Suffolk University’s Student Government Association met March 19 to confirm leadership changes, announce upcoming campus events and discuss new initiatives about improving student experiences in campus organizations.
During the open forum, general members Sophia Toumi and Thalia Jean-Baptiste presented a new anti-discrimination survey aimed at collecting anonymous student experiences within campus clubs. The initiative began last semester after they had personal experience and learned of other students’ experiences with discrimination.
“With our peers, especially knowing that Suffolk is a PWI [predominantly white institution]…we have to protect those who are minorities,” said Toumi.
Jean-Baptiste described the survey as a first step toward a bigger change.
“This [survey] is not the only step we want to take towards this,” Jean-Baptiste said. “We want to collect this data, so we can start implementing ways that students can start going back to clubs and start feeling involved in the school.”
The members said the data could be used to revise or expand university policies, including potentially addressing microaggressions, which they said are not currently included in Suffolk’s non-discrimination policy.
During the president’s report, SGA President Charlie Reyna-Demes announced that interim Vice President Julia Karwacki has been elevated to serve as the official vice president for the remainder of the term. The senate voted all in favor of the decision, with one abstention.
Reyna-Demes also invited Student Affairs Committee Chair and class of 2027 Senator Abigail Morin to share details about the committee’s upcoming blood drive in collaboration with the Red Cross Club. The drive will take place March 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the gym of the Ridgeway Athletic Center. Students and staff who donate will be entered into a raffle to win two Amazon gift cards and a JBL speaker. Attendees are encouraged to sign up using QR codes posted around campus and on SGA’s Instagram.
Reyna-Demes added that he plans to continue conversations with SU Amplify, the Black Student Union, the African Student Association and the Caribbean Student Network regarding recent incidents involving former SGA Vice President Kayleigh Carey. He said he hopes to provide further updates at the next meeting.
In the vice president’s reports, Karwacki appointed the class of 2026 Senator Amanda Fagan as the class representative on the Student Judicial Review Board and elected class of 2028 Senator Kaylee Sanchez as SJRB vice chair.
SGA Secretary Stephanie Lima recognized Morin for this week’s P.I.L.L.A.R. Award for her work in and outside of SGA. The award recognizes senators who meet the six pillars which are passion, integrity, leadership, legacy, activism and “Rambition.”
SGA Treasurer Frank Ezhan shared that his new “Treasurer Sit-Downs” initiative is expected to pick up as the club budget season has just begun. He encouraged club leaders to visit the SGA office on the third floor of the Sawyer Building for guidance on submitting budget requests.
Senator-at-Large Joey Pisani concluded the meeting by reminding student organizations of key deadlines from Student Leadership and Involvement. Budget requests for the upcoming academic year are due April 10 and should be submitted through the SGA forms page on SUConnect. Club re-registration must be completed by April 20. Additionally, New Officer Training, formerly known as the LEAP conference, will be held April 24 from 12 to 4 p.m., and at least two executive board members from each club must attend in order to be eligible for funding.
