Matthew Crow [Click to enlarge]

The UWF Criminal Justice Student Association conducted its inaugural meeting Oct. 6 at the University Commons. The newly revised group discussed new member involvement community service and professional development for criminal justice students in the upcoming school year.

            "The group used to be a larger funded organization in the past," association adviser Mathew Crow said. The Criminal Justice and Legal Studies department is trying to clear up money for a student organization in addition to SGA funding, he added.

Crow said he wants the new members to take charge and make the organization the way they want it. He wants the group not only to be helpful and informative but also fun and socially appealing.

This is for members to do whatever they want to do with it, Crow said.

Events such as visiting the police academy and Escambia County Courthouse have been scheduled in the past and have helped criminal justice students get acquainted to the field. More activities, including a career fair, are in the works for the fall semester.

 "It's all about making connections out there," said Janet Davis, association vice president. "You don't want to be completely helpless when you graduate."

Volunteering is also a key element of the group's purpose. In past years, the group worked with the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life and is seeking to do many more community service projects this year.

 "Community service is not only something that helps you develop social skills, but it also looks great on your resume," Association President Heather Bruce said.

During the meeting, the four association seats discussed the by-laws and the purpose of the group as well as the election dates for office in the fall. Active members will be able to vote on all events and organized activities.

The group is scheduled to meet once a month or as needed. The constitution states two-thirds of active members must be in attendance to have a voice in the association's policies or important decisions; which makes it vital for all members to attend.

"The goal of the strict constitution is to create a smoother run program," seat member Matt Kruse said. "I'd like to see this group create more job and internship opportunities for the underclassman that I never had a few years ago."

More than 20 students showed up for the meeting. Many stayed after the presentation and volunteered to help out with upcoming events. Senior Justin McNair was one of the few who stayed to find out more about the group.

"This whole thing looks pretty organized so far," McNair said. "The presentation was pretty informative for context throughout the criminal justice system."

For more information on the Criminal Justice Student Association, contact the Criminal Justice and Legal Studies department at 474-2336.

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