2024-12-10 SGA Senate Meeting Minutes

December 10, 2024
2:15pm, Forum 3-130, Downtown Campus Room 200B, Zoom

In Attendance

Student Senators

  • Senator Elisabeth Small
  • Senator Ashley Wrobeh
  • Senator Billy Simba
  • Senator Shawn Sanchez
  • Senator Lizzy Cole
  • Senator Alyssa Ryan

President

  • Angelo Romero

Vice President of Governance

  • Alicia Crimmins

Vice President of Downtown

  • Loritea Ellis

Treasurer

  • Esma Demir

Chief of Staff

  • Liam Krieger

Secretary of Governance

  • Tehya Deisenroth

Student Trustee

  • Joseph Leichtner

Historian

  • Nick Tran

Office of Student Life

  • Advisor: Jodi Oriel
  • Faculty Advisor: Mark Sample

Visitors

  • Dana Williams – MCC Student
  • Ryan Messenger – ASA
  • Ginny Geer-Mentry – MCCA
  • Stephanie Rivoli – MCC Foundation
  • Christyn Sanagursky – MCC Foundation
  • Emily Birnie, MCC Foundation
  • John Hughes – Custodial Operations
  • Thomas Blake – English & Philosophy
  • Athesia Benjamin – VaPa
  • Robert Gracie – ESports
  • Alana Murphy – SMA & ESports
  • Gretchen Wood – MCC Foundation
  • Katie Spohr – MCC Foundation
  • Karen Shaw – MCC Foundation
  • Margaret Kaminsky – SMA

Minutes

Call to Order (2:16 pm)

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

Speak to the Senate

MCC Champion – John Hughes
MCC Champion – Thomas Blake
MCC Champion – MCC Foundation
MCC Champion – Athesia Benjamin

Reports

  1. President Romero

    On Tuesday, December 3rd, President Romero attended the ROC the Day event, the purpose of which was to help fundraise for scholarships. Chief of Staff Krieger and Veteran Senator Sanchez tabled at the event, where they sold cupcakes for one dollar, and that money would go towards the scholarships. They also had Professor Athesia Benjamin at the event, where she drew sketches of students who had donated five dollars. Overall, SGA raised over 130 Dollars, and the event was a huge success. Shoutout to Veteran Senator Sanchez and Chief of Staff Krieger for tabling the event and encouraging students to donate. Also, thank you to Professor Benjamin for taking the time to help with this and making beautiful sketches. Lastly, thank you to Sodexo for donating the cupcakes to SGA. On Thursday, December 5th, President Romero attended the Holiday Event for Faculty and Staff, where he celebrated the holidays with the MCC Community. He would talk with community members while snacking on delicious treats made by Sodexo and the Culinary Department. Furthermore, President Romero would help draw the names of those who entered their names in the prize giveaways along with Chief of Staff Candice Baldwin. This was fun, and congratulations to all the winners who won prizes. On Friday, December 6th, President Romero would interview Hajer Enaami for a position in SGA, and he can say it went great. One last thing: President Romero will recognize SGA members who are stepping down this semester and all their hard work since joining. Tehya Deisenroth, SGA’s Secretary of Governance and Biology Student at MCC. She is a very intelligent and passionate person who will make it far in life. He met her last fall in Intro to Political Science, then got to know her better in Model UN and then SGA, and I am incredibly thankful to be able to know her. Next, we have Nicholas Tran, SGA’s Historian and Culinary Student. He has known Nick since High School, and he’s graduating from MCC and focusing on working at Shadow Lake. He is a fantastic cook who will make it far in the cooking industry and a future Chef of the Year recipient. Lastly, Alicia Crimmins, SGA’s VP of Governance and future Astronomy Major, and MCC Astronaut. He has known Alicia since the Fall of 2023, and she has been his right-hand person for a while now. She will make it far as she is a very strong, intelligent individual who will do amazing things. All three are amazing Students who he is glad to know, and they all will be deeply missed. Can we please get a round of applause for all of them? Good luck with finals, everyone, and have a great rest of your Holiday!

  2. Vice President of Governance Crimmins

    Over the past week, Vice President of Governance Crimmins held a Peace Committee meeting on Wednesday, December 4th to continue replanning our Glory to Ukraine event to better work with students’ schedules, and make enough time for collaborative efforts with clubs like Global Union, possibly HGHRP, as well as potentially partnering with MCC Professor Elena Dilai as she is very involved in the Ukrainian community and knows a lot about helpful resources students can do to support Ukraine as best as they can. VP Crimmins has a faculty senate meeting on Thursday which she will report updates on SGA since their last meeting on November 14th. This week she also drafted the funding requests for SMA and SADHA, thank you.

  3. Vice President of Downtown Ellis

    On December 4th, 2024 The VP was able to meet with many people who came to the Downtown Campus to experience the life of a college student for a day from 8:30 am – 1:30 pm. This experience was called “Invest in You.” There was an opportunity for those who wanted to check out the Criminal Justice, Education, and Human services classes. The VP felt like it was great to see many future students show up and interact with current students. Also, the Criminal Justice Club held their event there, which brought excitement to those around them. There was also the Office of Student Life and Leadership that set up a table giving away fun prizes to any of those who asked a question regarding school. There were many more tables also set on the the second and third floor. The VP was really astonished at how lively the enviorment became and is happy to see the smiles from those around her. The VP met with Mary to finalize any last-minute things for the upcoming Winterfest that she has helped plan.

  4. Treasurer Demir

    Treasurer Demir has no report this week.

  5. Secretary of Governance Deisenroth

    Good afternoon, on Wednesday, December 4th, Peace Committee had their biweekly meeting, and we discussed more in depth about what to add to our PowerPoint, and how often we will meet over break. On Friday, December 6th, Secretary Deisenroth participated in the interview of Margherita Rizzuti. She is a great candidate for SGA. Lastly, since she is resigning, she wanted to thank everyone for their friendship and kindness while she has been in SGA. She will miss everyone!

  6. Chief of Staff Krieger

    Chief of Staff Krieger has no report this week

  7. Historian Tran

    Historian Tran has renewed his passport on December 5th, he would also like to say goodbye even if he hasn’t shown up to many of the meetings or has set up any of the events. Historian Tran says this has built up more confidence from being a student leader and helping anyone whenever it’s been needed. Historian Tran thanks you for your time and wishes everyone happy holidays.

  8. Health & Wellness Senator Wrobeh

    This past week senator Wrobeh drafted a funding request for the criminal justice club. Senator Wrobeh also discussed the upcoming clubs and orgs meeting with club connect and put together some decorations for the festivities. Senator Wrobeh is also collaborating with Senator Small to summarize some of the important directives that SGA has supported this year that align with the vision for the college. This semester has been great with this team and senator Wrobeh wishes you all good luck on your finals!

  9. Veterans Senator Sanchez

    On Tuesday, December 3rd, Veteran Senator Sanchez, along with Chief of Staff Krieger, tabled for the Roc the Day Fundraiser to raise money for student scholarships. They sold cupcakes and got quite a few students to get a portrait of themselves. He is pleased to say they raised more money than last year and had a wonderful time. On Wednesday, December 4th, Veteran Senator Sanchez recorded the COS presentation with Senators Cole and Small. He believes it went well and is looking forward to seeing the results. Shout-out to Senator Small for helping the committee present and to the COS Committee for all their hard work on the PowerPoint.

  10. Student Relations Senator Simba

    On Tuesday, November 19th, Senator Simba assisted the cultural alliance with the setup and execution of the “Adoptee Awareness Panel Discussions.” He found the discussions to be incredibly insightful and impactful. He had the opportunity to speak with Vice President of the SUNY Student Assembly, Jae Fish, about his impressions of MCC and his experiences as a student leader. He attended the Clubs and Organizations meeting and was pleased to see a great turnout and enthusiastic engagement from the participants. Senator Simba also helped with the evening session of the “Adoptee Awareness Panel Discussions.” On Thursday, November 21, he attended the meeting with Culture Alliance to discuss plans and collaborations for the Spring Semester. He was particularly enthusiastic about the focus on Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Asian American Pacific Heritage Month, and Mental Health Awareness Month. He also attended the MCCA Board meeting and was impressed with President Romero’s leadership during his first time presiding over the meeting. He looks forward to continuing his active participation in SGA events and initiatives.

  11. Diversity Senator Small

    On Monday, December 2nd, Elisabeth contacted Christina Lee on behalf of Culture Alliance to collaborate for AAPI Heritage month and Lunar New Year. Christina Lee additionally would like Culture Alliance to cosponsor an event on Wednesday, April 9th featuring Soo Jin Lee and Linda Yoon of Yellow Chair Collective, an organization that focuses on Asian American therapy and community. This will be a student focused workshop and community event with discussions on identity, intergenerational trauma, neurodiversity, narrative storytelling, and mental health. This will either be an open event at RIT or a separate event in addition to RIT. On Tuesday, December 3rd, Elisabeth met with Club Connect to discuss and organize the final club and organization meeting of the semester with a fun holiday/winter theme. Elisabeth is thrilled with the growth of the Club Connect committee and is so thankful for everyone’s hard work in making club and organization meetings more engaging and fun. On Wednesday, December 4th, Elisabeth met with Senator Cole and Senator Sanchez to film the COS presentation informing students on SGA, and opportunities at the campus. On Thursday, December 5th, Elisabeth met with Culture Alliance to further discuss events for next semester as well as collaboration with several clubs, organizations, and Food for Thought. Later that day, Elisabeth went to Party City to gather supplies, decor, and prizes for a very festive Club and Organization meeting.

  12. Student Trustee Leichtner

    Student Trustee Leichtner has no report this week.

  13. Residence Hall Senator Cole

    Good afternoon, everyone! Senator Cole don’t have much to report, but she would like to share a couple of updates. On Wednesday, December 4th, Senator Cole participated in the recording of the COS Slideshow alongside Diversity Senator Small and Veteran Senator Sanchez. This video will overall help students in the online COS classes to learn about Student Government. Then, on Friday, December 6th, she contributed to the interview of Margherita Rizzuti. She also had the pleasure of drafting the resolution for Margherita, which will be presented in today’s meeting. Thank you!

  14. Club and Organization Senator Ryan
    Club and Organization Senator Ryan has no report this week.

New Business

  1. Action Items (requires a senate vote)
    1. Resolution to Approve the Funding Request of $7000 for SMA

      Resolved, The Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the funding request for SMA. 
      Vice President of Governance Crimmins called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Simba so moved, seconded by Senator Cole.
      Discussion: SMA Club has completed and met the standards 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 motion to add the funding request for Tabletop Club effective December 10th, 2024, at Monroe Community College.   

    2. Resolution to Approve the Funding Request for $900 for ESports

      Resolved, The Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the funding request for Esports. 
      Vice President of Governance Crimmins called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Cole so moved, seconded by Senator Wrobeh.  
      Discussion: Esports has completed and met the standards 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 funding request for Esports effective December 10th, 2024, at Monroe Community College.   

      iii. Resolution to Approve the Appointment of Elizabeth Cole to Vice President of Governance

      Resolved, The Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the appointment of Elizabeth Cole to Vice President of Governance.
      Vice President of Governance Crimmins called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Small so moved, seconded by Senator Sanchez.  
      Discussion: Elizabeth Cole has completed and met the standards 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 motion to appoint Elizabeth Cole to Vice President of Governance effective December 18th, 2024, at Monroe Community College.   

      iv. Resolution to Approve the Appointment of Hajer Enaami to Secretary of Governance

      Resolved, The Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the appointment of Hajer Enaami to Secretary of Governance. 
      Vice President of Governance Crimmins called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Simba so moved, seconded by Senator Cole.  
      Discussion: Hajer Enaami has completed and met the standards 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 appointment of Hajer Enaami to Secretary of Governance effective December 18th, 2024, at Monroe Community College.   

      v. Resolution to Approve the Appointment of Margherita Rizzuti to Public Relations Senator

      Resolved, The Monroe Community College Student Government Association approved the appointment of Margherita Rizzuti to public relations senator.
      Vice President of Governance Crimmins called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Wrobeh so moved, seconded by Senator Sanchez.  
      Discussion: Margherita Rizzuti has completed and met the standards 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 appointment of Margherita Rizzuti to public relations senator effective December 18th, 2024, 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 of Governance Crimmins called for a motion for adjournment.
    Senator Simba so moved, second by Senator Cole
  2. Meeting was adjourned at 3:00 pm.

Executive Session

Respectfully submitted,
Tehya Deisenroth
Secretary of Governance