Former Student Body President Smith Meyers completed his term Tuesday, and President-elect Ian Green will take over today. Here’s a review of what suggestions the Impact Party made during Meyers’ campaigning that were accomplished or are in progress:
Spring 2017:
Simplify the degree audit so it is easier for students to understand —completed
Meyers made the degree audit program user-friendly by working with the One.UF committee to offer the degree audit and other student services through the new UF COMPASS program.
Improve crosswalk and traffic safety on campus — completed
Meyers and the UF Office of Transportation and Parking worked together to increase crosswalk safety on Gale Lemerand Drive by adding crosswalks and medians between Museum Road and Stadium Road.
Provide healthier food options at campus gyms — completed
Freshens was replaced with Shake Smart at the Reitz Union and the Southwest Recreation Center, which would bring healthier food options to students on campus.
Designate online testing locations — completed
Six rooms in Library West were designated for ProctorU and online exams where students can reserve the rooms to take exams. The room is equipped with a computer and webcam for testing needs.
Expand scooter parking — completed
Scooter parking for 45 to 55 scooters was added by Library West.
Fall 2017:
Ensure the input of students is taken into account through a campus-wide referendum regarding the location of a 24/7 SG-funded library — completed
A survey was created to consider which library to fund. In December, it was announced Library West and Newell Hall would be open 24/7.
Lobby for expansion of the Bright Futures Scholarship Program — completed
This was approved by Gov. Rick Scott at the end of the Florida legislative session.
Alleviate mental health concerns of students through the hiring of new psychologists for the Counseling and Wellness Center continuously over time to reflect the growing Student Body - completed
Eight new mental health counselors were funded permanently in November.
Enhance the student experience by introducing the first ever UF spring music festival — completed
The Wetlands Music Festival took place at the end of February, attracting about 3,000 attendees, according to Alligator archives.
Other:
Laundry grant — complete
Former Student Body Treasurer Revel Lubin started a program to offer students in need a free $30 laundry card for washers and dryers in residence halls.
Lobby for health and wellness center — completed
Although the funding wasn’t approved, Meyers lobbied for the funding for a new center that would include a gym, infirmary and a counseling and wellness hub on Norman Field. It would’ve cost about $90 million and been about 260,000 square feet.
Contact Christina Morales at cmorales@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter at @Christina_M18.
