The University of Tampa Advocacy Program, a new organization, kicked off its group with its first meeting on Oct. 14.
The goal of this club is to give students support and make them more comfortable when going through the conduct process for possible university policy violations.
Bobby Winsler, UT junior and organization president, said a lot of students make the process a bigger deal then it needs to be and wants students to know that the Advocacy Program and the school are here to help.
The organization is part of Student Conduct Board.
According to Winsler, judicial coordinator Michael Gilmer will email the acting president, and the president will delegate students on a rotating basis so everyone will get a chance to conduct a hearing.
“In the future, if we see that some people have better success with some types of hearings, then we would send them there,” Winsler said.
Though Winsler is acting president, he did not come up with the idea for the organization.
Mike Harold was inspired to make the group two years ago.
“[He] wanted to start it as a program through Student Government,” Winsler said.
However, Harold instead became involved in Student Government and didn’t have time to begin the Advocacy Program.
“So I asked him if I could take over,” Winsler said.
Harold approved his request.
Since the club is new, there are not many people involved yet.
“We had three at our first meeting, but I’ve been in contact with six or seven people,” Winsler said.
The only active member at the moment is Winsler.
In the future, Winlser said he would like to have minimum GPA requirement and conduct training mandatory to join the club.
“Since we’re still young, anyone that’s interested can come out,” Winsler said.
During weekly meetings, students will talk about previous hearings, so they can agree on reasonable sanctions and what the school looks for when holding students accountable for their actions.
To get involved, go to an Advocacy Program meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in room 134 of the John H. Sykes College of Business or email justice4ut@gmail.com.
Students who cannot make the meetings can be emailed the minutes.
Winsler has a lot of plans for this new club and wants people to come out and join him.
“[This is] something the school needed,” Winsler said.
Mandy Carr can be reached at acarr@ut.edu.