Suffolk University’s Student Government Association met with Suffolk University President Marisa Kelly Feb. 19. The senate discussed communication efforts, campus changes and campus concerns.
At the beginning of the meeting, SGA Vice President Kayleigh Carey announced the details of the upcoming candidates’ forum, where the candidates will discuss their policies and answer questions. The event is scheduled for Feb. 26 from 12:30-2 p.m. in the Moot Courtroom on the fourth floor of Sargent Hall. The forum is open to all students and will be livestreamed on the SGA Instagram.
Carey also reviewed the process for submitting resolutions. Proposals must first be sent to the vice president and approved by the Student Judicial Review Board. It will be reviewed by the executive board who will then determine when to bring it to the senate. A two-thirds majority vote by the Senate is required for the resolution to pass.
During the secretary’s reports, SGA Secretary Stephanie Lima reminded the senate that nominations for the annual SGA Awards are open until Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. The link for the nomination form can be found in students’ emails or in the SGA Instagram bio. Lima emphasized that students must include student ID numbers when nominating people for it to count. Submissions without a reason for nomination will not be considered.
Lima recognized the class of 2027 Senator Matthew Williams for this week’s P.I.L.L.A.R. Award for his advocacy on behalf of the senate during meetings. The award recognizes senators who meet the six pillars, which are passion, integrity, leadership, legacy, activism and “Rambition.”
Treasurer Frank Ezhan said the club budget season is approaching, which can be a stressful time for student organizations. To assist leaders, Ezhan said he will host “Treasurer Sit-Downs” from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through March 10 in the SGA office on the third floor of Sawyer. The sessions are open to all club leaders seeking guidance during the budgeting process.
Following the e-boards reports was the Q&A with Kelly. She said she looked forward to attending her first SGA meeting of the academic year and emphasized the importance of open communication.
Kelly explained her role as president, noting that while she oversees university operations, she does not control every decision. She described her responsibilities as supervising university leadership, fundraising and engaging nationally and internationally to strengthen Suffolk’s brand.
Kelly acknowledged that campus-wide communication can be challenging. While she sends mass emails to students, she said only about 30% are opened, depending on the subject line. She said email is not always the most effective method and expressed openness to exploring other strategies to better reach the student body.
Kelly said meetings with student leaders, including SGA President Charlie Reyna-Demes and other members of SGA, as well as hosting forums focused on specific issues, are better channels of communication. She previously implemented an open-door policy, but found that many students brought concerns that could be more effectively addressed by a dean or another administrator.
She emphasized the importance of two-way communication and encouraged students to speak directly with deans and administrators because they value direct student input.
“The best way that we can consider your input at the start of a decision is when things are being first talked about,” said Kelly. “It gives you a way to understand what we’re thinking as well.”
Class of 2026 Senator Christian Lapinski asked about Suffolk’s goals following the major institutional changes, including staff and faculty layoffs, campus closures and new buildings. Kelly said the university’s goals must remain adaptable, but will align with Suffolk’s mission in ensuring the graduating students are prepared.
“You can’t have a static strategy. The world around us changes really quickly and you have to be able to make adjustments,” said Kelly.
Keeping those goals in mind, Kelly referenced the university’s Suffolk Forward initiative that started last year. She said the plan has no endpoint because the environment is always changing. The Board of Trustees will reevaluate this plan annually.
Lapinski also asked if there will be any upcoming major changes. Kelly shared the recent news that the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education is piloting three-year undergraduate degree programs. Suffolk is not currently participating in that initiative; however, the administration does think some degree programs can be shortened in the future.
General member-at-large Julianna Da Luz asked about updates on the new 101 Tremont residence hall. Kelly said the building will open in two phases. The first phase is set to open this summer and will include 90 beds across the first five floors, with the first two floors being retail and the lounge. The residence hall will be an option during undergraduate housing selection.
Class of 2028 Senator Mona Ammar asked about expanding cross-educational studies across the Sawyer Business School and College of Arts and Sciences. Kelly said the university is working to reduce barriers, including the development of a new joint honors program and that the provost is collaborating with deans to make those opportunities more accessible.
Some senators raised concerns about federal immigration enforcement and student visas.
Class of 2029 Senator Simone Alcindor asked whether the university would issue a statement if Immigration and Customs Enforcement were to come to campus. Kelly said Suffolk’s protocols align with the governor’s executive orders and have not changed. The university issued a message last year and recently communicated the protocols with employees, she said.
“If ICE shows up at any of our buildings, they will be greeted with [Gov. Healy’s] message and employees know to call SUPD,” said Kelly.
Kelly later added that there’s no current information that ICE is in the Boston area. She said the administration seeks to balance transparency and avoid potentially causing panic. Senator-at-Large Joey Pisani suggested emphasizing campus resources to support students facing issues related to immigration or visas.
Pisani later asked for updates on financial aid. Kelly said Suffolk has made progress in maintaining and expanding Pell Grant access amid national debates over funding reductions. She also noted that the university is advocating to strengthen access to loans and graduate programs, considering what the federal government considers professional education.
“We are working, doing our best to work collaboratively with the sector to advance access to funds and to shape or influence federal policy in a way that we think will be of the greatest possible benefit to our students and students across the country,” said Kelly.
Some students appreciated having the opportunity to talk with Kelly. Class of 2029 Senator Brooke Alarie felt these opportunities should happen more often.
“I think it was really nice to hear her insightful views on problems that are happening in SGA,” said Zoe Welz, class of 2028 senator. “I hope she can host a forum soon so that not only members in SGA can come and see her speak, but everybody.”
