1 step forward, 2 steps back

The Greek community wants to know why GDI's hate them so often. Yes, it is because too often your weild considerable more power in SG, FBK, and apparently now Cicerones than your numbers represent. I am willing to even accept that until "average" students become engaged in SG (spring of 2004) that the Greeks will always have more power. I don't think the Greeks could run UF without the support from other groups (whether that is blacks, hispanics, asians, JSU, housing, republicans, democrats).

No, the real reason that Greeks anger students is because for every great thing that they do, they do 2 stupid things. Today's Alligator only seems to prove that

Panhellenic Council donates to fire victim is a great story of why someone would want to join a sorority. Here a person who is not even a member is helped by her potential sisters with little knowledge of who she is. This shows class, leadership, service. This shows why all UF students should be proud of an organization like PC and it's members.

Then we have Student accuses fraternity of hazing. A delightful tale about how yet another fraternity (PIKE--- is their reputation still of roid raging, unpolite to women (don't want to accuse them of something more serious) fraternity? if so why do women go near them?) accepted a Santa Fe student(can't do that), how they had pledges scrub the bathroom floor until they physically were bleeding, how they had pledges doing morning excercises after a night of partying, and how they were forced to recite stuff or have food thrown at them, and finally what can be best be described on comedy central's show Distraction, they are forced to do push-ups and sit-ups for wrong answers during pledge membership education.

UPDATE: I forgot to include the story in the gainesville sun about Phi Sigma Kappa and threatening of employees. Story Here


Now as a PR director which one do you think will stick in the mind of the university longer? Hazing which will have a follow-up story of what the judgement is on the fraternity, and then the punishment or a one time story of great service. While Greek on a Leash did talk about good hazing that is possible, some of this definitely does not seem to be that. This falls under the physical and mental damage thing. I am just tired of Greeks putting themselves on a pedastal of having higher ideals and values than the rest of the university and then doing this. This goes for all things: from ZBT and AGR's refusal to publically support their brothers during last year's election, to hazing, to the date rape accusations that will sadly occur this year.

My prediction is that3-4 fraternities will be gone this year, we already have our first in KA. PTI and Chris Bullins are taking doing a cleansing of sorts.




On a completely separate note: I would love to hear more comments on the need of an Asian Institute versus that of a multi-cultural center noted below.

Asian-American Cultural Director

Below you will find all the stories, I could find relating to the back story of the Asian American Institute, Director, and the certificate program. I know ASU also has a proposal up as well, and will add that as soon as I can find it. This provides ASU's continuous efforts. Agree or Disagree with what they are doing, they are persistent.

The question is Should we eliminate IBC and La Casita to create an enormous multi-cultural center that would be a place for all diverse groups or do we create the Asian Institute to go a long with IBC and La Casita? ASU wants a director as a half measure, similar to Tamara Cohen for GLBT Affairs, PTI wants a multi-cultural director. Not sure who a mutli-culutral director would serve, but lets let PTI make a case, maybe it is a good one.


News: Students hold demonstration for Asian Institute November 18th, 2003
News: Group aims to increase Asian American curriculum Dec 1, 2003
Guest Column:Asian students deserve own institute Dec 9, 2003
News: Senators push for Asian-American Center December 10th, 2003
News: Students Rally for Asian-American Studies Jan 13, 2004
News: Machen tackles UF issues(middle of the page) Jan14, 2004
News: ASU seeks Center Jan 15, 2004
News: Proposal submitted for Asian cultural center March 5, 2004
News: Asian, multicultural centers separate, dean says March 24, 2004
Letter to the Editor: Cultural Center should be High Priority September 1, 2004
Editorial: Asian-American students deserve cultural center September 2, 2004
News: Asian Student Union holds rally, calls for changes September 8th, 2004
News: Board OK's ASU plan September 15th, 2004
News: Students meet to discuss new Asian student institute January 27, 2005
News: Asian-American affairs post on Dean's "wish list" March 17, 2005
News: In move to acquire cabinet director, ASU changes name April 13, 2005

The honeymoon is over

I think it official, but Bernie Mac and PTI's honeymoon's are officially over with the university of florids student leaders and students. Bernie's war on the consumption of alcohol probably was good sign of it, his insistence on block tuition, his unwillingness it seems to engage the students in what they want the university of florida to be. If Bernie still wants to be the Student President that he once claimed to be, then he needs to start acting like it. We want you not just to listen to us, but heed what we say.

PTI pissed a lot of people off with her justifiable veto of Gator Growl money. When Dean Gene released his wishlist last year for new positions, the Asian Cultures Director was on it. Yet, we will be creating a multi-cultural diversity director (someone explain how this is better) don't we have Dr Gail Baker, who is Special Assistant to the President for Diversity. If this position were created, how would it be any different that the 3 other positions (IBC, La Casita, GLBTQ Affairs) that the Alligator already reports on existing. PTI will continue to anger students, she needs to explain herself and not run away from the students. Maybe there is a substaintial need for this position that we students don't know about. But until PTI stands up and explains herself than she will not get positive coverage.

34th Street Wall Memorial

A story in today's Gainesville Sun brought up the sensitive issue of Danny Rolling. Danny Rolling for those who don't know was a drifter that killed 5 people in a short time with 3 being UF students, two freshman, a Santa Fe Student, and a county employee. His horrible crimes were committed 15 years ago in August of 1990. He still though is on deathrow waiting for his execution.

This serves as a reminder to all out there from SG, to UPD, to GPD, to ACSO to the university of Florida students that safety is important. For students carry your cell phone, walk in pairs, excercise in pairs, take SNAP, do not take the trails after dark, cover your drinks at the bars. While I won't say any of those deaths would have been prevented through these actions, the harder you make it for someone to committ a crime, the less likely they will attempt it.

At this moment, I want to recognize the Inter-Fraternity Council. I have done so before on this matter, but I will do so again. IFC has committed itself to keeping up the 34th Street Wall Memorial.
This is the most unselfish thing that I can think of. Truly, this service project serves as a constant reminder of one of the most horrific cases in UF history.

I only wish IFC and PC and other organizations would discourage it's members from painting on the wall. No, not just by the memorial but the entire wall.The message of the wall loses a lot of significance when it is surrounded by birthday wishes and concert announcements. There are better ways to announce the pledge class of 2005, there are better ways of wishing a happy birthday. Just let the memorial be.

Jared, John, Diane oh my

I think have had it with the holy trio. Jared, John, and Diane are nice people, they really are. As of right now, I would tell you Johnnie Boy would have my vote, but things can change. I am upset though that we don't ever feel the need to include people outside of the SG world on the SG ticket. I mean if the Access Campaign of Spring 2004 taught us anything it is that, other organizations can mobilize and make a difference on this campus.

Jennifer Pucket was IRHA President and temporary Senator. She sat on a lot of housing and university committees, but definitely was not an SG person.

Dennis Ngin was ASU Treasurer. That's about it. He had other involvement, but his major claim to fame was being ASU treasurer. He managed to survive and win.

Look at the names we list over and over again.
John Boyles - Senate Pro-Temp
Diane Kassim - Senate President
Lindsay Cosimi - SB Treasurer (btw nobody is hotter than lindsay) and actually a good candidate
Jared Hernandez - Chomp the Vote, Senate Judiciary Member
Kevin Bacon - Impact Leader, 2 time cabinet member
Jackie Pace - Budget Chair
Stephanie Ducheine - Honor Court Chancellor

Where are the non SG candidates? Yes, I know basically every student has some small connection to SG in some way if they are involved, but the ones we talk about seem to have their main involvement in SG.

Some names to look at for any Exec position:

John Dicks --- Inter Fraternity Council President have met him a couple of times and seems to be a nice guy. He deals with many of the same issues that we expect SG to be involved in, freshman involvement, sexism, alcohol abuse, traditions, etc. Would garner a large backing of the Greek vote.

Ally Cullin --- OK she's a Republican, not my favorite people in the world, but still she now is the CLASSC President. She will deal with many of the issues that are always prevalent on campus, Academics and Student Participation in Politics. And with her involvement in the 2004 election, she knows how to get students involved in elections and political process.

E.J. Walicki --- Inter-Residence Hall Association (IRHA) President, basically putting him up means that you are trying to repeat Jennifer Puckett as VP in 2004. He deals with safety concerns, he deals with administration, he deals with getting Freshman involved. Would mobilize the Resident Assisstants and the dorm kids. Putting him up could also have the implications of a repeat of MacKenzie and Adam.

Sandy Chui --- Asian American Student Union President, AASU still has the same issues that they had before in 2004. They want a Asian American Institute (think IBC or La Casita). They want a director of Asian Culture. While maybe not Sandy, maybe a person within the organization.

Why do we only look at SG kids?
Why are non-SG kids not seen as viable options?
Was Travis Marsh for example really that far off in his ambitions in 2004?
As the new year starts, I hope that we find some non-SG kids to step up.

So want to change SG?

Every year it seems like one party truly dominates the election of Senatorial Candidates. The last time that President for Senate was even a competitive election was after Swamp versus Ignite. Which was the last time, the Greek party openly split apart.

One of the problems is turnout, the partial voting reform that occurred is a very small step in the right direction. But if Greeks are concerned that they could forever lose power, why not ensure that you will always have some power. This is where the idea of proportional representation comes in.

I really don’t care if the Greeks are the majority or the “Independents”, one party rule helps no one, though. One party means the group breeds complacency, a monopoly of power helps nobody. It serves students best interest if a minority and different views are present. Innovation only comes out of competition, capitalism has shown us that. Damnit I am sounding like Jason Sherry.

In our system, spending 8000 dollars to get elected and end up with one seat seems like a joke. I mean, where does the little guy even have a chance in a situation like that.

Instead, let’s change how we run elections. Our system of elections is like no other, we don’t elect the best representative, we choose the best 1 or 2 up to 13 in some cases. Unfortunately, many, if not all, people just vote the party. The top vote getters get the seats in a multi Senate district/college. This gives 5 Senators to the winners and 0 for the losers, usually. Some colleges may split (Graduate Group and Engineering this year), but more people voted against the Gator Party in the Liberal Arts College this year, but the Gator Party still ended up with all 5 seats. Why? The vote was split between Progress and Impact. Do the 5 Gator Party members truly represent the Liberal Arts College? I would argue, they probably don’t. I will admit that a vote for Progress or Impact is not necessarily a vote against the Gator Party, or if Progress or Impact were not in the race that they the other would have won. But there are definitely more non Gator Party votes than for.

My idea is proportional representation of each college and district. This would still allow the party majority party to claim the majority of seats in the college, but would also allow for the minority party to have their views shown as would be more realistic with this type of election.

In spring, Our Senate ended up like this:
Senators
Gator Party 38

Impact Party 6

Progress Party 1

Voice Party 1


For those interested in how I am going to come up the following numbers, I averaged the number of votes that the members of the party received in that college, added up all the averages, and came up with percentages, and applied those percentages to the number of seats available. I know math and stats majors are probably cringing, but go with me for a sec. I also discounted any “independent” candidates for the time being.

Below you will see the new totals, the only district that did not work well was the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, where Progress and Impact each received 1 seat, Gator received 2 seats, Voice did not have enough to merit a seat. Since the Gator Party, had the most votes, they received 3 seats.

New Senator Totals Number Added/Subtracted
Gator Party 29 -9
Impact Party 10 +4
Progress Party 5 +4
Voice Party 2 +1

The Gator Party still retains a commanding control of the Senate. Now, though they would have to be more conscious of the other parties, unlike now. This in my opinion would create a more reflective Senate. A Senate that actually mirrors the results would go a long way to smoothing over relations with the Student Body. Yes, the "Greek Party" could still win all 46 seats, but too often it seems that our Fall Elections are merely people jockeying for position for the Spring Elections. The Fall Elections usually don't have nearly as much money or turnout, but this would give the non-Greek backed party a reason to try and win. Sure they wouldn't win the single member districts too often, but they would win some seats in those large districts. This also allows for more people to get involved.

I will admit there are cons to such an idea:

First, we would forever kill the truly independent senator. No longer would a Paden Woodruff of Tolbert Area, Justin Lutin of engineering fame last year, the law school guy last year, and all the others be elected. Not slated, you are not running. It would kill individuality in these elections. No longer would you be able to vote for your friend in Party A and 2 other people in Party B .

It would also guarantee probably lower turnouts of volunteers. Why? In a sophomore race, there are 6 candidates. The top one will almost assuredly get a spot, the next two might get spots, the bottom 3 probably won’t unless there is little to no competition. If you don’t have a good chance of being elected, you might not campaign as hard or at all.

There are more cons to this, I am sure and please feel free to point any and ALL of them out. I just want to know why this is not viable here at UF. Because it isn’t American, neither are plurality votes where we vote for 13 people for one thing.

Thanks for reading.

Little League Update

Earlier I mentioned for everyone to cheer for Maitland, Florida in the Regional Playoffs for the Little League World Series, well they won. They are now representing the US Southeast and of course Florida. Watch the results here.

Also if anybody wants to find out more about the team and how tiny some of these players are. I encourage all of you to look here.

Yes, the coach is former Major League Baseball Player Dante Bichette.

Random Stuff

OK so Bernie and the Board of Trustees basically believe that our beloved University of Florida should become the "Harvard of the South" or some other stupid title like that. In reality Bernie's goal is to make UF a top tier institution that rivals the University of Michigan, UNC Chapel Hill, UC Berkeley and even Harvard. I don't fault the administration for that. But is Bernie really making it happen? Perhaps to much energy has been focused on removing alcohol from student's hands and not enough time, I don't know hiring professors, raising scholarship money for needy students, improving our facilities.

US News and World released it's annual rankings (which hold little actual weight, except in some obscures 12 graders and guidance counselor's mind) UF was ranked 50th, down two spots from last year and remains ranked 16th among public schools.

Hey Bernie, it could be those classes that close to 5000 or more people per class that might be doing it. Perhaps we should drop Man's Food and Wildlife Issues from our course schedule or require professors to teach more classes or higher more professors, I don't know SOMETHING that means that I don't have to schedule an appointment with a professor two months ahead of time.

Just to show why I hate these rankings, some schools that rank ahead of us are....
Tufts University
Lehigh University
UC-San Diego
University of Rochester
Case Western University
UC -Irvine
UC -Santa Barbara
Yeshiva University
UC -Davis (slight bias towards California schools, maybe?)
While I have heard of all of these schools, would ANYBODY really have attended these schools over UF?



Also final note, Bid Day is coming. For those of you that don't know Bid Day is when the new members of the sororities stand out on Norman Field and exactly all at the same time, open an envelope telling them which sorority they will dedicate their life to over the next 3 to 4 years or eternity. I have heard Panhellenic did something classy in telling the girls that would not receive bids not to come to the ceremony (nothing is worse than seeing the girl that is crying b.c she didn't get in). Bid Day is 6 pm on Tuesday. So light-up the BBQ, throw a couple of steaks on, and watch the fun and madness that is Bid Day. Good luck to any and all ladies that might be rushing, Gatorman wishes you all the best.

Traditions at UF

Just curious on what people consider to be some of the student traditions here at UF (seriously, not AEPi being ACCENT Chairs every year or other "legacies" but actual traditions)...

To name a few
Gator Growl/Homecoming
UF versus FSU/Georgia
Dance Marathon (only 11 years old)

any others?

Cabinets oh so many more

OK more Cabinets,

I am going to revisit some cabinets later, my opinion has changed on some of them, perhaps a little, but that will come much later.

Mentor/Mentee Cabinet is supposed to provide for freshman to be placed with veteran leaders and to learn the inner workings of their field of interest, normally SG. Now this sounds an awful lot like the Freshman Leadership Council to me, which was earlier discussed. This though I believe is a better alternative. It allows for everyone who wants a mentor to have one and for the mentee to be able to choose their field. Maybe a student could care less about Student Government (I know almost impossible to think) and wants to be involved in their engineering college or in the broadcast booth or with the Gator football team, but not get hit every day. This provides for that opportunity as long as there is a willing mentor in that field. Now while I don't have the numbers in front of me, I am willing to bet that 99% of the people that apply to be a mentee are interested in SG. Which as I stated is wonderful, I only wish they would get other involvement first before immersing themselves in SG. Actually, I almost wish that this program was required of all freshman and transfer students (yes, occasionally transfer students need help as well) or at least a better First Year Florida class that offered some of the better inner workings of UF.

Action: I generally like the cabinet, but I sadly don't know the success rate of the cabinet (would love if someone could point out some successful mentees). Despite not knowing the success rate, keep it. While not involved in this program, I remember my first fall semester when there were 3-4 sophomores on my floor in my dorm that acted as mentors to all of us. Those mentors knew the important stuff (no not just where I could get in under aged, but the stuff that makes life easier).

Multi Culturalism Affairs Cabinet is supposed to have multi-cultural organizations work together on issues. The liberal in me loves the word multi-culturalism, but having taken Professor Kelso's Normative Issues Class, you would understand that multi-culturalism isn't necessarily a good thing (don't judge Professor Kelso on that, go to the class and listen to the whole lecture, you will understand). I know this cabinet co-sponsors some programs with student organizations and honestly this must be hard cabinet to pick. You could have BSU, HSA, JSU, VISA, and ASU's Presidents all say that they want it and it would be hard to say that any of them don't deserve it. I am always for cooperation between organizations usually means an organization can do more with their money. I would also point everyone to Student Body Statute 561 which provides for a committee to be formed of seven of the largest cultural organizations on campus which is supposed to look at Diversity Programming. As with some of the other cabinets that I believe are duplicates, this could fall in that area, but I don't think it does. The idea is broad enough that sometimes there needs to a "power broker" that could sit these Presidents together and get ideas going.

Action: Keep it; I like cooperation between organizations. I like the fact that a statute based committee exists that is supposed to handle these issues helps to add power to this position, I would only like to see this position chair the committee rather than the SB Treasurer.

Back to the Cabinet

Since I still have a lot of cabinets to go, I figured I would cover some of them while we are waiting for classes to begin with again.

Last time, I highlighted two cabinets that I feel are worthwhile. Honestly, a motivated individual could make those cabinets very successful. I sadly have to follow that out with two more that are not of the same caliber.

Historian/Newsletter Cabinet is supposed to depict a clear and accurate account of all Student Government activities throughout the year. Now, I like the idea of this. Kind of sounds like what the Alligator is supposed to do. But I understand there are inner workings of organization, where a person like this can and could be useful. So my issue isn’t with what the cabinet does, but does this meet the need to be a Cabinet. To me, Cabinet Directors should be the Golden Gator Pin wearing members. They need to be affecting campus, the administration, and students. This task is important, but does this serve the students? A more effective and efficient Cabinet could result. Couldn’t this be one of those behind the scenes appointed people like Chief of Staff or a member of the VP’s staff?

Action: Keep the position; I like the position in reality. But Cabinet level does an injustice to the rest of the Cabinet Directors.

Internal Communications Cabinet is SG talking to SG. That’s really what it is. Don’t believe me here it is.
"ICC is responsible for notifying Student Government members of Cabinet activities and announcing all Cabinet meetings. This Cabinet is also responsible for coordinating communications between Student Government organizations and the three branches of government by:
• Maintaining a Student Government bulletin board in the office.
- This board must be eye-catching yet tasteful, and it must be updated regularly with Student Government's important information.
• Making the Student Government office a welcoming and cheerful environment."

This is a brand new cabinet, just made by Vice President Joyce Medina and approved by our Senate. Explain to me how this helps SG. Is it really that hard to put all the cabinet directors and assistant directors on a cabinet list serv and say, “Meeting Tonight 5 pm at the Swamp or another place”. For the love of all that is Jared Hernandez’s eaten shoes, why is this needed? Maintaining a bulletin board? That is worthy of a Cabinet position, one of the highest positions in SG.

I know 30 some senators tried to remove this cabinet this spring, while 33 upheld it. I just don’t understand why this is needed. To quote the minutes from 4/12/05, “Senator Bacon restated that the Statutes state that Cabinets are to provide programming, and Internal Communications would not provide programming.” Also noted, “was the proposed duties are really a secretary's job but everyone's responsibility and the work is already being done.” Why can’t this just be a member of staff?
I thank the Senators that tried to defeat this. I can only hope you succeed next time.

Action: Keep the position; remove it as a Cabinet position. This is another one of those positions that can be the VP’s staff. It is just another title that is being flung out there and bartered for people to have. It does not help students. Let’s change the name to call it “Office Secretary” and see how many people apply.

Rape: Talk about it, Prevent It

Nothing is scarier than a rape case. It truly is one of the most vile and disgusting crimes that can ever be committed. I am glad to see the government, is trying to do something to prevent rape on campus. Or at least give an outlet for people to talk about the incidents.

While I don't necessarily agree with Campus NOW's tactic of accusing of police of lying, I do agree keeping the focus on rape is a good thing. Everyone, most importantly women, should feel that there is a safe, unjudgmental environment that rape can be reported to. While you won't see me promote too many SG hopefuls, Jared Hernandez's article back in 2004 regarding sexual assault and the changes that need to occur within the Greek system, was very telling to me and gave me a lot of respect for Mr. Hernandez. As many of us gear up for the new academic year, here is to hoping that not only are no rapes reported, but there are no rapes committed on or off campus.

For only 80 cents a day...

Camera Zooms in on Sally Struthers as she stops in front of an abandoned Fraternity House.

Sally: Hello, My name is Sally Struthers from the hit TV Show All in the Family and Save the Children Campaign. I am coming you today to ask for your help in the Save the Greeks Campaign. At one point this house stood fill with life, now this house stands empty and many other houses may soon follow.

You may be aware of the plight of the poor Greek student. These students have been forced to fend for themselves in the brutal jungle that is the University of Florida. Often without the latest pair of Reefs or the newest Ralph Lauren Popped Collar Polo, these poor creatures can be found huddling around their new Cadillac Escalades for warmth. Many of them can't even afford their own 200-dollar tabs at the Swamp Restaurant every Friday Night.


These horrors must stop! I have made it my life's mission to save these Greeks and the Greek lifesyle. Today, I need you to keep my dream alive. For only 80 pennies a day you can adopt a Greek of your own. By sponsoring a Greek you will bring hope into a life that has not experienced anything but suffering. You have an opportunity to make a real difference.

Your donation will be used to pay for national dues, SG Election campaigns, excessive consumption of alcohol, new Croakies and Ray Bans, and the most ridiculously expensive clothing for your Greek. In return you will receive a monthly letter, hand written in crayon, from your Greek. He or she will update you on his or her last conquest in the bedrooms and their status among the Florida Blue Key Elite. In addition, you will receive copies of their bar tabs so that you know how screwed up their liver is going to be.

Now, you can choose your student's field of study, business or ummm... pre-law. When we receive your generous donation we will rush you a copy of your Greek's letters as well as a picture of him or her. Many of our foster parents even attend their students' hazing and subsequent expulsion, I mean graduation.

Please, before another one of these poor souls has to get a job doing anything productive, like working, not being in an alcohol induced stupor, or realizing there is life outside of their house - Help save the Greeks.

Don't adjust your Monitors that really is the color her face

Florida House Speaker Allan Bense (R) will not be making a run against US Representative Katherine Harris(R-District 13 Sarasota) for the 2006 US Florida Senate Seat. Forgive me while I celebrate, but Miss Harris is still not the choice of any of the leadership and she still pisses Democrats off when her name is mentioned. Even with Florida slowly becoming a Republican stronghold(they only control one statewide office, Senator Bill Nelson's spot), my bet is that Nelson beats Harris 53%-47%. There are rumors that US Representative Mark Foley (R-District 16 Palm Beach Gardens) might enter the race, that would scare me. Represenative Foley is a good man, popular in South Florida, but hasn't faced a major challenge since being elected, despite in a very viable Democratic district. Also I am sure that Swamp Pundette will talk about this in some manner as well (probably a lot more insightful than me).

In related news: Katherine Harris has accused the newspapers of altering her photos.

Little League Baseball

As summer comes to a close (21 days until classes start) I am reminded of some of my best childhood memories, Little League Baseball. Ahh those were the days. Riding my bike to Borough Field (3 fields, 1 softball/T-ball, 1 Little League, 1 Babe Ruth) and practicing in Mosquito Jungle. Starting in the local All-Star Game and then rallying from behind to win the game. Bruised and battered, excited that we beat some teams from far away cities that we never heard of. The only thing that was ever required was a popsicle and a rootbeer after the game.

If it only could stay that pure forever. Well, with summer winding down. The Little League World Series is coming. Florida will be represented by the young boys of Maitland in the Southeast Regional in St Pete's. August 12th at 5pm you can watch final of the Southeast regional on ESPN.

And even though George W. Bush supports Little League Baseball, I still love it.

So for those of you that wish to relive your glory days of playing baseball with friends. I encourage all of you to find some guys and gals, sign up to play intramurals. Also check out the fancy new recsports webpage as well.

Gator Party Platform Report Card

Well, nearly 18 weeks have passed since our fearless leaders were elected into the Senate. They campaigned long and hard for these issues. Let's take a look how they did. (Thank you to GOAL, for sending me the platform)

1. Protect Bright Futures and Stop Block Tuition

• Well the State Legislature has not been in session during their time, so I can't truly pass judgment here. The best I can say is that the Gator Party hasn't withdrawn us from the Florida Student Association and The Exec seems to be playing nice with them.
• On another note, is any party ever going to say that they want Bright Futures eliminated and for students to be charged for 20 credits when they are only taking 12 credits.
• Grade: B (not withdrawing from FSA must be hard)

2. Lobby for a Longer Drop/Add Period by working with the University Administration to meet the needs of students.

• In the Fall of 2004, the Drop/Add Period was 4 days. The Drop/Add for 2005 and 2006 is 4 days, but due to classes starting on a Wednesday you will have the weekend as well.
• Grade: C, they didn't make the situation worse.

3. Bring Free Online music Downloads to ALL Students at the University of Florida, including students living off campus, not just those living in residence halls.

• I have never been a fan of this plank in the platform, no matter the party. As for SG's progress on the issue, I have seen no committee formed to study the issue, I have seen no Senator or Executive Board member mention it (according to the minutes anyway). There seems to be little to no progress being made on this issue, but at least a report saying why they won't pursue it seems reasonable.
• Grade: F

4. Decrease Towing Rates and provide convenient services such as tow-and-go by working with the City of Gainesville and local towing companies.

• Another well-meaning plank in the Gator Party Platform, another one not making much progress. The Towing Rates did not increase for their part. They just haven't decreased. As for tow and go program, these programs already are offered by towing companies. Just not subsidized by SG.
• As for my opinion on this plank, it seems we have RTS, we have cabs, we have cell phones with sober friends on the other end, and we all know about having designated Dave or pledges waiting for you. Maybe it's me, but taking some personal responsibility for your late night adventures would be good.
• Grade: C+

5. Preserve and Improve the Institute of Black Culture and La Casita, and work to build an Asian American Cultural Institute

• I will reserve my judgment on this until after I see Joe's report from the most recent Board of Trustees meeting (or minutes are posted) as to what the CITF funds will be used on. Yes, Dean Gene has offered a wish list to Dr. Patricia Telles-Irvin (PTI) but ASU has long been after that.
• I do need someone to explain to me what preserving and improving IBC and La Casita means. Are these buildings falling apart? Structural damage? Are they lacking quality staff?
• Grade: Incomplete

6. Improve Graduate student Insurance Plans that will provide greater benefits with lower premiums, increase graduate student representation on the SG Health Insurance Board, and demand an increase in the graduate student insurance supplement.

• As stated before, health is important. I am no expert in such things. But Graduate Assistants United seems content with the new insurance program (yes, they wanted better as they should, but for now this will work)
• Graduate Student Insurance Supplement has not increased yet.
• Grade: B+ (Agreeing to GAU's flat rate would have given an A-)

7. Bring WiFi Wireless Access to ALL of campus

• Wonderful Idea, now implement it. Paden Woodruff isn't here for the summer, so no comparisons to expensive hookers. There are classrooms that still need it.
• Also there is Wireless in the Union Food court, but as anybody could tell there is always a lacking of plugs for the laptops. In order for Wireless to be successful, add electrical outlets in the Union at least.
• Again, no committee, sadly it has been over 6 months and only now Housing and SG getting the Wireless up. Let's see some action, Let's see some money being spent. Once all of campus is wireless, this will no longer be an issue.
• Grade: C (haven't made the situation worse)

8. Say NO! To a Dry Campus at the University of Florida.

• While I truly never believe this would happen only stricter enforcement of current laws, Joe has formed a committee to define SG's stance on the alcohol culture by identifying the problems and proposing solutions.
• While not exactly the same, it goes along with it. I like this idea. Just to mention this is the 2nd of 3 planks that deal with alcohol or alcohol related behavior. And we wonder why Bernie thinks we have an alcohol problem.
• Grade: A (Bernie hasn't taken my Long Island Ice Tea yet).

9. Expand SG Computer Lab Services by increasing hours of operation, opening new labs, and providing free copying in addition to free printing.

• I like the SG computer lab, just don't ever expect to be able to print something between noon and 4 pm. After 7 pm, the place is usually half filled depending on the events that day. Don't see the need for this. I would also be scared of the copyright infringement laws that could be violated if a copying center were opened.
• Finally, unless we see money from reserves. The SG Operating budget for the Computer Lab was set last year.
• Grade: C (the lab isn't closed yet)

10. Improve the USA Today and New York Times readership programs by providing a greater selection in more campus locations, and increasing the number of copies available.

• Not sure how you improve a free service, it seems pretty simple, insert Gator One, take out paper, read paper, and recycle paper. Never have seen a shortage of papers either and as always the paper is available online.
• Now they did add the Student Special Section of the Gainesville Sun, so I guess that is improving quality at least for more local stuff, so for that they get points.
• Grade: B+

11. Prevent Sexual Assault and Increase Campus Safety by improving lighting and blue light services all over campus, especially around remote areas and residence halls.

• See my comments about the Campus Safety Cabinet. I agree Safety is important, let's see some action though. The Fall hasn't started yet, but making Rape aggression Defense classes available in every dorm would be a good start.
• I have never noticed a shortage of blue lights on campus before and lighting could be improved in general, but usually by trimming trees back.
• Grade: Incomplete, will get a grade once fall rolls around.

12. Offer Free Workout Towels at all on-campus recreation facilities.

• The centerpiece of the Gator Party Platform. I have heard that Joe had the bill written as early as last January. Sadly, 18 weeks later we still don't have free towels. How hard could this be? Buy 3000 towels, 1500 available on Monday they go to be washed come back Wednesday, 1500 available on Tuesday they go to be washed come back Thursday. Repeat. Am I missing something complicated in this procedure?
• Heck, doesn't UF even have a large Laundromat out by Lakeside.
• Grade: F (Only because as the center piece of your platform, you need to make this happen)

13. Extend the Bar Closing Time in the City of Gainesville

• This is Joe's baby. He has wanted this for so long. He had the SAFE Committee. He had the joint SG/City commission Meeting. He wanted this. And then, this happens. I mean, Joe lost his guy Tony Domench on the commission. The City Commission has now put this decision off indefinitely. Which is basically a big fat, FU from the commission.
• On a side not has anybody seen any reason for the bars and clubs to stay open past 2? PR, I guess, but what money is there to gain?
• Grade: D+ (they don't get the F, because there still is chance if SG gets it's act together on "changing" the downtown student culture.

14.Extend Later Gator services to accommodate the change of later bar times

• This was with the above plank on the platform. This is realistic. This could happen. RTS does whatever students say for the most part, because they know if they anger us they lose their most lucrative customers.
• Grade: Incomplete, but probably will get an A once I hear the Drunk Bus is leaving downtown at 3 am and not 2:20.

15. Promote Campus Diversity by providing more event funding to multicultural organizations and increasing co-sponsorships with Accent and SGP.

• It's still early in the year, but when BSU/HSA etc are making their budgets don't they include that they want money from Accent or SGP. Aren't Accent and SGP's budgets set last fall?
• Finally, wouldn't it be great if SG statutes of some sort required a "Diversity and Programming" Committee. It would include the ACCENT Chair for speakers, the SGP Chair for bands, maybe a some exec officers like SG Prez, Treasurer, Senate President, maybe the Multi-Cultural Affairs Cabinet Director so the Cabinet office can be there, ohhhh and don't forget the Presidents of some of the major cultural organizations like BSU, HSA, Pride, Jewish Student Union, Islam on Campus, Asian Student Union, and Volunteers for International Student Affairs. Oh wait, there exists such a committee (See Chapter 561 of the Student Body Codes).
• Grade: I want my Russel Simmons and my Nelson Mandela's. No, Jose Canseco cannot count as bringing in a Hispanic speaker. Incomplete until I hear some big names coming in.