Suffolk’s Student Government Association President Charlie Reyna-Demes raised the question of whether Suffolk University President Marisa Kelly should be receiving an annual compensation of $1 million or more during the SGA meeting Nov. 6. The senate voted no, with 28 nays, one yay and nine abstentions. Reyna-Demes plans to use this vote to support a resolution the academics committee is developing.
Before the meeting, Reyna-Demes met with Kelly Oct. 30 to discuss student concerns.
He specifically brought up why the administration was dismissing student decisions using the Suffolk University Police Department rearming as an example considering that 63% of the student body voted against it. Yet the administration proceeded with the decision. Kelly told him that they ignored the poll because they were considering what the university would look like in the next 10 years.
He shifted focus to other administrative decisions, particularly recent staff and faculty cuts, which he described as “acts of cowardice.” Reyna-Demes falsely mentioned what he stated was the dismissal of the head of the theater department, who he claimed was replaced by the chair of another department with no background in theater. In actuality, the former chair of the department was not dismissed and an interim chair was appointed in an administrative role. He also pointed out that the severance agreements for laid-off staff prohibit them from speaking negatively about the university, or they risk losing their severance pay.
Reyna-Demes said that although some cuts were necessary, removing essential roles has disrupted daily operations and added to staff and faculty workloads.
“I’m not saying that the cuts weren’t necessary, because practically, they had to be done, you know? But there is a proper way to do this and from what I’ve heard from staff, faculty [and] students, the administration basically decided this on their own, and that’s not the way it should be,” said Reyna-Demes.
He later clarified that the responsibility for these decisions does not fall entirely on Kelly, but rather on the administration as a whole.
He then raised the question about President Kelly’s total annual compensation, which includes her salary and bonuses.
The figure is based on the university’s 2023 tax forms, as the 2024 documents have not yet been released. Reyna-Demes added that Kelly is taking a cut to stand in solidarity with the layoffs, but refused to disclose her current salary.
The senate discussed its thoughts and questions on the matter.
Some senators agreed that Kelly should show solidarity by speaking with the senate to gain a better understanding of the students’ perspectives. Some were concerned that this issue creates a gap in the Suffolk community and how the cuts affect everyone. Others were worried these types of questions would create a bigger divide between the senate and the administration.
“That’s our job as SGA, to speak out on these things,” said SGA Treasurer Frank Ezhan. “You’re supposed to go out and speak your mind and you should expect no retaliation from administration. They should be actually happy.”
Following regular agenda items, SGA Vice President Kayleigh Carey nominated Charlie Billard for a class of 2027 senator and the senate approved the nomination.
SGA Secretary Stephanie Lima recognized class of 2029 senator Joyce Lukelo for this week’s P.I.L.L.A.R award for her efforts in the public relations and class speaker initiatives. The award recognizes senators who meet the six pillars which are passion, integrity, leadership, legacy, activism and “Rambition.”
This article was updated to correct false information stated during the meeting. The Journal regrets quoting the error.
