To all you students who are new to UF, welcome to the next four years of your life. Returning Gators, try to cut the freshmen some slack and welcome back as well.
We have a lot to look forward to in the next year. Whether you'll be busy cheering on our defending champion Gators football team or studying to be a future leader of the world this year, I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the goals my administration has been able accomplish as well as give you an idea of things you can look forward to this fall. Some of these goals have included everything from securing 300 parking spaces for students in the new parking garage to nearly completing the plan for an extended-hours study area. Most of the things we have completed were focused on areas of technology and student safety.
This summer contained a period of technological expansion on campus in which we were able to increase the usability of WebMail by including e-mail forwarding to Gmail and Yahoo. We also renovated the Student Government Computer Lab to double the number of computers. This will also double the number of students able to print at one time when the lab reopens today.
Another major topic that my administration has worked tirelessly on is student safety. Facing a rising rate of muggings and burglaries in and around campus, I personally worked to shed light on the problem by partnering with local law enforcement to create an awareness program for the fall semester. My administration worked hand in hand with the local Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and local law enforcement on the "$103 to Life" Seat Belt Campaign that urged Gainesville residents to wear their seat belts. My administration was also able to increase the amount of SNAP vans and expand operating hours to better provide nighttime security for students.
But this is only the beginning. There are still many issues facing UF that I hope to confront this semester. This very week my administration will be kicking off the "Be A Smarty, Think Before You Party" campaign. This is a DUI prevention campaign that will include the promotion of the newly extended SNAP as well as Later Gator bus routes, and the Fabulous Rides scooter pickup service. Starting today, you can call 877-RIDE-UF1 to be connected to our safe ride dispatch to any of these services. But we don't plan on stopping there. This fall we will be tackling sustainability issues like motion sensors, paper recycling, working to increase the number of exercise classes available to students and, of course, continuing to represent the students like you on the issues that concern you most while still providing quality entertainment and services.
Since my administration took office on May 1, we have been able to get real results for students, and with your help we can make sure more work is done. With the ingenuity of the students at the flagship university of the state and the will to do what must be done, I'm sure that we can make our campus a better place. I look forward to an exciting year. Go Gators!
Jordan Johnson is the Student Body president at the University of Florida.
