The following article is a featured story in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s annual magazine, Engage. To read the full 2022-2023 issue of Engage, click here.
The College is home to numerous organizations that help connect students to opportunities both locally and nationally. These organizations are vital to students’ success, helping them to “Get More Than a Degree” during their time at Florida State.
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’s Student Leadership Council (SLC) provides personal and professional development opportunities to our students and serves as a liaison between the student body and College leadership, advocating for the needs of students and advancing strategic initiatives led by the College.
The SLC hosted Meet the College Week to get COSSPP students more engaged during the first week of the fall and spring semesters, including the Social Sciences Involvement Fair, where students connected with registered student organizations that piqued their interest, and First Week with Frother’s, giving COSSPP students a much-needed coffee break during their first week of classes on the steps of Bellamy.
The SLC also partnered with the Power of We to host Agree to Disagree, a long-standing tradition bringing together students, faculty, and community members from across the political spectrum to discuss ideals in a civil and productive manner.
In late February, the SLC teamed up with Public Health’s Visiting Assistant Professor Marcos Colon, Ph.D., to host the North American premiere of his newest film “Stepping Softly on the Earth.” The film highlights economic and environmental injustice within indigenous communities in the Amazon rainforest basin.
COSSPP Women’s Leadership Network
The COSSPP Women’s Leadership Network provides professional networking and development opportunities for women enrolled in the College. This year the group expanded to include undergraduate students in its membership and hosted two speakers during the academic year.
In Fall 2023, Public Administration Ph.D. student Ashley Falls gave a virtual talk “How to do it all and stay sane: Working toward life balance as a full-time employee and graduate student.”
In Spring 2023, distinguished alumna Lynne Cossman, Ph.D., spoke to COSSPP students about her career trajectory and approach to leadership. Dr. Cossman is the founding Dean of the College for Health, Community and Policy at The University of Texas at San Antonio.
Economics Club at FSU
The Economics Club at FSU offered 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 economic topics, including macroeconomic trends, financial markets, policy analysis, and international trade. This exposed members to diverse perspectives and provided valuable learning opportunities.
Fundraising events served multiple purposes, including supporting club initiatives and fostering a sense of community.
Share-it-Nights at local Tallahassee restaurants allowed members to enjoy a meal together while contributing to the club’s activities, strengthening camaraderie and financial support.
Looking ahead, the club has planned additional initiatives to promote student involvement and academic growth.
Starting in Fall 2023, study groups and tutoring sessions will be organized to assist members with coursework and exam preparation. Workshops and seminars on resumé writing, interview skills, and graduate school applications will also be provided to equip members with essential tools for success.
World Affairs Program
The World Affairs Program is an academic debate team that provides training in negotiation and debate strategies, as well as the opportunity to develop leadership and problem-solving skills by engaging with experts on topical global affairs and in debate competitions nationwide.
This academic year FSU’s World Affairs Program saw massive success both on campus and across the country. The program grew significantly, as the new member class this year was one of the largest the program has seen in recent history.
Throughout the academic year, the World Affairs Program traveled to nine cities across North America.
Delegates won 63 individual awards and took home five delegation awards, leading Florida State to its #10 ranking internationally for the Fall 2022 semester, above all the Ivy Leagues and other Florida universities.
This past February, FSU’s World Affairs Program hosted its second iteration of NoleMUN, an internationally ranked collegiate conference held in Tallahassee, with record attendance by schools across the country.
In Spring, the World Affairs Program traveled to Montréal, San Francisco, Atlanta, Charlottesville, Chicago, and Williamsburg. At each conference this Spring, the World Affairs Program received multiple awards and throughout the semester won 36 total. In addition, the World Affairs Program received three Best Delegation awards for participation in these conferences.
NABE at FSU
The National Association for Business Economics (NABE) at FSU provides students with a powerful connection to economists worldwide, including influential figures such as Federal Reserve Chairs, Congressional Budget Advisors, and renowned economists.
NABE at FSU prepares members for the professional world after graduation.
At biweekly meetings student hear from economists from various sectors, learn about new career opportunities, and network.
Notable guest speakers in the past year included economists from PwC, Bank of America, Charles Rivers Associates, the James Madison Institute, the Florida Legislature, and the Florida Department of Revenue.
To prepare students for the professional world, NABE organizes workshops on resumé and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and provides members the opportunity
to go to national conferences. In Fall 2022, six members attended NABE’s Annual Meeting where they interacted with eminent economists, including Federal Reserve Chairs and chief economists from prominent firms.
IAEM at FSU
The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Student Chapter at FSU provides members with educational and networking opportunities within the field of emergency management.
Regular chapter meetings include prominent guest speakers within the field of emergency management.
This year’s speakers included former FEMA Administrator Brock Long, Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) Director Kevin Guthrie, and other influential figures in emergency management.
IAEM members learned about the ongoing development of the emergency management profession, the response and recovery for both Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, the importance of a national culture of preparedness, and how to access continuing educational resources and certifications.
Students toured the FDEM Emergency Operations Center
and the Leon County Emergency Operations Center, gaining insights from FDEM Director Guthrie and other experts in the field.
Looking ahead to the next academic year, IAEM will continue to host innovators and practitioners from the field such as guest speakers, organize future tour outings, and keep students updated on volunteer opportunities.
To see a list of our college-affiliated organizations and opportunities to get involved, click here.