2025-09-16 SGA Senate Meeting Minutes – AMENDED

September 16, 2025

2:21pm, Forum 3-130, Downtown Campus Room 200B, Zoom

In Attendance

Student Senators

  • Senator Maddilyn Keech
  • Senator Elle Reeves
  • Senator Abigail Pottinger
  • Senator John Breedy

President

  • Lisa Burno

Vice President of Governance

  • Margherita Rizzuti

Secretary of Governance

  • Hajer Enaami

Student Trustee

  • Parker Werven

Office of Student Life

  • Advisor: Jodi Oriel
  • Faculty Advisor: Mark Sample

Visitors

  • Angelo Romero, Alumni SGA President
  • Dana Williams – MCC Student
  • Ryan Messenger – Student Affairs
  • Tamara Hillabush Walker – MCC Faculty, VAPA
  • Maria Gonzales – MCC Student
  • Audre Schoof – SWE
  • Corey – MCC Student
  • Ray Mayson – Mass Media Student
  • Esma Demir – Alumni SGA Treasurer
  • Ginny Geer-Mentry – MCC Association
  • Shawn Sanchez – MCC Student, Veterans Club
  • Leslie Greenwood – MCC Student

Minutes

Call to Order (2:21 pm)

  1. Roll Call (see attendance above)
    Vice President of Governance Rizzuti called for a roll call to start the senate meeting.
  2. Land Acknowledgement
  3. Approval of Minutes
    Vice President of Governance Rizzuti called for a motion to approve the September 9, 2025 Student Government Association Minutes
    Senator Keech moved, seconded by Senator Breedy
    A vote was taken
    Be it resolved, Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the September 9, 2025 minutes as written.

Speak to the Senate

Guest Speaker: Leslie Greenwood, student

Angelo Romeo thanked the group and expressed how proud he was of the 9/11 Ceremony. He shared that this year’s ceremony was his favorite of all the ones he has attended and acknowledged the excellent work that went into it. He also reminded the group about Constitution Day, stressing its importance for student engagement and civic awareness.

Corey raised concerns about the Monroe Doctrine being shut down, explaining that it has been difficult for students to process and that many find it troubling. In response, President Jalissa Burno informed him that a new committee has been formed, which he is welcome to join, and that he will receive an email with further details. She also reassured him that his concerns about the long suspension have been heard.

Morreen Walsh, editor of Cabbages & Kings, also spoke about the suspension of clubs. They questioned the suspension of the Monroe Doctrine and asked about the committee overseeing the matter under SGA. Walsh emphasized that free press should remain independent, honest, and unafraid of confrontation. Their primary concern was why the club had been suspended rather than reopened. They suggested that instead of solely relying on a committee, SGA should engage the student body more directly and empower students to lead their own initiatives.

Elle responded by clarifying that SGA members are students too, and that the goal is to represent the entire student body and ensure success, not to control. Walsh continued pressing why the club was suspended, noting his personal investment in journalism.

Hajer explained that the club had been suspended because of a lack of student activity and sign-ups, but clarified that it could be reinstated if interest and leadership emerged. She reiterated that the suspension was not permanent and that revival is possible.

The discussion then shifted to the Radio Club. Hajer again emphasized that the club is only suspended, not dissolved, and can be reinstated once requirements are met. A journalism student voiced her disappointment about the suspension, stressing that student media is important and represents “the voice of our news.” Another student expressed interest in joining the committee.

It was also noted that Tamara had previously stated there was only one active member in the club, and although there had been expressions of interest, no one was willing to take on a leadership role. Tamara had communicated in an email to Jodi that, “unfortunately, no one has expressed an interest or willingness to take on a leadership position with the station.”

John encouraged the journalism student and others present to either join the new committee or consider starting their own journalism-focused club to continue the legacy.

The discussion concluded at that point, with no further comments. Thank you.

Reports

  1. President Burno

    This past week, President Burno and her team finalized the details for the 9/11 ceremony—a project they had been working on since the summer. Seeing everything come together in such a meaningful and respectful way was truly rewarding, and President Burno was honored to have the opportunity to speak at the event. In addition, her team also completed the final preparations for Constitution Day, which will take place this Wednesday, September 17. On that day, they look forward to educating and engaging students about the Constitution and its importance. President Burno expressed her gratitude for working alongside such a dedicated team and her excitement for the impact they will continue to make together.

  2. Vice President of Governance Rizzuti

    This week, Vice President of Governance Margherita Rizzuti reported that the Student Government Association successfully finalized all plans for the upcoming Constitution Day event, ensuring that every detail is set for an engaging and well-organized celebration. The association also approved the resolution of Rustislav as the new Public Relations Senator, welcoming him back to the team and looking forward to the valuable perspective he brings to SGA. Margherita highlighted that the 9/11 remembrance ceremony was a great success, noting the meaningful atmosphere and the strong turnout. She expressed her appreciation to everyone who contributed their time and energy to make the ceremony both respectful and memorable. In addition, SGA continues to focus on election tabling efforts, and Margherita extended special thanks to Ella, the Election Coordinator, for her dedication and consistent support in moving this initiative forward. Margherita also shared that she and President Lisa Burno have been working closely together on upcoming projects and that she is very pleased with how their professional partnership is growing. She noted that they are building a strong bond, which is helping them lead SGA more effectively and support the student body with a united vision. Margherita closed by thanking all members of the association for their continued hard work, collaboration, and commitment to serving students, and expressed enthusiasm for the progress SGA will continue to make in the weeks ahead.

  3. Secretary of Governance Enaami

    This past week, Secretary Enaami oversaw several key events and initiatives. WMCC and the Monroe Doctrine were suspended, and the suspension continued as planned. On Thursday (9/11), Secretary Enaami had the honor of opening the annual 9/11 Ceremony. The event was meaningful and well attended, and Secretary Enaami expressed being deeply moved by the moment. While unable to stay for the full ceremony, Secretary Enaami shared being very proud of the SGA team for the outstanding job they did in organizing and carrying out the program. Moving forward, Secretary Enaami strongly supports continuing to host the 9/11 Ceremony in future years. Throughout the week, Secretary Enaami introduced several individuals to SGA, helping expand involvement in alignment with MCC’s 2027 Vision of student engagement and growth. On Friday, Secretary Enaami participated in the weekly SGA meeting, where many important topics were discussed. On Saturday, Secretary Enaami attended the leadership training hosted by the Leadership Office. The training was engaging, interactive, and provided a valuable opportunity for team bonding. Though Secretary Enaami did not win any of the giveaways, the experience was positive and left a lasting impression. Looking ahead, Secretary Enaami is now working with the SGA team to prepare for Constitution Day and ensure everything is set up successfully.

  4. Student Trustee Werven

    From September 10th–13th, a representative from Monroe Community College proudly attended the New York Community College Trustee (NYCCT) Conference in Saratoga Springs. The conference consisted of full days dedicated to learning the responsibilities of serving as an honorable and effective trustee, exploring the distinctions between governance and management, understanding funding structures, and engaging in broader conversations about higher education. On September 11th, the representative participated in three expert roundtable sessions led by Ellucian, Trane, and a session on governing through change. Ellucian’s session highlighted the modernization of strategic change and provided a collaborative experience with board members, chairs, and presidents on ways to maximize student success. Trane’s session, focused on workforce preparation through AI-integrated learning labs, was noted as particularly impactful. The final session, Governing Through Change, was led by SUNY Vice Chancellor for Community Colleges Valerie Dent and centered on future governance and strategies for addressing community-level challenges amid broader societal pressures. September 12th featured fireside talks with individuals closely involved in policy and advocacy efforts for community colleges on Capitol Hill. That evening, attendees heard from and met SUNY Chancellor John King Jr., who discussed SUNY Reconnect—an initiative designed to provide free education for adult students entering high-demand fields, thereby strengthening the workforce and contributing to economic growth. The day also included a compelling presentation on artificial intelligence by innovator Todd Mclees, emphasizing the rapid and exponential role of AI in both the workforce and educational institutions. Later that evening, student trustees gathered for the annual awards ceremony, which recognized the outstanding contributions of leaders in the community college system. Among the honorees were Monroe Community College’s President DeAnna Burt-Nanna, Trustee Dale Rehkopf, Secretary to the Board of Trustees Linda Hall, and Trustee Angelica Perez-Delgado. This experience proved to be both eye-opening and invaluable in advancing the representative’s understanding of higher education leadership. Deep appreciation is extended to Monroe Community College for supporting this opportunity. The experience underscored the importance of complementing academic study with real-world application, and the representative looks forward to applying these learnings to strengthen contributions to the Board of Trustees and further advocate for the student body.

  5. Health and Wellness Senator Keech

    The Health and Wellness Santor has worked on the Vision 2027 with the Electrons Coordinator to come up with a plan to increase and improve mental health for MCC. Along with talking with the student trustee to find a time that works for both parties to have meeting for the new communication platform. We hope to make this happen as so as possible. We have also added a new member to student government which we are all excited for. Let’s continue all our good work and make this year a good one.

  6. Athletic Senator Breedy

    Athletic Senator Breedy has no report this week

  7. Residence Halls Senator Pottinger

    Abigail is working on the clubs and orgs meeting for Tuesday, sept. 16. Various clubs will come and give a report on what they have been doing and what they plan on doing in the upcoming days/weeks. Abigail also wrote the draft to appoint Rusty as public relations senator Election Coordinator Reeves

  8. Election Coordinator Reeves
    Election Coordinator Reeves has no report this week

New Business

  1. Action Items (requires a senate vote)
    1. Resolution for fund request of $850 for the Muslim Student Association

      Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the funding request of $850 for the Muslim Student Association.

      Vice President of Governance Rizzuti called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Breedy so moved, seconded by Senator Pottinger.

      Discussion: The Muslim Student Association has completed and met the requirements set forth by the Student Government Association and the Office of Student Life and Leadership.

      A vote was taken, and the resolution passed.

      Be it resolved, the senate present and voting hereby approves the funding request for the Muslim Student Association, effective September 9, 2025, at Monroe Community College.

    2. Resolution to Appoint Rostyslav Smetanyak as the Public Relations Senator

      Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the appointment of Rostyslav Smetanyak as the Public Relations Senator.

      Vice President of Governance Rizzuti called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Breedy so moved, seconded by Senator Maddilyn.

      Discussion: Rostyslav Smetanyak has requested to serve as the Public Relations Senator, has met all requirements necessary to hold the position, and the Student Government Association believes he is an excellent candidate.

      A vote was taken, and the resolution passed.

      Be it resolved, the senate present and voting hereby appoints Rostyslav Smetanyak as the Public Relations Senator of the Student Government Association, effective Fall 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. A student came forward to thank the SGA, expressing appreciation for their efforts and saying she loved seeing the passion from the members. She specifically thanked Vice President Margherita Rizzuti for her contributions.

    Tamara then came to the microphone and shared an email she had received from Moss Hamilton, a student who could not attend the meeting. In the email, Moss expressed sadness about the suspension of clubs, noting that her club had been active but issues with its advisor caused difficulties. She emphasized her hope that the club could continue and urged SGA to reconsider the suspensions.

    Tamara also gave a statement of her own. She explained that she works closely with students and, at this time, feels strongly about supporting them. She said it is important to listen to SGA’s perspective but also voiced her disappointment with the suspensions, particularly because they may negatively impact students seeking internships, scholarships, and other opportunities. She further raised concerns about fairness for students who pay activity fees but then see their clubs suspended.

    In response, Jalissa and the rest of SGA encouraged Tamara to join the new committee so her concerns and input could be included moving forward.

Adjournment

  1. Vice President of Governance Rizzuti called for a motion for adjournment.
    Senator Keech so moved, second by Senator Breedy
  2. Meeting was adjourned at 3:25 pm.

Executive Session

Respectfully submitted,
Hajer Enaami
Secretary of Governance