UF is Dedicated to Creating More Study Space

Check out my Letter to the Editor that ran in the Alligator today:

President Machen recently unveiled a plan to create more student study space on the first floor of Marston Science Library.  I could not be more supportive of this decision.  According to the Student Experience in the Research University (SERU) survey, UF students identify more study space as the biggest need at UF. 
 
The plan to add study space for nearly 700 students is a much needed improvement.  Student Government recognizes the need for more study space, and we are working to create even more study locations on campus.
 
One of my biggest priorities this semester is to secure funding to transform Newell Hall into a study space equipped with the latest technology and infrastructure to support the needs of students in the 21st century.  Newell Hall, when combined with the new plans for Marston, will increase student study space by 40 percent.
 
I will be working with External Affairs Chair, Abby Whiddon to lobby the state legislature in the upcoming session, but we are going to need some help.  We will need the entire student body to help us show the elected officials in Tallahassee that renovating Newell Hall is a project worth investing in.
 
Go Gators,
Christina Bonarrigo
UF Student Body President

Florida Student Association

This Friday I will meet with the student body presidents from Florida's 10 other public universities in our monthly Florida Student Association meeting. We are gearing up for the spring semester and will focus on our spring legislative agenda.

FSA has the privilege to represent the 300,000 students that attend Florida's public universities.  The president of FSA serves on the State University System's Board of Governors and represents student interests in a state wide level. This semester, I am focusing on FSA's legislative agenda. As the external Vice President for the Florida Student Association, I am charged with organizing Rally in Tally, a day-long summit in Tallahassee where students from across the state voice their concerns about higher education in Florida and lobby the state government.

I'm looking forward to meeting with my friends from Florida's other public universities, and will continue to provide updates on what FSA is doing for students across Florida.

SGP Brings Dispatch to UF

SGP announced last week that Dispatch, the largest independent rock band in recent memory, will give a concert on February 7 at the Flavet Field Band Shell.  The outdoor concert is FREE and will be a great way to start the semester.

Dispatch started out in the early 1990's when three students at Middlebury College joined together to jam.  Since then, Dispatch has performed for hundreds of thousands of fans.  In 2004, Dispatch performed for 110,000 at Boston's Hatch Shell.  The band reunited in 2007 for a three-night benefit concert at Madison Square Garden.  The Garden sold out each night and raised funds and awareness for the poverty stricken country of Zimbabwe.

The success and popularity of Dispatch is attributed to an "underground network" of fans.  The band navigated the music industry on their own without the help of a major record label.  Despite this, Dispatch as seen their records in the top-20 of Billboard's internet sales charts and has played for sold out crowds across the country.

This concert will be one of the best events this semester and is something that you DO NOT want to miss!  Here's a link to the event page on Facebook: SGP Presents Dispatch! FREE @ UF

CLICK HERE to see Dispatch's YouTube Channel

Welcome Back to the University of Freezing

I've heard several people say that Gainesville has two seasons: Sumer and Not Summer.  So far, this week definitely falls into the "Not Summer" category with all the cold weather that the polar vortex is sending down to ruin our usually moderate winters.  The good news is that forecasters are expecting Saturday to warm up to 80º...only in Florida.  In the mean time, bundle up and stay warm.

Several days ago, we turned calendars over and celebrated the beginning of the new year.  Monday marked the beginning of a new semester.  The start of both the new year and the new semester present a time where students can make goals or resolutions about the coming semester or year.  Regardless of if your goals are to achieve a greater level of fitness or to earn a 4.0 for the semester, Student Government is here and ready to help.

I am looking forward to an active spring semester and finishing my term as Student Body President as strong as when I took office.  There are a number of things in the works for the spring semester.  First is the Mobile Blue Light Application that Student Government has been working on for some time.  We are expecting to launch the app later this month, so be on the lookout for more information in the coming weeks.

Another one of my primary focuses this semester will be to secure funding for Newell Hall.  Anyone who tried to use the library to study for final exams at the end of last semester is sure to realize that UF is lacking in study space.  Newell Hall will meet the needs of the student body by providing a 24-hour study facility that will provide students with the space and technologic infrastructure that we need to succeed in our classes.

Finally, Student Government is hosting an Open House on the 3rd floor of the Reitz Union this Thursday (tomorrow) from 12:00-3:00.  We will have light refreshments and information about everything we're doing this semester.  I hope to see you there!

Happy Birthday UF!

Today marks the 161st birthday of our beloved University of Florida.  In the past century and a half, the Gator Nation has grown to include 50,000 current students and over 370,000 alumni living in 135 different countries.  Gator alumni include the inventor of Gatorade, Dr. Robert Cade, nine former Florida Governors, two Nobel Prize laureates, three Heisman Trophy winners, Olympic medalists, authors, actors, comedians, and musicians.

In its 161 years, UF has seen the invention of the television, alumni John Atanasoff invented the digital computer, the rise of indoor air conditioning, two World Wars, a large portion of the Women's Suffrage movement, the Civil Rights movement, transition from an all male institution to a co-educational institution in 1924, and racial integration in 1958.

The Gator Nation has a large number of achievements to be proud of in our 161 year history and much to look forward to in coming years.  Our university is growing and expanding, and will soon be among the top ten public universities in the nation.  We are also unveiling the first ever fully online, 4-year degree program which launched this spring.  There has never been a better time to be a Gator.  Happy Birthday, UF.  Here's to 161 more fantastic years!

Here are some cool "Then and Now" pictures from locations around campus

Photos from http://www.dmarlin.com/uf-then-now/

FLC Presents: Food for Thought

Good afternoon Gators!

Finals are just around the corner, and we here at the UF understand that this can be a very stressful time for students. FLC is putting on another event tonight to give students the opportunity to get away from the textbooks, at least for a little while. Research has proven that those who take breaks while studying are able to perform better, anyways!

Come join us outside of Library West this Thursday from 8 to 10 p.m. for free food, refreshing drinks and to learn a few techniques about how to manage stress from different on-campus organizations. I have attended this in the past, and I can personally attest to how helpful it is.

Check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1426668687550863/ to get more information about this awesome stress-releiving event. Good luck with finals!

FLC Presents: Snow, Swamp, and Everything Chomp

Good afternoon Gators!

While everyone is studying for final exams as our semester draws to a close, I wanted to use today's post as an opportunity to spread awareness about an event being put on by the Florida Leadership Council that I am very excited about! Tonight at 6 p.m., join FLC for their Snow, Swamp, and Everything Chomp event that will definitely get you in the holiday spirit!

The event will take place at Weaver Beach, and the night will include hot chocolate, inflatables and even snow. The Florida Cicerones, another great organization at the University of Florida, will also be offering tasty treats by the grill and will be available to answer questions to any potential applicants. UF Hillel will also be providing latkes and wholesome view of the holidays! Tonight is a great opportunity to take a short break from studying to relax and enjoy the holiday festivities while also learning a little more about a few of the many prestigious on-campus organizations offered here. I hope to see everyone there.

Happy Holidays!