2024-04-23 SGA Meeting Minutes

April 23, 2024
2:16 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
  • Senator Tehya Deisenroth
  • Senator Ky’Johnna Jamison

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 – MCC Association
  • Dana Williams – MCC Student
  • Ryan Messenger – Academic & Student Affairs
  • Becky Babcock – Faculty Senate

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 April 16, 2024 Student Government Association minutes.
    2. Senator Deisenroth so moved, seconded by Senator Krieger
    3. A vote was taken.
    4. Be it resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the April 16, 2024 minutes as written.

Speak to the Senate

  1. No one spoke to the senate.

Reports

  1. President Leichtner

    Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Induction: On April 17th, Vice President of Governance Angelo Romero, Athletic Senator Mohammed Souhail, and President Joseph Leichtner were honored to be inducted into the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. This recognition underscores their commitment to academic excellence and leadership within our community. SUNY Student Assembly Spring Conference: From April 19th to 21st, SGA members participated in the SUNY Student Assembly Spring Conference. President Joseph Leichtner, Vice President of Governance Angelo Romero, Vice President of Downtown Mandie McGinnis, Chief of Staff Ivy Zin, Student Trustee Ana Santos, Secretary of Governance Alicia Crimmins, and Veterans Senator Liam Krieger represented MCC with distinction. Notably, Angelo Romero was elected as the Community College Representative. Monthly Report to the Board of Trustees: On April 22nd, President Joseph Leichtner delivered his comprehensive monthly report to the Monroe Community College Board of Trustees. This presentation highlighted SGA’s accomplishments and future goals, ensuring that student perspectives are heard and valued at the highest levels of governance. In conclusion, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association continues to uphold its commitment to serving the student body and advancing the interests of our community. Through active engagement, leadership development, and advocacy efforts, SGA strives to create a campus environment where every student can thrive and succeed. SGA looks forward to building upon its recent achievements and working collaboratively towards a brighter future for all members of the MCC family.

  2. Vice President Romero

    On Tuesday, April 16th, Vice President of Governance Romero attended the Club & Orgs Meeting, where Club & Orgs Senator Deisenroth would run her first meeting. She did well; he is glad SGA has her on the team. On Wednesday, April 17th, Vice President of Governance Romero would be inducted into PTK with President Leichtner and Athletic Senator Souhail. It was a great ceremony, and he was glad to be inducted with his close friends. From Friday, April 19th to Sunday, April 21st, Vice President of Governance Romero attended the SUNY Student Assembly Conference in Glenn Falls along with President Leichtner, Student Trustee Santos, Chief of Staff Zin, Vice President of Downtown McGinnis, Veteran Senator Krieger, Secretary of Governance Crimmins, and Faculty Advisor Sample. It was a fantastic experience; he was glad to attend. He would serve as a Voting Delegate again for a third time alongside President Leichtner. Both of us voted on a few Resolutions revolving around SUNY SA Bylaws, a resolution brought on the floor from the Student Association of SUNY Broome requiring institutions to amend their dining plans to accommodate dietary restrictions. The last resolution was from SUNY ESF, involving support for legislation for sustainability. They would also vote on the SUNY SA budget. The most important part of this conference was voting for new officers for SUNY SA. This was a long voting day. However, they got through every election and every piece of business, which hasn’t happened in many years in SUNY SA. He would also run a campaign for Community College Representative in the SUNY SA, and he can say MCC has a voice in SUNY SA as Community College Representative-Elect. He would like to thank everyone for all the support and encouragement to run for this position. He thanks Joe for encouraging and helping him to run, Ivy for helping him with the flyer designs for the Instagram and LinkedIn posts, and Mandie, Ana, Liam, Ivy, Joe, Alicia, and Mark, for the feedback on his speech. From the bottom of his heart, he thanks everyone in SGA for all the support. April 19th was his Mother’s birthday, so it was another good gift for his mother. April 20th was when he won the election, which would have also been his Grandfather Antonio Romero’s 84th Birthday, so he felt it was a good way to honor him by facing his fear, doing what he likes, and advocating for students.

  3. Vice President of Downtown McGinnis

    Good afternoon, Monday, April 15th Vice President McGinnis met with the Disability Awareness Club for an officer meeting to finish the preparation for their Spread the Word events. Later that afternoon Vice President McGinnis attended the National Society of Leadership Success Induction Ceremony to be inducted into the inaugural cohort for the MCC chapter. A great honor and distinction as a student, Vice President McGinnis was asked to be the student success speaker, sharing the benefits and impact leadership has had on her academic success. Tuesday April 16th attending the club and organization council meeting, keep up the magnificent work! April 17th was the Disability Awareness Club’s Spread the Word: Inclusion event. Vice President McGinnis supported with sharing educational information about inclusion, signing the pledge to spread inclusion and sharing about MCC inclusive community. Guests socialized, played games to win prizes, hung out with the therapy dogs, and had the opportunity to have lunch with new friends. Later that evening Vice President McGinnis attended the PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) 2024 induction ceremony to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the inductees. Congratulations to all. Spending April 19th through the 21st in Glens Falls, NY attending the SUNY (State University of New York) SA Spring Conference. Participating in informative workshops on inclusive language, student engagement, and spending some time in the wellness room to regroup after the long hours of business meetings. Vice President McGinnis is happy to report all elections and business was complete. Congratulations to all the newly elected officers. Profound change and broad impact for all is what this administration is built on, good luck.

  4. Treasurer Guney

    Treasurer Guney has no report this week..

  5. Secretary of Governance Crimmins

    Good afternoon, over the past week, Secretary Crimmins has attended many events. On Wednesday April 17th, she attended the PTK induction where several members of SGA were awarded the pleasure of becoming new members. On April 18th, Crimmins went to the Open Mic held by Student Music Association at Deja Brew. Everyone had so much talent and she was pleased to see that Clubs and Orgs Senator Deisenroth as well as President Leichtner also participated. From April 19th through the 21st, Secretary Crimmins alongside President Leichtner, Vice President of Governance Romero, Vice President of Downtown McGinnis, Chief of Staff Zin, Student Trustee Santos, Veteran Senator Krieger, and Advisor Mark Sample, had the immense pleasure of attending the SUNY SA trip in Glenn Falls.
    Many fun experiences came out of this, including making new friends, connecting with my peers, and witnessing Vice President Romero being a little too passionate at beating everyone at bowling. Speaking of Vice President Romero, Crimmins felt it was no surprise, but congratulates him for being elected to SUNY SA Community College Representative. The session on April 20th was by far the longest, going from 9am to 11 pm. Despite how tired everyone was, it was well worth it because as the Parliamentarian Kisho McDonald Stated, they were the first group to complete everything on the agenda in several years. It was on that day where SUNY SA’s elections occurred. The next day, from 8:30 to 11am, they discussed the budget and 3 resolutions. Secretary Crimmins is extremely grateful to have had this experience because it gave her much greater insight into the student governmental processes

  6. Chief of Staff Zin

    Last week, on April 17th Chief of Staff Zin attended the Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremony along with Vice President Downtown Campus McGinnis, Student Trustee Santos, and Secretary of Governance Crimmins. Big Congratulations to President Leichtner, Vice President of Governance Romero, and Athletic Relations Senator Souhail for getting inducted to Phi Theta Kappa. Also, on the same day at the Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony, Chief of Staff Zin was with Student Trustee Santos at the Community College Month table. At the table, they displayed Student Trustee Santos’s well-done presentation slides about MCC resources, and they talked to students and their family members about MCC resources and how MCC supports students. This past weekend, from April 19th to April 21st, Chief of Staff Zin attended the SUNY Student Assembly in Glenn Falls, New York along with Student Trustee Santos, President Leichtner, Vice President of Governance Romero, Vice President of Downtown Campus McGinnis, Secretary of Governance Crimmins, Veteran Senator Krieger. Thanks to our Advisor Professor Sample for driving with us. All the elections and businesses went really well at this Spring 2024 Conference. The biggest congrats to Vice President of Governance Romero for getting elected as a Community College Representative for SUNY SA. He did a great job and he deserves it! Also, thank you, President Leightner for being on the rules committee and helping out during the conference.

  7. Health & Wellness Senator Wrobeh

    Health and Wellness Senator Wrobeh has no report this week.

  8. Election Coordinator Barmak

    Election Coordinator Barmak has no report this week.

  9. Athletic Senator Souhail

    Athletic Senator Souhail has no report this week.

  10. Virtual Campus Senator Ellis

    On April 17th Virtual Senator Ellis attended the Disability Awareness Club Spread the Word Inclusion event on the second floor of the Downtown Campus Celebrate and learn about how to be inclusive of all people of all abilities! There senator Ellis was able to meet with the club members, engage with peers, and win a prize from spinning the wheel at the table with Vice President McGinnis. Senator Ellis enjoyed the inclusive activities and looks forward to being a part of many more.

  11. Veterans Senator Krieger
    On April 19th, at 8:15 pm, Ivy Zin, Alicia Crimmins, Mandie McGinnis, Angelo Romero, Ana Santos, Joseph Leichner, and Senator Krieger departed with Mark Sample from Monroe Community College to Glenn Falls, NY, arriving at the Queensbury Hotel at 3:37 pm. At 4:30 pm, we began to hear opening remarks from Jae Fish, creating a hospitable atmosphere where the team was greeted with great food. From 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm, positional executive breakout sessions were held, followed by bowling from 6:45 pm to 8:45 pm. Senator Krieger started well, but sadly, Angelo “Strike” Romero, who played like Tom Brady, won the entire match from a 40-point deficit, most likely the greatest comeback in SGA bowling history. Good job, Angelo! At 9:00 pm, a review of Robert’s Rules of Order was held, and though many attended, Senator Krieger had to resign and go to bed due to my loss at bowling. The game night commenced at 10 pm when Angelo Romero played blackjack. On Saturday, April 20th, from 8:30 am to 9:30 am, the team and Senator Krieger, and others went to the Adirondack Ballroom for breakfast and coffee. they were served mixed fruits and oatmeal on delicate plates with elegant presentation, though the coffee was, in his opinion, subpar. During this time, Senator Krieger also conducted business and elections, with public comments, though the majority of the time was spent on the elections. The results are as follows: Giovanni Harvey was elected as president-elect, Jae Fish as vice president-elect, Tega Adjoh as treasurer, Lotus Taylor as secretary, and our Angelo Romero as the community college rep at 9:13 pm who has worked tirelessly and timely. He has seen Vice President Romero grow into the great politician that he was born to be his love and compassion for others and dedication for the organizations upholding honor and commitment wherever he goes Senator Krieger was honored to witness the beginning of his career and can’t wait to see more that Angelo will do in the years to come. The event lasted until 11 pm, but he had to retire early for the night. On Sunday, April 21st, from 10 am to 11 am, we had brunch as we discussed the new SUNY budget and some other resolutions being passed.
  12. Clubs and Organizations Senator Deisenroth
    Hello. Clubs and Orgs Senator Deisenroth first wanted to say congratulations to Vice President Romero. He works so hard and SGA is so lucky to have him represent the student body. Also, on Thursday, April 18th, Clubs and Orgs Senator Deisenroth attended the Open Mic hosted by the Student Music Association with Secretary of Governance Crimmins. She sang and played Blackbird on guitar in front of an audience and it was very fun, and she hopes that SMA continues to host these in the future. Thank you.
  13. Public Relations Senator Jamison
    Public Relations Senator Jamison has no report this week.

New Business

  1. Action Items (requires a senate vote)
    1. Resolution for the Support for the MCCA 2024-2025 Budget.

      Resolved, the Monroe Community College Association approved the 2024-2025 Budget where the new position, Student Operations Coordinator and a $16 per semester increase were accounted for.
      Vice President of Governance Romero: called for a motion to approve the resolution.
      Senator Ellis so moved, second by Senator Jamison.
      Discussion: The said budget was supported by 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 support the MCCA 2024-2025 Budget at Monroe Community College.

    2. Resolution for the Support for the 3% ($150 per FTE) Increase in Tuition for 2024-2025.
      Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association supports the 3% ($150 per FTE) increase in tuition for 2024-2025 to help mitigate some of MCC’s expense deficit.
      Vice President of Governance Romero called for a motion to approve the resolution.
      Senator Wrobeh so moved, second by Senator Ellis.
      Discussion: The 3% tuition increase was supported by 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 support the 3% tuition increase 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 Ellis so moved, second by Senator Deisenroth
  2. Meeting was adjourned at 2:52 pm.

Executive Session

Respectfully submitted,
Alicia Crimmins
Secretary of Governance