November 26, 2024
2:15pm, Forum 3-130, Downtown Campus Room 200B, Zoom
In Attendance
Student Senators
- Senator Elisabeth Small
- Senator Ashley Wrobeh
- Senator Billy Simba
- Senator Shawn Sanchez
- Senator Lizzy Cole
- Senator Ryan
President
- Angelo Romero
Vice President of Governance
- Alicia Crimmins
Vice President of Downtown
- Loritea Ellis
Treasurer
- Esma Demir
Chief of Staff
- Liam Krieger
Secretary of Governance
- Tehya Deisenroth
Student Trustee
- Joseph Leichtner
Historian
- Nick Tran
Office of Student Life
- Advisor: Jodi Oriel
- Faculty Advisor: Mark Sample
Visitors
- Delaney Fay – MCC Student
- Dana Williams – MCC Student
- Jake Langendoffer – MCC Student
- Evan Furia – MCC Student – Tabletop Club
- Becky Babcock – MCC Faculty – Faculty Senate
- Lisa Noah – MCC Faculty – Advisement & Transfer Services
- Amanda Vallone – Advisement & Transfer Services
- Ellen Miller – Advisement & Transfer Services
Minutes
Call to Order (2:20 pm)
- Roll Call (see attendance above)
Vice President of Governance Crimmins called for a roll call to start the senate meeting. - Land Acknowledgement
- Approval of Minutes
- Vice President of Governance Crimmins called for a motion to approve the November 19, 2024 Student Government Association minutes.
- Senator Sanchez so moved, seconded by Senator Cole
- A vote was taken.
- Be it resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the November 19, 2024 minutes as written.
Speak to the Senate
No one spoke to the Senate
Reports
- President Romero
On Monday, November 18th, President Romero attended the Chef of the Year Competition hosted by the American Culinary Federation at the Foodlink Facility with Historian Tran. There, he watched the competition between three chefs compete for the Chef of the Year Award. Congratulations to Chef David Casper for winning this year, and shoutout to Chef Mike Vasile and Chef Dustin Muroski. The MCC Culinary Department would help volunteers make appetizers for the guests who attended, which was great. On Tuesday, November 19th, President Romero helped with both Adoptee Awareness Panel Discussions hosted by Culture Alliance. The panel’s purpose was to give perspectives to those who were adopted and what they have gone through. He helped introduce it to the rest of the team, and both panels were amazing. Massive shoutout to all of the Panelists, which include Diversity Senator Elisabeth Small, MCC Alumni Mark Kanelba, PTK President Mara Waynick, Vice President of the SUNY Student Assembly Jae Fish, Sarah Myer, Amanda Cho, and Karin Ewanow. Throughout this day, President Romero was with VP Jae Fish to show him the MCC Campus, where he gave him a tour. Jae would also attend the Senate Meeting, the executive session, and the Club & Orgs Meeting. Jae Fish was very impressed with everyone at MCC and wants to bring the rest of the board for a campus visit next time.
- Vice President of Governance Crimmins
During our senate meeting last week where we passed a few funding requests, Vice President of SUNY SA Jae Fish attended said meeting and later also participated in Culture Alliance’s Adoption Awareness Panel/Dinner event and overall, we received great feedback and he and President Romero have been discussing hosting more events on all MCC campuses with the SUNY SA Eboard present. Im sure this will prove beneficial in the future and Vice President of Governance is proud to have been apart of those efforts. Other than checking people in at the Adoption Awareness event on November 19th, she drafted the BSU funding request resolution and the SMA funding request resolution. Thank you
- Vice President of Downtown Ellis
Vice President of The Downtown Campus Ellis On November 20, 2024, The VP attended the Gratitude Fest at the Downtown Campus, 2nd Floor Lounge at 11:00 am – 02:00 pm. The VP felt it was great that the Campus Activities Board gave a day for thanks. Enjoying delicious pumpkin, and apple pie. Also, for having the opportunity to write messages of gratitude to your loved ones. It was also a bonus that students who didn’t have time to register for a thanksgiving meal and gift card that the VP spoke up for the individuals so that they could also receive the in the giving’s. The VP also got a chance to see the former VP Mandie who came to show support. Furthermore, the VP was happy to see the book drive be successful also between the hours 11:00 am – 1:00 pm with the Disability Awareness Club. There was also another event taking place called Speed Travel. Discovering interesting information about various places around the world from ESOL student “tour guides.” It was truly a wonderful day to see so many things happening for the Downtown Campus. The students really had an exciting time, and it truly boosted the morale of the community there. Thanks to all those who came to make those wonderful things happen.
- Treasurer Demir
Treasurer Demir has no report this week.
- Secretary of Governance Deisenroth
On Tuesday, November 19th, the Culture Alliance committee held their Adoptee Awarness Event. Although Secretary Deisenroth was unable to make the event, all she heard was great things about the event. She wants to extend a huge congratulations to Senator Small for all her hard work and dedication for this event. She, along with other culture alliance, are doing wonderful things and Secretary Deisenroth is very proud of Senator Small and the committee. Secretary Deisenroth also attended the Global Fusion event held by Global Union on Wednesday, November 20th. The event was a success and she thinks it was cool seeing different people and their cultures. Thank you.
- Chief of Staff Krieger
Chief of Staff Krieger has no report this week
- Historian Tran
Historian Tran has no report this week.
- Health & Wellness Senator Wrobeh
Health and Wellness Senator Wrobeh
- Veterans Senator Sanchez
On Tuesday, November 19, Veterans Senator Sanchez attended a Veterans Club meeting where they discussed the upcoming Lights of Honor celebration hosted by the Blue Star Mothers of Rochester at the Blue Cross Arena on December 1st at 2 p.m. The club encouraged everyone to attend and bring an ornament to place on the tree to honor a loved one who serves or has served. After the club, Veterans Senator Sanchez attended the Adoptee Awareness Panel, where panelists shared their heartfelt and emotional stories of growing up through adoption. He commended the courage of the panelists and gave a special shoutout to Senator Small for organizing such an impactful event. Later, Veterans Senator Sanchez attended the Adoptee Awareness Dinner, where he helped set up and stayed to hear the moving and relatable stories shared by the panelists. He expressed his gratitude for being part of such a meaningful event and was deeply moved by the experiences shared. On Wednesday, November 20, Veterans Senator Sanchez and Senator Small helped two students who wanted to start a flag football club. Veterans Senator Sanchez provided them with a model constitution and gave them his card to follow up via email for further documentation. On Thursday, November 21, Veterans Senator Sanchez attended another Veterans Club meeting, where he discussed the rest of the semester’s plans and played a few games of spades, where he won again.
- Student Relations Senator Simba
Student Relations Senator Simba has no report this week.
- Diversity Senator Small
On Monday, November 18th, Elisabeth finished prepping for the Adoption Awareness Panel events and the clubs and organization meeting. On Tuesday, November 19th, Elisabeth worked with President Romero in the morning to set up both events. The first event of the Adoption Awareness Panel Discussion was a success with over a dozen attendees including students, professors, and those not affiliated with the college. Elisabeth was so honored to share her story along with Amanda Cho, Karin Ewanow, and Jae Fish (Angelo’s boss if no one knows). Audience members and panelists thanked Elisabeth for allowing space for adoptees and their stories and hope for future panel events. After the first panel, several SGA members helped Elisabeth finish decorating for the Clubs and Orgs meeting. Club Connect then presented the fall/Thanksgiving theme for the Clubs and Orgs meeting. The turnout was great, and the event was very engaging. Thank you, Club Connect for all of your hard work. Before the Clubs and Orgs meeting was wrapped up, Elisabeth, Culture Alliance, Vice President Crimmins, Senator Cole, and Senator Sanchez helped set up the Brighton Room for the last Adoption Awareness Panel Dinner Discussion. Elisabeth was joined by Sarah Myer, Mara Waynick, Mark Kanelba, and Jae Fish to discuss their story and perspective on adoption. This illuminating discussion resonated with several audience members, even those who were not adopted. Elisabeth is so proud of Culture Alliance and all the panelists who took the courage to share their stories, traumas, and successes with strangers to promote awareness of adoption and hopefully enlighten people on how to appropriately address adoption status and avoid marginalization. Elisabeth would like to extend a huge shout out to Culture Alliance for their efforts and organization with the first event despite technical difficulties, room issues, and struggles with staff. Everyone came together with strength and conviction to make a beautiful and heartfelt event and allowing space for adoptees. Elisabeth looks forward to future events with Culture Alliance. On Wednesday, November 20th, Elisabeth and Senator Sanchez aided students in how to set up a football club for next semester discussing liability, advisors, and how to fill out a constitution. On Thursday, November 21st, Elisabeth met with Culture Alliance to discuss future events and collaborations next semester, highlighting months such as Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, AAPI Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. Elisabeth would like to thank SGA members, Club Connect, Culture Alliance, and Mark Sample for making Tuesday possible.
- Student Trustee Leichtner
On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Student Trustee Leichtner attended the Thanksgiving-themed Club Council meeting. He expressed appreciation for the dedication and hard work of the Club Connect Committee in organizing these engaging and lively meetings. Student Trustee Leichtner noted a significant improvement compared to the previous year and shared his enthusiasm for the exciting initiatives the committee may bring forward next semester. On Thursday, November 21, 2024, Student Trustee Leichtner developed a concise, five-question survey aimed at gathering student feedback on improving Monroe Community College’s mental health resources and enhancing communication between students and the Board of Trustees. The survey, designed to be completed in under two minutes, explores student satisfaction with existing mental health services, challenges faced in accessing them, additional support needs, confidence in communicating with the Board, and suggestions for facilitating easier feedback sharing. The results will guide initiatives to better address student needs and foster stronger connections between students and college leadership.
- Residence Hall Senator Cole
Starting on Tuesday, November 19th, Senator Cole attended the Adoption Panel event, which featured speakers such as Jae Fish and our very own Diversity Senator Small. Overall, it was a very informative and impactful event. We had the opportunity to hear about transracial adoptees and the more complex aspects of adoption, which vividly illustrated how these experiences influence their lives. Senator Cole would like to thank everyone who shared their adoption stories; she has gained a new perspective on adoption that goes beyond what she previously understood. Additionally, Jae Fish also attended our public meeting, as well as our executive session. Following that, we smoothly transitioned into the clubs and organizations portion, which she helped set up and thoroughly enjoyed. Before 5 PM, she assisted in setting up the second Adoption Panel and Dinner session, along with helping Alicia with check-in and tabling. The stories shared at this particular panel were captivating, especially with an appearance by a comic book artist. Senator Cole extends a huge shoutout to the Culture Alliance for all their support in tabling and for coming together to create such an amazing event. Overall, she has learned a lot and is excited for the next one. - Club and Organization Senator Ryan
Club and Organization Senator Ryan has no report this week.
New Business
- Action Items (requires a senate vote)
- Resolution to Approve the Funding Request of $200 for Black Student Union
Resolved, The Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the funding request for Black Student Union.
Vice President of Governance Crimmins called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Wrobeh so moved, seconded by Senator Sanchez.
Discussion: The Black Student Union’s funding request has completed and met the standards 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 funding request of $200 for Black Student Union effective November 26th, 2024, at Monroe Community College. - Resolution to Approve the Funding Request of $200 for Student Music Association
Resolved, The Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the funding request for Student Music Association.
Vice President of Governance Crimmins called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Cole so moved, seconded by Senator Wrobeh.
Discussion: Student Music Association’s funding request has completed and met the standards 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 funding request of $200 for Student Music Association effective November 26th, 2024, at Monroe Community College. - Resolution to Approve the Funding Request of $400 for Criminal Justice
Resolved, The Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the funding request for Criminal Justice.
Vice President of Governance Crimmins called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Sanchez so moved, seconded by Senator Cole.
Discussion: Criminal Justice’s funding request has completed and met the standards 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 funding request of $400 for Criminal Justice effective November 19 th, 2024, at Monroe Community College.
- Resolution to Approve the Funding Request of $200 for Black Student Union
Discussion Items
- There were no discussion items.
Old Business
- There was no old business.
Questions and Comments
- Jake Langendoffer- MCC Student.
Jake Langendoffer introduced funding request for their Tabletop Club. SGA will move it onto the Agenda next meeting, December 3rd, 2024.
Adjournment
- Vice President of Governance Crimmins called for a motion for adjournment.
Senator Wrobeh so moved, second by Senator Sanchez - Meeting was adjourned at 2:50 pm.
Executive Session
Respectfully submitted,
Tehya Deisenroth
Secretary of Governance