The Medallion, Issue #31 - March 2021

the

a publication by the FSU Honors Student Association

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 0 2 How to Stay Motivated While in Quarantine

11

Tips & Tricks to Stay Safe On-Campus

12

Spring Break in the Time of Covid-19

21

HSA's Social Media March Madness

Issue #31 March 2021

Bracket

TABLE OF CONTENTS 01

Letter from the Editor

02

How to Stay Motivated While in Quarantine

04

Finding Your Place at FSU: A Faculty Interview

08

Student Spotlight: Cloe Knutson

09

Campus Safety: A Discussion with FSU PD

11

Tips & Tricks to Stay Safe On-Campus

Spring Break in the Time of Covid-19

12

The Medallion's Monthly Mantra

15

Callista's Corner An Advice Column

16

SGA Elections: What They Mean for You

18

HSA's Social Media March Madness Bracket

21

HSA's Social Media Accounts

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Letter from the Editor Dear Reader, As you close out the month of March and mourn the spring break that should have been, we hope that this 'Home Away from Home' edition of The Medallion can instill a sense of hope and give you helpful advice for continuing to navigate the rest of this semester.

Staying motivated after spending one year in quarantine is no small feat. Some days, just attending my online classes feels like too much to ask of myself. Attending to our relationships (friendships, family bonds, significant others) can weigh heavier after this longer time apart, taking care of ourselves physically with our decreased activity levels takes more effort now, and actually paying attention to our classes instead of our phones can be unappealing and difficult.

Even without a spring break, it is important that we allow ourselves time to rest, truly rest. Grant yourself some understanding, life in a pandemic is difficult and it is normal to struggle and face difficulties completing your work. Pushing even harder will only make this burn-out worse and it will make you feel even worse about yourself. We spend every moment of our lives with ourselves and it is much easier and more fulfilling to spend all of that time with a friend rather than an enemy. Be your own best friend, encourage yourself, allow yourself to take breaks, and know that we will all get through this together.

In this edition of The Medallion, we have assembled many tips and tricks to navigating life in a pandemic as well as ways for those currently quarantining away from their home to make their space feel more comforting and safe. You can also hear from your fellow Honors students about their opinions on the lack of a spring break, FSU social media accounts, and the previous SGA election.

I challenge each one of you to listen to at least one piece of advice given in this issue and see if you can implement it in your daily life. Who knows? It just might work for you!

Your Editor-in-Chief,

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Karyna Bugos

HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED WHILE IN QUARANTINE Learn how to navigate your day-to-day schedules with tips from FSU's UCC counselor, Julius Rainey!

“Motivation feels different now,” states Julius Rainey, one of FSU’s University

thinks about the pandemic and working from home.

Counseling Center staff members. “Our routines have changed and we all have a sense of forced introversion.”

“It’s important to set up the way you do things, set it up as if that’s how the rest of college will be for you,” said Rainey.

This past month marked one full year of

“Short-term solutions do not work for long-

FSU students taking online classes,

term problems and, accidentally, by doing

quarantining, and altering our lifestyles in

this you are setting yourself up for

response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

(continued) disappointment.”

Initially, it was hard for students and professors to switch to an online learning

Instead of adopting coping strategies

style, class meetings were filled with

that only work in short-term situations, like

technical difficulties, isolation from our

by avoiding your work until the last minute

classmates made classes less engaging,

or not attending office hours like you might

and online assignments began to pile up on

have done in-person, shift your mindset to

our Canvas to-do lists. Adjusting to this

find ways to make pandemic life more

new college experience was difficult, and

fulfilling for you.

for many of us, we are still adjusting to our new routines.

For Julius Rainey, it took almost four months before he felt comfortable conducting his work from his home.

Although sticking to a daily routine can still be difficult, he has been able to manage these difficulties by changing the way he

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Short-term solutions do not work for long-term problems and, accidentally, by doing this you are setting yourself up for (continued) disappointment.

To do this, Rainey suggests setting a

Rainey suggests that students look at

routine for yourself and forming boundaries

the University's Counseling Center website

to help you feel more comfortable in your

for resources to help hone these skills

living space. These boundaries can be as

throughout the ongoing pandemic.

simple as working on assignments at your desk or kitchen table instead of while sitting in your bed, a place where you are supposed to rest and relax. Rainey also suggests dressing as if you are attending your classes in-person as a way to help you

UCC RESOURCES Online Counseling

for individuals,

groups, and couples

focus and shift your mindset towards

Zoom Workshops

completing schoolwork.

(more are

available on the website) Establishing a routine can be difficult, though, it doesn’t always stick the first time and it is easy to lose motivation when it doesn’t work right away. Be flexible and patient with yourself and feel free to play around with your routine until you find the right method that works for you.

- Where's My Motivation: meets Mon at 12pm - Mindful Meditation: meets Wed at 11:30am - Bored In The House: meets Fri at 12pm

Online Resources

including free

apps

Various Services

for those

experiencing eating disorders, substance abuse, crises, & more.

Visit the UCC website at: https://counseling.fsu.edu/students

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FINDING YOUR PLACE AT FSU HOW DESIGN, STYLE, AND COMMUNITY CAN HELP SOOTHE THOSE HOMESICKNESS BLUES F E A T U R I N G A S S I S T A N T P R O F E S S O R S T E P H A N I E S I C K L E

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AN INTERVIEW WITH STEPHANIE SICKLER, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND FOUNDATIONS COORDINATOR IN THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN Q: Many students feel burnt out and homesick. What are some ways that they

combat feelings of homesickness is to create an

could use interior design to improve their

environment that is supportive of your “new” self;

mindset and feel more comfortable?

the student away at college. Surrounding

A: Some students may be feeling the effects of zoom fatigue, causing them to feel burnt out or unmotivated. In this instance, a simple change to their physical environment can be impactful.

For example, turn on your computer’s camerawhat do you see in the background around you?

Is it busy, overstimulating, cluttered, filled with your roommate’s things? Staring at your unmade bed or a pile of dirty laundry in your background can be distracting and discouraging before you have even begun your day, much less after hours of zooming for class.

Consider adjusting where you sit so that the virtual environment around you has a calm and peaceful aesthetic. Add a plant, adjust your natural light, and eliminate clutter so that as you stare at the computer screen the image staring back at you is peaceful and supportive of the mindset you wish to embody. If renegotiating your surroundings isn’t an option, consider choosing a virtual background that makes you feel peaceful or energized. That pile of dirty laundry will disappear in seconds.

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Another strategy for students looking to

yourself with tokens and mementos from your life back at home can cause you to focus too narrowly on what you have left behind. Instead, consider displaying fewer relics from home and focus more on the new memories you are building here at FSU. Consider posting photos of you and your new friends, or your favorite places on campus or in Tallahassee. Add a new plant to your room (don’t forget to name it- studies show plants who are treated with kindness flourish more than those who are overlooked!) to purify the air and add a sense of new growth. Even a new throw blanket with a cozy texture and a new mug for coffee or tea can bring you comfort when you are feeling isolated or fatigued. It doesn’t take much to create comfort, it simply takes one acknowledging that there is a lack of it and action to make the change.

Q: Why is community important during these uncertain times?

A: Generally speaking, in times not complicated by the restrictions in place because

of a pandemic, the two main contributing factors

touch points will add up to big feels. Make the

to student success and retention in college are a)

time to keep up those connections even when

an on-campus living experience, even if for one

they seem small, to combat feelings of isolation.

year, and b) creating a sense of community on campus.

These uncertain times have created increased isolation, heightening the risk of student dropout. Now more than ever, building a sense of community on campus is critical to the success

Q: How can spaces foster community? Do you have any examples of this community-based design at FSU or in-and-around Tallahassee?

A: One of the unintended consequences of

and retention of college students due to the

isolation due to the pandemic is the lack of

heightened risks of drop-out and fatigue.

community gatherings that can safely be

Community building leads to a sense of

facilitated in their usual spaces. Many students,

belonging, which is critical during liminal times,

who are used to being part of a community since

or times of transition from one stage of life to

coming to college, have been hardest hit by this

another, such as leaving the parental home and

consequence.

moving to college. A lack of community can lead

As a result of the pandemic, many of the

to feelings of loneliness and depression,

spaces we turn to for fostering community, such

especially during times of physical isolation. In

as churches, recreation centers, study halls,

these uncertain times students need to realize

restaurants, and community centers, have been

that the greater FSU community is here to

closed due to social distancing protocols. Spaces

support their needs and goals, even during

such as these support opportunities to gather

remote times. Many resources have been put in

with friends both new and old, building

place to help students cope with feelings of

community around common interests. At

isolation and lack of community, they simply

present, many of these places remain closed or

have to take advantage of them.

are just beginning to open again.

In their absence, outdoor spaces can offer

Q: How can students feel connected to their

some of the same benefits. One example in

local community here in Tallahassee as well

Tallahassee is Cascades Park, an outdoor

as their hometown?

A: One of the ways students can stay connected

community space with walking/biking trails, amphitheater, splash pad, and seating. Outdoor spaces remain safer gathering options and offer

is to take advantage of opportunities to connect, both in-person where it can be done safely, and via remote technologies. It takes more of an effort to stay connected when distanced, and zoom fatigue is real, so when you have the opportunity to meet with faculty for office hours, your suite mates for a movie night, your church group for a small gathering, or even a FaceTime meeting with your family; all of those small

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individuals the opportunity to build community

to focus or concentrate. Striking the right

through participating in outdoor events and

balance can be tricky, but is certainly worth the

activities. Tallahassee is full of parks and outdoor

effort to increase your effectiveness.

spaces, but Cascades Park is close in proximity to the FSU campus, making it a great choice for students.

Q: Can your physical setting affect your emotions, and if so, how?

A: Absolutely. The built environment has tremendous potential to influence user satisfaction and feelings of place attachment and comfort, but can also cause discomfort if overstimulating or not supportive of user needs.

For example, if you are trying to study in a room that is too empty and thus amplifies each small noise, that can cause you to feel unsettled or uneasy, making it difficult to concentrate. On the other hand, if the space is too messy, cluttered, or otherwise disorganized, it can make it difficult

Q: This year has led to a lot of "new normals" and different perspectives on the spaces we inhabit. How will, or how have, these experiences influenced future designs and projects?

A: In the realm of residential interiors, the industry is booming. Everyone has been at home for so long they are beginning to reimagine their spaces to support new or changing needs.

Additionally, we are seeing a major uptick in home office renovations and shared space projects to accommodate the many professionals who have discovered a new life working from home and/or caring for loved ones during remote work settings.

In commercial design (public spaces of all sorts) several trends have emerged which have totally transformed the way designers consider commercial spaces. One example is in corporate design, or design of office spaces. Many large campuses of open office systems are finding they no longer wish to have open spaces for workers, and/or they no longer need every employee to work in the office. This has left vast buildings largely unoccupied. It is difficult to imagine that the design industry will remain unchanged after this major shift. Companies and businesses everywhere are rethinking how they do business.

Designers have the opportunity to help clients take advantage of technologies to increase productivity and flexibility in the workplace now more than ever before, and it doesn’t look like an end is in sight. These are exciting times as focus shifts to employee safety, satisfaction, and overall well-being.

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AN INTERVIEW WITH CLOE KNUTSON, A SOPHOMORE BIOLOGY AND GEOLOGY STUDENT, HONORS COLLOQUIUM LEADER, UNIVERSITY HOUSING RECEPTIONIST, AND FUTURE RA

Q: Would you recommend incoming honors students to live on campus their first year?

A: Yes! Living on campus is something I would

Q: What are some of the student organizations you're a part of, and what's been your most fulfilling campus experience?

A: Right now I'm involved with the Academic

100% recommend to freshman. There are a lot of great benefits to living on campus. I would say the biggest benefit would be towards helping to build your community at FSU. By living in dorms, you are surrounded by other students that you

Recruitment Organization (ARO), the Association

wouldn't necessarily meet from classes or your

of Women in Mathematics (AWM), and I also

extracurriculars, so you get to meet a broader

serve as an Honors Colloquium Leader. I work on

diversity of people which is awesome! Another

campus right now as a receptionist for housing

benefit is that you are so close to everything.

in the Broward, Landis, Gilchrist (BLG) complex,

There are tons of events and things to do on

and I was recently hired as an RA. My most

campus that are so accessible when you live on

fulfilling experience I have had on campus so far

campus, whether that's seeing movies at the

is serving as an HCL. I love being able to be a

ASLC, studying on Landis Green, or participating

mentor to honors freshman, and help them

in welcome week events.

better navigate their first year at FSU.

Q: How did living on-campus your freshman Q: What's something you're looking forward to after this semester?

A: The one thing I'm most looking forward to

year impact your experience at Florida State?

A: Living in Landis my freshman year helped me feel more integrated in the honors

this summer and fall is doing research with the

community. By living in Landis, you get to meet

geology department! I'll be working with Dr.

more honors students and become friends with a

Young and one of his graduate students. I'm not

wider diversity of people. Personally, since I am a

positive what my project will be, because I have

STEM student, I take honors classes that relate to

het to be assigned to a graduate student, but I'm

that, so I don't get to meet as many honors

hoping it's something closely related to my field.

humanities or fine arts students from classes. So,

I want to pursue a PhD and work towards

by living in Landis, you get to meet more honors

working as a paleontologist, so research with the

students and gain a lot more friendships within

geology department is a huge step for me.

the honors community.

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A DISCUSSION WITH FSUPD

CAMPUS SAFETY: Florida State University has its own police department steps from Azalea Hall. We chatted with Officer Daniel Cutchins about the challenges FSU faces, how we currently keep campus safe, and how students can stay safe both on- and off-campus.

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What preventative measures does FSU have to prevent on-campus crime? How does FSUPD work to proactively prevent crime on campus? How do the university and FSUPD collaborate to ensure students' safety?

The Florida State University Police Department (FSUPD) is open and patrolling around campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Even when the school is shut down for winter break, we are here. Not only does FSUPD have a proactive Patrol Division, but the Crime Prevention Division offers multiple outreach and education classes. Those classes include a self-defense class known as R.A.D., Response to Active Shooter Training or as it’s commonly called, Run Hide Fight Training, alcohol and drug awareness training and a Safety through Environmental Presence Class (basically tips to keep yourself safe in everyday life) to name a few. One way FSU and FSUPD collaborate is by offering our R.A.D. class for a P.E. credit.

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What are some risk-reducing actions and behaviors students can do to minimize their chance of being targeted in a crime?

One of the major things a person can do to minimize their chance of being targeted is to always be aware of your surroundings. To help with this, we encourage our students, staff and faculty to have their phones be used as an ally not an anchor. This means not letting the phone distract you from what’s going on around you but have it ready in case you need it. We can also do things like staying in well-lit areas, go out with a friend instead of alone, and if you are out and about and wearing earphones, take one out so you can hear what’s going on around you.

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What, if any, self-defense items are students allowed to have oncampus? Does FSUPD recommend students possess such items if the student is concerned about their safety?

One item that students are allowed to have are a “Self-defense chemical spray” or Pepper spray. With that being said, the Pepper Spray can be no more than two ounces (Per F.S.S. 790.001(3)(b)). Any self-defense item that a student brings on campus must be allowable under Florida Law and the FSU Student Code of Conduct.

We do recommend that if you have a self-defense item that is allowed to be on campus, be familiar and knowledgeable about how to use it safely.

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04

What can students do to protect themselves in an emergency, such as a robbery or carjacking?

If you find yourself in one of these unfortunate events, the most important thing to do is to remain calm and make your personal safety the number one priority. Phones, money and cars can be replaced but a life cant! Try your best to observe any physical characteristics like age, race, height, clothing, etc. When it’s safe to do so, call 911 and provide our Dispatch Center with the exact location. If you are able, ask any witness to stay until police arrive and try not to touch anything that could be evidence that may be in the area.

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If students witness a crime on-campus, who should they contact?

If you witness a crime, we ask that you don’t confront the individuals committing the crime. Your personal safety is again, the number one priority. When it is safe to do so, call 911 or you can press one of the over 400 blue lights that are on campus. Each blue light has a direct phone line to the FSUPD Dispatch Center and will give the Dispatch Center a location that corresponds with that blue light. Also, try your best to observe any physical characteristics like age, race, height, clothing, etc.

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What resources do FSU and FSUPD provide to help victims of crime throughout the aftermath?

Per Florida Law, if you are a victim of crime then you should be offered a Victims Rights Brochure. This document provides the victim with websites, phone numbers and definition of what it means to be a victim and what your rights are. There is always the option of contact the FSU Victim Advocate Program as well. This confidential program allows the victim to actually talk with a professional about their experiences and emotions. The program also provides support in multiple other ways so you don’t have to go through your experience alone. The Victim Advocate Program can be contacted 24 hours a day at (850)644-7161 or by email at VictimsAdvocate@fsu.edu. In other major circumstances that have involved FSU student’s faculty or staff, FSU has gone above and beyond to find grief consolers and advocates and provide them to anyone who needs them!

FSU Police Resources for Students The FSU PD website: police.fsu.edu has plenty of ways for students to educate and protect themselves including: Video presentations on important topics Ways to sign-up for defense training classes Places to register your personal property Links to report criminal activity Active shooter training programs

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FSUPD'S TIPS & TRICKS TO STAY SAFE Staying safe is a priority. Here are some ways to ensure you minimize risk, especially at night.

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TAKE PRECAUTIONS Wear a helmet if biking, skating, or rollerblading.

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BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS Headphones can block out the noises around you, so if you're walking, don't play music.

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OBEY ALL TRAFFIC LAWS & LIGHTS Follow the rules of the road and use the marked crosswalks.

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FOLLOW SCHOOL POLICY

While a small pocket knife or pepper spray is allowed, it is illegal to carry firearms or other weapons on campus.

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LOCK UP YOUR PROPERTY

Bicycles can be prone to getting stolen, so use a good lock and register your bike with FSUPD.

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KNOW WHO TO CALL

Call FSUPD at (850) 644-1234 or 911 if you’re in danger. The blue light systems will also alert police of your location if you feel unsafe on campus.

Spring Break in the time of COVID-19 The second semester of any year in

at the computer with little face-to-

college is known for its stressors.

face interaction with peers, and this

Internship applications, figuring out

monotony has seriously impacted the

the next year, exams, and the sheer

amount of stress, anxiety, and feelings

length of the semester push students

of depression students are facing.

to their limits, and by the time April

That being said, spring break has

rolls around students are exhausted.

always functioned as a necessary

This fatigue occurs in a normal year,

pause for students- a time when they

but students’ mental health has been

don’t have to think about school and

particularly affected during this

can kick it back for a while before

pandemic. Students may spend 8+

getting in the right mindset for finals.

hours a day staring

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This year, however, many schools

Many students are feeling the

have canceled or altered spring

mental health strain and burnout with

breaks in the hopes of preventing a

no break to look forward to.

Coronavirus outbreak. While the

Freshman Annie Blanchard shared

potential risk of spring breakers

how her Women's Glee professors

spreading COVID-19 is a serious

gave students a week off anyway,

factor to think about, vacations are

explaining that afterward the group

necessary for students’ mental health,

"came back better than ever, and it

particularly in the Zoom-space that

was evident to both members of the

we currently occupy. Allina Health, a

choir and our directors what good

non-profit health care company

just a short break did for our morale...

based in Minnesota, notes that

this is a prime example of how

vacation time is essential for

important breaks are in high-stress

improving mental health, physical

environments like college."

well-being, and decreasing burnout.

Students are feeling the pressure and stress that this last year has brought, and a break is necessary to

Burnout: How the lack of spring break has affected FSU's students:

recuperate and finish strong. This break, unfortunately, is just a pipe dream for many students at colleges across Florida.

"I really needed a break- at least a long weekend. I feel so burnt out and overworked" - Cata Caceres

At Florida State, spring break was entirely canceled and 'replaced' with "Without a spring break students are

classes ending a week early at the end of the semester.

burnt out and mental health is at an all-time low" - Josie Sullivan

"I wish we could have been provided more resources to avoid burnout" - Beth Skinner

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Learn more about what other universities in Florida are doing about spring break: University of Florida

University of Miami

UF is one of the schools that has

UMiami canceled spring break in

canceled spring break. In light of

lieu of two "Wellness Wednesdays"

this change, the university has

during the semester. These

held two days without class called

wellness days, however, have

“Gator Recharge Days:” one in

corresponding Saturday makeup

February and one in March. SGA

days where classes meet to

hosted activities on campus, like

replace the missed Wednesdays.

yoga and face painting, to help students relax and take a break.

University of South Florida

University of Central Florida

USF decided to delay their spring

Like USF, UCF kept their spring

break from March until the

break, but the university decided

beginning of April. After spring

to push it back from March to the

break, classes will be completely

beginning of April. After the week

virtual and students will finish out

of spring break, class instruction

the year that way to prevent a

will move entirely online to help

COVID-19 outbreak.

limit the spread of COVID-19.

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a r t n ma A MONTHLY

"We live in a world where joy and empathy and pleasure are all around us, there for the noticing." -Ira Glass With the ongoing struggle that the pandemic has inflicted, now more than ever happiness should be a priority. The purpose of this month's mantra is to highlight the power of mentally accumulating moments throughout the day that bring joy. These moments are often lost in the stress of day-to-day life, yet they offer a source of relief that can change the course of a day. Making a habit of noticing moments such as a beautiful sunset, a smile from a friend, or a good cup of coffee, not only brings momentary contentment, but over time can offer a sense of tranquility apart from the inconsistency of life's stresses.

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By: Jenna Kruse, HSA's Mental Health & Recreation Chair

S ' A T S I L L R A E C N R CO

HSA"S ADVICE COLUMN FOR ALL YOUR QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS, FEATURING RESPONSES FROM CALLISTA PAYNE

Hi Callista!

I'm so stressed. I want to drop a class, but now that we're past week twelve, we've missed the point to drop with a W instead of an F. I have no idea what to do, because staying in the class means I'll probably get a C+, whereas dropping it could give me the chance for grade recovery. I have a 4.0 right now, and was so hoping to keep that for the rest of undergrad. What should I do?

- A Hysterical Honors Human

Hey there Hysterical Human!

First of all, isn't is crazy where the word hysterical comes from? What an outdated and misogynistic word. The primary issue for you, I think, is your perfectionism. I feel like I can say that because I had the same issue last semester - I lost my 4.0 in the fall to a course in my major and was absolutely distraught. I also realized it was too late past drop, and just had to deal with what happened. I don't doubt that you have been an incredibly hard worker from high school to now, but you should treat yourself with grace. Covid has made college pretty unpredictable, and if you're planning on applying to grad school, universities will know this when they look at your transcript. If you don't have plans for grad school, just know that your transcript won't have an immense impact on your job search! Give yourself a break - provide yourself with love regardless of this setback, and start prepping for finals week in the best ways you know how. If you're struggling for finals motivation, something tells me HSA will have a few events ready to help push you through!

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Hey Callista,

I was wondering if you have any ideas about losing friends throughout the summer? I've made some of my best friends this year, but the nature of college is that I won't be seeing them for a while. I feel weird mentioning it to them, because I'm not positive if they also feel like this? I haven't kept in great touch with high school friends, and honestly never felt close to them in the way that I do with the friend group I've made this year.

- An Anxious Attachment Style

Hey Anxious Attachment Style!

First of all, I refuse to refer to you by a part of you. That seems unhealthy. I know my best friends came out of my college days too. I'm still in contact with some of my high school friends, but I totally understand how you feel less close to yours - I know when I broke up with my high school boyfriend, there was a huge divide and things have NEVER been the same. The transition to college does that (regardless of weird high school boyfriends). I guarantee your college friends feel similarly to you, and you should totally feel comfortable talking about your anxiety with them - especially if you're as close as you feel. Start out with a joke about it, and see if they seem uncomfortable or are in a similar situation. Humor's always an easy out for me. Otherwise, you should feel okay calling, texting, and Face-Timing your friends this summer. College is the time to grow into exactly who you want to be, and if you have found the right friend group for that, take the next few months to make them a priority!

Dear Reader, Do you want some advice from a loud second-year theatre major in the honors program? Have no fear, your hyper-specific column is here. Submit your questions for the column to @fsuhonors on Instagram for a chance to be featured in Callista's Corner!

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SGA Elections: WHAT DO THEY MEAN FOR YOU?

FSU finished up elections for the Student Government Association (SGA) recently. But what was different about this election and what does that mean for FSU's students?

SGA can typically be confusing to those who aren't involved, it definitely has power on campus, but what exactly does that entail?

The Student Body President of SGA sits on the University Board of Trustees where they vote on university-wide decisions. One example of such a vote is a motion by the Board made this past year towards approving a $350,000 bonus for President Thrasher. SGA itself also allocates 13 million dollars of student money towards student organizations, activities, and campuswide initiatives. They also handle all of the rules for registered student organizations on campus.

This year's election featured a party new to the scene - made up of students who call themselves outsiders to the student government system. Progress

FSU campaigned for COVID relief for students - particularly rent relief for students who were struggling financially.

"The difference between the parties comes down to a struggle between insiders and outsiders," stated a member of the Progress party, Griffin Leckie.

This year, the student body President had a chance to appoint the Supreme Court - not just a member or two, but the entire court. With this on the line and a new party entering the ring, this year's SGA election held a lot of weight and garnered more attention from students who previously have not voted.

This election, even amidst the ongoing pandemic, had a record turnout with about 16% of the student population voting. Some may question whether this is due to the recent controversies within

Please note that for content related to elections, implicit bias is difficuto avoid.

However, HSA does not endorse any FSU SGA Political Parties or candidates.

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At a time where we are so disconnected, we still managed to get thousands of students involved and engaged in this process

SGA, such as former senate President Jack Denton's removal and eventual reinstatement.

The move to reinstate Denton was not without controversies, some of which included a four-hour student hearing over Zoom, where a large number of FSU attended and gave statements regarding they or their organization's opinions on the matter.

The Tallahassee Democrat has done several pieces on this student involvement, as well as the reasons for Jack Denton's removal. The second vote ousting Denton could have been related to increased student turn out due to the pandemic. Being home for extended periods of time gave students the opportunity to involve themselves in SGA. Denton's remarks also struck a

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chord with many students at FSU, who spread the screenshots of his conversations on social media.

This backlash may have provided incentive for students to remain involved in SGA by voting in this election.

Regardless of the reasoning behind the increased turnout, the student involvement this year is unprecedented.

When asked about this influx of student voters, Griffin Leckie stated, "At a time where we are so disconnected, we still managed to get thousands of students involved and engaged in this process."

Typically, SGA elections occur in the middle of the semester, and participation in the past has been based heavily in turnout from SGA insiders, IFC and Panhellenic students.

Progress managed to campaign in these in-circles and gain enough seats to close the gap between the Movement political party. The student body Presidency was only lost by 240 votes, showing the impact of the new rising party.

What SGA will continue to grow into might surprise us once this outsider group, or any new parties, gain traction, and students continue to remain involved in on-campus politics.

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M E D A L L I O N ?

Submit your original research, photography, poetry, short stories, or visual art to be featured in The Medallion!

Examples of acceptable genres are: poetry, short stories, research, visual art, or photography, but any student work is welcome.

Current honors students should send creative writing, research, photography, or art submissions to HSAeboard19@gmail.com 20

FSU MARCH MADNESS: SOCIAL MEDIA BRACKET @DearFloridaState @FSUsecrets @FSUpancakes

@FSUsecrets @FSUpancakes

@Blacksheep_FSU

@Blacksheep_FSU @Blacksheep_FSU @FSUrice

@Blacksheep_FSU @BarstoolFSU

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The FSU March Madness Social Media Bracket was a contest held on the @fsuhonors Instagram. Students voted in story polls for their favorite accounts about FSU. Check out the winner on the next page!

@FSUcap @FSUcap @EggplantFSU

@FSUcap @MaskUpFSU @FSU_trees

@FSU_trees @FSU_trees @FSU_trees

@MaskDownFSU @Noleshaderoom

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THE WINNER IS...

@Fsu_trees

Go check them out on Instagram to see some of the beautiful trees around Florida State's campus!

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CALLING ALL HONORS STUDENTS:

FOLLOW HSA ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

FACEBOOK: "FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY HONORS PROGRAM" INSTAGRAM: @FSUHONORS

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Editor-in-Chief: Karyna Bugos

Content:

Jennifer Lamont Callista Payne Jamie Guterman