Student Government President Courtney Parish spoke to The Crow’s Nest about her passion for campus leadership and her plans to help students become more connected to USF St. Petersburg.
The Crow’s Nest: Tell me a little about yourself: major, hometown, interests, etc. What made you want to get involved with Student Government?
Courtney Parish: I am a Tampa girl, born and raised. I love traveling, sailing, ceramics, kayaking—basically just going out and exploring. Towards the end of my freshman year I came up with some projects that I wanted to see around campus so I joined Student Government to make them happen.
CN: How’s it going so far serving as president?
Courtney: So far, I have thoroughly enjoyed my term. I have met interesting people and brainstormed on some exciting ideas for our campus. I look forward to the first senate meeting of the fall when we can energize some of the projects and ideas that we have been discussing.
CN: What do you hope to accomplish as president? Are there any projects or programs you want to focus on?
Courtney: My platform was communication and a stronger campus identity; there are several projects and adjustments that are in the works to facilitate more open and inclusive communication and a more cohesive USF St. Pete identity. We are working on a market on the Walk, putting together freshmen survival guides, getting the campus shirts in the bookstore and thinking of ways to increase communication on campus. Unfortunately, there are a couple of projects that we have to rework due to budget cuts.
CN: The state and country are facing major financial setbacks, resulting in budget cuts to our university. What kinds of challenges is Student Government dealing with as a result? How are you navigating those?
Courtney: We are in the midst of an unprecedented financial crisis but there are still budgets to be worked out and allocations to be channeled. Education still seems to be the best investment for long-term growth. This year I would like to get a bus full of USFSP students to Rally in Tally. It is a great opportunity for them to talk to local representatives and express their feelings on the budget cuts and how they are affecting them.
CN: What should students do to get involved in the student government process?
Courtney: Students interested in getting involved in SG should contact me at cparish@mail.usf.edu or our Senate President Cory Hebert at coryhebert@mail.usf.edu. We have some volunteer positions open in the executive branch and if they are interested in senate, the midterm election in October is a great way to get involved and active on campus.
CN: Are there any programs on campus that are defunct or need improvement?
Courtney: There is always room for growth on campus. Bulls Bucks and Bulls in the Burg are two programs that tapered off last year that we are working on revising and making more dynamic and intuitive this year.
CN: What should we know about this year’s group at Student Government?
Courtney: This year’s SG is excited and hard working, everyone is eager to get involved and have their ideas come to reality. We have seasoned politicians and enthusiastic newcomers, all working toward a great USFSP and a fulfilling college experience.
CN: Construction on the new student center has begun. How will this change USFSP?
Courtney: The new student center will lead to a boom in student involvement on campus. It will be a multi-purpose facility to meet fellow students, whether for academic discussions or relaxing conversation.
CN: Is there anything else we should know about you, SG or this year at USFSP right now?
Courtney: We have a gorgeous campus with improving facilities and dynamic faculty. Experience the programs and opportunities that USFSP has to offer and, from a position of an involved student, please share your thoughts on improvements and offerings that should be considered to enhance the St. Pete campus.
