UNF Senate addresses attendance, sustainability and student success

UNF Senate addresses attendance, sustainability and student success Categories: Latest Latest Stories Student Government UNF Senate addresses attendance, sustainability and student success Arianna Sanislow-Pressey, Government Reporter | Oct 12, 2026 UNF Board of Trustees Chair Steve Moore standing between Student Body President Hazel Joseph and Vice President Tommy Mazzella. (Photo Courtesy of Student Government) The University of North Florida’s Student Senate passed a strict attendance policy during its Friday, Oct. 9 meeting, while also approving a campus sustainability resolution and confirming several key student government appointments. In a 16-0 vote with one abstention, senators limited members to six excusals per semester. Scheduled to take effect after Nov. 13, the policy addresses ongoing struggles to reach quorum and begin committee meetings on time. During floor debate, members explored allowing remote participation to boost attendance but raised concerns about technical difficulties and communication breakdowns. Senators were advised to communicate absences well in advance or request a formal leave of absence if unable to commit to regular meetings. Board of Trustees Chair address Following the policy vote, Board of Trustees Chair Steve Moore addressed the Senate on leadership and the university’s strategic direction. Moore, a UNF alumnus holding both undergraduate and master’s degrees from the university, emphasized the balance between enrollment growth—currently around 18,900 students—and student success metrics like retention, four-year graduation rates, and experiential learning. “Try to remain humble, try to remember how you got to where you are and usually with that thought process, you will be successful,” Moore told student leaders, encouraging them to utilize Student Body President and Student Trustee Hazel Joseph as a direct channel to university leadership. Joint resolution on campus sustainability  The Senate also passed a joint resolution supporting the Office of Campus Sustainability in restoring and expanding campus recycling programs.  USA Committee Chair Junior Rodriguez-Perez presented findings from an Osprey Voice survey of 496 students, which highlighted demand for convenient recycling bins and better access in residence halls.  Rodriguez-Perez said that while bins exist, recyclable materials are not currently separated at final collection points. The resolution supports the university’s Office of Campus Sustainability in its efforts to improve recycling access and infrastructure. Appointment and funding requests  Emmanuel Marrero-Huertas (left), Audrey Nowak (middle), and Anneisa Andrews (right) were unanimously confirmed as associate justices and Deputy Supervisor of Elections, respectively. In final business, the Senate unanimously confirmed three student government appointments: Anneisa Andrews as Deputy Supervisor of Elections, and Audrey Nowak and Emmanuel Marrero-Huertas as Associate Justices.  The Senate considered funding requests from student organizations and university offices. A request from the UNF Deadbird Rugby Football Club was postponed until the next meeting so the organization could have another opportunity to address senators’ questions, as the representative for the club was not present. Student Government Committees will meet on Friday, Oct. 16. Meeting times and locations are below. The Rules and Oversight Committee will meet at 10 a.m. in the Senate Chambers (Bldg. 58E, Room 3200). The Budget and Allocations Committee will meet at noon in the Senate Chambers. The University and Student Affairs Committee will meet at 2 p.m. in the John E. Sapp Conference Room (Bldg. 58E, Room 3206). 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