2025-10-21 SGA Senate Meeting Minutes

October 21, 2025

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

In Attendance

Student Senators

  • Senator Maddilyn Keech
  • Senator Elle Reeves
  • Senator Abigail Pottinger
  • Senator John Breedy
  • Senator Rusty Smetanyak

President

  • Lisa Burno

Vice President of Governance

  • Margherita Rizzuti

Secretary of Governance

  • Hajer Enaami

Student Trustee

  • Parker Werven

Office of Student Life

  • Advisor: Jodi Oriel
  • Faculty Advisor: Mark Sample

Visitors

  • Dana Williams – MCC Student
  • Corey Maltsev – MCC Student
  • Audre Schoof – Society of Women Engineers
  • Teri Best – MCC Association
  • Justin Leenhouts – MCC Association
  • Leanna Capone – Anime Club
  • Chloe Allen – Office of Student Life 
  • Cinnamon Nolley (online) – DC Student Engagement/Disability Awareness Co-Advisor
  • Kim DeLardge (online) – DC Student Engagement
  • April Daniels (online) – Faculty Association

Minutes

Call to Order (2:15 pm)

  1. Roll Call (see attendance above)
    Vice President of Governance Rizzuti called for a roll call to start the senate meeting.
  2. Land Acknowledgement
  3. Approval of Minutes
    1. Vice President of Governance Rizzuti called for a motion to approve the October 14, 2025, Student Government Association Minutes
    2. Senator Breedy moved, seconded by Senator Reeves
    3. A vote was taken
    4. Be it resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the October 14, 2025, minutes as written

Protocol for Student Government Association Tuesday Meeting – President Jalisia Burno

Before proceeding to the Speak to the Senate portion of the agenda, the Student Government Association (SGA) hereby establishes the following protocol, to be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order.

  1. The Chair, Vice President Rizzuti, shall recognize each individual prior to speaking. Only those who have been recognized will be permitted to address the assembly.
  2. Both Student Government Association members and Senate members will be afforded the opportunity to speak, provided they have been duly recognized by the Chair.
  3. All participants shall:
    • Engage in active listening;
    • Remain on topic; and
    • Communicate in a respectful and professional manner.
  4. Only one person may speak at a time. Interjections or interruptions are not permitted

Speak to the Senate

No one spoke to the Senate

Reports

  1. President Burno

    Good afternoon, it’s great to see you all again! On Thursday, October 9th, President Burno had the opportunity to introduce a jazz band performance in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. It was such an exciting experience and truly rewarding to see how the event brought the campus community together. In addition, on the morning of October 17th, President Burno conducted an interview alongside Vice President Rizzuti and Senator Rusty. Later that afternoon, she attended another Student-to-Student Communication Committee meeting, which was a great success. During the meeting, the team reviewed the posters that will be displayed to promote campus surveys and had students sign up to help volunteer at the tabling events. Lastly, on Saturday, October 17th, President Burno had the privilege of sitting on a student panel, where she spoke about her experience at MCC to prospective students. It was such a fun and engaging experience, and she truly enjoyed connecting with future students and sharing how MCC has shaped her journey so far. Overall, the past week was productive and emphasized the importance of student engagement, teamwork, and continuing to build connections across our campus community.

  2. Vice President of Governance Rizzuti

    This week, Margherita Rizzuti had an eventful and inspiring schedule filled with meaningful experiences across campus. She attended the Transfer Fair, where she had the opportunity to speak directly with representatives from several colleges, including the one she hopes to transfer to in the future. It was an exciting and motivating experience that allowed her to explore her academic goals and gather valuable information for her next steps. Margherita also took part in the Ice Cream Social, which provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with other students and meet the talented individuals responsible for the artwork displayed in the Student Lounge. In addition, she participated in an event hosted by the Veterans Club, where she had the honor of meeting veterans on campus and learning more about their stories and contributions to the MCC community. Margherita also assisted with the Open House, where she helped lead campus tours alongside the First Year Experience team. She found it rewarding to welcome prospective students and families, sharing her enthusiasm for MCC and helping them feel part of the college community. As always, Margherita continues to stay actively involved with First Year Experience, supporting their mission to engage and guide new students. Overall, it was a productive and inspiring week marked by leadership, connection, and pride in representing Monroe Community College.

  3. Secretary of Governance Enaami

    This past week was both productive and successful for the organization. Secretary Enaami remained actively involved in multiple campus events that encouraged student engagement and community building.

    On Monday, Enaami attended the MSA meeting from 12:00 to 1:00 PM, participating in ongoing discussions and helping coordinate future initiatives for charity week. Later in the week, Enaami stopped by the Ice Cream Social, where students gathered to connect and enjoy ice cream together, and also attended the Veterans Event, where tacos were served by the Veterans Club in appreciation of student veterans.

    Enaami also assisted at the College Fair, which had a large turnout and received great feedback from students. Many students expressed excitement about the opportunities presented, and Enaami helped guide and support those who needed assistance.

    In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the campus hosted a lively event featuring singing and cultural performances. The event drew a strong crowd, and students truly enjoyed the performances and the welcoming atmosphere.

    Overall, the week was busy but very successful, highlighting the organization’s growing presence and positive impact on campus.

    Additionally, Secretary Enaami is currently in discussions with campus representatives regarding the introduction of Halal food options on campus. This initiative aims to make dining more inclusive and accessible for Muslim students while also providing diverse options that all students can enjoy.

  4. Student Trustee Werven
    Student Trustee Werven attended his second Board of Trustees meeting at the Downtown Campus, where he reported on his duties with the Student Government Association (SGA) so far this semester. He highlighted the outstanding progress on the Advanced Technology Center (ATC), noting that the new building will house programs such as Optics, HVAC, and other direct pathways to employment. The building is scheduled to open in the fall of 2026. During the week, Trustee Werven focused on studying for exams and midterms and participated in the Transfer College Fair, where he met with representatives from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, the University of Rochester, and Cornell University (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences) to learn more about transfer opportunities, scholarships, and academic readiness. To close out the week, Trustee Werven and Clubs and Organizations Senator Reeves held another Student-to-Student Communication Committee meeting. The committee discussed scheduling tabling events to promote participation in the upcoming student survey and finalizing flyers to advertise it. Trustee Werven also shared a reminder for students about managing stress and burnout during the semester. He emphasized that feeling overwhelmed is normal and encouraged students to seek support when needed, highlighting the Counseling Center located in Building 3, Room 103. He encouraged peers to reach out to friends, advisors, and professors for assistance and noted that he frequently communicates with his own professors and advisors. Trustee Werven concluded by offering to answer any questions during or after the Senate meeting.
  5. Health and Wellness Senator Keech

    The Health and Wellness Senator participated in 3 school events last week. The Health and Wellness Senator went to the veterans club taco bar, the transfer fair, and the ice cream social for the student mural painted by a past student. The Health and Wellness Senator had a lot of fun participating in all these events

  6. Public Relations Senator Smetanyak

    This week, Rostyslav Smetanyak wrote and reviewed the Co-Advisor Disability Awareness Resolution, which provides funding for an upcoming campus event promoting disability awareness and inclusion. During the review process, I confirmed that the funding request met SGA’s financial guidelines and supported our goal of fostering a more inclusive student environment. The approved funds will help cover event materials, food, supplies and an artist.

  7. Athletic Senator Breedy
    Some members of SGA (President Burno and Vice President Rizzuti) had a good meeting last week with some of the former members of the Monroe Doctrine and WMCC. We seemed to have met a compromise and found a viable solution that makes both groups happy while remaining within our guidelines/bylaws. Athletic Senator Breedy attending the ByLaws committee meeting last Tuesday, where he felt like we’ve made some good progress, and brainstormed a lot of good ideas as a team, and believes that Secretary of Governance Enaami did a very solid job on forming the rough draft for the new ByLaws.

  8. Clubs and Organizations Senator Reeves
    Elle attended the Ice Cream Social this week, where she connected with other students and showed her support for the Veterans Club by attending their event as well. She appreciated the opportunity to learn more about what the club is doing on campus and to be part of an event that recognizes and supports student veterans. Elle also participated in another productive Student-to-Student Communication Committee meeting, where members focused on finalizing poster designs and deciding on times for tabling throughout the week. The group had a good discussion about ways to reach more students and keep communication strong across campus. The next committee meeting will be held on Friday from 1:00–1:50 PM. In addition, Elle shared that Voter Registration will take place next Wednesday, where students will have the chance to register to vote and learn more about how to get involved in upcoming elections.
  9. Clubs and Organizations Senator Pottinger

    Last week, the Student Government approved the funding request for the Veterans Club’s Burrito Bar event. On Wednesday, October 15, Abigail had the opportunity to attend the event and see it come to life. It was a well organized event with a good turnout, creating a positive and engaging atmosphere for students. In preparation for today’s Student Clubs and Organizations Meeting at 4 PM, Abigail has been working closely with Club Senator Elle to coordinate the event. The meeting will provide a platform for clubs to present reports and updates on their recent activities. This collaboration aims to strengthen communication and foster greater cooperation among student groups, contributing to a vibrant campus community.

New Business

Kelsey Bright – Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs – Discussed the proposed Academic Calendar for academic years 27-28 and 28-29.  Kelsey also answered a few questions that were asked.

April Daniels – Faculty Association – Mentioned that there will be discussion at the Faculty Senate meeting as well as a discussion board that will be open soon.

  1. Resolution to approve the funding request of $1012.32 for Disability Awareness Club

    Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the funding request of $1012.32 for Disability Awareness Club

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

    Discussion: Disability Awareness 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 for Disability Awareness Club, effective October 21, 2025 at Monroe Community College

  2. Resolution to approve the funding request of $180 for the Anime Club

    Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the funding request of $180 for the Anime Club

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

    Discussion: The Anime 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 for the Anime Club, effective October 21, 2025 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 Rizzuti called for a motion for adjournment.
    Senator Breedy so moved, second by Senator Reeves
  2. Meeting was adjourned at 2:39 pm.

Executive Session

Respectfully submitted