October 31, 2023
2:15 pm, Forum 3-130, Downtown Campus Room 200B, Zoom
In Attendance
Student Senators
- Senator Mohamed Souhail
- Senator Jemeah Scott
- Senator Giomer Garcia-Maldonado
- Senator Thomas Adams
- Senator Ashley Wrobeh
- Senator Loritea Ellis
- Senator Alicia Crimmins
- Senator Daniel Kalumbwe
Election Coordinator
- Naz Barmak
Historian
- Paula Balow
President
- Joseph Leichtner
Vice President of Governance
- Angelo Romero
Vice President of Downtown
- Mandie McGinnis
Treasurer
- Zeynep Guney
Chief of Staff
- Ava Allen
Secretary of Governance
- Ivy Zin
Secretary of Staff
- Gavin Harrigan
Student Trustee
- Ana Santos
Office of Student Life
- Advisor: Jodi Oriel
- Faculty Advisor: Mark Sample
Visitors
- McKenzie Rush – MCC Student
- Quent Rhodes – MCC Facilities
- Becky Babcock – Faculty Senate
- Ginny Geer-Mentry – MCCA
Minutes
Call to Order (2:16 pm)
- Roll Call (see attendance above)
Vice President of Governance Romero called for a roll call to start the senate meeting. - Land Acknowledgement
- Approval of Minutes
- Vice President of Governance Romero called for a motion to approve the October 24th, 2023, Student Government Association minutes.
- Senator Scott so moved, seconded by Senator Crimmins.
- A vote was taken.
- To be resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the October 24th, 2023, minute as written.
Speak to the Senate
-
Quent Rhodes – Associate Vice President, MCC Facilities
Quent Rhodes, associate vice president of MCC facilities participated in a Q & A session with the student body and the audience regarding the accessibilities and facilities on the Monroe Community College Campus.
Reports
- President Leichtner
President Leichtner attended the moderate dialogue on October 25th. He learned to moderate debates, and how he can moderate them. President Leichtner attended the Board Meeting on October 26th, where he voted on some resolutions, and listened to the MCC Audit Presentation. On October 27th, He attended the Snack & Chat at Canal Hall. He chats and answers questions from students at the dorm while giving out snacks.
- Vice President Romero
On Tuesday, October 24th, Vice President Romero attended the Executive Leadership Team meeting with Dr. Burt Nanna’s team and the rest of the Student Government to give reports on what SGA has done to accomplish the 2027 Vision and answer any questions they had for us. President Leichtner, Diversity Senator Scott, Student Relations Senator Adams, and Election Coordinator Barmak gave their reports on each item of what SGA did. This same day, he would also attend Nachos with the President at Canal Hall, where Dr.Burt-Nanna and her team would talk with Students and have nachos. On October 26th, Vice President Romero, Chief of Staff Allen, Virtual Campus Senator Ellis, and Student Relations Senator Adams attended a Student Panel held in the forum to give our experiences on MCC, how we got here, why we enjoy it, and answer any questions the audience had for us. This same day, he would Give Virtual Campus Senator Ellis a tour of the Brighton Campus to familiarize her with it and give her an idea of the campus. Also, He, President Leichtner, Chief of Staff Allen, Treasurer Guney, Vice President of Downtown McGinnis, and Student Life Advisor Oriel attended the MCC Association Board meeting. They would vote on Resolutions and get an introduction to all of the services campus services and resources on campus. On Friday, October 27th, Vice President Romero attended the Snack & Chat at Canal Hall with President Leichtner, Student Trustee Santos, Club & Orgs Senator Kalumbwe, and Liam Krieger. We would talk with Students who live at the Resident Halls and answer any questions they have for Student Government while also giving out snacks.
- Vice President of Downtown McGinnis
On October 24th Vice President McGinnis along with other Wegmans scholars, including fellow Student Ambassador Tracy Mckinney had the opportunity to meet, thank, and share the impact of being a Wegmans Scholar. The table was filled with incredible people like Colleen Wegman, President, and CEO of Wegmans Food Markets, MCC President Dr. Burt-Nana, and other MCC and Wegmans representatives, including Advisor Oriel, and Dr. Ryan Messenger. Vice President McGinnis shared an update on goal completion, including plans to commence in May with an associate in science in both Human Services and Liberal Arts. Also sharing plans to meet with Cornell University admissions for their online Finacial Success for Nonprofits certificate program. Vice President McGinnis is pleased to report to the Senate that Friday, October 28th the confirmation was made that beginning January 24th, 2024, Vice President McGinnis’ birthday will be the first day of class to obtain her certificate through Cornell’s ECornell program. Thank you to the SGA team and MCC student body for your support and encouragement while completing her academic goals.
On October 24th, the SGA met with President Dr. Burt-Nanna and her executive leadership team. SGA members had the chance to report to the leadership team how we have been working toward goals aligning with MCC’s Vision 2027. The SGA formed committees to work on and complete many goals at once. SGA currently has three committees Community Service, Resource, and Student Enrollment. These committees are open to members of the MCC student body. If you would like to be a member, please visit the SGA office building 3 room 127 for more information.
Thursday, October 26th Vice President McGinnis attended the MCC Operation and Personal Committee and Association Board meeting. Vice President McGinnis reports the completion of MCC’s Association financial audit by Bowers CPAs & Advisors.
- Treasurer Guney
Treasurer Guney has no reports for this week.
- Secretary of Governance Zin
Secretary of Governance Zin went to the meeting with the president’s team on October 24, 2023. During the meeting, the reports from each SGA committee were presented by the SGA team. Also, Secretary of Governance Zin worked on the minutes for last week’s Senate meeting minutes.
- Chief of Staff Allen
On October 24th, the SGA team and I met with President Dr. Burt-Nanna and her leadership team. Members of SGA reported to the leadership team on how we have been working toward goals aligning with MCC’s Vision 2027. Thank you, President Leichtner, Senator Scott, Elections Coordinator Barmak, and Senator Adams for giving your reports of behalf of SGA, you did an excellent job.
On Thursday, October 26th Chief of Staff Allen, Vice President Romero, Virtual Campus Senator Ellis, and Student Relations Senator Adams attended a Student Panel held in the forum to talk about our experiences at MCC. Also, on October 26th Chief of Staff Allen attended the MCC Operation and Personal Committee and Association Board meeting with President Leichtner, VP of Governance Romero, VP of Downtown McGinnis, and our lovely Advisor Jodi Oriel.
- Secretary of Staff Harrigan
Secretary of Staff Harrigan is a first-year student at MCC. He is currently majoring in Liberal Arts. Secretary of Staff Harrigan is so proud to be a new member of the SGA and appointed as the secretary of staff of SGA.
- Diversity Senator Scott
This week, Senator Scott was able to finalize the design for the SGA Champion flyer. The form attached to this flyer allows students or faculty to submit a request that will recognize someone on campus that has gone above and beyond for acts of service to create a positive environment. The acknowledgement of this special person is a great way to showcase gratitude for those that deserve recognition for their kind and giving contributions to campus life.
This past Wednesday on the 25th of October, Senator Scott had a meeting with Shirley Provost of the PRISM Multicultural Center and Christina Lee of the Global Education and International Student Services office. This meeting resulted in an acknowledgment of a need for more student engagement on campus and a greater understanding of the resources available to the larger student body. In recognition of the Israeli-Palestinian War, Christina Lee and Shirley Provost are facilitating an Open Interfaith Hour in Monroe AB tomorrow from 12-1. This interfaith initiative is open to all students and faculty as a time to recuperate and try to heal from the trauma of war. This event is not meant to be a debate, but a time of healing, grief, and meditation to create a common understanding surrounding an end to suffering and war. Students and faculty are encouraged to take the time to stop by and engage in this communal outreach if possible.
- Health & Wellness Senator Wrobeh
Health and Wellness Senator Wrobeh has no reports for this week.
- Student Relations Senator Adams
This past week Senator Adams had a perfect meeting with many members of the MCC admissions department as well as guests such as Jodi, Dr Clemens, and David. On the same day, October 24th, 2023, Senator Adams spoke with the president’s team about what he hoped to accomplish throughout the semester and next semester. The ideas and plans mentioned were well received. Later in the week, Senator Adams was invited to a panel by Matt Lawson, on this panel were Angelo Romero, Ava Allen, and Loritea Ellis. He discussed his perspective and experience from high school to now and was glad to be invited.
- Election Coordinator Barmak
Over the past weeks, the Student Government Election Coordinator, Barmak, worked on the SGA bulletin board putting in information about SGA members that Mandie, the downtown vice president worked on. She also attended the President’s meeting and learned how the president and her team are working together to improve student life at MCC..
- Athletic Senator Souhail
On Saturday, October 28th, Senator Mohamed Souhail participated in the quarterfinals of the district championship, representing the Monroe Community College men’s soccer team. The game was attended by a vibrant audience, including athletes, faculty members, and staff, all fervently supporting the team. Adding to the spirited atmosphere, the mascot of MCC was also present, contributing to the overall sense of community and enthusiasm. Today, on October 31st, Senator Souhail is currently traveling to New York City in preparation for the upcoming semifinal match against Monroe College, scheduled for tomorrow. The game’s outcome is important, as Monroe Community College aims to advance further in the district championship final.
- Virtual Campus Senator Ellis
On October 18, 2023, Virtual Senator Ellis went to do field work and spoke with several students on the Downtown Campus.
Some questions were asked to better understand how to serve the students.
Survey questions have been narrowed down to better assist the roots of the need for virtual online guidance from Senator Ellis.
Many questions were asked and plenty of answers were given.
The fieldwork is still ongoing, but progress is being made.
On October 26, 2023, Virtual Campus Senator Ellis participated as a guest speaker on the panelist for Monroe Community College SUNY Opinform Event.
The event will take place at the Brighton Campus, Monroe AB.
Senator Ellis meets with several other STG peers and alongside them becomes an advocate for the voice of students of all ages.
Matthew Lawson was the overseer for this Event.
- Residence Hall Senator Crimmins
On October 24th, Senator Crimmins attended the meeting with the President of MCC, Dr. Burt-Nanna, and was able to meet the president team of MCC. On that same day on October 24th, Senator Crimmins received SGA training and gained all necessary resources to be successful in SGA. Afterwards, Senator Crimmins briefly attended the “Meet the President” gathering held at Canal Hall. Senator Crimmins connected with Resident Directors, which is crucial for my senate position. Senator Crimmins hopes to create close relationships with the residence staff as well as the residents to efficiently create change if necessary.
- Club and Organization Senator Garcia-Maldonado
On Tuesday, October 24, Senator Garcia had the opportunity to attend a meeting between the SGA and MCC President, Dr. Burt-Nanna, with her Leadership Team. In this meeting, we shared our reports with one another and exchanged updates on both groups’ current projects and objectives. This was a great opportunity for Senator Garcia to meet the board for the first time and familiarize himself with their current goals, as well as reflect on how he can better align and/or complement these objectives. On Friday, October 27, Senator Garcia attended U of R’s AMSE Pumpkin Launch Event to support our SMASH club and ELC in their first competition against teams from U of R and RIT. A huge congratulations to both of these MCC groups for placing 1st in both the range and accuracy competitions, as well as sweeping a tie with RIT. This event was a prime example of the great heights collaboration between clubs and organizations can bring you, and Senator Garcia looks forward to seeing more collaboration amongst MCC student groups in the future.
- Club and Organization Senator Kalumbwe
Senator Kalumbwe is a new club and organization senator at SGA, and he is majoring in Mechanical Technology, this is his first semester. He feels honored to become the club & and organization senator at MCC.
New Business
-
- Action Items (requires a senate vote)
1. Vice President Romero asked for the motion to add the funding request to the Disabilities Awareness Club.Senator Crimmins so moved, second by Senator Ellis.
Resolution for the approval of the funding request to the Disabilities Awareness Club.
Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the disabilities awareness club’s financial request for $670 for an event on November 15th. 2023 at the Downtown Campus.
Vice President Romero called for a motion to approve the resolution.
Senator Crimmins so moved, second by Senator Ellis.
Discussion: The Disabilities Awareness Club completed the request fund and met the standards of both the Student Government Association and the 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 allocate up to $670 to the Disabilities Awareness Club at Monroe Community College.
- Action Items (requires a senate vote)
Discussion Items
- There were no discussion items.
Old Business
- There was no old business.
Questions and Comments
- There were no questions or comments.
Adjournment
- Vice President Romero called for a motion for adjournment.
- Meeting was adjourned at 3:28 pm.
Executive Session
Respectfully submitted,
Ivy Zin
Secretary of Governance