2024-3-5 Student Government Association Senate Meeting Minutes

March 5, 2024
2:15 pm, Forum 3-130, Downtown Campus Room 200B, Zoom

In Attendance

Student Senators

  • Senator Mohamed Souhail
  • Senator Ashley Wrobeh
  • Senator Loritea Ellis
  • Senator Liam Krieger

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

  • Ginny Geer-Mentry – MCCA
  • Susan Hall – Curriculum
  • Natasha Chen – Middle States
  • Candice Baldwin – Chief of Staff
  • Rebecca Babcock – Faculty Senate
  • Angelique Johnston – Faculty
  • Dana Williams – MCC Student
  • Eric Wheeler – Veteran Services

Minutes

Call to Order (2:16 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 February 27, 2024 Student Government Association minutes.
    2. Senator Souhail so moved, seconded by Senator Krieger
    3. A vote was taken.
    4. Be it resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the February 27, 2024 minutes as written.

Speak to the Senate

  1. Natasha Chen, Susan Hall, Candice Baldwin- Middle States Discussion
    Gave presentation about Middle States accreditation and what the Accreditation Committee and Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) do. They shared their goal of wanting MCC to be accredited by MSCHE and proposed a plan for that to happen. They want student input and proposed a survey for students as well as answered any questions that were asked at the meeting.

  2. Virginia Geer-Mentry – Lounges Discussion
    Discussed new furniture plans for the lounge by Deja Brew.
  3. Angelique Johnston – MCC Champion
    Angelique Johnston (English Professor) was nominated by Elizabeth Johnston (English Professor) for her enthusiasm in teaching and spoke on the importance on the celebration of learning as well as inclusivity, diversity, and equity.
  4. Eric Wheeler – Honor Flight
    Explains the non-profit “Honor Flight” trip that takes U.S veterans to D.C to see the monuments made in their honor.

Reports

  1. President Leichtner

    On 02/27/24 Student Government Association attended SUNY Advocacy Day in Albany. SGA advocated for new initiatives such as a 97 million dollar raising of the funding floor for community colleges, improved funding for tap, a restoration of the Educational Opportunity Program’s budget, and instituting a universal financial aid policy to help streamline the process. Additionally, SGA met with State Senator Iwen Chu, and relayed these concerns. President Leichtner discussed how full-time enrollments are calculated, and how it disadvantages community colleges as it doesn’t count workforce students in the calculation. The senator stated she did not how this and would look to see if there is a bill addressing it, and if not, she would address it herself. Overall, this was an amazing experience and President Leichtner feels that this was a great way to advocate student concerns and make sure that the student voice is heard.

  2. Vice President Romero

    On February 14th, 2024, Vice President of Governance Romero helped with Student Trustee Santos’s Valentine’s Day event at the Resident Halls. This was a collaboration with Peer Navigators and Resident halls. RA Anna Deutscher, Ra Lea Kemp, Athletic Senator and Peer Navigator Souhail, and Peer
    Navigator Liam Worden helped with this event. There was music and board games; you could take pictures with Tiberius the Mascot. Unfortunately, He missed him like always. Many students did get involved, and it was a great event overall. On February 15th, Vice President of Governance Romero will report to the Faculty Senate on what SGA has done so far in the past month and how SGA has been trying to get out there for students. On February 22nd, Vice President of Governance Romero was interviewed by Diane Navarro on why getting help for public speaking will help you for a video for Scholars Day. He wanted to encourage students to present at Scholar’s Day and become public speakers, so he tried to get students to get more involved and overcome their fears of public speaking. On Tuesday, February 27th, Vice President Romero, along with President Leichtner, Student Trustee Santos, Treasurer Guney, Vice President of Downtown McGinnis, Secretary of Governance Crimmins, Veterans Senator Krieger, and Faculty Advisor Sample, were all in Albany to advocate for more funding for Community Colleges with the SUNY Student Assembly. We met with state legislators, and they were split into two groups. VP Romero, Student Trustee Santos, Veteran Senator Krieger, and Faculty Advisor Sample met with State Assembly Member Scott Gray, who was very friendly and understanding and was a massive supporter of funding Community Colleges. They would also meet with State assembly member Monica Wallace’s intern who listened to us and cared about what we were saying. Their experiences with the legislators and team were fantastic, and they were delighted to advocate for community college.

  3. Vice President of Downtown McGinnis

    On Monday, February 26th Vice President McGinnis attended the Disability Awareness Club interest meeting. Discussed were their upcoming club elections and the club’s signature spring event Spread the Word: Inclusion. The club is happy to announce this event will take place on the Downtown and Brighton campuses in April. Later Monday afternoon SGA traveled to Albany, NY for an overnight trip for SUNY Advocacy Day. On Tuesday, February 27th the SGA was honored to participate in SUNY Advocacy Day to advocate for increasing the funding floor of community colleges, improving the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), instituting a universal financial aid policy, and restoring the Education Opportunity Program’s (EOP) budget. Vice President McGinnis, along with President Leichtner, Treasury Guney, and Secretary of Governance Crimmins met with New York State Senator Iwen Chu to relay our concerns. It was a dynamic meeting, and we are thankful for the Senator taking the time to meet with us. The trip also provided opportunities for fellowship with the SGA takeover of the student life Instagram, and dinner with the team, which is always a blast. Thank you, fellow SUNY SA members from throughout New York for your dedication and passion. One last thing, “Fight, fight, fight Education is a right!”.

  4. Treasurer Guney

    On February 26th, Treasurer Guney and Vice President Romero attended the Monroe Community College Association Finance Committee Meeting, where we reviewed the First Quarter of 2023-2024 Financial Statements. On Monday, February 26th, Treasurer Guney, President Leichtner, Vice President Romero, Vice President of Downtown McGinnis, Student Trustee Santos, Veterans Senator Liam, and Secretary of Governance Crimmins set out to Albany for Advocacy Day. On Tuesday, February 27th, we had the chance to meet with Senator Iwen Chu and Assembly Member Sarah Clark’s assistant. We discussed and shared issues regarding moving toward equity in funding for NY Community Colleges to empower every student. We advocated for a $97 million increase in direct tax support to Community College students. On Thursday, February 29th, Treasurer Guney, President Leichtner, Vice President Romero, Vice President of Downtown McGinnis, and Secretary of Governance Crimmins attended the Monroe Community College Association Board Meeting.

  5. Secretary of Governance Crimmins

    Hello, on February 27th, Secretary of Governance Crimmins attended the SUNY Advocacy event in Albany along with other SGA members and Faculty Advisor Sample. At this event, Secretary of Governance Crimmins helped advocate for MCC and other community colleges by being in a group with Vice President of Downtown McGinnis, Treasurer Guney, and President Leichtner and speaking with Senator Iwen Chu and Assembly Member Sarah Clark’s intern about our budget request and received very positive feedback. She greatly enjoyed this event and feels like a positive change was made. Thank you.

  6. Chief of Staff Zin

    On February 26th, 2024, Chief of Staff Zin received access of SGA Instagram. Moving forward, Chief of Staff Zin and Student Trustee Santos will be updating and posting about SGA activities on @monroeccsga Instagram page. Be sure to follow the Instagram page to stay updated on all the latest activities and announcements!

  7. Health & Wellness Senator Wrobeh

    Health and Wellness Senator Wrobeh has no report this week.

  8. Election Coordinator Barmak

    Sarwenaz Barmak, the Election Coordinator of the Student Government Association, has spent the past week diligently reviewing election packets for various positions within the student body. Tasked with ensuring that candidates meet the specified criteria, she meticulously examined qualifications for positions such as Student Trustee, where a minimum GPA of 2.75 is required, and other roles like President and Vice President, which mandate a GPA of 2.25. Alongside scrutinizing the candidates’ eligibility, Sarwenaz has conscientiously checked and organized the upcoming workshop dates, with Elections Workshop 1 scheduled for the following Monday. Recognizing the importance of clear communication and proper guidance, she is set to meet with the Elections Committee later this week to discuss any potential concerns or inquiries regarding the election process, showcasing her commitment to facilitating a fair and transparent student election.

  9. Athletic Senator Souhail

    On Tuesday, February 27th, Athletic Relations Senator Souhail had the opportunity to deliver the introduction at Jalen Rose event. Additionally, on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, he served as the mascot at the MCC’s basketball team regional final.

  10. Virtual Campus Senator Ellis

    On 2/28/24 Senator Ellis met with some new students at the Downtown Campus. The reason for this meeting was to ensure that the peers knew who she was, and how she would like to be able to assist them as best as she can. After arranging to do a follow-up with the students, Senator Ellis helped guide them to the library. On 2/29/24 Senator Ellis met with the Marketing and Web Department as one of the models that would be presented that day to help get some great photos of the Downtown Campus. Philip Osterling and those working alongside him helped prepare the merchandise of a $25.00 gift card to use at the school food court. Students were able to keep the clothing of MCC logo if they wanted it. A make-up artist named Barbie helped get the students’ photo ready. They were able to take some photos on the stairs, 6th floor, and the 4th floor. It was a pleasant experience to be a part of, and to engage in networking with other peers. Senator Ellis would like to thank Jodi Oriel for recommending her up for this special occasion. After that, Senator Ellis met with Kim Delarge to discuss how she can assist with anything the campus may need. Kim mentioned “she would like for Senator Ellis to take part of a student parent workshop.” Further information will be provided later.

  11. Veterans Senator Krieger
    Veterans Senator Krieger has no report for this week.

New Business

  1. Action Items (requires a senate vote)
    1. Resolution for the Approval of Zaineb Ijaz as Secretary of Staff.

      Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the appointment of Zaineb Ijaz as Secretary of Staff.
      Vice President of Governance Romero called for a motion to approve the resolution.
      Senator Souhail so moved, second by Senator Krieger.
      Discussion: Zaineb Ijaz completed the standards and met all the requirements of the Student Government Association and Office of Student Life and Leadership.
      A vote was taken. The resolution passed.
      Be it resolved, the senate present and voting that the Student Government Association approve the appointment of Zaineb Ijaz as Secretary of Staff 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 of Governance Romero called for a motion for adjournment.

    Senator Souhail so moved, second by Senator Krieger
  2. Meeting was adjourned at 3:04 pm.

Executive Session

Respectfully submitted,
Alicia Crimmins
Secretary of Governance