Kyr Initiatives

What are they?

"Initiatives" are ideas brought to life. Whenever students or student leaders find an issue with how things are done, they are able to have their voice be heard through initiatives. Often times, changes at UCF are only possible through the support of students... and this is where initiatives play a large role.

How do they work?

Initiatives unite resources and leaders from all over campus in a common goal. Letter writing, petitioning, and referendum balloting are just a few ways that the student voice can be heard. Additionally, your student leaders can initiate changes by working with the right people around campus to ensure progress.

What initiatives are being worked on currently?

Know Your Rights is pursuing:

- Tailgating Rights

- The Alcohol Emergency Policy

- Increased Campus Safety

- Equality/ Diversity 

- SGA Concierge

- More to come!

Tailgating

Tailgating season is upon us. Every year, students descend upon the University of Central Florida main campus to celebrate Knights Football. At the same time, many students don’t understand what their rights and responsibilities are as a UCF Knight. The information in this section will identify some current issues involved with tailgating and will be updated with ways to avoid some of those issues.

Concierge

The Judicial Council wants to actively engage students in order to find out ways in which they feel the overall student experience, the UCF community, and the perception of the Student Government Association could be improved. Working together with the Executive and Legislative Branches, a diverse representation of SGA members will be stationed in high traffic areas around campus;  they will work as change agents that actually engage the students instead of waiting for them to approach the SGA Office and members within it. Comment cards will be presented to each student, so that they may write any question, concern, or praise about SGA. Members of SGA will then research questions, try to rectify concerns, and respond to praises within a timely manner, relaying the resolved information to the initial student. The first SGA Concierge will occur on November 9th, from 11:00am-2:00pm, outside of the Recreation and Wellness Center.

AEP

University of Central Florida, Alcohol Emergency Policy (A.E.P.)

Abstract

The Student Government Association recognizes that the threat and fear of possible disciplinary actions has the potential to create a barrier between students and emergency medical care when alcohol poisoning is suspected.  Therefore, Student Government recognizes that student health/safety is a paramount concern and seeks an effective solution that would reduce these barriers to emergency medical care during an alcohol related incident.

The most effective solution will create a culture where the expectation is for students to engage in healthy behaviors and make responsible decisions.  An Alcohol Emergency Policy (A.E.P.), like the one implemented by the University of Texas at Austin, creates this culture.  The public campaign to make students aware of drinking behaviors and the potential for deadly consequences encourages students to make responsible choices, while decreasing the desirability to engage in high risk drinking.  However, in times of crisis an A.E.P. also encourages students to make the responsible decision to solicit the help of emergency medical assistance.

The proposed A.E.P. that would be put in to effect in the context of the University of Central Florida would immediately include departments throughout the campus community, but are not limited to (1) Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, (2) University of Central Florida Police Department, (3) Housing and Residence Life, (4) Office of Student Involvement, (5) Alcohol and Other Drugs Prevention and Programming Office, (6) Student Health Center, (7) Student Counseling Center, (8) Student Government Association, and (9) Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (10) Office of Student Conduct.

The involvement of these different departments pertaining to student life and student services provides a comprehensive way to shift and re-shape the culture and expectations placed on students and the university.  By encouraging students to come forward and seek help in times of crisis, the burden of rehabilitation and intervention becomes shifted from the institution towards the individuals themselves.  An additional benefit of the A.E.P. is in its capacity to expand the surveillance capabilities and the identification of students prone to high risk drinking behaviors.  As individuals come forward and seek help, it is much more apparent and obvious who needs the assistance of health professionals and professionals involved in alcohol intervention.

The short term and immediate goals of the proposed A.E.P. include (1) an enhanced public awareness of the university’s commitment to student safety and health, (2) a redefined culture/student health model that places the burden of assistance on the student, (3) increased surveillance on students engaged in high-risk drinking behaviors, and (4) an ongoing critical analysis of the current conduct policies in place vs. public safety/health.