Last semester, Student Government held its annual election and if you didn’t vote, you most likely have no idea who won. In fact, of the 28,360 students at FAU, only 3,088 students, or about 11 percent, voted in the recent election. 

But what’s the point of voting?

The leaders you’re voting for play a part in overseeing and influencing how our school’s money is spent, through campus events or initiatives, which could affect your tuition costs. 

The president, vice president, and campus governor represent the student body and raise concerns to the administration, while providing resources that are useful to students, according to the SG Constitution. 

So what exactly does the president, vice president, and campus governor do?

• The president represents the student body at Board of Trustees meetings, who are responsible for approving university-wide budgets, installing new academic programs and ensuring the university is following state laws. The president also approves or vetoes House/ Senate legislation, and reviews the school’s budget. 

• The vice president serves as chair of the University Budget Allocation Committee (UBAC), chairs Senate meetings, maintains records of Senate legislation, and represents the student body in the absence of the president.

• The campus governor appoints students on their Administrative Cabinet, which include, Student Government Multicultural Programming Director, Council of Student Organization Director, and Students Advisory Volunteer Involvement Director. The governor also approves or vetoes House legislation, and oversees the operation of the Governor’s Cabinet.

They do this all while maintaining a full-course load and involvement in other organizations. Here’s a rundown of who these Student Government leaders are:

KEVIN BUCHANAN: Student Body President

How did you first get involved in Student Government?  

Former President Michael Cairo (2016-2017) had talked to me about joining when we were working with my fraternity’s expansion group.

Do you have a favorite memory of your time at FAU?

My favorite memory since being here is winning the Student Body Presidents race, it’s truly the most humbling experience and something I had been working to hopefully win for years.

What is your favorite thing about FAU? 

My favorite thing about FAU is the community we have here, where the staff and students have such a personal connection with one another.

What are your top priorities for this school year?

My top priorities for this year is student safety and building on the student experience we have to offer here at FAU.

What advice would you give to your freshman-year self? 

The advice I’d give myself as a freshman is to join an organization and push yourself to be uncomfortable by doing new things, you’ll thank yourself so much in the long run.

Where’s your go-to spot off-campus?

Catch me at Palmetto Beach with a chair and cooler.

What’s your go-to Starbucks order?

Small black coffee.

What’s your favorite series to binge-watch? 

Most recently Euphoria, but Game of Thrones usually.

CELINE PERSAUD: Student Body Vice President

How did you first get involved in Student Government?

Getting involved in Student Government was something that members of my sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, strongly encouraged me to do. From the beginning of my time here at FAU, I had watched my sorority sisters such as Emily Lawless (SG President ’17), and Danielle Orr (Former COSO & Marketing Director) be successful in their SG positions. 

Do you have a favorite memory of your time at FAU?

My favorite memory of my time at FAU has been representing our university at the National Model United Nations Conference in Washington, D.C., and winning a national title for FAU with my fellow student-delegates.

What is your favorite thing about FAU? 

My favorite thing about FAU is that there are endless opportunities for every kind of student, you just have to go after them and give it your all. 

What are your top priorities for this school year?

My top priorities for this school year are getting as many of our initiatives done for the students as possible. 

What advice would you give to your freshman-year self?

The advice I would give to my freshman year self is to believe in my abilities and meet as many people as possible. Meeting new people has been my favorite part of the college experience, and has given me unique perspectives to student life here at FAU. It is always best to keep an open mind and be a friendly face to people. 

Where is your go-to spot off-campus?

My go-to spot off-campus is the beach. On my stressful days, I like to take a good book and read at the beach during the sunset. 

Your go-to Starbucks order? 

My go-to Starbucks order is a Skinny Venti Iced Coffee with a shot of White Chocolate Mocha flavor. (A very long order, I know) 

Your favorite series to binge-watch? 

My favorite series to binge watch is any documentary about politics or history. I also like to watch Scandal, (Olivia Pope is an icon). 

ALEX ZAND: Boca Raton Student Body Governor

How did you first get involved in Student Government? 

I first got introduced to Student Government during my freshman orientation. It wasn’t until the Spring of my sophomore year that I got involved, and I am so thankful I did.

Do you have a favorite memory of your time at FAU? 

My favorite memory has to be my freshman orientation. That is where I met so many of my friends today, many of which are the leaders of their respective organizations. That is also where I was introduced to many of the organizations I am involved with, and that wouldn’t be the case if not for my orientation experience.

What is your favorite thing about FAU?

 My favorite thing about FAU is how unique we are, and how many opportunities to get involved there are.

What are your top priorities for this school year?

My top priorities this year are to maintain a high GPA, continue to meet more students and to be successful in and out of Student Government.

What advice would you give to your freshman-year self? 

The biggest advice I would give my freshman year self is to get involved in different aspects of the university. If you find your interests early on, you will not only have a successful college experience but a successful experience in life after college.

Where is your go-to spot off-campus?

The beach.

Your go-to Starbucks order?

Double-shot on ice

Your favorite series to binge-watch?

My favorite show to binge-watch is How I Met Your Mother. I reference that show all the time because it’s such a great show. 

Israel Fontoura is the news editor with the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, follow @israelofontoura on Twitter or email [email protected]