UWF SVA

Overcoming Adversity event

2013 Veterans Day Parade

2013 Hotdog Cookout

We will be having the last SVA meeting of the year today at 11 in the conference room of bldg 38. Hope to see everyone there!

Christmas Party Survey

Ok, we're taking a survey on whether we should have a Christmas party or not... please take a minute to take the survey.

Christmas Party Survey Web survey powered by SurveyMonkey.com. Create your own online survey now with SurveyMonkey's expert certified FREE templates.

11-11-13 Veterans Day Free Deals

FREE FOOD
Applebees -- eat free from a limited menu
Carrabba's -- free appetizer
Chili's -- eat free from a limited menu
Denny’s -- Free Grand Slam breakfast
Golden Corral -- free dinner, Nov. 11, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Krispy Kreme -- free doughnut and coffee
Little Caesar's -- free crazy bread
O'Charley's -- free meal from $9.99 menu
Olive Garden – free entrée Nov. 11 during regular business hours
Outback Steakhouse –free Bloomin' Onion and beverage
Red Lobster -- free appetizer 11/11 - 11/14
Red Robin -- free burger and fries
Subway -- Free six-inch sub or flatbread on Veterans Day.
Texas Roadhouse -- Free meals from opening until 4 p.m. Nov. 11
TGI Fridays -- free lunch 11am - 2pm
Village Inn -- free select breakfast items

RETAIL DEALS
Amazon.com -- free downloadable MP3 album
Better way to Stay -- free Bed & Breakfast Stay for Vets 11/10 - 11/11
http://www.betterwaytostay.com/current-promotions/bbs-for-vets/
Big Lots – 10% off entire purchase.
Dollar General -- 10-percent discount with a Veterans Day coupon.
Great Clips -- free haircut
Home Depot -- 10 percent discount year-round
K-Mart -- Nov. 10th 5-10% off, Friday & Saturday 5-15% of
Lowe's -- 10 percent discount year-round.
National Parks -- Free entrance 11/9 - 11/11
SportsClips -- Haircuts for active-duty U.S. service members and veterans 11/11

Budget and planning session with our new officers was a success. Wait until you see what is in store for the next year for UWF's SVA!!

Today, The SVA and the MVRC lost another plank owner. Robin Griffiths, graduate of the International Studies program at UWF, worked for the MVRC since its inception and even before while the Vet center was a part of the Resigtrar's office. Robin was also a charter member of the SVA at UWF, where he worked with a small group of others to create the foundation for what we have today. Robin has served his last day as a Transition Coach, mentor, and member of UWF's chapter of the SVA, but the contributions he has provided will not soon be forgotten. His hard work, friendly nature, and dedication to student success will be missed by all who's life he has helped or touched during his time with both organizations. Fair winds and following seas Marine, may your journey be safe and successful.

Today at 10:30 the SVA will be having a hot dog social right outside our building (Bldg 38) beginning at 11am. Come get a grilled hot dog and a handmade breast cancer awareness ribbon. Everything is free and is our way of helping the school celebrate homecoming. We look forward to seeing you there!!

Tomorrow, Friday, 27 September, we will be selling grilled hot dogs and a soda for $1.50 from 11am to Noon. Let all of your friends know, this is the cheapest food on campus!!! Proceeds help us fund events, so come on by and help us raise some operations funds. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!

CONSTITUTION
OF
THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA CHAPTER,
STUDENT VETERANS OF AMERICA

ARTICLE ONE: MISSION STATEMENT
The purpose of this organization shall be: To provide a fellowship of like-minded individuals who have a shared similar experience from the military. Support our student body veterans, their families and the university community at-large. Advocate for and raise awareness of veteran specific issues within the university body and local, state and federal governmental agencies. Create a network of students and successful alumni in order to provide professional and leadership opportunities after graduation. Provide accurate, specific information concerning veteran’s issues to all students, their families and other support groups. Provide a place for veterans, those receiving veterans’ educational benefits, active duty and ROTC students a place to meet and support each other.

ARTICLE TWO: UNIVERSITY COMPLIANCE
This organization shall comply with all University of West Florida rules and regulations, local, state and federal laws and should any of the following conflict with any of the aforementioned entities, those entities requirements supersede these Bylaws. The organization agrees to abide by Florida State Statute #1006.63 regarding hazing. Furthermore, agrees to abide by all Center for Student Activity policies as outlined in the student handbook, to check the organization’s mailbox regularly, to communicate via email with the university upon request and to update the organization’s records whenever there is a change. “Hazing,” means any action or situation, which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with this organization. Such terms shall include, but not be limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or any forced activity which could adversely affect the mental or physical health, the safety or dignity of the individual to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivations, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental or physical health, the safety or dignity of the individual.

ARTICLE THREE: NAME
The name of this organization shall be: Student Veterans of American – Chapter at the University of West Florida, hereafter referred to in this document as the organization. This organization shall become affiliated with the national organization of Student Veterans of America (SVA).

ARTICLE FOUR: UNIVERSITY CHAPTER ADVISOR
The advisor is chosen by a majority vote of the membership from the faculty or staff at UWF. Candidates for this position must be interviewed by the elected officers of the Chapter prior to the vote taking place.
DUTIES:
1. The advisor’s duties to this organization shall be to:
2. Meet with the organization President periodically to ensure the organization is in compliance with all university regulations.
3. Stay informed of the universities policies in order to ensure Chapter compliance.
4. Advise/guide the organization and its members on organizational matters.

ARTICLE FIVE: BYLAWS
AMENDMENT I – MEMBERSHIP

PART A: QUALIFICATIONS
1. Membership in the organization shall be open to those regularly enrolled at UWF who are veterans, active duty personnel, reservists, ROTC students or family members of the afore mentioned groups or those who support the mission of the organization. There is no set time for an individual to join.

2. This organization complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination; including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The organization is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, s*x, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, s*xual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability or military service.

3. All members must uphold the objectives and purpose of this organization, plus any requirements established by the Executive Board.

4. The organization must maintain a minimum of 4 participating individuals at all times to remain active with the Center for Student Activities.
Part B: DISQUALIFICATIONS

1. The following disqualification rules apply to all members and officers.

2. All members must maintain a University mandated successful Grade Point Average to continue participation in the organization. Removal due to grades will follow the academic policies of the university.

3. Active membership ceases upon graduation, unless continued education is pursued through a program of graduate studies.

4. Any member failing to uphold the purpose and objectives of the organization, does not meet with membership qualifications, does not comply with University policies or displays conduct considered unbecoming this organization may be held accountable and in jeopardy of losing their membership. Charges of these activities launched against a member must be presented to the Executive Board. Written notification of the charges shall be presented to the alleged offender member. Thirty days after the member receives the written notice, a hearing will be conducted by the membership to decide the best course of action to be taken that will preserve the integrity of the organization. All reprimands or penalties including suspension and revocation of membership must receive a 2/3 affirmative vote amongst the organization membership present at the called meeting for said purpose. The secretary is responsible to notify the membership via the university email system of the time and place of hearing at least 14 days prior to said hearing.

AMENDMENT II – OFFICERS
1. All officers of this organization must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 or greater.
2. The office of President and Vice-President may only be filled by UWF students receiving VA educational benefits. All other officer positions, elected or appointment may be filled by any organization member. The office of President, Vice-President and Secretary must be filled at all times. These offices shall be filled by election (details listed below) from voting members of the organization and shall be held in the Spring each year 3 weeks prior to UWF graduation ceremonies.
3. All office length of terms shall be for a period of one year.
4. Positions of this organization and their individual duties shall be:
President:
• Responsible for overseeing the duties of chapter executives.
• Responsible for representing the organization to all external sources as a spokesperson.
• Responsible for preparing meetings and presiding over same.
• Responsible to call special meetings when necessary.
• Responsible to represent the organization at all university meetings.
Vice-President:
• Responsible for presiding at all meetings when President is absent.
• Responsible for assisting the President in his/her duties as needed.
Secretary:
• Responsible or recording minutes of all meetings both stated and special called meetings.
• Responsible for notifying organization members of all special called meetings via university email system.
• Receive all communications from outside organizations.
• Submit all required university records and documents of the organization.
Treasurer:
• Responsible for handling the organization’s monetary accounts.
• Responsible for reporting the current financial status of the organization to all parties required both organizational and university.
• Responsible to generate an organization financial report to be delivered to the organization at the meeting prior to elections each year.
Public Relations
• Responsible of media relations, such as keeping local media apprised of organizational events.
• Responsible for attending university meetings.
• Responsible for obtaining table space in the commons at least once per semester to prospect for potential members.
• Responsible for Internet site and any other media resources
Social Chairman
• Responsible for planning, organizing and carrying out social activities for members.
• Responsible for maintaining event details and have them at their disposal during events.
• Responsible for selecting individual members to assist with any part of these duties.
Master at Arms
• Responsible for order of and adjourning meetings
• Responsible for taking roll at all meetings and events
• Responsible for ballot taking and officer election procedures

AMENDMENT III – ELECTION OF OFFICERS
1. Held in November of each year.
2. Nominations can be made by any member from the floor (including the candidate may nominate themselves).
3. Votes will be cast by secret written ballot.
4. A simple majority of votes cast wins the election.
5. In the event of a tie, a run-off between the candidates who tied will be conducted. Should a tie remain the incumbent officer shall, after interviewing each candidate make the final selection.
6. In the event a vacancy occurs at the President’s position, the Vice-President will fill the remainder of the term. All other vacancies will be nominated by President and confirmed by majority of officers. In case both executive offices are vacant an emergency election that requires majority vote of members will be held.
AMENDMENT IV – MEETINGS
Meeting will be held the first Wednesday and third Tuesday of every month.

AMENDMENT V – AMENDMENTS
Any amendment proposal for the Constitution/Bylaws must be made in writing and submitted to the President via the Secretary. The proposed amendment must first be confirmed by majority of officers, then must be passed by majority of membership.

AMENDMENT VI–ABSENTEE VOTES
If a member is not present or accounted for their vote will be counted as absent, proxy votes must be submitted in writing to the master at arms one hour prior to vote taking place.

AMENDMENT VII – RATIFICATION
Amendments to constitution must receive a majority vote from an assembly of at least ten members

UWF SVA's cover photo

On behalf of the UWF SVA, I would like to take a minute to wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day. Here are a few quotes to help us remember the true meaning of this day:

"America is much more than a geographical fact. It is a political and moral fact - the first community in which men set out in principle to institutionalize freedom, responsible government, and human equality." ~Adlai Stevenson

"We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls." ~Robert J. McCracken

Happy Independence Day!

Just a short time remaining to get your submissions in for the T-Shirt contest. The deadline is July 15th, with results being announced on the 19th.

T-Shirt Design Contest

Help us refresh the face of UWF’s Student Veterans of America chapter with a fresh looking design for our t-shirts.
Rules:
- Designs can be a single picture on the front, a small design on the front breast with a large design on the back, or any configuration that you feel will look good.
- The design must allow us to be identified from a distance.
- If you use the SVA or UWF logos in your design, no alterations are allowed to the actual logos under copyright law.
- The colors are limited to two colors in the design, but should be able to be used on different colored shirts.

Email all submissions to [email protected]

Submissions must be in by 0800, Monday, July 15th.
The winner will be selected and notified on Friday, July 19th.
The winning submission will get a free t-shirt with their logo.

UWF SVA's cover photo

Please join us as we work to re-energize the UWF student veterans organization chapter of the SVA in an effort to grow membership and participation in this organization that already has a national voice.

- hamburgers, hot dogs and all the stuff that goes with 'em. The MVRC will be closed for this event so all may attend.

We may have a mystery guest you won't want to miss....

Please come and enjoy some food and good company. Building 54, room 164 - right beside the gym (same parking lot)

We look forward to seeing you all there.