2024-01-30 SGA Senate Meeting Minutes

January 30, 2024
2:15 pm, Forum 3-130, Downtown Campus Room 200B, Zoom

In Attendance

Student Senators

  • Senator Mohamed Souhail
  • Senator Giomer Garcia-Maldonado
  • Senator Ashley Wrobeh
  • Senator Loritea Ellis

Election Coordinator

  • Naz Barmak

President

  • Joseph Leichtner

Vice President of Governance

  • Angelo Romero

Vice President of Downtown

  • Mandie McGinnis

Treasurer

  • Zeynep Guney

Chief of Staff

  • Ivy Zin

Secretary of Governance

  • Alicia Crimmins

Student Trustee

  • Ana Santos

Office of Student Life

  • Advisor: Jodi Oriel
  • Faculty Advisor: Mark Sample

Visitors

  • Liam Krieger – MCC Student
  • Mary Geisert – OSLLD
  • Ginny Geer-Mentry – MCC Association
  • Ryan Messenger – Academic & Student Affairs
  • Raquel Gomez – MCC Student
  • Dana Williams – MCC Student
  • Becky Babcock – MCC Faculty Senate
  • Eric Raymond – MCC Student
  • Carrie Cleveland – MCC Student

Minutes

Call to Order (2:15 pm)

  1. Roll Call (see attendance above)
    Vice President of Governance Romero called for a roll call to start the senate meeting.
  2. Land Acknowledgement
  3. Approval of Minutes
    1. Vice President of Governance Romero called for a motion to approve the December 12, 2023, Student Government Association minutes.
    2. Senator Souhail so moved, seconded by Senator Ellis
    3. A vote was taken.
    4. To be resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the December 12, 2023, minutes as written.

Speak to the Senate

  1. Ana Santos – Student Trustee
    Trustee Santos introduced herself for the first Senate meeting of the spring 2024 semester.

Reports

  1. President Leichtner

    President Leichtner attended the Winter Institute Leadership Training held by the Student Life Office. SGA learned more about other student leaders at this training, and participated in an activity designed to improve group cohesion. On 01/23/24 President Leichtner attended the Budget Workshop Training. This training significantly enhanced the knowledge and understanding of SGA and will help SGA make better informed decisions regarding the budget process. President Leichtner would like to thank Virgina Geer-Mentry for leading the training and answering SGA’s many questions. Also, on 01/23/24, President Leichtner, along with the rest of SGA, met with VP Greg Hinton and Darrel Jackamore to discuss important ways to advocate when SGA travels to Albany to discuss the upcoming budget proposed by Governor Kathy Hochul.

  2. Vice President Romero

    As the new semester starts, Vice President of Governance Romero is returning to the role of Vice President of Governance and is settling in again. He is excited for this semester. He is studying Political Science and is in his second year at MCC. During the break, Vice President Romero attended the Student Leader Winter retreat training on January 8th, 2024, with the rest of SGA and other student leaders on campus. They all participated in the same impact interactions that faculty and staff participated in at the annual Diversity Conference. We were able to meet other student leaders on campus. We learned how to solve problems and how communication is essential. Also, when Vice President Romero was working at the January orientations, he helped present the Student Life section of the orientation with Student Life Advisor Jodi Oriel and Program Coordinator Chloe Vazzana. He talked about how getting involved in Student Life is important and how students can get involved. On Tuesday, January 23rd, SGA met with the MCC Association Executive Director to review the 2024 MCC Budget. They were trained to understand it more and where the money is going. They also met with VP Greg Hinton and Darrel Jachim Moore to discuss possible tuition increases. On Thursday, January 25th, Vice President Romero attended the first Faculty Senate Meeting of the semester. During this, the Academic Policies Committee discussed changing the Academic Calendar. This could impact students with the February Break and how it could affect their life. SGA would like to know how students feel about this academic change. Lastly, SGA accomplished something massive. With the help of the Faculty Senate and Kelsey Bright, a small paragraph with Student Government will be added to every classroom syllabus in the resource section starting in the Summer and Fall semesters of this year. SGA thanks Faculty Senate President Becky Babcock, all of Faculty Senate, Kelsey Bright, and Professor Joseph Scanlon for bringing up the idea.

  3. Vice President of Downtown McGinnis

    Hello and welcome all returning and new students to the Spring 2024 semester. My name is Mandie McGinnis, a recent graduate of the Human Services program and completing a Direct Disability Support Services Certificate with this being my last semester at MCC. My position is Vice President of Downtown. Spring office hours are Monday and Wednesday 9:30 am – 11:00 am Downtown. Office location changes on the Downtown Campus: Office of Student Life and Leadership Development 2nd floor room 214 SGA office 2nd floor room 200A Vice President McGinnis would like to welcome Mary to MCC and is excited to work alongside you on the Downtown Campus. Monday, January 8th Vice President McGinnis along with many student leaders attended the Winter Leadership Institute. We joined the Office of Student Life and Leadership Development for a retreat where we worked together to explore factors that contribute to a welcoming supportive campus community, “setting the stage for change.” Thank you, Jodi, Denee, Chloe, Mary, and Melissa for your continued support of our leadership development. On Tuesday, January 23rd SGA attended the MCC Association budget workshop. SGA was given a detailed overview of the 2024/2025 MCC Association budget with the opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions. Thank you to the Association for providing the workshop and answering our questions. Later that afternoon SGA attended the NYS Advocacy meeting with Greg Hinton, CFO and Vice President of Administrative Services and. The purpose of this meeting was for the SGA to gather information and data to advocate for greater financial support from New York State when the SGA travels to Albany for the SUNY SA Advocacy Day this spring semester. Further details to come. Upcoming Downtown Campus events: Grocery Bingo Wednesday, January 31st, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm High Falls A & B (third floor across from student services suite). Come play Bingo and win fun grocery prizes & free pizza. Sponsored by First Year Experience (FYE) and the Office of Student Life & Leadership Development. Student Life Fair Wednesday, February 7th, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm 2nd Floor Lounge. Please join the Office of Student Life & Leadership Development for the Student Life Fair on Wednesday, February 7th, where you can meet different clubs and organizations on campus and learn how to get involved. Oh, the place you’ll go!

  4. Treasurer Guney

    On Monday January 8th, Treasurer Guney with the rest of the SGA members, attended the Student Leaders Training where we had amazing experiences. On Tuesday January 23rd, Treasurer Guney and the rest of the SGA members attended the Budget Workshop where we went through all the budgets of the Monroe Community College Association. Also, on the same day we had a NYS Advocacy meeting with SGA Leaders, Greg Hinton, CFO and VP. On Friday, January 26th we started our first pre-agenda of the Spring semester. Treasurer Guney’s office hours are Tuesdays 12.15 pm – 2.00 pm and on Thursdays 12.15 pm – 1.20 pm. Treasurer Guney also got a new job at the TRIO center as a peer mentor. She looks forward to seeing you and will be happy to assist you. Thank you.

  5. Secretary of Governance Crimmins

    Over break on January 8th, Secretary of Governance Crimmins attended the Leadership Institute along with other SGA members. Secretary Crimmins feels this was an amazing opportunity to socially interact
    with other student leaders and discuss how equity and identity affects us as well as how MCC fits in to those ideas. On January 23rd, Secretary Crimmins attended the budget workshop and NYS Advocacy meeting where MCC budgets were discussed. As the new Secretary of Governance, Secretary Crimmins completed necessary training from Chief of Staff Zin. Secretary Crimmins also participated in the interview for inducting Liam Krieger as Veteran Senator. Secretary Crimmins is thankful for the opportunity to perform Secretary responsibilities and thanks the SGA team and MCC for creating a sense of belonging. Thank you.

  6. Secretary of Staff Zin

    During the break, Chief of Staff Zin attended the Winter Leadership Institute hosted by Student Life and Leadership Development, and the useful information about communication and team building as a student leader. On January 23rd, Chief of Staff Zin was at the budget training with MCCA and how the important budget goes, details of budget lines were overviewed during the training. After that, the discussion of possible tuition fees for New York State’s college was concisely discussed with Vice President Greg Hinton and Vice President Darell Jachim-Moore.

  7. Health & Wellness Senator Wrobeh

    Hello, everyone and welcome to spring semester. Senator Wrobeh hopes that it is treating you well. On Tuesday, January 23rd, senator Wrobeh attended a meeting with the rest of the SGA members, the liaisons and an MCC association representative to discuss the school’s budget for the 2023 -2024 school year. It was very insightful to see where we receive funds and how to best spend the money. The SGA also attended a meeting discussing advocating for MCC at the next SUNY student leadership conference. This past week, Senator Wrobeh also held her office hours which are on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 – 2 pm. On Friday, January 26th, Senator Wrobeh along with Secretary of Governance Crimmins, Vice President of Downtown Mcginnis, and Vice President Romero interviewed a returning member for a position in SGA. Senator Wrobeh would also like to thank student leadership and all the donors who gave her a scholarship for this semester. It was a huge blessing and is greatly appreciate. Senator Wrobeh looks forward to a great semester with you all.

  8. Election Coordinator Barmak

    Naz Barmak, a biology major and the current Election Coordinator of SGA, actively engaged in leadership development initiatives. Her participation in The Leadership Retreat during the intersession provided her with valuable insights into various leadership styles, fostering connections with fellow student leaders. Naz demonstrated her commitment by attending a recent budget meeting, where she thoroughly examined the MCC budget for the upcoming year, comparing it to the past two years. Her active involvement in these activities reflects her dedication to personal and institutional growth, highlighting her contributions as both a biology major and an essential member of the Student Government.

  9. Athletic Senator Souhail

    Hello everyone, Senator Souhail is pleased to be here with you. Senator Mohamed Souhail currently serves as the Athletic Senator at Monroe Community College. This semester is his last at Monroe Community College, where he is majoring in International Business. Alongside his studies, Senator Souhail actively contributes to campus life as a Peer Navigator and Student Ambassador, working with the Student Life Leadership Office. Senator Souhail wanted to share his recent experiences. On January 8th, before classes began, Senator Souhail took part in a training session for student leaders. Senator Souhail feels it was not only informative but also a lot of fun as students got to know each other better. Additionally, on January 23rd, Senator Souhail attended a budget training session for the college.

  10. Virtual Campus Senator Ellis

    On January 8th, Senator Ellis attended a 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Student Leadership Insitute at the Brighton Campus with the rest of SGA members, and other leaders from their respective clubs there also. Senator Ellis engaged in a lot of leadership activities and had a great deal of hands-on learning as well. On January 22nd, at 12:00 pm Senator Ellis met with the Future Downtown Campus Steering Committee and discussed what should be done as the top priority to better help get the Downtown location filled up. Several discussions were held and right now everything is still at a dead lock. On January 23rd, Senator Ellis attended the MCC Budget Association Workshop at 3:00 pm with the rest of her peers in the SGA. There senator Ellis was able to grasp more knowledge on how the funds are being allocated. Later that afternoon Senator Ellis also attended NYS Advocacy with SGA Leaders, Greg Hinton, CFO and VP at 4:30 pm.

  11. Club and Organization Senator Garcia-Maldonado

    Senator Garcia-Maldonado has no report for this week.

New Business

  1. Action Items (requires a senate vote)
    1. Resolution for the approval to approve the appointment of Liam Krieger

      Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the appointment of Liam Krieger
      Vice President Romero called for a motion to approve the resolution.
      Senator Wrobeh so moved, second by Senator Souhail.
      Discussion: Liam Krieger has met all the requirements to be appointed by the Student Government Association.
      A vote was taken. The resolution passed.
      Be it resolved, the senate present and voting that the Student Government Association appoint Liam Krieger as Veteran Senator at Monroe Community College.

Discussion Items

  1. There were no discussion items.

Old Business

  1. There was no old business.

Questions and Comments

  1. There were no questions or comments.

Adjournment

  1. Vice President Romero called for a motion for adjournment.
  2. Meeting was adjourned at 2:40 pm.

Executive Session

Respectfully submitted,
Alicia Crimmins
Secretary of Governance