Fordham University’s United Student Government (USG) held their third weekly meeting of the semester on Jan. 29, where they opened with an update from the Information Technology (IT) department, elected the Club of the Month and discussed various internal updates.
The meeting commenced with Executive Vice President Andrew McDonald, FCRH ’26, inviting guest speaker Judy Rothschild-Best, assistant director for IT relationship management and training, to update USG on two collaborative initiatives she and her department have been working on with them.
Rothschild-Best discussed the various projects taking place within the IT department. She noted that the IT department is currently in the process of updating Fordham’s mobile app with new features allowing new students to have the tools they need to succeed at their fingertips. She continued to state that IT is open and willing to work with USG on these updates via proposals.
IT is also working on upgrading Fordham’s mobile interactive map, according to Rothschild-Best, as part of the initiative to provide a smoother transition for first-year and transfer students when they first arrive at Fordham’s campus. These updates were proposed by the marketing department, but Rothschild-Best says that IT has also been in communication with various USG members on how to make the resource better for the student body.
In conversation with the marketing department, she noted that they are unable to move forward on the updates proposed to the interactive map at this time. However, she shared that the department will be keeping the most relevant USG committees, such as Facilities and Dining, in the loop going forward.
She then said that there have been complaints surrounding the lack of Wi-Fi and issues with the signal on campus. The department will be sending out a survey soon, which they send out yearly, that students can fill out to give feedback specifically about the Wi-Fi.
She briefly spoke about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and shared that IT is working on developing potential workshops through the university on how to work with AI and get certified in using it. Rothschild-Best also noted that she is available and open to assisting and hearing about USG’s progress and proposals.
USG then moved on to discuss budget requests. Vice President of Sustainability Ayden Johnson, FCRH ’27, requested funding for the Valentine’s Day tabling event he and his commitee has been workshoping, where students will be able to write a letter to someone at a Bronx rehabilitation or elderly center. The request was unanimously approved.
McDonald then shared that USG had not yet received any Club of the Month nominations for January. He requested that USG members divide into their class groups and each nominate a club to be voted on. Some nominations included one by the class of 2029 senate for the Fordham University Rose Hill Philippine American Club (FUPAC), one from former senator Joshua Fiorentino, FCRH ’26, who suggested VIVA and another from the class of 2027 senate for Mock Trial, as they placed in an Ivy League tournament at Cornell.
After three rounds of voting were conducted, FUPAC was nominated January’s Club of the Month.
Assistant Dean for Student Involvement Catharine McGlade shared her advisor report. The Office of Student Involvement (OSI) is reportedly looking for student input on how to enhance the aesthetics of the second-floor lounge in the McShane Campus Center. OSI is also working with the Commuter Student Association (CSA) alongside USG, specifically the student experience committee, to improve the lounge’s aesthetic. McGlade mentioned that senior night will be held on Feb. 5 in the McGinley Ballroom.
Regarding executive board updates, a representative of the committee shared that the art exhibit the committee held was a success and that they are now working to try to open a second art gallery on the second floor of McShane to showcase student artwork.
Johnson shared updates on behalf of the sustainability committee. According to him, they will be having a whole week of programming about eco-friendly practices from Feb. 9 to 13.
Vice President of Health and Security Aidan Costella, FCRH ’27, noted that his committee went over the duties of their various subcommittees at their last meeting. Costella also mentioned that he is currently fine-tuning things for the rescheduled town hall meeting on sexual health and contraceptive policy reform, which is planned to take place later this semester.
