The following article is a featured story in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s annual magazine, Engage. To read the full 2023-2024 issue of Engage, click here.
The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy is home to many organizations that help connect students to opportunities both locally and nationally. ‘The Future is Made in Bellamy,’ and these organizations are vital to students’ success, helping them to ‘Get More Than a Degree’ during their time at FSU.
Here are just a few examples of the incredible experiences our students are gaining outside the classroom through their involvement with student organizations at FSU.
College of Social Sciences Student Leadership Council
The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy Student Leadership Council (COSSPP SLC) is dedicated to enhancing the lives of students within the college and fostering leadership opportunities. Through initiatives such as a mentorship program, community service events, professional development workshops, and alumni networking, the organization aims to develop students into their most capable and confident selves.
The SLC collaborates closely with Dean Chapin and college leadership, providing unique perspectives for consideration in policymaking, new approaches, and goal implementation. The council is composed of the college’s most exemplary students who are committed to serving their peers.
The organization prides itself on its three core values: leadership, service, and mentorship. These were demonstrated in the programming provided by the SLC over the past academic year, as each focused on improving students’ lives and positively impacting the Tallahassee and FSU communities.
During the past year, the SLC’s membership doubled, while applications to join the club tripled compared to previous years. As new members contributed to the year’s growth, the council experienced considerable success at events.
One notable event, Agree to Disagree, is founded on the belief that political polarization can be mitigated through discussion and engagement between opposing viewpoints. In collaboration with the Power of We, the SLC hosted this event, featuring insights on Floridia politics from expert Carol Weissert, Ph.D. The discussions facilitated at Agree to Disagree helped bridge the political divide and enhance the communication skills of attending students.
Following Agree to Disagree, the council partnered with the coffee company Frother’s Daughter to host Finals with the Frother’s outside Strozier library, offering 250 free drinks to FSU students and a respite during a stressful time for many.
To conclude the year, the SLC hosted its annual gala to recognize students’ dedication and lasting contributions.
COSSPP Women’s Leadership Network
The COSSPP Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) works to develop the next generation of leaders and cultivate a supportive community of women interested in sharing their expertise with the next generation of Noles. Open to all COSSPP students, the WLN’s programming is designed to enhance professional networks, hone executive skills, and connect recent and established alumni with one another.
The WLN recently expanded to two leadership boards, one for undergraduate students and one for graduate students.
WLN’s programming provides students with the opportunity to learn from COSSPP alumni by hearing presentations and engaging with speakers at special events.
In Fall 2023, the WLN hosted a wellness presentation by the Center for Health Advocacy & Wellness (CHAW) and a presentation on “Navigating Career Opportunities, Being Adaptable, and Managing Well-Being” by FSU alumna Claudia Gonzalez.
In Spring 2024, the WLN hosted a virtual workshop on developing a scholarly identity with the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards (OGFA) and organized a leadership luncheon with COSSPP Distinguished Alumna Doby Flowers (B.S. Social Work ’71; M.S. Urban & Regional Planning ’73), FSU’s first African American Homecoming Queen and co-founder of FSU’s Civil Rights Institute.
Additionally, they welcomed COSSPP alumna Nancy McKay (B.S. Government ‘78) to campus, and she connected with students about personal leadership. Across both semesters, the WLN also held regular drop-in “Refresh & Refuel” work sessions to promote interdisciplinary connection.
The WLN looks forward to the 2024-2025 academic year, during which they plan to host even more events to promote networking and skill-building across the college.
Economics Club at FSU
The Economics Club at FSU offers networking opportunities for members to connect with professionals and students in the field of economics, facilitating valuable connections and career exploration.
Distinguished speakers from academia, government agencies, and the private sector were invited to share their expertise on a wide range of topics, including behavioral, environmental, financial, and policy-based economics. This exposed members to diverse perspectives and provided valuable learning opportunities.
The Economics Club co-hosted a variety of compelling lectures and study sessions to support students with fundamental economics courses. Share-it-Nights at local Tallahassee businesses allowed members to enjoy a meal together while contributing to the club’s activities, strengthening camaraderie and financial support.
Looking ahead, the club plans to foster a tight-knit community and aid in academic growth through study nights, tutoring sessions, and exam preparation for related economic disciplines. They also plan to host seminars to help students with resume and interview skills vital for the job market.
Masters of Applied American Politics and Policy Association
The Masters of Applied American Politics and Policy Association (MAAPPA) at Florida State University provides robust engagement and collaboration opportunities, as well as offering students the opportunity to gain leadership skills.
This year, MAAPPA began the fundraising initiative Profs and Pours, in which professors served as guest bartenders for students, alumni, and faculty. Funds from this event will support various MAAPPA activities and projects, ensuring the association’s financial health and enabling future endeavors.
The MAAPPA Mentorship Program was also created to strengthen alumni relations, connect current students with alumni, and foster a network of support and professional guidance. The mentorship program aims to create a dynamic and supportive community by bridging the gap between past and present members.
National Association for Business Economics
The National Association for Business Economics (NABE) at FSU offers students unique insights into career paths for economics majors and prepares students for the professional world after graduation.
To equip students for the workforce, NABE organized workshops on networking and career resources, as well as alumni panels. Members were also given the chance to attend national conferences.
At biweekly meetings, students heard from professionals in various stages of their economics careers. They shared insights into their daily lives, career trajectories, and tips for achieving success in the workplace to provide students with learning and networking opportunities with professionals in their fields of interest. Notable speakers in the past year include economists from Berkeley Research Group, Capital City Bank Group, Florida Chamber of Commerce, and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.
In the past year, six members attended the NABE Annual Meeting in the fall and another six attended the Policy Conference in the spring. At these conferences, students interacted with some of the most prominent economists in the U.S. and abroad.
To see a list of our college-affiliated organizations and opportunities to get involved, click here.