2026-03-03 SGA Senate Meeting Minutes

March 3, 2026

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

In Attendance

Student Senators

  • Senator Maddilyn Keech
  • Senator Elle Reeves
  • Senator John Breedy
  • Senator Rusty Smetanyak
  • Senator Charles
  • Senator Blaska

President

  • Lisa Burno

Vice President of Governance

  • Margherita Rizzuti

Student Trustee

  • Parker Werven

Chief of Staff

  • Abigail Pottinger

Office of Student Life

  • Advisor: Jodi Oriel
  • Faculty Advisor: Mark Sample

Visitors

  • Christine Cormack (online)
  • Veronica Chiesi Brown – Community Relations
  • Courtney Weimar – Community Relations
  • Dana Williams – MCC Student
  • Hasan Sula – Wrestling Club
  • AJ Manandhar – Travel Club
  • Naj’Osia Ridley (Star) – Fashion Club

Minutes

Call to Order (2:15 pm)

  1. Roll Call (see attendance above)
    Chief of Staff Pottinger called for a roll call to start the senate meeting.
  2. Land Acknowledgement
  3. Approval of Minutes
    1. Chief of Staff Pottinger called for a motion to approve the February 24, 2026, Student Government Association Minutes
    2. Senator Breedy moved, seconded by Senator Smetanyak
    3. A vote was taken
    4. Be it resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the February 24, 2026, minutes as written

 Reports

  1. President Burno

    Good afternoon everyone, I hope you’re all doing well and off to a great start to your week. This past Tuesday, February 24, my team and I attended our first Executive Leadership Team meeting of the new year. During the meeting, we had the opportunity to share updates with the president and her team on the work we’ve been doing and how our goals continue to align with the college’s Vision 2027 initiatives. We also received updates from their team, and as always, I truly enjoy participating in shared governance and look forward to our next meeting. Additionally, this past Friday I had the opportunity to be a part of the Trib Talk Podcast alongside the MCC Foundation. We discussed scholarships and the meaningful impact they have on everyday students here at Monroe Community College. I was also able to share my personal journey throughout my time at MCC and highlight student government the work we do on campus, within the community, and the important role we play in supporting and advocating for our students. Lastly, Vice President Rizzuti and I finalized and reviewed everything needed for our upcoming clothing drive with SSPC, which is officially all set. I’m incredibly excited for this opportunity and can’t wait to see the turnout. Overall, it was a productive and rewarding week, and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead. don’t change anything put in third person.

  2. Vice President of Governance Rizzuti

    No Report for this week

  3. Student Trustee Werven

    This past week was my busiest yet with multiple oral and written exams that went great. Before that, the SGA team including myself, attended another executive leadership team meeting where we discussed how our segmented goals align with vision 2027. On Monday, March 2nd, I attended another Board of Trustees meeting where I discussed my travels representing MCC in addition to my commitment to serving on the board with detail. Today was my econ exam which should be my last for a few weeks, which is great. I’m looking forward to the Middle States Rally on Wednesday from 11am-1pm where I encourage every student to attend and learn more about what’s to come on campus in the near future. As always, I’m happy to answer any questions after the meeting.

  4. Chief of Staff Pottinger

    Good afternoon everyone,This past week was both busy and productive, as I continued to stay actively involved in efforts that support student engagement and campus awareness.  On February 23rd, I attended the Finance Committee meeting to remain informed on upcoming plans and financial discussions for the semester. This meeting provided insight into budget allocations, funding priorities, and strategic planning that will directly impact student programming and campus initiatives. Staying engaged in these discussions allows me to better understand how resources are being distributed and ensures that student interests remain represented in financial decision-making.  On February 25th, I attended the Flavor & Heritage: High on the Hog Watch Party. High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America is a documentary series based on the book by food historian Michael W. Twitty. The series explores the history of African American cuisine and its profound influence on American food culture, tracing traditions from Africa to the United States while highlighting the resilience, innovation, and cultural contributions of Black communities.  The watch party was both educational and engaging. It created a space for students to learn about the cultural and historical significance of food as a form of identity, resistance, and community-building. The event fostered thoughtful discussion and encouraged greater cultural awareness, making it both informative and meaningful.  On February 26th, I attended the Board meeting to stay informed on campus-wide updates and institutional developments. Attending these meetings allows me to remain aware of broader college initiatives and administrative decisions that impact the student body. It is important to stay informed so that I can effectively communicate relevant updates and advocate for student interests when necessary. Thank you.

  5. Public Relations Senator Keech

    Hello everyone, over the past week, we met with the College President to review our assigned 2027 strategic goals. The meeting was productive and yielded valuable insights on how to further optimize our objectives. My two objectives are increasing mental health awareness and social media awareness.

  6. Public Relations Senator Smetanyak

    This week, I drafted the resolution for the Travel & Hospitality Club’s funding request related to their upcoming professional development trip to Chicago from May 15–May 18, 2025. The purpose of the resolution was to formally present and justify the additional $3,000 being requested from the Student Government Association Contingency Account.

  7. Student Relations Senator Breedy

    In this last week I held another tabling event to promote the campus climate survey. I also attended our weekly SGA meetings and had a good week at school. Overall, since our last meeting there haven’t been anything too eventful and this last week has been pretty calm

  8. Clubs and Organizations Senator Reeves 

    I had the opportunity to attend Advocacy Day in Albany, where I spoke with several assemblymen and assemblywomen about the financial and institutional needs of Monroe Community College. During these conversations, I advocated for resources that support students, strengthen academic programs, and improve campus opportunities, emphasizing how important state support is for student success and accessibility. It was a valuable experience to represent my college, share student perspectives, and engage directly with policymakers about issues that affect our campus community. In addition, I had another productive Student Committee meeting where we discussed ongoing initiatives focused on increasing student engagement and strengthening communication across campus. We are making wonderful progress toward our goals, and it has been exciting to see everyone’s ideas come together into real plans. Our next Student Committee meeting will take place this Friday from 1:00–1:50 PM, and we look forward to continuing our momentum and building on what we have already accomplished.

  9. Diversity Senator Charles

    This week, I attended the “Flavor & Heritage: High on the Hog Watch Party,” which took place on February 25 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Empire Room. The event focused on African American culinary heritage and the connection between food, identity, and belonging. I engaged with the guest speakers by asking about the importance of highlighting African American culinary traditions at MCC and how food storytelling promotes cultural pride. Their insights emphasized how culture stays alive through community, shared experiences, and open dialogue. Attending this event allowed me to reflect, learn more about cultural preservation, and deepen my understanding of how representation strengthens belonging on campus.

  10. Athletic Senator Blaska

    This is my second week of being apart of SGA. I have been looking to get more involved in the various roles and aspects of being an Athletic Senator, as well as connecting more with my fellow SGA members. I am thankful for the these opportunities and I look forward to continuing being apart of SGA.

  11. Student Life Advisor Oriel

    No report for this week

Old Business

    A. There was no old business.

New Business

  1. Resolution to approve the Constitution for the Wrestling Club

    Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the Constitution for the Wrestling Club

    Chief of Staff Pottinger called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Breedy so moved, seconded by Senator Smetanyak.

    Discussion: The Wrestling Club 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 Constitution for the Wrestling Club, effective March 3, 2026 at Monroe Community College

  2. Resolution to approve the Constitution for the Food Academy Club

    Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the Constitution for the Food Academy club

    Chief of Staff Pottinger called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Breedy so moved, seconded by Senator Smetanyak.

    Discussion: The Food Academy Club 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 Constitution for the Food Academy Club, effective March 3, 2026 at Monroe Community College

  3. Resolution to approve the Constitution for the Fashion and Beauty Club

    Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the Constitution for the Fashion and Beauty Club

    Chief of Staff Pottinger called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Breedy so moved, seconded by Senator Smetanyak.

    Discussion: The Fashion & Beauty Club 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 constitution for the Fashion and Beauty Club, effective March 3, 2026 at Monroe Community College

  4. Resolution to approve the funding request of $3000 for the Travel Club

    Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the funding request of $3000 for the Travel Club

    Chief of Staff Pottinger called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Keech so moved, seconded by Senator Breedy.

    Discussion: Travel Club 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 of $3000 for the Travel Club, effective March 3, 2026 at Monroe Community College

Speak to the Senate

  1. There was no one registered to speak to the senate this week

Adjournment

  1. Chief of Staff Pottinger called for a motion for adjournment.
    Senator Breedy so moved, second by Senator Smetanyak
  2. Meeting was adjourned at 2:37 pm.

Respectfully submitted