Hey Gator Nation,
It’s hard to believe the second week of Summer B is already over. Whether you were working, taking classes or just taking it easy, I hope you have all had a safe and productive first half of Summer. I’m happy to write to you today to give some updates from your Student Government. We received many great applicants for Summer staff positions, and they've been able to accomplish so much already.
I am happy to announce that beginning this Fall we will be hosting regular meetings with the Gainesville City Commission, Gainesville Police and University Police. This is part of my commitment to working with the local community to ensure that a healthy dialogue is created between members of the UF and Gainesville communities. External Affairs Chairwoman Emily Dempsey is working hard to ensure these meetings are successful, and the first one is scheduled for early September. These meetings will give students the opportunity to voice their concerns with our local government and to foster a greater sense of civic engagement.
Accent Speakers Bureau Chairman Greg Wolf hosted Accent’s first show during Summer A, featuring Emmy award-winning journalist Byron Pitts. Pitts spoke about the importance of education and how to use our own privileges to help others be successful. The Summer Accent show was part of SG’s efforts to engage with Innovation Academy students, who are an essential part of the Gator Nation.
As many of you know, June was LGBTQ+ Pride Month. One of my campaign promises when I was running to be Student Body president was to foster an inclusive environment that focuses on representation here at UF. With this, I used my power of executive order to officially recognize Pride Month this year. It has been awhile since a Student Body president has utilized executive orders, but I felt it was essential to use the resources I have available to support students. At UF we need to support all of our students and their diverse identities. An inclusive community can only make us stronger as we aim to be a top-five public institution. Beyond our campus community, it is clear the fight for LGBTQ+ equality is not over, and we must always look at what we can do here to stand with marginalized groups.
As we all know too well, Summer at UF means taking classes in “Rainesville.” To help students stay dry, SG and U Matter, We Care within the Dean of Students Office will provide backpack rain covers for students. These can be used to keep textbooks, computers and anything else you may keep in your backpack dry from the elements. These will be provided a little later in the summer, so be on the lookout for those!
Finally, I’m happy to let you all know that applications are still open to join university committees. These committees give students the chance to provide their input on a number of issues and initiatives on campus. Applications for committees are due Friday and can be found at ufsa.ufl.edu/students/committees/university_committees/.
SG has been working hard for students throughout the summer. I am looking forward to seeing all that we can accomplish on behalf of every Gator. Thank you for taking the time to stay informed, and as always…
Go Gators!
Ian Green
Student Body President
