2007-2008 Student Government Elections

It’s that time of year again. Time for you to fish out your student ID’s and go down to the student lounge and vote for your student government president for the 2007-2008 school year.
One candidate is Christopher Buckler. Buckler joined USF St. Petersburg Student Government in 2003, when he promptly gained respect as a College of Business Representative on the Capital Investment Trust Fund committee, where the Residence Hall One and Parking Structure were birthed. In his participation in the Athletic Fee Committee, Chris Buckler worked to moderate an athletic fee increase proposed by Lee Roy Selmon. Towards the end of 2003, Buckler was a founding member of SAFE TEAM, a student run program that works with University Police to help promote and ensure campus safety, at USF St. Petersburg. Buckler was also among the legislators that brought the SAFE TEAM proposal to the table. From 2003 onward, Buckler earned the respect of his constituents and peers.
In 2006, Buckler established the Student Government Department of Marketing and Public Affairs, enabling a new era of marketing within SG. The department will be responsible for promotions about student events and SG sponsored projects.
When students demanded more campus improvement, Buckler took initiative as a founding member of the Outdoor Recreation Courts Workgroup to establish a campus beautification project that includes two sand volleyball courts and two basketball courts, where the rubble from the Fountain Inn demolition once was.
The other candidate running for presidency is Mindy Smith. Mindy started out as a senator in the 2005/2006 term. Along with the rest of Student Government, she had a hand in the building of Residence Hall One and the new parking garage. They also surveyed students and got the ball rolling again with the concept of a much needed Student Union. They lobbied senators in Tallahassee, and finally they believe they are being heard!
During the 20065/2007 term, she started out as Secretary and was later voted to serve as Vice President of Student Government. While serving in this position, she chaired the Homecoming Committee and Community Outreach Committee.
To build a better bond with our community and share our Bull Pride, she, along with the rest of Student Government and the USF community, incorporated a food drive into the homecoming festivities. They received hundreds of cans of food that were donated to a local women’s shelter. Student Government also made relationships with several businesses in our local area, which they nurtured throughout the year, in hopes of starting their own version of Tampa’s “Bull Market” next year, which she hopes will eventually generate more revenue for students to use.
She also worked closely with the Ronald McDonald House, Junior Achievement, local charities and shelters, the Museum of Fine Arts, Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Race for the Cure and several others to increase the awareness and student involvement in volunteering and the outside community. She put in several hours and helped many in need with these organizations.
She was also in charge of the Clubs and Organizations Council. In 2006/2007, they created an incentive program for new clubs and organizations on campus and far have over 30 registered groups. However, they are working hard to increase this number continuously. Anyone who has been around for the last two years can tell you there has been a drastic change in student life. We are quickly and surely getting out of that “commuter campus” status.
Finally, Mindy also worked hard to help build the outdoor recreation facility. With the addition of the two basketball courts and two sand volleyball pits, USF is now able to hold more intramural activities and host tournaments with fellow area teams. There is also room for other ideas in the grassy area, such as a picnic area, grills and seating.
Mindy also says that if she is chosen as the next Student Government President, she will try and do the following things to help better the USF St. Petersburg community and campus:
--Continue to work hard to increase student activities and participation.
--Work with the USF St. Petersburg Police and others to increase campus safety.
--Work closely with the treasurer, senate, students and administration to work through our current budget, working to make it more cost sufficient and geared to what’s best for all students at USF St. Petersburg.
--Push hard for a much needed Student Union, the living room of the campus.
--Continue to help our awesome intramural, fitness, waterfront and sailing programs grow.
--Continue to help our clubs and organizations flourish. Create incentives for volunteering to increase community outreach.
--Encourage the improvement of student facilities currently on campus. (gym, club room, game room)
--Help to straighten out the structure of our current Student Government to make ourselves more efficient, credible and more student-centered.
--Create more opportunity for students to get involved and be heard.
Students, it’s time to make your decision and go vote for your Student Government president for the 2007-2008 school year.