On Sept. 18, the Fordham University Student Life Council (SLC) held its first meeting of the 2024-25 academic year. The group meets each month to foster a connection between students and administration. Vice President for Student Affairs Michele Burris was the guest; FitzSimons Fellow Anthony Berry was invited but could not attend due to illness.
No public agenda items were submitted, so the meeting began with a short introduction by Burris. She spoke about the meetings and focus groups she has been holding with students throughout the summer.
“One of my main focus points last year and even as we head into this year is continuing to find meaningful and wonderful opportunities to engage with students, to listen to students and to hear students,” Burris said. “I spent a lot of time last year and this summer doing that and plan to continue that.”
She discussed how her goal is to attend as many student meetings as possible so they know and feel comfortable with her. As a new strategic plan is drafted, Burris hopes students will be involved in the process. Fordham’s strategic plan aims to chart the University’s course for 2030.
“It was imperative for us to make sure that the student voice was heard loud and clear in the strategic planning process,” she said.
She also mentioned that many students mentioned the importance of student clubs and leadership at Fordham, and she hopes to continue to provide space for clubs to make an impact.
Burris also discussed the uniqueness of the Class of 2028.
“There’s a difference in the first-year class right now, and I think that has something to do with what Orientation staff did and what academic advising staff did… especially to do with the work done to connect with students during the summer,” she said.
She emphasized to the club leaders that the impact of their role is making students feel like they belong at Fordham.
“You can do so much more than Dean [Christopher] Rodgers, myself or any admin around this table can do,” Burris said.
Burris also discussed how a lot of time this year will be dedicated to civil engagement.
“[We are] asking students to find their voice while still deeply respecting the voice of others,” said Burris.
The FitzSimons program will be working on hosting more listening sessions and discussions with students and guests throughout the school year.
Burris also mentioned that the university is working to foster discussion between students regarding the election this year. Burris emphasized that Fordham hopes to have conversations and dialogues that remain respectful.
“A Jesuit school should do this better than anyone else, and a Jesuit school in New York City should do it better than every other Jesuit school,” she said.
She has met with the executive boards of various clubs and organizations to hear different perspectives. She mentioned that she always tries to attend students’ meetings rather than asking them to come to her in order to meet them where they are.
Dana Kien, FCRH ’25, staff development and training coordinator for Commuter Student Services, who chaired the meeting, asked what other main points came up in the listening sessions besides admiration for club leadership.
Burris stated that there was a lot of discussion about increasing student engagement and Fordham’s engagement with the Bronx and New York City as a whole. She also mentioned that there was a discussion of expanding career services for all students across the university.
Lucas Hjertberg, FCRH ’26, executive president of the Rose Hill United Student Government (USG), asked if USG could have a large meeting with all the committees to discuss the strategic plan when the draft is released.
Burris agreed but mentioned that it’s often harder to hear feedback in larger groups.
The council the turned to SLC business, and Dean Rodgers shared that he is working to update the descriptions of the various committees. He also shared that the SLC section of RamsInvolved and the Fordham website had been refreshed to help students find the answers they were looking for.
“The SLC was founded to answer that constant question — who do I talk to about this?” he said.
He invited the committee chairs to assist in updating the descriptions.
Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Residential Life Charles Clency shared the number of monthly intoxication transports at the request of the SLC Executive Board. This month there were eleven intoxication reports and 3 refused medical attention.
Kellen Zeng, GSB ’25, president of the Commuter Student Association (CSA), shared that CSA had completed its election season and had lots of interest from first-year students. They also held their first inauguration.
Hjertberg shared that USG now has a full executive board after Mike Rodriguez, FCRH ’27, has become the vice president of facilities and dining. Vice President of Budgets Reese McDonnell, GSB ’26, shared that there was still rollover after approving $780,000 for club budgets.
The meeting concluded with all the various clubs and departments in attendance deciding to come together for a large voter registration event.
The next SLC will be next month in the McShane Campus Center 112 from 3-5 p.m.
