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.

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Recap of the General Body Meeting on October 3, 2024

On Thursday, October 3rd, the Student Government Association (SGA) convened for a productive General Body Meeting (GBM) from 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM. All members were present except Nursing Senator Nikitha Jeyaprakash, who was excused. The meeting commenced with an approval of the agenda, followed by a guest speaker segment featuring Laura Collins, Director of the Office of Student Development and Financial Aid (OSDFA). Laura provided insights into her work on campus, highlighting the importance of fellowships and grants available to students for both undergraduate and graduate opportunities. Her presentation aimed to inform students on how to connect with funding for external opportunities. While there were no immediate questions, the detailed information she shared is accessible through the OSDFA office for further inquiry.

In the President’s Report, several key updates were announced, including ongoing efforts to address financial aid issues for students in need, information regarding the Homecoming event on October 5th, and a reiteration that the SGA’s General Body Meetings are classified as part of Honors College activities. Additionally, reminders about social media engagement were highlighted. The Vice President’s Report focused on issues impacting the student body, particularly concerns about dining hall availability and quality. There was a follow-up on divestment discussions and updates on housing and various committees, with the VP encouraging students to participate in committees such as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and the Legislative Affairs Committee.

Treasurer updates revealed that a meeting regarding commuter experiences in Lot 16 took place, emphasizing the importance of student input. The Treasurer also reminded members to send any budget-related queries to the SGA email. New business discussions were particularly engaging, with Executive Senator Joseph Lescht motioning for a resolution recognizing the anniversary of the October 7th event. A spirited debate ensued over the resolution’s wording, with amendments made to refine its intent. Despite a push for commemoration, the resolution ultimately did not pass, with a vote tally of 2 in favor, 8 against, and 1 abstention. Senator Lescht expressed disappointment, calling for reflection on the moral implications of the decision.

During the open forum, students voiced their concerns about memorializing significant events and the need for more dedicated workspaces for students in the BFA program. The SGA acknowledged these issues and committed to bringing them to administrative attention. Overall, the GBM was a testament to the SGA’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and responsive student government. As always, the SGA encourages student participation and feedback to enhance the university experience for all. For those interested in contributing to ongoing initiatives or voicing concerns, please reach out through the SGA channels.

Recap of the General Body Meeting on October 10, 2024

The Student Government Association (SGA) convened for its General Body Meeting (GBM) on October 10th, from 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM. During the roll call, all members were present except for Senator Agbo Eje, Executive Representative Simone, and Representative Sta. Ana. 

The meeting featured guest speakers Dr. Stacy Haynes and Joseph Abbas from the Student Wellness Center. Dr. Haynes provided an insightful introduction, discussing initiatives such as “Woof Wednesdays” and other programming aimed at addressing student needs. These programs include activities like coloring and guest speaker events designed to help students de-stress, particularly during midterms and finals. All services offered by the Wellness Center, including psychiatry and medical assistance, are free for students. Dr. Haynes also highlighted collaborations with wellness radio (WCCR) and various recognized student organizations. Questions from the SGA included one from Treasurer Toft about links to student resources and events, and Representative Johnson’s questions about upcoming collaborations with organizations like Animation Alliance.

In the President’s Report, updates included information from a recent meeting with the Chancellor, addressing post-election events and support plans, and a follow-up on realignment questions raised during the first GBM. The President also announced a “Welcome In-Wednesday” event scheduled for October 23rd, and a meeting with Dean Nickitas from the Nursing school on October 30th. The Vice President reported on equitable restroom distribution in the Science Building. There were no reports from the Secretary, Treasurer, GAO Chairperson, Executive Senator, or Executive Representative.

In the new business segment, a resolution was proposed to commemorate the lives lost in October 2023. The motion was discussed, and after consulting with the executive board, Representative Fiore, and advisor Wallace, a moment of silence was established, lasting 15 seconds. The motion passed unanimously. The swearing-in of new members, including Secretary Levy, GAO Chairwoman Quitola, CCAS Senator Sow, Business Representative Barcklow, Nursing Senator Jeyaprakash, CCAS Representative Fiore, and Nursing Representative Sta. Ana was postponed to the next GBM meeting.

During the open forum, Representative Johnson followed up on a previous BFA request, and Treasurer Toft announced an upcoming event with Assemblywoman Carol Murphy at the Quad on October 16th. Additionally, Hoda Niaz, Yaren Aykit, and another representative from the Muslim Student Association (MSA) expressed their disappointment regarding problems that occurred during a prior event, “What’s Happening in Palestine“. Lastly, Kait Buser, President of the Animation Alliance raised concerns about the quality of chairs in the animation labs, asking if improvements could be made, and inquired about funding for additional resources such as 3D printers. To end the meeting, Treasurer Toft and Representative Fiore announced that they are collaborating on projects related to accessibility and recommend reaching out via email for further assistance.

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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.

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“The Student Government Association (SGA) isn’t just about politics—it’s about advocating for students, addressing concerns, building connections, and getting involved in ways that truly make a difference,” says Kimberly Lugo, the new Rutgers–Camden student body president. The start of a new semester means a lot of changes on campus, but one major change that most students may not notice is the change in leadership for the Student Governing Association. While most students aren’t aware of this change as it happens, they most certainly will feel the effects as the semester progresses. 

Last year’s student body president, Matthew Brodsky, played an active role within the campus community, welcoming in new students, sharing important news, and bridging the gap between students and university leadership. Now that role has been passed on to Kimberly Lugo, the new student body president. Lugo was the SGA’s Vice President last year and won the presidential election at the end of the 2024 spring semester. To help students get to know her, Lugo talked with The Gleaner about her transition from vice president to student body president. 

“I initially joined the SGA out of a genuine interest in connecting with more people and becoming more engaged in the campus community,” explains Lugo. “Before serving as Vice President last year (2023-2024), I wasn’t very involved on campus, but I wanted to change that and make the most of my college experience.” 

Being a part of SGA is not Lugo’s only accomplishment on campus. She is a Bonner Civic Scholar, a member of the Tri-Alpha Honor Society, the Student Nursing Association, Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society, and President Holloway Student Advisory Committee, as well as being on the Centennial Steering Committee and Student Wellness Advisory Committee. Lugo also has conducted research on Alzheimer’s Disease and birthing conditions for Hispanic women in New Jersey. 

Taking over for Brodsky has been a smooth transition, according to Lugo, even as a woman in the role. “I feel honored to serve as student body president, especially as a female in this role… I believe it’s a very empowering journey for me, as while there may be unique challenges and expectations placed on women in leadership, I see these not as obstacles but opportunities to demonstrate myself as an effective leader and the importance of diverse voices in positions of influence.” 

Lugo is the very first Nursing student to be SGA president, begging the question why is it important for students outside of political majors to get involved in SGA? In response, Lugo said, “As nursing students, we’re often taught the importance of advocacy, especially for our patients. I see a strong parallel between that and my role in student government, where I get to advocate for the student body and work with the administration to address their needs. It’s a privilege and an honor to serve in this capacity, and I believe that both nursing and student leadership emphasize the importance of advocacy, connection, and service. Currently, I love being president, and I can’t wait to make an even greater impact.”

But what exactly is that impact? A lot of the work SGA does goes unnoticed by the majority of the student body, even though that is their main job: to connect with the student body and address their concerns. “During my term, I am prioritizing several key initiatives to enhance the student experience at Rutgers-Camden,” states Lugo. “Our three main goals in the SGA this year are transparency, advocacy, and effectively addressing student concerns. This involves making information about campus policies, budget allocations, and decision-making processes more accessible to all students. Additionally, we are actively exploring ways to improve campus resources, including expanding mental health services, enhancing campus safety, and promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives. By concentrating on these areas, I aim to foster a more engaged and well-informed student community.”

The most important aspect of SGA is student involvement. The organization cannot run without continued interest in campus government. So, Lugo gave some tips on the best ways for students to get involved. “​​It’s so important for students to know who their representatives are and to actively engage with student government. One of the easiest and most impactful ways to get involved is by attending our weekly general body meetings. These meetings are not only a chance to learn about the exciting projects SGA is working on, but also to hear from guest speakers across different Rutgers-Camden departments. Most importantly, they provide a platform for you to raise any concerns or ideas you have—we take every student’s voice seriously and work hard to make sure you’re represented.” 

“Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, there are plenty of ways to get involved. We have various committees you can join right away, and every spring, we host elections for representatives, senators, and e-board members. It’s an incredible way to have a real impact on campus, advocate for your peers, and help shape the Rutgers-Camden community for the better!” Lugo also notes that the easiest way to stay up to date about the ongoing events of student government is through their newsletters and their Instagram (@rucsga). “If there’s an issue on campus, SGA has the power to advocate for students and work toward real solutions. No matter your major, getting involved in SGA allows you to make a tangible impact and be the voice for students.”

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The first Student Governing Association (SGA) General Body Meeting of the semester took place on Thursday, September 19th, from 5:15 to 6:15 PM, led by SGA board members President Kimberly Lugo, Vice President Shaan Mody, Secretary Jenna Ahmed, and Treasurer Jessica Toft. The meeting featured a raffle with prizes of an iPad, AirPods, and an Apple Watch. Clubs were also encouraged to boost funding with a $100 prize and reminded that attending 9 out of 11 SGA meetings makes them eligible for $150 in their revenue accounts.

Chancellor Antonio Tillis opened the meeting by asking, “What does it mean to be a chancellor?”, comparing his role to that of a ship’s captain and emphasizing the collaborative nature of university leadership, with vice-chancellors in areas like Academic Affairs and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Tillis also highlighted his responsibilities to create scholarships and shared his experience as a first-generation student. He stressed the importance of student engagement with SGA, noting its reliance on active participation, and encouraged students to think in five-year increments. He announced an additional $10,000 for SGA’s budget to support student organizations, stating, “now you have the opportunity to not wish, but to do.”

Rutgers Camden Office of Marketing and Communications

SGA had the opportunity to pose direct questions to Chancellor Tillis, addressing a variety of pressing issues that have been on the minds of the student body. The first question, posed by Senator Joseph Lescht, referenced significant changes made in the Division of Student Academic Success and Student Affairs over the summer, which included layoffs and realignments that, according to the SGA, have impacted student life.

“Could you please share a little bit more information on the determination of these changes, of these reorganizations, what their purpose was, and if and when the Rutgers Camden community can expect some documentation?” Lescht asked.

Chancellor Tillis explained that the personnel changes aimed to maximize efficiency, not reduce student services, acknowledging that duplication had caused financial strain. He noted that Senior Vice Chancellor Jimmy John would return to provide more details on the restructuring.

Moving on to financial concerns, SGA Treasurer Jessica Toft raised an important follow-up question about the recent tuition increase. Over the summer, students saw a rise in both tuition and dining fees, with an 11% increase in dining costs being especially notable.

“I was just wondering where our tuition increases are going, and going forward, I would appreciate more transparency regarding decisions to increase costs on campus and how it will affect things and improve their experience,” Toft said.

Chancellor Tillis explained that the tuition and dining fee increases were decisions made by the Board of Governors, with input from leadership. He acknowledged the burden on students but noted that financial aid, including increased Pell Grants, was adjusted to help ease the impact.

The discussion then shifted to commuter students, with SGA Secretary Jenna Ahmed highlighting the challenges faced by Rutgers-Camden’s large commuter population. On noted that despite over 87% of students being commuters, fewer than 9% had purchased parking permits. Instead, most students chose to use parking meters or avoid parking fees altogether.

“I would like to formally invite all administrators to immerse themselves in the average Rutgers Camden commuter student experience by parking at lot 16 and either walk to campus or take the shuttle service,” Ahmed stated.

Chancellor Tillis acknowledged the suggestion and sought clarification on the core issues, asking if the problem was the long walk, lack of shuttles, or something else. A student from the crowd responded, saying it was “long, expensive, and unnecessary.” The Chancellor repeated the points and asked for more clarification on why it was considered unnecessary. 

Before the student could continue, the President kindly apologized and reassured everyone that these concerns would be addressed during an upcoming open forum where students could fully express their views. Due to the formal nature of the meeting and the need to maintain decorum, it seems like comments from the crowd couldn’t be allowed at the moment. However, the meeting concluded without holding an open forum. The next day, President Lugo issued an apology, taking responsibility for the oversight and emphasizing the importance of discussing tuition, commuter issues, and other changes. She reassured students that all voices will be heard. An E-board member later clarified that the meeting was fast-paced and stressful, with no intent to silence anyone. 

Rutgers Camden Office of Marketing and Communications

Throughout the meeting, the QR code for the Student Concern Form was projected and remains accessible via SGA’s Engage page. Additionally, the SGA maintains an open-door policy in the Leaders Lounge, though access is limited, as students must notify SGA members beforehand. The SGA is actively involved in various advisory boards, including the Campus Advisory Board, Pre-Med Committee, Centennial Committee, and Executive Board. They are also coordinating a meeting with the provost and deans to address student concerns. On October 22nd, they will launch their academic plan.

Looking ahead, on October 22nd, from 12:45 PM to 1:45 PM, SGA will host a town hall where they will launch their academic plan for the year. The event will feature speeches from an administrator and student leaders and an open forum for students to express their concerns.

To wrap up the meeting, Brandon QUines announced that RUC Homecoming will return on October 3rd. They also reminded clubs and organizations that they must attend 9 out of 11 SGA meetings to be eligible for $150 to be added to their revenue accounts. 

The SGA continues to demonstrate its commitment to addressing student concerns and fostering a more connected campus community. Be sure to stay tuned for future editions, where we’ll provide updates on upcoming initiatives and events, including the much-anticipated town hall and academic plan launch.

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Words by Gretchen Purvis, Image courtesy of Rutgers–Camden SGA

The Rutgers Camden Student Government Association (SGA) opened its
elections for voting on April 8th until the 12th. Rutgers students voted through Engage to
elect candidates to the SGA’s positions; some candidates ran in uncontested contests.
Students had the opportunity to write in a candidate of their choice for each position on
their ballot.

Candidates elected to the SGA’s Executive Board’s positions are as follows:
Kimberly Lugo, the former vice president, was elected to become the new SGA
president. Shaan Mody was elected to become the new SGA vice president. Jenna
Ahmed is the new SGA secretary. Jessica Toft, the incumbent SGA treasurer, has
previously served as treasurer. Christine Do is the SGA’s new General Assembly of
Organizations (GAO) Chairperson.

Candidates elections to the SGA University Senators positions are as follows: Eva
Chen and incumbent Joseph Lescht were elected to represent the College of Arts and
Sciences. The School of Business will be represented by Nyla Boswell. The School of
Nursing will be represented by Tiera Williams. The Graduate School of Arts and
Sciences will be represented by Assa John. There will be no representative for University
College, as the seat is vacant.

Candidates elected as the SGA’s at-large representatives for each school within
the campus are as follows: the College of Arts and Sciences will be represented by Justin
Bamgboye, Abhinav Kotapati, and Alexander Simone. The School of Business will be
represented by LaRodge Johnson, Taaha Malik, and a vacant seat. The School of
Nursing will be represented by Zaneta Kwapong. The Graduate School of Arts and
Sciences will be represented by Ojobo Agbo Eje. As with the SGA University Senators
election, the University College seat is left vacant.

Voters also approved the ballot’s referendum by a 70% majority (366 voters). The
referendum asked students whether they wanted the university’s endowment funds to
be divested from companies that were either currently receiving profit from, engaged
with, or contributing to governments committing human rights violations (read more
about the referendum here at the SGA’s official statement on Engage:
https://engage.camden.rutgers.edu/news/299929). The referendum was first proposed
during a closed SGA meeting Thursday, April 1st, as part of a university-wide
divestment effort by all campuses’ student governing associations prompted by worries over the conflict in Gaza. The referendum required a simple majority of affirmative votes, as
well as more total student voters than in the previous election, to pass. The SGA will
now be advocating for Rutgers University to divest from the five companies named in
the referendum—Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Motorola Solutions, General Electric Co.,
and PGIM-Quantitative Solutions Fund.

In an email to the student body, former SGA President Matthew Brodsky
thanked students for their votes, and congratulated the student body for a high
turnout (this election’s total voter count was 516 students, of the nearly 6,000 students at Rutgers Camden; numbers from enrollment statistics on Rutgers’ official website: https://www.rutgers.edu/about/by-the-numbers).

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Photo credit: Rutgers University–Camden

By Gretchen Purvis

Rutgers–Camden’s Student Governing Association’s (SGA) March 7th meeting
began at 5:15 PM.

A new 50,000 sq. ft. CAS facility on Cooper and Lawrence St.s west of Fifth St.
will begin construction soon, aiming to open by fall 2026. Previous residents’ and
businesses’ histories are available on the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Humanities’
(MARCH) website (https://omeka.camden.rutgers.edu/neatline/show/from-countryside-to-city#records/31). Lawrence Street’s food pantry will not be affected. Drawings for the complex will be revealed near the end of March.

The anticipated CAS complex is part of a larger investment in RUC’s maintenance
and upgrades: the Walter K. Gordon Theater was recarpeted during spring break, and
Starbucks closed 3/12 for renovations. The Stedman Theater and the Johnson Park
Digital Studies buildings are renovation targets. New uses for space freed in Armitage
are still undetermined. In response to a proposal to use Johnson Park as either
expanded space or new space for art students, Dean Griffin stated that Johnson Park
needs renovations and to be incorporated into the main campus.

CAS’ increasing program offerings include expanding the Master in Teaching
program; a new data science program; a new forensics security program, drawing from
the Departments of Chemistry and Computer Science; new accelerated degree
programs; and new graduate programs. Additional ECL courses depend on faculty and
resources’ availability. Rutgers will ensure all classes have room for students, as
undergraduate enrollment levels are predicted to return to normal in the first- and
second-year classes. SGA is working to make Financial Aid more reactive; SGA
President Matthew Brodsky urged students with urgent concerns to contact him. CAS
will begin reviewing programs’ required credit hours beginning in fall 2024. Over 500
students with outstanding required courses graduated last year. Student clubs’ budgets are currently $42.5m; Chancellor Tillis hopes to resolve the $8-9m deficit with a $10m fundraising goal. An amendment to Article 6 of the SGA’s constitution—allowing the SGA to create and act on a budget by the SGA’s 3rd general body meeting in fall 2024—was unanimously approved.

The 7/11 location on Cooper Street, beneath the dorms, has an increased police
presence to deter presence. Should students continue to face discrimination at 7/11, they can contact either Brodsky individually or the SGA to report the event. Cooper St. may
also see an increase in its police presence. All prospective SGA candidates must declare candidacy intent by March 29. Requirements are: maintenance of a 2.5 GPA or higher; following election guidelines; and enrollment in one of the following Rutgers schools: the Camden College of Arts and Sciences (50), the School of Business (School 52), the School of Nursing (School 57), University College (School 64), and the Arts & Sciences Graduate School (School 56).
SGA elections will be held 4/8-4/12. Candidates’ information can be found on the SGA
website and student body emails. Previously, a consultation group had requested longer market hours at Gourmet Dining as a solution to 7/11 issues. In response, Gourmet Dining will now be open later: until 9 PM Mondays-Fridays. Gourmet Dining currently has the same morning opening times, although there is talk of opening earlier in the morning.

The SGA adjourned at 5:59 PM. SGA meetings are held every second Thursday at
5:00 PM in the Campus Center’s West ABC; the next two meetings are March 28th and
April 11th. All students and faculty are invited to attend.

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On Monday, November 13th, the President of the SGA, Matthew Brodsky, sent out an email to Rutgers-Camden students, informing them of an important piece of legislation that is being passed around in Congress currently. The bill in question is attempting to cut all federal student aid programs in the U.S. This would affect hundreds of Rutgers-Camden students and millions more across the country.

In his email, Brodsky specifically states that the bill would affect “493 Rutgers-Camden students [that] currently benefit from the Federal Work Study program” and “550 Rutgers-Camden students [who] receive over $950,000 annually in Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants.” Brodsky also states his clear opposition to the bill in his email, where he writes that “we cannot allow these cuts to happen.”

Let’s take a deeper look into the bill that is currently circulating in Congress. With the recent debt ceiling crisis within the government, different plans and resolutions have been passed around on how to cut government spending. One more recent solution was introduced by the Republican leadership in Congress as part of the FY 2024 Labor HHS appropriations bill, which looks to cut spending within education and workforce programs that are intended to support young people.

Looking aside from financial aid, only one aspect would be affected by the bill: support for low-income school systems, support for non-English-speaking students and students learning English, support for students and young adults entering the workforce, and teacher and principal training. Not only would this affect college and university students, but also K–12 students and educators, as well as young adults outside of higher education.

In regard to college and university student aid, the Republicans’ bill looks to eliminate $1.23 billions of government spending by eliminating the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program, which provides over 600,000 subsidized on- and off-campus jobs to students to help them pay their way through college. It also threatens the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), a program supplying support to 1.7 million students using $910 million each year. Both of these programs require government financial aid, with eighty percent of the FSEOG Program’s recipients either coming from families who earn less than $30,000 a year or being completely independent. Cutting FSEOG and FWS will make higher education much more expensive for low- and moderate-income families and students and will decrease the number of young adults able to complete and receive degrees from colleges and universities.

So, what can students do to stop this from happening? Thousands of students across the country, as well as here at Rutgers, will be affected by the passing of this bill. That’s what makes it so important that students act. One of the best ways to do this is to talk about it. The news about these programs being under attack is going relatively unnoticed, so we as students need to speak up. Whether this means posting about it on social media or simply talking about it with friends and family, People need to know about this issue.

Another great step in stopping this bill from being passed is by contacting your representatives and senators. Websites like the Student Aid Alliance have easy ways to email your representatives and senators, allowing you to do it all right from their website using a pre-provided script that you can customize. President Matthew Brodsky’s email to Rutgers-Camden students also provided a more in-depth script that could be used in an email. You can also call your representatives or senators and use a similar script.

This issue is incredibly important, and students need to act now before it’s too late. So, reach out to your Representatives and Senators, tell your friends about the issue, and share this article or other information you see about the bill. Students need to work together to save student aid.

Sources:

Shoemaker DeMio, Paige, et al. “House Republican Budget Threatens Public Education and Opportunity for Young People.” Cap 20, 13 Nov. 2023, www.americanprogress.org/article/house-republican-budget-threatens-public-education-and-opportunity-for-young-people/. Accessed 16 Nov. 2023.

“Student Aid Priorities.” Save Student Aid!, studentaidalliance.org/. Accessed 16 Nov. 2023.

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It is no lie to state that tuition plays a significant, if not one of the most important deciding factors when it comes to selecting an institution to study in- no matter the course offerings, location, student to faculty ratio, prestige, etc. Recently, changes were introduced to the Rutgers University budget, with an expected 6% increase in tuition, 5% increase in housing, and 7% increase in meal plans respectively. This increase in tuition plays a larger role on the Camden campus, as compared to the two other campuses in New Brunswick and Newark. The Rutgers University branch in Camden provides a significant amount of financial aid to students, who otherwise would not be able to afford the cost – to attend. 

 Recently, in response to the increase in tuition, Matthew Brodsky who serves as President of the Rutgers University Camden Student Government Association (RUCSGA) released a statement in response to the change- expressing his disappointment about the Board of Governor’s decision.  In the RUCSGA President Matthew Brodsky’s statement, he says “since recently Rutgers University-Camden was deemed a minority serving Institution (MSI) and one that serves as an accessible institution that serves many minority students, non-traditional students, first generation students, student veterans, among others who rely on financial assistance.” “The support plays a crucial role in alleviating the financial burden associated with earning a valuable education which is essential for students in Rutgers University.” The change is unreasonable and simply upsetting. The approved tuition increase could lead to limiting the access of a collegiate education to many, and making the beautiful and inspiring hopes for the future of these youngsters a distant dream. 

Image of Statement issued by the RUCSGA by President Matthew Brodsky

Additionally, the President claims that this university-wide increase will “create considerable barriers” for students who primarily rely on financial aid and other financial resources offered through the University, and will be required to seek new ways to address the costs tied to attending and receiving their degree from Rutgers. 

Moreover, Matthew urges the school officials, legislators, policy makers to understand the scope of the matter, this issue, from a student’s perspective.  He calls on the university to “explore new and emerging revenue channels to help offset future increases to the operating budget so that current and future students can afford education.” Furthermore, Brodsky emphasizes that it is “essential for educational institutions and their leaders, legislators, and policymakers, and society at-large to acknowledge the urgency of addressing the college affordability issue and taking concerted action.”

The RUCSGA, Rutgers University-Camden Student Government Association, is an organization known for advocating for noble causes, to increase equity and fairness within that system and overall management. The SGA is the voice of the students and works to “promote and inspire” students, as their mission states. Ultimately, providing students the platform to share their thoughts, feelings, and insights about the University to increase awareness and inspire change from the higher up. 

With key organizations such as the RUCSGA, the students at Rutgers-Camden can trust and ultimately believe that their voices, regarding crucial issues such as these, will be heard and will reach the right ears through the vigilant e-board and members, frequently raising apprehension of such pivotal changes. While there is much the university as a whole must do to ensure that the college is affordable to all students, we can hope that the SGA’s advocacy can help make real noise to these issues.

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by Abby Richards

Since returning to campus, many have had to reintroduce themselves to their classmates. This may be daunting since many of us have been on campus before and met classmates or friends before the pandemic. However, Sydney Johnson is someone everyone should get to know. 

Johnson is breaking barriers as our newly-elected SGA president. They are the first Black and non-binary person to hold the position of President in the Student Governmnet Association, an organization on all three Rutgers campuses that represents student voices. Johnson is a senior who majors in both theater and history while also minoring in political science. Outside of school, they are a chair member of the Black Lives Matter Coalition for the state of New Jersey, volunteer with an urban progress lab, and participate in theater productions in Philadelphia. 

Now the longest-serving current SGA member, Johnson joined as a Senator for the School of Arts and Sciences, then joined the organization’s E-board and became secretary, and was elected president at the end of the 2021 spring semester. As the serving President, Johnson wants to make changes to benefit the student body and their needs. Something Johnson wants to bring to the forefront of campus is to embrace the wide diversity in student ethnicities of the Camden campusand be as transparent with the student body about issues and policies that affect them. Johnson doesn’t want the student body to be kept in the dark about what is going on throughout the university and campus. 

A new priority for the SGA is dealing with now is transitioning back to campus. This issue includes problems dealing with parking, the early closing of the gym, and renovations in Armitage Hall. 

Coming from Kinnelon, New Jersey, and starting college life in a new area, Johnson figured out how to get involved as a new student. Johnson also encouraged other students to get involved as well because being at home for a year and a half made coming to campus more difficult for people. Socialization is something Johnson campaigned for because participating in an organization is a shared interest students can  help students form friendships. 

As the new president of the SGA, Johnson wants students to know that they can come to them with whatever issue they have. The SGA organization is here to help students and will try to fulfill all students’ needs by having an open forum at their town halls and meetings, available  for communication via email, and host surveys for students to complete. 

Although Johnson is a senior this year, they want to be remembered as the SGA president who fought for the students’ needs. Johnson wants the student body to have the best possible experience on the Rutgers-Camden campus. They know the job will require a lot of work, but they’re ready for the challenge.

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