Florida State University’s Gus A. Stavros Center for the Advancement of Free Enterprise and Economic Education is expanding Unconquered by Debt, a financial wellness program that enhances financial literacy and transforms decision making so that students become wealth creators, thanks to new support from the Office of the Provost.
Unconquered by Debt, or UBD, promotes balanced financial choices through free workshops to help students fully understand how to be responsible for their current and future lifestyles.
“Investment by the university in the Stavros Center, spearheaded by Provost James Clark, will enable this transformative initiative to expand its financial wellness and financial literacy efforts in powerful ways,” said Tim Chapin, dean of FSU’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy where the center and program are housed. “President Richard McCullough and the provost have spoken of the need to minimize student debt, and the work of the Stavros Center is central to Florida State University’s efforts.”
FSU is among the Top 12 public research universities when it comes to low student debt, and the university has set its sights on becoming the best public research university in the country for graduating students with little or no debt. Financial literacy education through programs like Unconquered by Debt are an important step toward achieving that goal.
“We are proud to support programs that support our students holistically,” said Provost Jim Clark. “Providing students with access to financial wellness resources allows them to better focus on their education while taking that financial knowledge with them into their lives and careers beyond FSU.”
UBD workshops focus on topics such as career options, earning, spending, saving, investing, managing credit, evaluating risk, insuring assets and planning for retirement.
“My personal goal is for FSU students to be the most financially literate in the country,” said Joe Calhoun, director of the Stavros Center. “Preparing them to make sound financial decisions today and to start building wealth after graduation is the overall goal. Our faculty and staff do a great job training our students with the skills and knowledge to start their careers. I aim to build their knowledge about spending and investing during their careers.”
“Providing students with access to financial wellness resources allows them to better focus on their education while taking that financial knowledge with them into their lives and careers beyond FSU.”
– Provost Jim Clark
In this expansion, Clark has funded the creation of a new position, assistant director of the Stavros Center, who will work with Calhoun to increase financial literacy on campus and the community through UBD and other initiatives.
“Since joining Unconquered by Debt, I’ve had an incredible experience working with the team and helping students learn more about personal finance,” said Whitney Bouk, a second-year political science student. “It’s incredibly fulfilling meeting people from across FSU, answering questions, and continuing to learn as much as I can.”
Through the peer mentorship program, these student leaders help fellow FSU students by leading financial workshops, assisting other students in personal finance matters and answering questions during individual meetings.
“UBD and being a peer mentor have improved my confidence in discussing financial topics with students, as I have gained the ability to break down complex concepts and present them in a relatable and understandable manner,” said second-year economics student Sebastian Saenz. “This experience has further deepened my passion for expanding my knowledge of intricate financial subjects and empowering others to make smart financial decisions.”
To learn more about Unconquered by Debt and view upcoming financial wellness workshops, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/stavros/unconquered-by-debt. To learn more about the Stavros Center, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/stavros.