than one. With the nation’s growing multiracial population, there are challenges these individuals may face, such as areas of multiracial incompetence and difficulties fitting into their communities due to their racial identity.



Tangibles

This initiative is ongoing through Secretary of Student Engagement Duncan.

• Medical Amnesty
• Allows individuals to contact medical professionals in order to receive assistance without being penalized in the eyes of the law. Also referred to as the Good Samaritan law, it can be useful during potential drug or alcohol overdoses or incidents relating to underage drink.



Tangibles

The Executive Branch alongside the Office of Governmental Affairs advocated for the expansion of Medical Amnesty in Florida and the adoption of Andrew's Law. Prior to the adoption of HB 595 (2019), FSU had a Medical Amnesty Policy for on-campus housing, which only impacted 20% of our Student Body. Upon adoption of the Policy, Medical Amnesty in Florida is now for both drug and alcohol overdoses and applies to both on and off campus - as it applies to the entire State of Florida. Additionally, SB 1080 contained amnesty provisions known as Andrew's Law, which pertained to amnesty in terms of hazing. Additionally, Representative Silvers the sponsor of HB 595 hosted a roundtable with Students, FSUPD, and administration to further outreach to students on Medical Amnesty and other campus safety initiatives. Student Body President Steinberg and Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Hecht sent an email to all students in regards to Medical Amnesty.

• Religious Observances
• To work with the administration to change the religious observance policy at Florida State University to ensure students don't have to sacrifice their religious observances over their academics. As well as to increase dining options on campus to not only include more vegetarian and vegan options but also to include more dining options in line with religious observances.



Tangibles

Through advocacy efforts of the Executive Branch the Faculty Senate passed an updated Religious Observance Policy in September, where Student Body President Steinberg spoke to the Faculty Senate on the importance of this topic and the necessary changes. Changing the policy by removing 'work restricted' and changing the policy from notifying a student's professor from originally in the first week of the semester to two weeks prior to the holiday. Additionally, the 71st Student Senate passed Bill 97 in regards to religious observance within the Student Government Association

• SGA Engagement Week
• The week is an opportunity for the Agencies and the Bureaus to collaborate on one topic: advocacy. The week will be in the first or second week of school to engage the Student Body, and each day will be a separate topic of support.


• Supporting Student Veterans
• To advocate for Student Veterans within the University structure and throughout all levels of government to ensure that Florida State University is the most veteran-friendly campus, and that the State of Florida has the best veteran educational benefits possible.

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  Tangibles

  Through the Office of Governmental Affairs' Legislative Agenda the Student Government Association will be advocating for two student veteran friendly initiatives and policies to the Florida Legislature. These include, funding for the Veteran's Legacy Complex which would contain both the WWII Institute on the Human Experience, AFROTC & AROTC program, and the Student Veteran's Center. Additionally OGA, will be advocating for the expansion of the Purple Heart Tuition Waiver Program for graduate students. In line with other campus entities, and at the request of the Executive Branch - the SGA website contains a direct link to resources for student-veterans as seen via the arrowhead on the sga website. Student Government was instrumental in planning FSU's first Fallen Hero's ceremony through planning, programming, and funding.
  
  In January members of the Student Government Association will be attending the annual NATCON, planned by the preeminent student-veteran organization, Student Veterans of America.

• Textbook Affordability
• Implemented already in multiple university systems across the country, an Open Educational Resource Grant Program would greatly benefit the student body. Open Source textbooks provide professors an affordable textbook option that provides the same information as a hard copy textbook.



Tangibles

Through the Office of Governmental Affairs, FSU SGA has been the primary entity who advocated for an Open Educational Resource Grant Program in the State of Florida, modeled after Grant programs in Texas, California, Georgia, North Carolina, Oregon, and New York. A Bill has been filled in the Legislature for an OER program. Additionally, FSU SGA has been an advocate of University Libraries Grant Program and student representatives serve directly on both the Open Educational Resource Committee and the Alternative Textbook Grant Committee both under University Libraries.

• General Student Advocacy
• Advocate for students across the campus and our university through individual advocacy goals and projects that spread across multiple disciplines within campus and don't overlap with specific platform points. Student advocacy is one of the primary roles of our student government, and we must exemplify this goal



Tangibles

The Student Government Association on a daily basis advocates for the Student Body.

ENGAGE THE STUDENT BODY

• Council of Presidents
• Through the retreat, student leaders within all areas of the Student Government Association will be able to build connections with one another, receive training for their roles, and increase collaboration opportunities with their programming. The retreat will foster cohesiveness and dialogue between organizations that otherwise do not get the opportunity.



Tangibles

The Executive Branch hosted our retreat in Tallahassee at the FSU Reservation in August.

• Cultivate Relationships Across FL with other SGA’s
• To engage with fellow Student Governments across the State of Florida and throughout the State University System to exchange ideas, collaborate on initiatives, and advocate for student issues such as College Affordability.



Tangibles

The Steinberg, Lee, Dawkins administration has continuously prioritized the importance of engaging with other Student Governments. In August, the Student Government Associations of TCC, FAMU, & FSU alongside Mayor Dailey of Tallahassee filmed a Welcome video - welcoming all students to Tallahassee and to the start of the academic year. Additionally, both administrations at FSU & FAMU have prioritized attending events at each institution including FAMU & TCC attending a Student Senate meeting at FSU, as well as FAMU and FSU speaking together at a CARE GBM, as well as FSU attending FAMU inauguration in the fall.

Additionally, FSU has made it a priority to attend Florida Student Association meetings which occur monthly, and also attending the annual ACC Days at the Capitol conference in Washington D.C. alongside the other ACC Student Government Associations.

Over the summer, FSU SGA made it a priority to visit the Panama City Campus to visit their Student Government Council, in order to best understand the needs of their students. We visited with students, faculty, staff, and administration on the campus including their Student Government Council President and the Dean of the College of Applied Studies and of the Panama City Campus, Dean Hanna. Panama City has also visited the Tallahassee campus two additional times, to network with our Student Government leaders and to learn more about initiatives to bring back to Panama City.

• Personal & Professional Development
• The Student Government Association serves the student body by empowering them towards future success. Through increased exposure and accessibility to the current resources and programs, students will be able to develop their personal and professional skills.


• Electric Scooter Program
• Parking is becoming an increasingly difficult issue on campus and to alleviate this, The Executive Branch wants to create an electric scooter program.



Tangibles

Beginning in July 2019, the administration had conversations with various scooter companies about their introduction to FSU's campus, including Bird and Lime. Once electric scooters were introduced to the City of Tallahassee, the University Administration decided the geofence would not include the FSU campus, slowing the progress on this platform point. These conversations are ongoing with University Administration and the City of Tallahassee and will continue if the scooter trial with the City is continued.

• Navigating College Test
• The test will be provided for students prior to involvement fair where they will be given a list of suggested Registered Student Organizations to join based on the results of the test. The test will be created in partnership with Nole Central and Student Activities.


• Nole60:First/Last Day Challenge
• The challenges are an interactive way to engage the freshman and seniors of the Student Body. The first 60 days of college usually set the bar for the years to come and the last 60 days of college are the final moments before graduation.
  
  

  Tangibles

  This initiative is ongoing through Press Secretary Francis and Student Body Vice President Lee

• Student Sustainability
• In partnership with the Office of Student Sustainability (OSS), the Recycle Bike program will be extended to provide services for students to rent bikes on a daily or weekly basis.


• Seminole Spirit
• Florida State University is rich of traditions, especially within Athletics. In partnership with organizations, such as Seminole Boosters and the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, we want to develop a new spirit organization comprised of students who are filled with Seminole Pride.



Tangibles

The Student Government Association is dedicated to our partnership with other student organizations such as the Seminole Student Boosters and the Student Athletic Advisory Council. SGA worked with Student Boosters organization on a variety of initiatives including the implementation of the NoleZone student section initiated through the Men's Basketball Program. SGA was involved in the planning, coordination, and support of the NoleZone in the early phases - and will continue to do so as the student section continues to grow. Furthermore, SGA was integral in coordinating the first annual Welcome Week Pep Rally aimed as a tradition for new students, to interact with our Athletic Coaches and other facets of the University community including SAAC and NPHC.

• General Student Engagement
• Engaging the student body through general initiatives that don't fall within specific platform points to provide a holistic experience for the student body across different aspects of campus and our community.



Tangibles

Through GBM's and multiple co-sponsorships with the vast organizations on campus have been executed throughout the semester targeting all students at FSU to bring the community together.

ENHANCE CAMPUS SAFETY

• Accessibility
• Accessibility on campus is a major issue that is in constant need for advocacy, since accessibility is always improving. At Florida State University, we are committed to providing a quality education to all qualified students or any other legally protected group status.



Tangibles

Plausible ideas to further implement housing safety mechanisms are being reviewed and discussed with FSU Administration and FSUPD.

• Allies and Safe Zones
• Allies & Safe Zones 101 is a three-hour basic training in contemporary LGC that is taught by an Allies & Safe Zones coordinator. The development program that is facilitated through the offices of the Student Government Association is a resource that is not heavily utilized by students. As Seminole Allies, promote the program will encourage awareness on various identities represented on the campus, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.


• Gender Inclusive Housing
• Gender Inclusive Housing is an option where two or more students share a multiple occupancy regardless of students’ gender, sex, identity or gender expression. As such, individuals who are same gender or other gender identities are able to live together regardless of biological sex.


• Housing Safety
• In order for students to feel safe while living on-campus at Florida State, it is important to prevent non-residents from easily entering residence halls. By understanding and accessing our current University Housing security systems, we can work to strike a balance between accessibility, community, and safety to give students the best possible experience.



Tangibles

During the #AllAccess Disability Awareness Week, the Student Government Association launched a social media campaign in order to educate fellow students on how to best be inclusive and how to be better allies for students with disabilities at Florida State University.

Secretary of Accessibility Winn assisted in a partnership with University of Choice and Student Alumni Association to introduce the first Inclusion Award, which was included in the Homecoming Parade festivities. Homecoming floats were judged on various accessibility categories including visual accessibility, mobility, and sound. The float that was considered "most accessible and inclusive" was recognized by University of Choice.

Secretary of Accessibility Winn continues to work on initiatives to increase Accessibility within the Student Government Association.

• Partner with Autism focused Organizations
• There are numerous students who attend the University that are personally affected or know individuals with developmental disabilities. With the Student Government Association’s platform, there is a need to raise awareness on the stigmas the community faces.



Tangibles

This initiative is ongoing through Secretary of Accessibility Winn

• Partnership with Title IX
• The kNOw More Campaign is an initiative aimed at the prevention of sexual violence. In partnership with kNOw More, SGA will help to facilitate and promote trainings and programming to increase student engagement.

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• Mental Health Resources
• Removing the stigma surrounding mental health are becoming more prominent on campus, it is important to also ensure accessibility and availability to mental health resources on campus. An unprecedented number of students in recent years are seeking mental health services for a plethora of issues. There is a growing demand to provide additional professional counseling services. Various studies have indicated that both poor physical health and mental health have negative impacts on life



Tangibles

This initiative is ongoing through Secretary of Health & Wellness Guzman and Student Body President Steinberg

• General Campus Safety and Wellness



Tangibles

The Executive Branch has an ongoing close partnership with the FSUPD to brainstorm ideas and initiatives to ensure a safer campus for all. Student Body President Steinberg and Student Body Vice President Lee participated in a ride-along with FSUPD in the Fall Semester in order to learn more about the strategies FSUPD utilizes to keep campus safe during patrols. Additionally, the Student Government Association partnered with the Center for Health Advocacy & Wellness and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life for FSU's Hazing Prevention Week in order to engage students and host student roundtables on the event. Furthermore, as stated on the Office of Governmental Affairs Legislative Agenda, SGA will be advocating for campus safety initiatives to the Florida Legislature.

AWARENESS & TRANSPARENCY

• Educating students on the RSO funding process
• Informational videos to walk students through the funding process. “FSU SGA Finance Videos” will help student leaders through our funding process.



Tangibles

Student Body Treasurer Dawkins hosted a Financial Literacy Workshop in October in order to educate organizations on how they can secure funds from SGA. Additionally, Student Body Treasurer Dawkins provided insight to students during his -outside of the office, office hours-

Student Body Treasurer Dawkins has completed the filming of the Financial Literacy Video, and the video is currently being developed.

• Food for Thought
• event will allow students to create connections with members of all branches of the Student Government Association, thus providing an opportunity for student engagement. This event will allow students to continuously be engaged with our legislative and executive branches.



Tangibles

The Executive Branch has hosted three 'Food for Thought' events. The first event was hosted over the summer in thagard, where all students could meet members of the Executive Branch where we hosted a Taco Bar open to all students. Secretary of Student Engagement Duncan planned and coordinated our annual Welcome Back BBQ hosted by the Student Government Association in the Fall Semester where over 600 students attended. Additionally, Student Body Vice President Lee recently hosted a Friendsgiving event in collaboration with our Six Identity Based Agencies.

• Monthly Calendar/Newsletter
• To increase transparency and engagement with students through the various social media platforms and keep the student body updates!



Tangibles

Please see the Executive Branch Newsletter which is located under the Executive Branch tab on the SGA website.

• Outside the Office, Office hours
• GOAL I: Einsteins with Evan, Subway with Stephanie, Chick fil a with Caleb, JStreet Grill with Jayne, Mein Bowl with Max, Seminole Cafe with Cabinet



Tangibles

Through the efforts of Press Secretary Francis and Secretary of Student Engagement Duncan all members of the Executive Branch and the Executive Cabinet hosted 'Outside of the Office, Office Hours' in November all throughout campus in order to outreach to different areas of campus.

• #Voices of FSU Campaign
• Analogous to the podcast/video series, the social media campaign highlights students, particularly student members of organizations, on an area of advocacy they are passionate about. Leadership comes in various forms, and through the social media campaign, students from different corners of campus outside of SGA will have an opportunity to use their voice.
  
  

  Tangibles

  VAM Podcast, Our Voices, Our Advocacy, Our Movement, is a student-led podcast, which was inspired from vires, artes, mores. With an overall purpose to empower students with the stories and experiences of fellow students at FSU, the podcast creates a space for students to share about their experiences on realities of life and college. The first two episodes were filmed and launched by Secretary of Co-Collegiate Affairs Janvier in November.

• Syllabus Bank
• This venture will be able to provide students with the ability to review syllabi from undergraduate and potentially graduate courses prior to registration. Enacting a Syllabus Bank will clarify and improve the registration process for students & faculty.




Tangibles

This initiative is ongoing through Student Body President Steinberg

ACCOUNTABILITY

• AnnualReports
• The Student Government Association will release annual reports at the end of each administration that highlights the successes and downfalls on the initiatives and goals of the administration. These reports will be accessible in a database where other administrations can utilize for future programming and projects



Tangibles

This initiative is ongoing through Secretary of Fulfilment & Strategic Initiatives Garner

• Campus Survey
• A campus survey on the SGA website will be a means in which the student body can anonymously express their concerns and submit initiatives they desire to see. As SGA serves as a liaison for students and the faculty, the survey will be taken to faculty once the results are tallied. The survey will be sent out to all students through FSU emails and will be linked on the my.fsu.edu page.



Tangibles

This initiative is ongoing through Secretary of Fulfilment & Strategic Initiatives Garner

• Platform Tracker
• Through a platform tracker, students will be able to keep the members of the Executive Branch accountable and students will be able to see the progress of the platform!



Tangibles

The Platform tracker was launched in the Fall Semester in order to portray the progress of the Steinberg, Lee, Dawkins Platform.

At the December 3rd, SGA Recap event coordinated by Student Body Vice President Lee - the Executive Branch as well as other areas of SGA were able to portray progress on initiatives through the semester. Additionally, Press Secretary Francis was able to launch a social media campaign also portraying how the platform has progressed.

• SGA Leadership
• Increase communication between branches of the Student Government Association in order to ensure our Student Government Association is operating in the most efficient manner possible.



Tangibles

The Executive Branch/Executive Cabinet has had a representative at every Senate meeting this Fall to give updates on behalf of the respective groups. This will continue into the Spring semester Senate meetings.

• SGA Strategic Plan
• Strategic Plan for SGA in order to provide continuity between each administration of the executive branch and through each student senate, in order to eliminate the number of projects that remain uncompleted during transition and to provide direction to the Student Government in order to best provide for the student body and enhance the efficiency and capacity of SGA.




Tangibles

This initiative is ongoing through Secretary of Fulfilment & Strategic Initiatives Garner.

FURTHER FSU STRATEGIC PLAN

• Goal II: Amplifying Excellence Across our Academic Research
• As a university currently increasing in the ranks, our Florida State degree should demand respect across the world. Florida State reputation as being excellent is rooted in the idea that our academic programs and research are forever gaining national recognition. For that reason, we deem it necessary to support the strategic point of innovating and encouraging student investment.



Tangibles

This initiative is ongoing through Secretary of Fulfilment & Strategic Initiatives Garner

• Goal III: Realizing the full potential of Diversity and Inclusion
• As a nation that is increasingly becoming more culturally aware, it is incredibly important that we promote and support the full efforts of making Florida State a more diverse campus. With programs like Unconquered Scholars, and the C.A.R.E. Department we want to support the universities interest in making students feel heard and educated.



Tangibles

This initiative is ongoing through Secretary of Fulfilment & Strategic Initiatives Garner

• Goal V: Preparing our Graduates for 21st Century Careers
• As the institution grows, the workplace is forever becoming more challenging. By growing and evolving we can continue to help our peers focus on their ambition, new talent and cultivate broader perspectives.