February 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
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
- Chloe Allen (online)
- Kim Delardge (online)
- Christine Cormack (online)
- Ryan Messenger – Academic & Student Affairs
- Veronica Chiesi Brown – Community Relations
- Ginny Geer-Mentry – MCC Association
- Desi-Rae Charles – MCC Student
- Corey – MCC Student
- Tamara Hillabush Walker – MCC VAPA
- Eric Wheeler – MCC Veteran Services
- Vitalii – MCC Student
Minutes
Call to Order (2:15 pm)
- Roll Call (see attendance above)
Vice President of Governance Rizzuti called for a roll call to start the senate meeting. - Land Acknowledgement
- Approval of Minutes
- Vice President of Governance Rizzuti called for a motion to approve the February 3, 2026, Student Government Association Minutes
- Senator Breedy moved, seconded by Senator Smetanyak
- A vote was taken
- Be it resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the February 3, 2026, minutes as written
Reports
- President Burno
No report for this week
- Vice President of Governance Rizzuti
This week, I participated in SUNY Advocacy Day, representing Monroe Community College and the Student Government Association at the state level. Advocacy Day was an exciting and meaningful opportunity to come together with student leaders from across the SUNY system and advocate for issues that directly impact students and campus life. During the day, I advocated for increased funding for refrigerated lockers across SUNY campuses, expanded childcare funding to better support student parents, and additional investment in the optics program, highlighting the importance of academic resources and basic-needs support in promoting student success. The experience was both empowering and educational, offering valuable insight into the legislative process and reinforcing how important student voices are in policy and funding decisions. In addition to my advocacy work, I remained actively involved on campus throughout the week by continuing my engagement with the First Year Experience (FYE) program and staying involved in ongoing campus activities. Overall, this week reflected my continued commitment to advocacy, leadership, and supporting students both at the state level and within the MCC community
- Student Trustee Werven
No report for this week
- Chief of Staff Pottinger
On Thursday, February 5th, I attended the CSTEP Open House, where I had the opportunity to meet Eraj Basnayake, Chair of the Math Department. We spoke about how my semester has been going so far, and he also shared valuable information about the various math scholarships available. I want to take a moment to encourage everyone to take advantage of the MCC scholarships, as they are currently open and provide great opportunities for students.
I want to give a quick shoutout to the members of our team who attended Advocacy Day on February 4th. You did a great job advocating for student needs and representing Monroe Community College, while emphasizing the importance of increased funding for vital student services such as childcare, food support, and workforce development programs that remove barriers to student success.
Additionally, I want to give special appreciation to Senator Keech for her continued work on SGA’s social media. Although she was unsure at first, she has truly stepped into the role and is doing an amazing job managing and improving our online presence.
I also want to extend a warm welcome to Desi Charles, who will be joining our team as the Diversity Senator. We’re excited to have you and look forward to the perspective and contributions you’ll bring to SGA
Lastly, we have a Club & Organizations meeting coming up today at 4 PM, following this meeting. I’m looking forward to hearing reports from the clubs about what they have been working on so far and learning more about the exciting events they plan to host in the future.
Thank you.
- Public Relations Senator Keech
No report for this week
- Public Relations Senator Smetanyak
No report for this week
- Student Relations Senator Breedy
No report for this week
- Clubs and Organizations Senator Reeves
No report for this week
- Student Life Advisor Oriel
No report for this week
Old Business
A. There was no old business.
New Business
-
Resolution to approve Desi-Rae Charles as the Diversity Senator
Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the appointment of Desi-Rae Charles as the Diversity Senator
Vice President of Governance Rizzuti called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Breedy so moved, seconded by Senator Smetanyak.
Discussion: Desi-Rae Charles 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 appointment of Desi-Rae Charles as the Diversity Senator, effective February 10, 2026 at Monroe Community College -
Resolution to approve the funding request of $2000 for the Muslim Student Association
Resolved, the Monroe Community College Student Government Association approves the funding request of $2000 for the Muslim Student Association
Vice President of Governance Rizzuti called for a motion to approve the resolution. Senator Breedy so moved, seconded by Senator Smetanyak.
Discussion: 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 of $2000 for the Muslim Student Association, effective February 10, 2026 at Monroe Community College
Speak to the Senate
- Theo Metcalf was registered to speak to the senate, however he was not present to speak
Adjournment
- Vice President of Governance Rizzuti called for a motion for adjournment.
Senator Keech so moved, second by Senator Breedy - Meeting was adjourned at 2:25 pm.
Respectfully submitted