News | Campus Student Government - The Independent Florida Alligator

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

What to expect from Student Government this Fall

By Vivienne Serret | Aug. 23, 2023

The Summer Student Government term brought forth the greatest number of cases a Senate President has had filed against them within the last two decades—a new budget and a world of possibilities for how the Fall election cycle might play out. Looking back on the previous election cycles and this past Summer term can give students an idea of what to expect for the upcoming semester.

Lauren Lemasters, UF’s Student Body president, listens to public comment at the Board of Trustees confirmation vote Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022. Some students have criticized her pro-Sasse vote amid student backlash.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Sasse hires former UF student body president as assistant and student life liaison

By Garrett Shanley and Vivienne Serret | Aug. 23, 2023

UF President Ben Sasse hired Lauren Lemasters, former UF student body president, as the presidential assistant and student life liaison in May. As student life liaison, Lemasters serves as a point of contact for student groups, collaborates with the Office of Student Life and provides recommendations to enhance the student experience.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

UF Student Government Senate President exonerated for second time

By Vivienne Serret | Aug. 7, 2023

Santiago Perez was exonerated of all charges, and they believed the committee made the right decision given the inconclusive evidence.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Taking a stand: Student Senate legislation condemns DeSantis’ bills

By Vivienne Serret | July 31, 2023

Some UF Student Government members have made it a point to submit legislation in solidarity with students who may be affected by the new Florida laws.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Senate holds second Big Five budget reading, plans to reconsider Senator removal

By Vivienne Serret | July 27, 2023

Members from the Gator Party and the Change Party addressed the July 18 Big Five budget reading and the recent Rules and Ethics Committee removal of a Student Government Senator at the July 25 SG Senate meeting.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

‘Abuse of power’: debates spark over Change Party budget amendment

By Vivienne Serret | July 24, 2023

After the Big Five budget had its first of two readings at the July 18 UF Student Government Senate meeting, an amendment reallocating funds from SG agencies passed despite a majority of Senate disapproval. It will undergo its second reading July 25.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Student body president clears the record on nominee investigation

By Vivienne Serret | July 19, 2023

The July 18 Senate meeting brought forth concerns about the recent Southeastern Exchange Conference, which took place at the University of Mississippi from July 13 to July 16.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Communist Party leader files UF Supreme Court cases against Senate president

By Vivienne Serret | July 17, 2023

Former Progressive and Communist Parties’ leader Alfredo Ortiz filed two cases against Senate President Oscar Santiago Perez (Change-District D) after eligibility debate sparked at the July 11 Senate meeting.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Senate meeting stalled, Communist Party to return in Fall

By Vivienne Serret | July 13, 2023

The first Student Government Senate meeting of the Summer B term brought forth commotion, filibustering, and several approved executive nominations.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Student body president vetoes bills, former Communist Party leader files case

By Vivienne Serret | July 10, 2023

Student Body President Olivia Green reviewed 18 bills, approving 14 and vetoing four due to issues with legality, separation of powers or grammar.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Summer B kicks off SG hearings for funding

By Vivienne Serret | July 10, 2023

The Budget and Appropriations Committee of the Senate holds hearings for each of the Big Five entities in the Summer to ensure funding continues to be spent in the best interest of the students.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Politics and involvement: Understanding UF Student Government

By Vivienne Serret | July 3, 2023

With drama rivaling that of U.S. elected officials and a budget bigger than some small cities, UF Student Government can be exciting and intimidating for new students.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Summer A Student Government Senate meetings come to a close

By Vivienne Serret | June 22, 2023

Senators spoke about issues surrounding bipartisanship, legislation and nominations that were or weren’t approved, and statements made at previous public comment sessions.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Senate president exonerated of all filed charges

By Vivienne Serret | June 19, 2023

The UF Student Government Rules and Ethics Committee met June 17 for nearly four hours to consider the expulsion of Student Senate President Oscar Santiago Perez (Change-District D).

Judiciary Committee Chairperson Jonathan C. Stephens (Change-District D) and Minority Party Leader Bronson Allemand (Gator - District A) have a discussion after a three minute recess was requested on the Tuesday, June 13 Senate meeting.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Student body president presents executive order, case filed against senate president

By Vivienne Serret | June 14, 2023

UF Student Body President Olivia Green issued an executive order recognizing Pride Month and supporting LGBTQ students at a June 13 Senate meeting.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Student Government celebrates Pride Month, demonstrates allyship

By Vivienne Serret | June 13, 2023

Student Body President Olivia Green believes pride should be celebrated all year round, but she said June is a special month recognizing the individuals who fought for the queer community, honor their experiences and continue to advocate for their rights.

Student Body President Olivia Green announcing during public comment the case she is filing against members of Change Party on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Student Body President to file case for ‘political bribery, extortion’ after negotiations fall through

By Vivienne Serret | June 7, 2023

The UF Senate Chambers faces tensions and negotiations during an all-time high of political polarization from the executive nominations being held up for seven weeks.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Confirmed: Ben Shapiro to come to UF in October

By Vivienne Serret | June 5, 2023

Ben Shapiro will be coming to UF Oct. 18 rather than Oct. 25, according to a UF Young Americans for Freedom Instagram post.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Student Government Judiciary Committee fails to hear legislation, nomination

By Vivienne Serret | June 5, 2023

The UF Student Government Judiciary Committee could not hear the 14 pieces of legislation and one nomination awaiting consideration as it continues to fail to meet quorum.

Senate President Oscar Santiago Perez (Change-District D) signed bills condemning attacks on higher education and creating a budget review act at the Senate meeting Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Senate President signs bills condemning DEI attacks, budget reviews into effect

By Vivienne Serret | May 31, 2023

Senate President Oscar Santiago Perez (Change-District D) signed bills condemning attacks on higher education and creating a budget review act at the Senate meeting May 30.