SGA Meeting Recap: 9/26/2024

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This year’s second General Body Meeting (GBM) of the Rutgers University-Camden Student Government Association (SGA) took place Thursday, September 26th from 5:15pm-6:15pm.

The SGA welcomed guest speaker Vice Chancellor Mike Sepanic, who discussed his role in strengthening connections between Rutgers-Camden and the community through government relations. He updated attendees on how he and his department secured $3 million in funding for civic engagement, mental health support, and academic programs–emphasizing the importance of student advocacy in demonstrating the need for such resources. Vice Chancellor Sepanic encouraged students to engage with local and federal officials to continue advocating for their academic and professional futures.

He highlighted the university’s ties to the South Jersey business community and the opportunities for students to network through local Chamber of Commerce events. He also addressed questions about the university’s Board of Directors, encouraging student participation in board meetings.

A key topic was Rutgers-Camden’s Minority Serving Institution (MSI) status, which opens doors to federal grants for academic programs and student services. He stressed that the campus is actively pursuing these grants with support from South Jersey’s congressional delegation.

Sepanic concluded by emphasizing the importance of student advocacy in securing resources and maintaining Rutgers-Camden’s identity, urging students to remain engaged in advocacy efforts both on campus and beyond.

President Kimberly Lugo welcomed students and emphasized the importance of participation, highlighting that catering will be provided for all GBMs. She encouraged students to engage with guest speakers and stay informed through posted meeting documents, which are shared on the SGA Engage page. Vice President Shaan Mody reminded members about filling vacant positions and promoting the upcoming Town Hall on October 22, which will feature discussions on SGA initiatives.

The meeting included significant motions, such as extending the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee, which sparked debate about its impact on other committees. Senator Joseph Lescht (CCAS) suggested making DEI membership optional to ensure other committees, like the Constitution Committee, are adequately staffed, which was met with resistance from Representative Alexander Simone (CCAS). Both Senator Lescht and Representative Simone noted the need for all committees to remain active and representative.

Further discussions led to the approval of a motion to extend the Legislative Affairs Committee for another three years, maintaining its focus on advocacy and education.

Candidates who were running for open positions on SGA had the opportunity to introduce themselves and shared their reasons for running for office.

One candidate is seeking the CCAS representative position, highlighting their transfer experience and involvement in student organizations. They emphasized their unique perspective as a commuter student and expressed a desire to advocate for their major and improve funding for their department. They also raised concerns about accessibility on campus, noting issues with the elevators that violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Another candidate announced their intention to run for the nursing representative role. They stressed the importance of representing nursing students and shared their commitment to voicing their peers’ opinions. This candidate is also the communications chair for a student organization, showcasing their active engagement in the campus community.

Significant efforts toward enhancing student involvement and community connections were the topic of this meeting. With key discussions on funding, advocacy, and representation. As the SGA continues to prioritize communication and collaboration, students are encouraged to actively participate in shaping their academic and campus experiences.