SGA Meeting Recap 10/24 & 10/31

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SGA Highlights Experiential Learning and Campus Initiatives in Sixth Meeting

Rutgers University-Camden’s Student Governing Association (SGA) gathered on October 24, 2024, for its sixth General Body Meeting of the semester. Running from 5:15 PM to 5:49 PM in the West ABC Conference Rooms. The meeting covered important campus updates, a presentation on experiential learning, and an open forum for student concerns.

The session began with a presentation by Michael D’Italia, who spoke on the benefits of experiential learning, highlighting how it contributes to both academic success and personal growth. D’Italia encouraged the SGA to help foster a culture of “experiential excellence” at Rutgers-Camden and explained various funding opportunities available to support students in these endeavors. He addressed questions from members on a variety of topics, including how students can get started with experiential learning, whether credit requirements apply, and how students can balance such activities with their academic responsibilities. In response, D’Italia outlined that students eligible for experiential learning would receive information through emails and other initiatives from the Chancellor’s office. He added that there is no credit requirement for participation, though a minimum GPA of 2.5 is typically expected. He assured the group that his office works closely with students to discuss goals and demonstrate how experiential learning can aid academic achievement. Additionally, he emphasized efforts to improve accessibility for first-year and graduate students, pointing to recent updates like expanded internship awards and website improvements.

Following the presentation, the SGA President shared several updates. The president recapped the Chancellor’s recent Fall Address, announced that the next “Welcome Wednesday” event would take place on November 6, and highlighted an upcoming meeting between SGA nursing student members and Dean Nickitas on October 30 to discuss issues pertinent to nursing students. The president also shared insights from a monthly meeting with Vice Chancellor Mary Beth Daisey, clarifying questions raised during a recent town hall. In other news, Debbie Shiers was introduced as the new Director of Residence Life, and an open position for an executive senator was announced for students interested in leadership roles within the SGA.

Financial updates followed, with the SGA Treasurer providing details on the upcoming budget timeline. The treasurer also announced a budgeting workshop in collaboration with the Office of Student Involvement, scheduled for November 13. This workshop will be offered twice during free period and again at 5:00 PM in the West ABC rooms to accommodate a variety of student schedules.

GAO Chairperson Quitola reminded attendees about the attendance requirement for student organizations seeking additional funding and encouraged members to stay up-to-date through the SGA newsletter. Among upcoming events, the chairperson highlighted a Punk Rock concert organized by WCCR on October 31 at the Raptor Roost.

During the open forum, students voiced various concerns and ideas. Gabriella, an SGA member, raised issues regarding malfunctioning vending machines and GrubHub lockers on campus. Vice Chancellor Daisey plans to follow up to address these concerns. Another member, Charlotte, discussed a potential collaboration with NJPIRG to implement an automatic textbook billing system for students. Charlotte intends to connect with SGA President Lugo to explore this idea further.

The meeting adjourned at 5:49 PM, concluding a productive session. SGA encourages all students to attend future meetings to stay engaged with campus developments and to bring forward any issues or suggestions.

SGA Holds a Speedy Seventh General Body Meeting

The Rutgers University-Camden Student Governing Association (SGA) convened on October 31, 2024, for its seventh General Body Meeting of the semester. The meeting, held in the West ABC Conference Rooms, began at 5:15 PM with a roll call. Senator Lescht, Representative Fiore, and Representative Johnson were absent, and the minutes from the October 24 meeting were approved without issue.

The president’s report provided updates on various initiatives and events. An upcoming “Community Conversation” event, scheduled for November 4, 2024, will allow students to debrief following the election, with pizza provided for attendees. In recent advocacy efforts, President Lugo, Secretary Levy, Senator Jeyaprakash, and Representative St. Anna met with Dean Nickitas of the nursing school to address specific needs within the program, including the potential addition of standing desks in certain classrooms, offering medical terminology courses, and reviewing general concerns around course scheduling. Additionally, members of the SGA submitted a work order for vending machines in Armitage Hall, with technicians addressing ongoing issues. Students who lose money in a vending machine can request refunds through a QR code on the machine or by contacting Dining Services representative Jane Caputo, with credit card transactions being refunded automatically within a few hours if items are not dispensed.

The treasurer’s report reminded student organizations to check their emails for details on the upcoming budget workshop and timeline, while the GAO Chairperson highlighted the attendance requirement for student organizations seeking additional funding. It was also noted that all SGA general body meetings qualify as approved Honors College events, encouraging greater involvement from Honors College students.

In the Executive Representative Report, SGA members shared insights from a recent focus group with Simone Owens, where they discussed plans for the upcoming Multicultural Student Center. This initiative aims to create inclusive spaces for student engagement, and student leaders are advised to stay updated on future developments.

During new business, SGA approved a resolution to host a “Pizza and Politics” event on November 4 from 11:20 AM to 12:20 PM in the Campus Center’s South AB. This event, supported by the Office of Student Involvement (OSI), will provide students with a relaxed, non-partisan space to share their concerns and thoughts on the upcoming election. Attendees will get free pizza as part of OSI’s “Upcoming Election Events” series. Additionally, Senator Sow was appointed as Executive Senator following a successful vote.

In an announcement during the open forum, Vice Chancellor Mary Beth Daisey announced her upcoming retirement, effective January 1, 2025, marking the end of her tenure at Rutgers Camden.

The meeting ended at 5:28 PM, concluding a concise but productive session. SGA encourages students to participate in upcoming events and to attend future meetings to stay engaged with campus activities and initiatives.