(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
The Rutgers-Newark Student Government Association (SGA) tackled a packed agenda in its latest General Body Meeting, passing key legislation, approving new initiatives, and solidifying plans for the semester.
Stepping Up for the Community
SGA reaffirmed its commitment to community engagement by planning a large-scale volunteering event on March 6. Students will assemble hygiene kits—including deodorant, soap, hand sanitizer, and first aid items—for local homeless shelters. A planning committee group chat has been created for those interested in assisting with logistics.
Executive Updates & Budget Planning
SGA leadership provided updates on financial planning, student engagement, and structural improvements:
- Chief of Finance Shaheer Iqbal: The budget rollover decision will be finalized at the end of February. The tiering process should also be completed soon.
- Executive Secretary May Akter: Senate point tracking is ongoing.
Upcoming Key Dates:
- Feb. 13, 9:00 – 10:30 PM – Vision Board Planning Event
- Feb. 20, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM – Open Forum
- March 6, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM – Large-Scale Volunteering Event
- April 25, 6:00 – 8:00 PM – SGA Ceremony & Awards
- May 5, 4:00 – 9:00 PM – SOIS Express Night
Committee Reports: Progress & Initiatives
Several committees are making strides in their respective areas:
- Voter Registration Committee (Chair: Moujan Moghimi): Meeting scheduled for 2:30 PM today.
- Health Services Committee: Meeting with President Wardah Samad to discuss upcoming initiatives.
- Public Relations Committee (Chair: Savan Dass): Website development is underway. Senators and E-Board members need to submit their “Meet the Senators” bios.
- Audit/Bylaws Review Committee (Chair: Adrian Henry): Aiming to finalize bylaw revisions by mid-March.
Decisive Votes & Legislation Passed
Several legislative measures and endorsements were voted on, shaping SGA’s advocacy and operational priorities:
- SGA Statement on Immigration & Undocumented Student Safety: After multiple amendments, the legislation passed, securing a social media statement in English and Spanish but excluding an email distribution.
- Co-Sponsorship of Residence Life’s Black History Month Gala: Funding was approved for room reservations.
- Endorsement of NJPIRG’s Open Textbooks Pilot Petition: SGA officially supports this initiative to promote affordable textbook access.
- Co-Sponsorship of the Commemoration of the Conklin Takeover: Despite its timing conflicting with an SGA meeting, the event will proceed, with SGA making efforts to shorten its own agenda.
- SGA General Body Meeting Breakfast on February 17: Funding for breakfast at the next GBM was approved.
New SASN University Senator Elected
Following nominations and closed-door discussions, Daniel Cortez was elected as the new SASN University Senator.
Notable Senate Reports & Initiatives
Senators continue to work on projects that impact the student body:
- Isaiah H. is working to launch CJ tutoring services.
- Safanya Searcy is spearheading a one-month study abroad program on wrongful convictions, offering six credits and open to all majors.
- Moujan Moghimi shared that the IRC is hosting an info session on what to do if ICE agents show up.
- Jay Dalessandro is finalizing a student survey, which will be reviewed by the E-Board soon.
- Lenny Gomez is collecting input on food, activities, and event attendance to guide future SGA-sponsored programming.
Open Comments & Public Engagement
During the Hearing of the SGA, members were encouraged to attend:
- Vision Board Planning on Feb. 13 at 9:00 PM
- Know Your Rights Training on Wednesday
- BOS GBM on Wednesday from 2:30 – 3:50 PM
The Hearing of the Public featured representatives from RU-ECO, a student-led sustainability group advocating for composting programs in residence halls and dining facilities. Though not officially a student organization, they receive funding from grants and faculty sponsorship and host weekly meetings on Thursdays at 4:15 PM.
Looking Ahead
With major initiatives underway and strong legislative actions taken, SGA is setting the tone for an impactful semester.
Note: This newsletter has been created for your convenience. See attached meeting minutes for full agenda and breakdown of this meeting.