Suffolk University’s Student Government Association approved revisions to its constitution and adopted a statement aimed at addressing student concerns and holding the administration accountable during their meeting Feb. 5.
During the open forum, senator-at-large Joey Pisani said he proposed the statement after students told him they wanted to hear more about SGA’s positions on campus issues. He said the message was intended to address those concerns while also signaling to the administration and board of trustees that the senate expects the university to uphold the values it promotes.
Pisani said the statement was meant to show the Suffolk community that SGA is paying attention to concerns on and off campus and to serve as an official explanation of the senate’s stance.
After discussion, the senate voted to approve the statement with three abstentions. It has been posted on SGA’s Instagram.
Earlier in the meeting, senators voted on the updated SGA constitution following weeks of discussion and revisions. The proposal passed with 33 votes in favor and four abstentions.
SGA Vice President Kayleigh Carey then opened nominations for executive board positions.
SGA Treasurer Frank Ezhan accepted a nomination for president. Carey and Academic Committee Chair and class of 2028 Sen. Eliza Bryant both accepted nominations for vice president, while senator-at-large Gordon Ruan declined a vice presidential nomination.
For secretary, class of 2029 Sen. Joyce Lukelo and senator-at-large Khadijah Mukhtar accepted nominations. Ruan, Athletics Committee Co-Chair and class of 2028 Sen. Tighe Hosman and class of 2027 Sen. Brendan Eddy all accepted nominations for treasurer.
The second round of nominations will be held during the following meeting. Candidates will then be allowed to start collecting their required 75-100 signatures from the student body.
“What makes us different from other clubs is that our body is made up by the choice and discretion of other students,” said SGA President Charlie Reyna-Demes. “So it is not us who decide who are going to be our leaders, but it’s you, the students.”
Reyna-Demes urges students to not only vote, but to also pay attention to candidates’ campaigns and policies.
SGA will host a candidates forum Feb. 26, where candidates will present their policies and answer questions. Students are encouraged to attend, but the event will also be livestreamed on the SGA Instagram.
Reyna-Demes shared updates from the president’s roundtable meeting Jan. 29. He said several student organizations expressed interest in bringing back the winter involvement fair after the Student Leadership and Involvement office announced it would not be held this year. Reyna-Demes said SGA plans to work with university administration, including Suffolk President Marisa Kelly, to advocate for the fair’s return next year.
Kelly is scheduled to attend the Feb.19 meeting, where the senate will discuss issues with her, especially issues brought up by the student body from recent Senator Sit-Downs. Provost Rick Oches will attend the Feb.12 SGA meeting. Reyna-Demes asked students to share concerns that could be raised during his conversations with the administrators ahead of the meetings.
During the open forum, members shared announcements and upcoming opportunities.
The Journey Leadership Program will host its LeadHERship event Feb. 24 in the Keches Room of Sargent Hall. The event will be a women-led leadership panel that will focus on navigating professional workspaces and will include a free three-course meal. Students can RSVP through flyers, the program’s Instagram or its newsletter. Bryant encouraged seniors to apply for program completion on their Workday accounts. Orientation team leaders Kaylee Sanchez and Mona Ammar reminded students to submit orientation leader and RAM supporter applications by Feb. 18.
SGA also shared updated committee meeting times for the spring semester and encouraged students to attend.
Updated SGA Committee meetings information:
Athletics committee: Tuesdays from 5-6 p.m. in the SGA office on the third floor of the Sawyer Building
Academics committee: Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. in Sawyer Building room 321
Commuters committee: Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. virtually
Housing committee: Mondays at 1:30 p.m. virtually
Diversity committee: Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. in room 10100 on the 10th floor of 73 Tremont
Student affairs committee: Wednesdays 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the SGA office
Public relations committee: Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. in the SGA office
Dining committee: Fridays from 2-3 p.m. in room 321 of the Sawyer Building
In Ezhan’s reports, senators were informed that SGA has spent approximately $44,000 of its annual budget, leaving about $30,000 remaining for the rest of the year.
SGA Secretary Stephanie Lima recognized class of 2029 Sen. Brooke Alarie for this week’s P.I.L.L.A.R award for her consistent attendance at general and committee meetings, as well as Senator Sit-Downs. The award recognizes senators who meet the six pillars which are passion, integrity, leadership, legacy, activism and “Rambition.”
