As of 12 o’clock today President Bradshaw has rescinded the policy on Holiday decorations, attached to this post is the announcement that went out to the university community from him. Below is my original  response to any concerns expressed to me by students about the orginal policy. I wanted to let you know that Student Government was involved in the discussion and was trying to represent students to the best of our ability, please let me know if you have any questions.

From the President’s Desk

I wanted to apologize for any confusion that has been caused by FGCU’s policy on holiday decorations. I wanted to clarify that this policy does not affect students.Students are welcome to decorate any personal areas (dorm rooms, cars etc.) Also, students, and student clubs and organizations are allowed to take an initiative when it comes to decorating certain parts of the university. If you do wish to decorate or belong to a student organization that wishes to decorate or hold a holiday celebration of any kind than I, as Student Body President, encourage you to speak to the office of  Student Affairs about doing so. If for any reason you feel that the office of Student Affairs or the university is infringing upon your freedom of expression, as a student, then please contact student government, it is our job to represent you  and if we truly felt that a students’ rights were being taken from them then we would definitely step in. I can assure you that this policy does not affect students in that way.

 We strive to make sure that you are represented and if you have any issues, either dealing with this policy or not, please feel free to contact Student Government.

Thank you,

I wanted to keep you guys informed on what is happening in Florida’s higher education system. This morning Charlie Crist announced a proposal he will be making to The Florida State Legislature this legislative session in regards to tuition at Florida’s State Universities. Here is the proposal in a nut shell:

1. All state Universities would be able to raise their tuition up to 15% every year for the next 7 years.

2. All tuition increases would be voted upon by each respective university’s board of trustees.

3. Bright Futures would only cover the base part of any tuition increase.

4. 30% of revenue generated by the tuition increase would have to go towards Financial Aid/ Scholarships

After the 7 years if each university raised their tuition 15% it would bring Florida’s tuition costs up to the national average. I will be meeting with the other Student Body Presidents tomorrow about this proposal, if anyone has any questions about this proposal please attend the senate meeting on November 25th to discuss it further.

-Sean