2025-03-04 SGA Senate Meeting Minutes

March 4, 2025
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 Margherita Rizzuti
  • Senator Alyssa Ryan
  • Senator Jalisia Burno

President

  • Angelo Romero

Vice President of Governance

  • Lizzy Cole

Vice President of Downtown

  • Loritea Ellis

Treasurer

  • Esma Demir

Secretary of Governance

  • Hajer Enaami

Student Trustee

  • Joseph Leichtner

Chief of Staff

  • Hamzah Al Ani

Secretary of Staff

  • Madison DePoty

Office of Student Life

  • Advisor: Jodi Oriel
  • Faculty Advisor: Mark Sample

Visitors

  • Dana Williams – MCC Student

Minutes

Call to Order (2:17 pm)

  1. Roll Call (see attendance above)
    Vice President of Governance Cole called for a roll call to start the senate meeting.
  2. Land Acknowledgement
  3. Approval of Minutes
    1. Vice President of Governance Cole called for a motion to approve the March 4, 2025, Student Government Association minutes.
    2. Senator Small so moved, seconded by Senator Sanchez
    3. A vote was taken.
    4. Be it resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the March 4, 2025, minutes as written.

Speak to the Senate

  1. Kristen spoke to the senate, from the MCC foundation. She brought up naming spaces on campus after donors, that serve MCC in many different ways. And they brought up the bookstore, and changing its name to John smith.

Reports

  1. President Romero

    President Romero hopes everyone is doing well, and happy Ramadan to those fasting during this time. President Romero hopes Ginny’s Vacation in Costa Rica was great, and he is happy to see her. President Romero attended the February EC meeting with SUNY S, A on Saturday. The rest of the SUNY SA team reviewed a resolution to appoint a new Executive Director of Government Relations and discussed the feedback from Advocacy Day. The next meeting will be in person at Oswego University in March. On Wednesday, February 26th, President Romero tabled on the Terrace with Vice President Cole, Secretary of Governance Ennami, and Health & Wellness Senator Wrobeh for their Snack & Chat event. Their main goal was to promote SGA elections and get students involved in running for positions. On Thursday, February 27th, President Romero attended a Black History Month storytelling event in the main atrium. The event centered on civil rights activist James Baldwin, and he read a poem by Baldwin titled “For Nothing is Fixed.” Friday, February 28th, President Romero attended a Culture Alliance meeting where the rest of the team finalized their event in March revolving around Women Empowerment.    

  2. Vice President of Governance Cole

    Hello everyone, VP Cole hopes that you’re having a wonderful afternoon. For her report she kept it pretty short and sweet. Since her last report on Wednesday, February 26th, she helped with the “Snack and Chat” event held on the terrace. Our main focus being to promote the upcoming elections and encourage students to run for various positions, as well as to inform more students about the Student Government Association (SGA) overall. Then, on Thursday, February 27th, she attended the Faculty Senate Meeting, where she delivered a report on everything that SGA has been doing and working on. Overall, the meeting going well. Thank you.

  3. Vice President of Downtown Ellis

    Loritea Ellis SGA Report 3/1/25 Vice President of The Downtown Campus Ellis On February 22, 2025, the VP met with several students during her office hours to discuss getting new clubs started at the Downtown Campus to make things more inclusive for the students there. The students were given vital information on what to do, and how to proceed. The VP does plan to have a follow up meeting with those students to see how everything is going. On February 24, 2025, the VP helped out at the DWIGHT , Mindfulness, and Therapy event that was celebrated together with all those who participated. There were over 150 students who came, and it made it so lively. The community was truly there, and all those who made it possible were appreciated.

  4. Treasurer Demir

    Treasurer Demir has no report this week 

  5. Secretary of Governance Enaami

    Secretary of Governance Enaami has no report this week

  6. Secretary of Staff DePoty
    Secretary of Staff DePoty has no report this week
  7. Chief of Staff Al Ani

    On Thursday, February 27th, Hamzah assisted the Peace Committee in finalizing scripts for their upcoming event calling peace for Ukraine. On the same day, Hamzah attended the Noyce program, where a group of other MCC students visited Rush Henrietta High School, and interviewed High School teachers of their teaching process. This opportunity presented them with expertise knowledge on how one could could assist college students with their own education, including students with special needs.

  8. Health & Wellness Senator Wrobeh

    Hello everyone and Happy Women’s History month. This past week senator Wrobeh drafted a funding request for the Holocaust and Genocide Human Rights Project.

  9. Veterans Senator Sanchez

    On Wednesday Feb 26th Veterans Senator Sanchez attended the SGA snack and chat. That is all for this week.

  10. Student Relations Senator Simba

    On Saturday, February 8th, 2025, Senator Simba attended the Lunar New Year celebration, where 2025 marks the Year of the Snake, symbolizing transformation, renewal, and spiritual growth. This event was a collaboration of Monroe Community College (MCC), Asian American Pacific Islander Culture and History (APAPA), and WXXI Public Media. There were cultural activities for all ages, and attendees enjoyed food, browsed local vendors, experienced cultural performances, and learned about the traditions. Senator Simba joined Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Senator Elisabeth Small, Vice President of Governance Cole, President Romero, and Global Union President Judi at the event to set up and table for the Student Government Association and hand out snacks and toys for children to enjoy. On Thursday, February 13th, 2025, Senator Simba met with the Peace Committee to discuss catering plans for the Ukraine event, scheduled for March 12th at the Brighton campus and March 19th at the Downtown campus. The discussion centered on overcoming previous obstacles in securing appropriate Ukrainian cuisine from Sodexo. On Wednesday, February 12th, 2025, Senator Simba participated in the SUNY Student Assembly Advocacy Day alongside fellow SGA members, advocating for increased community college funding and key student initiatives. They focused on securing more funding for mental health services, strengthening the Excelsior Scholarship, and supporting campus food pantries. Visits were made to the offices of legislators Jen Lunsford, Joe DeStefano, Mario R. Mattera, Andrew Gounardes, and Maritza Davila. SGA President Angelo Romero delivered a speech at the Capitol Building, emphasizing the importance of community colleges. These events highlight Senator Simba’s dedication to serving the student body and advocating for their needs. On Thursday, February 20th, 2025, Senator Simba attended the MCCA Operations + Personnel Committee Meeting from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM and the MCC Association Board Meeting from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, both held at the Forum. In these meetings, the board passed important resolutions.  

  11. Diversity Senator Small

    On Tuesday, February 25th, Elisabeth corresponded and confirmed several panelists for the Women in Leadership Event for Women’s History Month in March including Christina Lee, and Jodi Oriel. On Wednesday, February 26th, Elisabeth created the Women in Leadership flyer. On Friday, February 28th, Elisabeth met with Culture Alliance to discuss the Women in Leadership event including marketing, food offered, and questions for the panelists. Later that day, Elisabeth created and sent out the election tabling volunteer form to SGA members at the Brighton campus.  

  12. Student Trustee Leichtner

    Student Trustee Leichtner has no report this week.

  13. Public Relations Senator Rizzuti

    The SGA social media manager updated the boards with the names and positions of the new members, along with posting office hours to ensure students know when and where they can reach out. This update enhances transparency and accessibility for students who may have questions or concerns. Additionally, social media posts for the upcoming elections have been prepared and will be shared throughout the week to encourage student engagement and participation. Promoting the elections remains a key priority to ensure that students are informed and motivated to take part in the process. Vice President Elizabeth Cole and the social media manager also met to plan a small event at the residence halls aimed at increasing awareness of SGA and the elections. This initiative will provide an opportunity to connect with students directly, answer any questions, and encourage involvement. These efforts reflect SGA’s ongoing commitment to fostering student engagement and ensuring the organization remains accessible and representative.

  14. Athletic Senator Burno

    Athletic Senator Burno has no report this week

New Business

  1. Action Items (requires a senate vote)
    1. Resolution to Approve the Funding Request of $520 for ICT Club

      Resolved, The Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the funding request for ICT Club. 
      Vice President of Governance Cole called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Wrobeh so moved, seconded by Senator Simba.  
      Discussion: ICT Club 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 motion to add the funding request for ICT Club effective March 4th, 2025, at Monroe Community College.

    2. Resolution to Approve the Funding Request of $665 for SMA Club
      Resolved, The Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the Funding Request for SMA.
      Vice President of Governance Cole called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Simba so moved, seconded by Senator Small.  
      Discussion: SMA 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 for SMA effective March 4th, 2025, at Monroe Community College.

    3. Resolution to Approve the funding request of $5000 for the HGHRP

      Resolved, The Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the funding request for HGHRP. 
      Vice President of Governance Cole called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Sanchez so moved, seconded by Senator Rizzuti.  
      Discussion: HGHRP 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 for HGHRP effective March 4th, 2025, at Monroe Community College.

    4. Resolution to Approve the Funding Request of $85 for Student Music Association

      Resolved, The Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the funding request for SMA.
      Vice President of Governance Cole called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Burno so moved, seconded by Senator DePoty.  
      Discussion: SMA 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 for SMA effective March 4th, 2025, at Monroe Community College.

    5. Resolution to Motion of the SMA Agenda

      Resolved, The Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the motion request for SMA.
      Vice President of Governance Cole called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Simba so moved, seconded by Senator Wrobeh.  
      Discussion: SMA 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 motion to add the funding request for SMA effective March 4th, 2025, 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 Cole called for a motion for adjournment.
    Senator Simba so moved, second by Senator Small
  2. Meeting was adjourned at 2:42 pm.

Executive Session

Respectfully submitted,
Hajer Enaami
Secretary of Governance