(DISCLAIMER: This newsletter has been created with the assistance of Generative AI with the polishing and oversight of the Public Relations Committee)
March 3, 2025
By: Public Relations Committee
Executive Summary
The Student Government Association (SGA) of Rutgers University-Newark convened its regular General Body Meeting on March 3, 2025. Key developments included the passage of two significant pieces of legislation: the Women’s History Month Initiative and the U-Square Water project. The meeting also featured committee status updates and reports from executive board members, with notable progress on student health initiatives and election preparations.
Meeting Overview
The meeting began with an Office of Information Technology (OIT) presentation, followed by roll call conducted by Executive Secretary May Akter. After approval of previous meeting minutes, the assembly proceeded with executive and committee reports.
Executive Board Reports
Budget Status: Chief of Finance Shaheer Iqbal reported the current budget stands at $46,000, with ongoing disbursements from student fees. The allocations committee continues to meet weekly on Sundays.
Administration: Executive Secretary May Akter provided updates on Senate point tracking, while President Wardah Samad was absent due to other university commitments.
Committee Activities
Elections Committee: Currently activated and preparing for upcoming student elections. An email was distributed to members containing the intent folder.
Food & Shelter Insecurity Committee: Chaired by Alya Nassrallah, the committee is preparing for an upcoming distribution event and needs inventory assessment.
Health Services Committee: Chaired by Melanie Garcia, the committee reported collaboration with RUN4ARTS on projects targeted for completion by late April or early May.
Audit/Constitution and Bylaw Review Committee: Chaired by Adrian Henry, the committee is resuming meetings in Library Room 205 with intentions to complete their review of the constitution and bylaws within two weeks.
Senate Initiatives
Several senators reported on ongoing community projects:
- Senator Adrian Henry is working with SASN deans to finalize professor evaluation forms and investigating the reinstatement of SGA care funds.
- Senator Moujan Moghimi is presenting initiatives and pursuing grant applications.
- Senator RMONI SCOTT is planning Palm Sunday tabling activities.
Legislative Actions
Approved Legislation
- Women’s History Month Initiative: Proposed by Senator Danny Cortez, this legislation passed after review of the cost breakdown.
- USquare Water Project: Proposed by Senator Alya Nassrallah, this infrastructure initiative passed following a five-minute floor discussion. Key questions addressed included:
- Project timeline (extending beyond current semester)
- Impact on residential buildings (mitigation plans include resident notifications)
- Budget negotiations (partial funding secured)
Administrative Matters
- Resignation: The assembly accepted the resignation of At Large Senator Shiel Shah.
- Absences: The body excused absences for Academic Senator Noor Almosbeh and President Wardah Samad.
Announcements
- The university pool opened on the meeting date, operating from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
- Congratulations were extended to Senator Adrian Henry for the success of the Black History Gala event.
- Congratulations were extended to Senator Adrian Henry, Executive Secretary Maymuna Akter, President Wardah Samad, and Dean Carl Jones for the awards received at the Gala event on Friday.
Conclusion
The meeting adjourned after open comment periods for association members and the public. The SGA continues to demonstrate active engagement with campus improvement initiatives and student welfare concerns.
Note: This newsletter has been created for your convenience. See attached meeting minutes for full agenda and breakdown of this meeting.