2024-02-13 SGA Senate Meeting Minutes

February 13, 2024
2:15 pm, Forum 3-130, Downtown Campus Room 200B, Zoom

In Attendance

Student Senators

  • Senator Mohamed Souhail
  • Senator Giomer Garcia-Maldonado
  • Senator Ashley Wrobeh
  • Senator Loritea Ellis

Election Coordinator

  • Naz Barmak

President

  • Joseph Leichtner

Vice President of Governance

  • Angelo Romero

Vice President of Downtown

  • Mandie McGinnis

Treasurer

  • Zeynep Guney

Chief of Staff

  • Ivy Zin

Secretary of Governance

  • Alicia Crimmins

Student Trustee

  • Ana Santos

Office of Student Life

  • Advisor: Jodi Oriel
  • Faculty Advisor: Mark Sample

Visitors

  • Saadet Unal – MCC Student
  • Christine Woods – FCCC President/SUNY Trustee
  • Terry Keys – Instructional Services
  • Ginny Geer-Mentry – MCC Association
  • Owen Verbee – ESports Club
  • Mya Thomas – Scribe Society
  • Brittany Granville – Scribe Society, EOP
  • Robert Cracie – ESports Club
  • Brandon Clune – PTK
  • Nicholas Tran – MCC Student
  • Denee J. Martin – OSLLD
  • Diane Navarro – Library
  • Dana Williams – MCC Student
  • Medea Rambish – MCC Academic Foundations

Minutes

Call to Order (2:16 pm)

  1. Roll Call (see attendance above)
    Vice President of Governance Romero called for a roll call to start the senate meeting.
  2. Land Acknowledgement
  3. Approval of Minutes
    1. Vice President of Governance Romero called for a motion to approve the February 6, 2024 Student Government Association minutes.
    2. Senator Krieger so moved, seconded by Senator Souhail
    3. A vote was taken.
    4. Be it resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the February 6, 2024 minutes as written.

Speak to the Senate

  1. Christine Woods- FCCC President/Student Trustee
    Woods spoke about SUNY advocacy and community college budget issues. Woods states she has spoke with legislatures and other Trustee’s such as Student Trustee Chair Williams for support on Community College funding.

  2. Ginny Geer-Mentry- MCCA
    Geer-Mentry introduced herself and Academic 7 Student Affairs Co-Chair’s Medea Rambish and Terry Keys for defining student success.
  3. Terry Keys- MCC Academic & Student Affairs Co-Chair
    Keys explains the “Defining Student Success Master Plan” and asks the SGA panel and audience how they would define “student success.”
  4. Medea Rambish – MCC Academic & Student Affairs Co-Chair
    Rambish expresses importance of student’s opinion and asks questions on a survey that she and Keys created. These questions included “what could the college do to help meet your goals?” and some of the SGA panel gave informational feedback. This feedback included having issues with advisors, transferring credits, Accuplacer, accommodations etc.

Reports

  1. President Leichtner

    On 02/10/24 President Leichtner and the rest of the Student Government Association attended the University of Rochester Student Government Conference. This conference was a great opportunity to learn more about other universities. SGA looks forward to collaborating with these universities in the future, as well as implementing their ideas on campus.

  2. Vice President Romero

    On Tuesday, February 6th, Vice President Romero attended the Club & Orgs with SGA members and other student leaders to learn what Club & Orgs are doing for events in the future while also talking about what they did last semester. On February 7th, Vice President Romero attended his first Student Life Fair with Secretary of Governance Crimmins, Chief of Staff Zin, Athletic Senator Souhail, and Health and Wellness Senator Wrobeh. They all helped give students more opportunities to learn about SGA and discuss the Advocacy Day they will attend on February 27th. Also helped out and gave applications to students, informed students about elections occurring in the spring semester, and encouraged them to run. This same day, he attended the Esport event at the Gillman Lounge to support the team.

  3. Vice President of Downtown McGinnis

    On Wednesday, February 7th Vice President McGinnis met with Disability Awareness Club Advisor Jean McCrumb and their officer team to prep for the Student Life Fair as well as to get an update on the clubs’ spring semester Spread the Word: Inclusion event. This event will be held at the Downtown and Brighton Campuses. Details to come. Later that afternoon attending and tabling at the Downtown Campus Student Life Fair representing the SGA. There was a flurry of activity with student interest in SGA and the Disability Awareness Club. Upcoming Downtown events: In partnership with Monroe Community College, New York State Tax Department employees will be on campus to walk you through your income tax returns and assist you in filing them for free. It’s quick and easy and open to all who qualify, sessions will be available on Mondays from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, third floor room 300. You must pre-register and schedule an appointment with the New York State Tax Department. You can find the link to schedule an appointment on MyMCC Campus Event tile. As a reminder apply for scholarships!

  4. Treasurer Guney

    On Tuesday, February 6th treasurer Guney attended the Clubs and Organizations meeting, where clubs and orgs members reported their upcoming events and regular meeting days. There are a lot of things happening to join and enjoy. On Wednesday, February 7th treasurer Guney served in the Student Life Fair. Had a joyful time with other SGA members and students interested in SGA. On Thursday, February 8th treasurer Guney held her office hours. She looks forward to students and faculty members visiting our office and she would like to assist anyone with their needs and questions. On Friday, February 9th treasurer Guney, Secretary of Governance Crimmins, Health and Wellness Senator Wrobeh, and Vice President of Downtown McGinnis interviewed Min Jeong. There will be Valentine’s Day on Wednesday, February 14th, 11:00am to 1:00pm, Brighton Campus Center Terrace and Wednesday, February 14th, 12:00 to 1:00pm, Downtown Campus 2nd Floor Lounge. Join Campus Activities Board for a Valentine’s Day celebration on both Brighton and Downtown Campus. Enjoy free flowers and valentine’s goodies to help spread love around campus!

  5. Secretary of Governance Crimmins

    Over the past week, Secretary Crimmins helped with and attended the Student Life Fair on February 7th, from 11am to 1:45 pm. Secretary Crimmins enjoyed this event and felt it was a success. Secretary Crimmins also participated in an interview on February 9th during her office hours.

  6. Chief of Staff Zin

    Last week, along with Vice President of Governance Romero, Secretary of Governance Crimmins, Health and Wellness Senator Wrobeh, and Athletic Senator Souhail actively participated in the Student Life Fair and presented the SGA activities from the Spring of 2023. Chief of Staff Zin will be working to reach out to the students who signed up to join SGA at the student life fair..

  7. Health & Wellness Senator Wrobeh

    Hello everyone and Happy Black History month. This past week Senator Wrobeh wrote a “Frequently Asked Questions” sheet to inform students on the real policy of the long guns and dispel any misinformation that might have been spread. Also, on Wednesday February 7th, Senator Wrobeh was present at the Student Life Fair. She represented the Student Life and Leadership Development Office along side Senator Souhail. Senator Wrobeh spoke with several students and explained the responsibilities of student ambassadors. Several students were interested, and it was a wonderful experience for her to help students get involved around campus. On Friday, February 9th, Senator Wrobeh interviewed a student for a position in SGA, alongside President of Downtown McGinnis, Treasurer Guney, and Secretary of Governance Crimmins.

  8. Election Coordinator Barmak

    Election Coordinator Barmak has no report for this week.

  9. Athletic Senator Souhail

    At the Student Life Fair, on Wednesday, February 7th, athletic senator Souhail, and other student government members presented initiatives and opportunities for involvement in the student life leadership office and student government. On February 10th, we also attended the 2nd Annual Intercollegiate Student Government Leadership Conference hosted by the University of Rochester. Discussions focused on motivating student participation and improving visibility. The strategies discussed included social media campaigns, engaging events, and incentive programs for motivation. Ideas for enhancing visibility included hosting informational sessions and collaborating with other student organizations. Collaboration and innovation were highlighted as essential for success. In conclusion, the event provided valuable insights into motivating students and increasing visibility. We are committed to implementing these strategies to better serve our student body.

  10. Virtual Campus Senator Ellis

    Virtual Campus Senator Ellis has no report for this week.

  11. Club and Organization Senator Garcia-Maldonado

    Senator Garcia-Maldonado has no report for this week.

  12. Veterans Senator Krieger
    Veterans Senator Krieger has no report for this week.

New Business

  1. Action Items (requires a senate vote)
    1. Resolution for the approval of the Turkish Club Constitution.

      Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the Turkish Club Constitution.
      Vice President Romero called for a motion to approve the resolution.
      Senator Krieger so moved, second by Senator Souhail.
      Discussion: The Turkish Club completed the standards and met all the requirements 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 establishment and charter of Turkish Club at Monroe Community College.

    2. Resolution for the approval of the Scribe Society Constitution.
      Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the Scribe Society Constitution.
      Vice President Romero called for a motion to approve the resolution.
      Senator Souhail so moved, second by Senator Krieger.
      Discussion: The Scribe Society completed the standards and met all the requirements 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 establishment and charter of Scribe Society at Monroe Community College.
    3. Resolution for the approval of the Math Club Constitution
      Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the amendments to the Math Club Constitution.
      Vice President Romero called for a motion to approve the resolution.
      Senator Souhail so moved, second by Senator Krieger.
      Discussion: The Math Club completed the standards and met all the requirements 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 establishment and charter of Math Club at Monroe Community College.
    4. Resolution for the approval of the Esports Club Constitution
      Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the Esport Club Constitution Amendment to change former SMASH Club into MCC’s first Esport’s club.
      Vice President Romero called for a motion to approve the resolution.
      Senator Souhail so moved, second by Senator Krieger.
      Discussion: The Esport Club completed the standards and met all the requirements 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 establishment and charter of Esport Club at Monroe Community College.
    5. Resolution for Sanctions and De-Charter for the Young Democratic Socialists of America
      Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association sanctioned and de-chartered the Young Democratic Socialists of America.
      Vice President Romero called for a motion to approve the resolution.
      Senator Krieger so moved, second by Senator Souhail.
      Discussion: The Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) violated Monroe Community College’s Code of Conduct, Office of Student Life & Leadership Development College Policies, and Student Government Association policies and procedures.
      A vote was taken. The resolution passed.
      Be it resolved, the senate present and voting that the Student Government Association sanction and de-charter the Young Democratic Socialists of America 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 Romero called for a motion for adjournment.
  2. Meeting was adjourned at 3:15 pm.

Executive Session

Respectfully submitted,
Alicia Crimmins
Secretary of Governance