(DISCLAIMER: This newsletter has been created with the assistance of Generative AI with the polishing and oversight of the Public Relations Committee)
February 10, 2025
By: Public Relations Committee
The Rutgers-Newark Student Government Association (SGA) held its General Body Meeting on February 17, 2025, where members discussed several key updates, voted on important legislation, and heard from various committees about their ongoing projects. Here’s a recap of the meeting’s highlights:
Executive Board Reports
- Chief of Staff Updates:
- Open Forum (Feb. 20): A reminder that the Open Forum will take place from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM in the Bergen Room of PRCC. Selected Senators will be presenting, with emails sent to confirm participation.
- Communication Expectations: The meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining a supportive environment and adhering to communication guidelines, including GroupMe and email for official business.
- Presidential Updates:
- President Wardah Samad was absent and did not provide updates for this session.
- Vice President Updates:
- Savayra Rao had no new updates.
- Chief of Finance Updates:
- Shaheer Iqbal reported no changes to the budget status since the last meeting.
- Executive Secretary Updates:
- May Akter provided updates on the Senate point tracking sheet and upcoming key dates, including:
- Key Dates:
- Feb. 20: Open Forum
- Mar. 6: SGA Large-Scale Volunteering Event
- April 25: SGA Ceremony & Awards
- May 5: SOIS Express Night
Committee Reports
- Food + Shelter Insecurity:
- Chair Alya Nassrallah worked with Shaheer Iqbal on an Amazon order for food rescue supplies.
- Voter Registration:
- Chair Moujan Moghimi reminded members of NJ-PIRG’s tabling event today.
- Health Services:
- Chair Melanie Garcia met with President Wardah Samad and deans to plan the Art Cafe event.
- Audit/Constitution and Bylaw Review:
- 10 pages left on Constitution review.
- Public Relations:
- Will be finishing the website today.
Legislation & Votes
Several important pieces of legislation were discussed and voted on:
- GBM Breakfast Legislation: Approved amendment in legislation for funding breakfast at every GBM.
- Co-Sponsoring Women’s History Month Debate Event: Passed, with discussions on committee formation and the event’s purpose.
- Co-Sponsoring Black History Month Law Panel: Approved.
- E-Board Mixer Event: Legislation passed to fund an E-Board Mixer event for food costs.
- Banner Legislation: Approved for funding to create a banner to promote SGA’s initiatives.
- Business Cards Legislation: Tabled for further discussion in the next meeting. It will allow all students to access business cards, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.’
Senate Reports
- Alya Nassrallah is working on securing water fountains in the University Square Building.
- Moujan Moghimi reported on the IRC training for undocumented students’ rights and resources.
- Safanya Searcy is offering the opportunity to shadow her for University Senate.
Hearing of the SGA & Public
Members discussed food concerns in Stonsby Hall, including pest control issues and the cash transaction system for dining services. A proposal for shifting communication from GroupMe to Discord or Slack was also presented, with feedback invited from the student body.
Adjournment
The meeting concluded with a vote to adjourn. The next General Body Meeting will be on February 24th, 2025.
Stay Informed and Engaged
Make sure to follow SGA updates for upcoming events and opportunities to get involved. Your voice matters!
Note: This newsletter has been created for your convenience. See attached meeting minutes for full agenda and breakdown of this meeting.