AP Assembly
Minutes
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Reitz Union, Room 282, 3:30 p.m.
Call to Order—Christine Schoaff, President at 3:33 p.m.
Program—As summarized below, the program consisted of presentations on the University Minority Mentoring Program (UMMP) and Student Government by Tamara Cohen and Kevin Riley, respectively.
- Tamara Cohen—University Minority Mentoring Program
Ms. Cohen explained that the UMMP is an opportunity for service and development of meaningful relationships with students. The student participating in the program are freshman from underrepresented backgrounds. Ms. Cohen explained that UMMP was separate and distinct from the Florida Opportunity Scholars mentoring program because UMMP involves mentors who are faculty and staff rather than upperclassmen. She encouraged participation in UMMP by individuals with knowledge of the University and Gainesville regardless of background and ethnicity. There is a minimum of one year commitment for the mentor-mentee relationship. The program begins each fall with a mix-and-mingle reception followed by two major campus events throughout the academic year. The time commitment varies by each mentor-mentee relationship and should be tailored to suit the needs of the mentee. A minimum of two contacts per month is required. There are currently 350 students and 150 mentors. Although mentor requests are sent out in March, mentor applications can be submitted anytime online at www.dso.ufl.edu/ummp.
- Kevin Riley—Student Government President
Mr. Riley explained the structure of Student Government at the University. He explained that there are three branches – executive, legislative and judicial. The Legislative branch includes the Senate. The Judicial branch includes the Supreme Court and Honor Court. The other key positions in Student Government are the Vice President and Treasurer. There are also numerous executive agencies.
Mr. Riley spent some time talking about the budget. He stated that the current budget for student government was $13.3 million based on funds from the student activity fee. The budget is calculated based upon an estimate of student enrollment.
Mr. Riley explained that Student Government has a permanent staff consisting of 3 full-time employees and student assistants.
Mr. Riley shared that one of his agenda items for the remainder of his term is the establishment of early voting in campus libraries.
APA President's Report
- Old Business—None
- New Business—None
Adjournment—Christine Schoaff, President at 4:07 p.m.