Stay Safe During Spring Break

I'm sure I don't have to tell everyone that today is the last day of classes before Spring Break!  Many UF students will be traveling during this break, so I wanted to pass along some safety tips:

Driving
If you're taking a road trip for spring break, switch drivers every few hours.  "Highway Hypnosis" and driver fatigue are among the leading causes of automobile accidents.  For the love of all things holy, DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!  Call a cab, appoint a designated driver, or get a tow truck to take you and your car to a safe location.  It's not worth it and you're too important to take that risk.

Flying
By now most of us are accustomed to TSA's security procedures.  Make sure any fluids you take on the plane are less than 3.4 fl oz, check hygiene items like nail clippers and razors, and be aware of your surroundings.

Cruising
Cruises are one of the most popular Spring Break travel options.  Remember to stay in groups and watch for suspicious characters.  There are people who make a living on the island ports of call preying on vacationers.  Watch for pickpockets and keep your wits about you.

International Travel
International travel is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have.  My mom is from Germany and I've had the opportunity to visit my family in Europe numerous times.  Remember that the laws in countries you're visiting are probably different from the laws in the United States.  Check the State Department's website for any travel advisories, make a photo copy of your passport, and brush up on the native language if you don't already know it.

Sun
I think the most common Spring Break goal is to get a tan.  It's certainly on my list of this to do this week.  Be sure to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays.  Whether you're skiing in Colorado, or enjoying the beaches of Cozumel, be sure to lather up.  The CDC recommends at least SPF 15 and urges everyone to wear sunglasses with 100% UV ray protection.

Drinking
Everyone wants to have a good time, and many UF students will enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two. There's a Cosmo with my name on it after my last exam today.  I want everyone to enjoy their Spring Break, but I also want to see every student back on campus on March 10th.  Know your limit.  Don't over indulge and stick with friends who will tell you when you've had enough.  And again, DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!

U Matter, We Care
The Dean of Students Office launched the U Matter, We Care initiative to develop at community of care here at UF.  If you or someone you know needs help over Spring Break call the U Matter, We Care help line at 352-294-CARE, visit umatter.ufl.edu or email umatter@ufl.edu there are over 70,000 Gators and not a single one to spare.

Have a great Spring Break and I look forward to seeing everyone back on campus to finish the semester!

Legislative Preview

As we enjoy Spring Break next week, the Florida Legislature will begin its 60 day session.  In preparation for the upcoming Session, I wanted to provide a quick update on our lobbying efforts.

Veterans Tuition

Both Speaker Weatherford and President Gatez have supported a large bill that would make Florida one of the friendliest states for veterans.  Included in this legislation is language that would grant in-state tuition to veterans at all public Florida institutions.  I thank Reps. Peters and Fitzenhagen as well as Sen. Latvala for their leadership on this important issue.  I also thank Speaker Weatherford and President Gatez for their support of our veterans that have chosen to live in Florida after their service to our country.

Newell Hall

Securing funding to transform Newell Hall into a student study center is one of, if not my biggest priority this session.  Inadequate study space on campus has been an issue for far too long, and repurposing Newell Hall is a fantastic solution to that problem.  I look forward to working with Chairman Negron in the Florida Senate and Chairman McKeel in the Florida House of Representatives to secure the funding we need to make this plan a reality.  

Renewing PECO Funding

A proud UF alumnus and Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam recently unveiled a plan to help Florida Businesses and Florida's Schools.  Historically, the construction of educational buildings and maintenance of school facilities was funded through Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO).  Over the past few years, the funding for PECO has nearly dried up and florida schools are left with infrastructure that is rapidly deteriorating.  Commissioner Putnam, along with the leadership of fellow Gator Sen. Flores and Rep. Hill, proposes cutting corporate energy taxes in half and redirecting the remaining revenue to the PECO program, which provides funding for Florida's university system as well as K-12 schools.  

This plan benefits UF students in two obvious ways: First, the State of Florida will now have a dedicated funding source for PECO and will be able to allocate money for new facilities and maintain existing infrastructure.  Second, the reduced tax burden on businesses will make Florida more competitive, attracting more businesses to Florida and creating more jobs for Floridians (including college graduates like us!).

Stay tuned to my blog and SG's social media for more information about how you can help lobby the Florida Legislature.

Go Gators!

BEAT VANDERBILT!

After Syracuse's two losses last week, Florida is looking pretty good in the national rankings.  I'm not going to say anything outright, but this basketball season feels like it could be 2006 or 2007.

Tomorrow our Men's Basketball Team will travel to Nashville to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores.  Florida Basketball is on a 19 game win streak, boasting a 25-2 record.  After two exciting wins over Auburn and Ole Miss, the Gators have a lot of momentum going into Tuesday's matchup.  Vanderbilt is currently 15-11 overall and 7-7 in the SEC.  Tuesday's game will tip off at 7:00 and can be seen on ESPN.

Finally, keep tweeting at Justin Timberlake to bring him to Gainesville for the Kentucky game.  JT's twitter handle is @jtimberlake.  Be sure to use the hashtag #BringJT2UF

Florida Basketball!

Election Results

First, let me congratulate all of the candidates in this most recent election.  I know first hand that the slating process is difficult and competitive, so congrats to all whose names appeared on the ballot.

I'm excited to announce that Cory Yeffet, Vivan Nguyen, and Elliot Grasso have won their races for Student Body President, Vice President and Treasurer.  I worked extensively with Cory and Elliot during my tenure in Senate and have seen Vivan's exceptional work in her current role in cabinet.  I am confident that these leaders will have a lasting positive impact on student life here at UF.  As Joselyn, Jayce, and I finish the remainder of our terms we will be working with the newly elected officers to ensure a smooth transition.

Finally, congratulations to all of the voters in this election.  Participation in the democratic process is essential to ensure its longevity.  Thank you to all who took time to cast your vote and to make your voice heard.

Vote Today!

Me and Treasurer Jayce Victor after voting

It's hard to believe that it has been a year since Joselyn, Jayce, and I ran for office!  It always amazes me at how fast time goes by.  Nonetheless, we have made it to another election season and TODAY is the last day to vote.  Regardless of which party you support, I encourage everyone to vote.  Voting is the backbone of democracy and an active electorate is the best way to ensure effective representation.

I voted early yesterday morning, but you can vote until 8:30 tonight at the following locations.  All you need is your Gator1 Card.

• Broward Hall Basement
• Bryan Hall study area on the second floor (Near Room 212)
• CSE – Main room until 4:30, then location moves to Marston Library
• Health Science Center C2-041C
• Jennings first floor library
• Law School (Bruton –Greer)- side hallway near cafeteria
• Marston Science Library Main room
• Murphree Area Commons Conference Area Room 106
• Reitz Union Computer Lab (now located on the ground floor)
• Southwest Rec Center – Café near entrance on the left side
• Springs area office room C 202
• Veterinary Medicine Academic Bldg. Education Center, Room V1-104

Reitz Construction App

Good Morning and Happy President's Day!  Today I want to let everyone know about an exciting app that can keep students informed with the Reitz Union Renovation and Expansion project.  Skanska, the construction company that is in charge of the Reitz Renovation, has made this app available for free to students and members of the community.

Project Corners is an iPhone app developed by Skanska to connect the community to our projects. It is currently offered on iTunes for free download. It allows students and the community to stay up-to-date with photos, the team, news and more. The team is updating it several times a week so there is always something to see and learn. Whether you are looking over the fence, observing from the 3^rd floor Reitz, or viewing the live feed camera, Project Corners will cover what is going on.

As construction continues some student services will be relocating temporarily.   I know these relocations can be inconvenient, but the benefits of our new union will be well worth it!  Here are a few services that have recently relocated:

• Student Legal Services: 215 Walker Hall
• SG Finance: Portable on the North Lawn, West of CRC

Young Leaders Conference

Today is the first day of YLC, a weekend-long conference that brings high school students to UF's campus to learn about themselves and how they can become better leaders.  The students participating in YLC will be spending time on campus, at Lake Wauburg, and in the areas immediately surrounding campus.

I will be speaking to the YLC participants as part of the opening ceremonies tonight.  Here is a transcript of some of the things I will say:

Welcome to the University of Florida.  My name is Christina Bonarrigo and I currently serve as the Student Body President here at UF.  YLC is an exciting weekend where high school students meet other leaders from across the state and hone their leadership skills.  Over the course of this weekend, you will learn a lot about yourself, working in groups, and becoming leaders of groups and organizations.  

Most, if not all, of you have figured out the importance of being involved with organizations and activities in addition to the work you do in the classroom.  I firmly believe that the social experiences you have during school are just as important to your education as the academic work that traditionally defines high school.  Your involvement in sports, clubs, student government, and music groups connect you to the surrounding community and the leadership skills you learn this weekend will enable you to have a greater impact in those organizations.

In case you haven't noticed, the theme of this weekend is "Superheroes."  My favorite superhero is Superwoman.  Although I don't have super human speed and can't fly, the idea of working with others for the greater good has driven my desire to serve in student government.  I hope that over the course of this weekend, you will discover how you can improve the community around you.  I know Melina and her team have worked very hard to give you all the best experience possible and I hope you will find this weekend to be fun and informative.  Enjoy your time in the heart of the Gator Nation and Go Gators!

High Ropes Course to Open at Lake Wauburg

UF and the Department of Recreational Sports announced in October that they plan to add a High Ropes and Elements Challenge Course to the activities that are offered at Lake Wauburg's South Shore.  

Located in Micanopy, several miles south of UF's main campus, Lake Wauburg is a retreat for students and provides facilities for outdoor recreation, team training, and personal improvement.  The North Shore features aquatic activities including sailing, swimming, canoeing, paddle boarding, water skiing, and wake boarding.  The South Shore is primarily used for team training exercises.

I have personally been to a number of team training days at Lake Wauburg and am always impressed with the offerings that are available.  The new High Ropes and Elements Challenge Course will expand the breadth of offerings at the South Shore and will benefit students and faculty, as well as groups that are not affiliated with UF.  You can find more information about RecSports's Outdoor Team Challenge Course HERE!