2026-03-10 SGA Senate Meeting Minutes

March 10, 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)
  • Chloe Allen (online)
  • Veronica Chiesi Brown – Community Relations
  • Courtney Weimar – Community Relations
  • Dana Williams – MCC Student
  • Ariel Medrek – MCC Student
  • Alexis Melecio – MCC Student

Minutes

Call to Order (2:15 pm)

  1. Roll Call (see attendance above)
    Vice President Rizzuti called for a roll call to start the senate meeting.
  2. Land Acknowledgement
  3. Approval of Minutes
    1. Vice President Rizzuti called for a motion to approve the March 3, 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 March 3, 2026, minutes as written

 Reports

  1. President Burno

    Good afternoon everyone, I hope you are all having a great week. This past week, my Student Government team and I have been very busy and productive. On March 3–4, we held the first days of our clothing drive, where faculty and students were able to donate clothing to support individuals here on campus. I was incredibly excited and proud to see all of our team’s hard work come to life. The turnout was great, and we collected several bags of clothing. I would like to extend a special thank you to Vice President Rizzuti, Chief of Staff Pottinger, and SPC for helping plan, organize, and bring this clothing drive together. In addition, on Monday, March 2, I had the opportunity to attend the Board of Trustees meeting. During the meeting, I provided the trustees with updates on Student Government initiatives, as well as the work our clubs and organizations have been doing across campus. I also had the chance to hear updates and reports from the trustees regarding campus developments. On Wednesday, March 4, my team and I tabled for Middle States in preparation for the upcoming accreditation visit. This was a fun and interactive event that allowed us to connect with the student body while informing them about what Middle States is, why this visit is important, and the role students play in the process. Later that same day, members of my team and I attended the Creative and Performing Arts vocal concert. It was truly an incredible experience. I always enjoy opportunities to experience something new and to witness the amazing talent within our student body. The performances were beautifully put together, and I look forward to attending more of their concerts in the future. Overall, this week has been very productive and filled with opportunities to connect with students, clubs, and organizations across campus. I am excited to continue building these relationships and supporting the work being done throughout our campus community.

  2. Vice President of Governance Rizzuti

    No Report for this week

  3. Student Trustee Werven

    On Monday the 2nd, I took part in another Board of Trustees meeting at the downtown campus. It’s always great to see how the entire MCC team all comes together and shares proactive information with students and staff. On Wednesday the 4th, I tabled for the Middle States Rally where I helped educate students on the upcoming Middle States visit. Specifically, what to expect, importance of sharing personal student experiences, and most importantly, educating the make-or-break scenario on why college accreditation is an absolute and affects everyone! In addition to this, I assisted in getting students to fill out brief surveys on how they feel on campus and sharing any additional thoughts students/administrative leaders should be aware of. To end the week, The Student-to-Student Communication Committee utilized our meeting time to focus on specific edits to the MCC tile, designed posters and had a next plan of action in addition to the tabling times. Lastly, on Monday the 9th, I had the pleasure of meeting with other familiar Student Trustees across New York State through NYCCT. It was great to collaborate once again with familiar faces and discuss key issues and actions to succeed on our respective campus’. Though, we, as Student Trustees, collaborate constantly behind the scenes.

  4. Chief of Staff Pottinger

    Good afternoon everyone, and thank you all for coming.  Over the past week, as a team we decorated and placed donation boxes around campus for the clothing drive in collaboration with SSPC. We have now officially wrapped up the drive, and I’m pleased to share that our campus community donated a large number of clothing items. The level of support we received was truly encouraging. In the coming days, our team will work together to organize the donations so they can be distributed back to members of our campus community who may benefit from them.  On Wednesday, March 4th, along with several members of the team, I had the opportunity to help table for the Middle States rally. It was a great experience engaging with students, answering questions, and sharing information about what Middle States is and why it matters to our college. Tabling allowed us to have meaningful conversations with students from different backgrounds and programs, many of whom were curious about the accreditation process and the upcoming site visit. It was rewarding to see students take interest in how the college continues to evaluate and improve itself, and it provided a great opportunity to increase awareness about the role students play in that process.  For those who may not be familiar, Middle States is an important accreditation process that helps ensure that the college continues to meet high standards for academic quality, student support, and institutional effectiveness. The site visit, which will take place from Monday, March 23rd through Wednesday, March 25th, allows reviewers to assess how the college is serving its students and supporting the campus community. It also gives students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to share their experiences and highlight the strengths of our institution. Thank You.

  5. Public Relations Senator Keech

    This week, I participated in the Middle States Rally, where I helped students learn about the accreditation process and encouraged them to engage with the event. I assisted with the spinning wheel activity, which brought a lot of energy and excitement, and many students enjoyed the snacks while completing the survey. In addition, the Student‑to‑Student Communications Committee created four new posters designed to increase student awareness and improve attendance at upcoming events. Overall, it was a productive and engaging week focused on strengthening student involvement.

  6. Public Relations Senator Smetanyak

    This week I reviewed the Black Student Union’s funding request for their upcoming welcome event. I went over the details of the request to make sure everything was clear and aligned with SGA funding guidelines. After reviewing the materials, I drafted the SGA resolution to support their funding request. The event is intended to bring students together and help introduce new members to the Black Student Union

  7. Student Relations Senator Breedy

    This past week was productive and positive overall. My classes went well, and I’m glad to say it was a strong academic week for me. Outside the classroom, I continued my work as Student Relations Senator by helping prepare equipment for the Middle States tabling event. It was great to contribute to the setup process and support an event that plays an important role in student engagement and accreditation awareness. I’m looking forward to keeping this momentum going and staying involved in upcoming initiatives. Wishing everyone a great week ahead.

  8. Clubs and Organizations Senator Reeves 

    This week has been productive and exciting. During our Friday meeting, I had the opportunity to approve several funding requests, which means a lot of different events will be happening soon across campus. It was great to see so many clubs planning activities, and it feels exciting knowing that students will have more opportunities to get involved and build community through these events.  I also worked with the Student-to-Student Communication Committee. We spent time reviewing some of our materials and began preparing for tabling so we can start connecting with more students directly. In addition, I had the opportunity to create posters alongside my fellow chair members in hopes of generating more student interest and awareness about what we are working on.  Outside of these meetings, I also had the opportunity to volunteer and help feed the homeless. It was a really meaningful experience and a reminder of how important it is to support the community and show up for people who may be going through difficult situations. Being able to contribute in a small way and help provide meals to those in need was something I was grateful to be a part of.  We are continuing to hold our Friday meetings each week from 1:00–1:50 PM. Moving forward, we are planning to focus more on recruitment so that we can bring in more students and help the committee run as smoothly as possible.

  9. Diversity Senator Charles

    This week, I assisted with the campus clothing drive by helping decorate donation boxes and placing them in different locations around the school to encourage students to donate. The clothing drive is important because it helps ensure that students who may be struggling still have access to clothing and feel supported by the campus community. It was great to see many students participate and donate items to help others. I also helped with the Middle States event by assisting at the SGA table. During the event, we interacted with students, invited them to play a small game, and gave out prizes while also informing them about SGA and its role on campus. This was a great opportunity to connect with students and increase awareness about SGA.

  10. Athletic Senator Blaska

    Starting my 3rd week in SGA, I have become more acquainted with my role. Having participated in our meetings, and being apart of various group efforts, I have continued to learn and involve myself with the different aspects of SGA. Apart from that, I briefly had the chance to meet the new athletics director, and I look forward to working with him and the athletics department on any matters where I may be of assistance.

  11. Student Life Advisor Oriel

    No report for this week

Old Business

    A. There was no old business.

New Business

  1. Ginny Geer-Mentry – Executive Director, MCC Association – Presented on the MCC Association Draft Budget Overview.  She answered a few questions from the SGA.

  2. Resolution to approve the Funding Request of $1290 for the Muslim Student Association

    Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the funding request for the Muslim Student Association

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

    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 March 10, 2026 at Monroe Community College

  3. Resolution to approve the Funding Request of $250 for the Black Student Union

    Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the funding request for Black Student Union

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

    Discussion: The Black Student Union 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 $250 for the Black Student Union, effective March 10, 2026 at Monroe Community College

Speak to the Senate

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

Adjournment

  1. Vice President Rizzuti called for a motion for adjournment.
    Senator Breedy so moved, second by Senator Smetanyak
  2. Meeting was adjourned at 3:01 pm.

Respectfully submitted