Florida Leader's Annual Statewide Opinion Survey

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     In this third annual "What Florida Students Think" feature article, campus leaders around the state offer up dozens of solutions to their toughest problems, share their secrets for getting people involved, and let us read their applause meter when it comes to life in the Sunshine State. So, read it left to right, back to front, or just zone in on the biggest problem you’re dealing with—we even created pages especially about Student Government officers, Greek leaders, and resident assistants.

Student Involvement
     Student leaders such as Elizabeth Thompson of Stetson University in DeLand are always brainstorming for creative incentives to get students involved in campus activities. "If they can’t have a party atmosphere, then most students won’t stay to participate in an activity," she says. But as a member of Stetson’s Council for Student Activities, Thompson says she has learned that where an activity takes place can be just as important as what the activity is. "When you do things in really public places, even those who may not have made a conscious decision to attend an event might stay," Thompson says. "The important part is not getting disheartened if a crowd doesn’t show up." Thompson also says talking with students early in their college career gets them involved in campus activities. "We target freshmen and try to ‘wow’ them so they will more likely want to be involved."
     At the University of Florida, the key to recruiting members for the Hispanic Student Association is heavy promotion. HSA advertises in the Alligator newspaper, staffs an information table, and posts flyers around campus. Director of Programming Mayte Canino says the club’s efforts bring in anywhere from 200 to 250 students each meeting. "We don’t just sit people down and have them listen to officers speak," Canino says. "We have themes, like our Spring Break Bash, where we play games and everyone participates."
     Across the state, word of mouth remains one of the best publicity strategies, according to Judy Drake of the University of Tampa. As head coordinator for the PEACE Volunteer Center, she helped record more than 23,000 student volunteer hours last year. "When we had our first alternative Spring Break this year, every student came back with a positive experience," she says. "They shared their stories with others who got interested in volunteering because of their friends."
     At Valencia Community College, the best way to get students involved is to just talk to them. "I’m trying to reach students one-on-one by talking to classes and personally recruiting them," says Kelli Velez, Valencia Volunteers coordinator.

Alcohol Abuse
     "A lot of people drink—some are just really into it because it’s college," says Rua Gordon, a Habitat for Humanity volunteer at Northwood University in West Palm Beach. With only about 1,000 students enrolled at the private school, a security guard can detain all intoxicated students and prevent them from leaving campus. "I’m the designated driver for anyone who has been drinking," Gordon says. "I encourage others to do the same."
     The University of North Florida combats alcohol abuse with technology. At the Campus Alcohol and Drug Information Center, students take Alcohol 101, a free, computer-based alcohol-education course. Using the virtual-reality software program, students become characters at a party and are confronted with scenarios such as having sex or driving under the influence. "The program lets students see the consequences of their decisions," says Kevin Modglin, health educator and director of student health services. "Alcohol 101 is a small but important part of our campaign of social norming, which focuses on the majority of students who don’t binge drink."

Child Care
     Campus leaders seeking to help students meet childcare needs should consider conducting a costs and benefits analysis that weighs factors such as the college’s liability, costs, and insurance before tackling this complex issue. If the demand is not great enough to justify building a facility, scholarships, vouchers, a part-time service, or sitter exchange might work.
     At Pasco-Hernando Community College, Mary Miller helped survey 600 students and learned that the biggest problem with establishing an on-campus daycare was the location. "While there’s a demand for child care, it’s just not sufficient to start a center at any one campus location," says Miller, co-coordinator of PHCC Cares, a community-service organization.
     Colleges with existing childcare centers can enhance their programs by creating educational goals or offering parents financial aid. At Daytona Beach Community College, students, faculty, and community members can enroll kids in a learning program at the Child Development Lab School. Scholarships are available to help students afford the $75 to $100 weekly enrollment fee, says Janet Constant, senior staff assistant.
     Thanks to a 1970s law passed by the state legislature, Florida State University’s center gets funding from the Capital Improvement Trust Fund generated by students’ tuition. "We provide care, as well as a good early education," says Ann Levy, director of FSU’s Educational Research Center for Child Development. Students have first priority for use of the center, which charges $65 to $140 weekly. "Every college campus does things differently, but now all 10 state universities have childcare centers," Levy says. The National Coalition for Campus Childcare Centers advocates for childcare centers for every college and university in the nation. For more information about starting a center on your campus, visit the NCCCC web site.

What will most improve life in Florida in the future?
     "The reduction of violence and substance abuse, and a group of young leaders with great minds and hearts willing to help and take on new challenges."
—Scarlet Parnell, student ambassador, Lake City Community College

     "Stressing to the younger generation to stay in school, and improving our educational system to not let as many slip through the cracks."
—Michael Losito, member, Phi Theta Kappa, Central Florida Community College

     "Preservation of Florida’s natural beauty."
—Judy Drake, head coordinator, PEACE Volunteer Center, University of Tampa

     "There should be a mandatory Baby 101 class for first-time mothers, because people assume that if a person is responsible enough to have a child, they’re responsible enough to raise it. I think the government should focus on programs for parents to improve themselves, so they can be there for their child."
—Angela Johnson, team leader, Project Friendship, Florida State University

Should community service be mandatory for Florida college students?

YOU BETCHA!
     "Students gain self-worth and should give back to the communities that have given them so much."
—Katherine McIntosh, editor in chief, Literaria, Eckerd College

     "Students need to be more involved in community service programs both off and on campus to experience ‘the real world’ and to perhaps help them decide on a career based on the needs of themselves and others."
—Elizabeth Gauvin, member, Human Services Club, Pasco-Hernando Community College, West Campus

NO WAY!
     "I don’t think it should be mandatory, but definitely encouraged more. If it’s mandatory, students may be apathetic in their work."
—Lori Eisenberg, member, Theater of the Community, New College of University of South Florida

     "It would be difficult for returning students like myself who have to juggle jobs, family, and school."
—Terry Gay, student assistant, Gulf Coast Community College

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