The Fordham University Rose Hill United Student Government (USG) met on Thursday, March 7, to learn about Fordham’s new marketing strategies and to give new business updates.
The Residence Hall Association representative Isaac Forson, FCRH ’26, announced that they have finalized all members of the committee. The Student Athlete Advisory Committee representative stated that they have been discussing possible events for April and have started planning a field day for the end of the semester.
Curl Talk was awarded as the February Club of the Month with the executive board of the club accepting the award.
Fordham University’s Vice President for Marketing and Communications Justin Bell spoke to USG about marketing updates and improvements that his team hopes to make this year. He explained that marketing and communications were two separate divisions but they recently combined them. The Marketing and Communications office mainly works to support undergraduate enrollment marketing, and they work alongside the Office of Undergraduate Admissions with social media marketing. They are currently working on creating a new Fordham Magazine website and improving their storytelling abilities. Bell said they want to tell the story of current Fordham students and alumni. They are looking to modernize and work on brand development. Since Fordham is no longer the only Jesuit university in the state of New York, Bell said they are trying to find an alternative brand. They are hoping to better connect with the new generation of college and high school students.
Vice President of Fordham College at Rose Hill Emma Balint, FCRH ’24, presented a budget request for the FCRH Dean’s Council Student Success subcommittee. They requested money for pizza for their Town Hall with the Career Center and donuts for their tabling. The budget request was approved.
Executive President Briana Al-Omoush, FCRH ’24, stated that USG is currently campaigning for the referendum and they have about 600 votes in total so they have almost reached the necessary amount of student participation. She said that they will continue to do tablings to receive more student votes. Al-Omoush also announced that the USG election information sessions will begin April 8.
Stephen Clarke, associate director for campus center operations, gave the advisor report for the Office for Student Involvement (OSI). Clarke stated that they have been interviewing candidates for new OSI positions.
Vice President of Operations Calum Stewertson, GSB ’26, announced that they have approved three new clubs and operation packets will be open until April 2. Vice President of Finance and Budgets Lucas Hjertberg, FCRH ’26, said that Budget Day is set for April 20. Vice President of Student Life Brian Inguanti, FCRH ’24, stated that he is working on Keating Steps and the club suite applications are now open. Vice President of Fordham College at Rose Hill Emma Balint, FCRH ’24, explained that she attended College Council and they voted on the leadership structure of the arts and sciences. Vice President of Gabelli School of Business Catie Flores, GSB ’25, announced that her subcommittees are working with the Diversity Action Coalition on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training. Vice President of Sustainability Sean Power, FCRH ’24, said that he is finishing up plans for Earth Week and he will be presenting a proposal at this week’s meeting. Vice President of Facilities and Dining Peter McGowan, FCRH ’24, stated that the New York Department of Health did an unannounced visit to three dining locations on campus, and they all passed their inspection.
Addition: Bob Howe, associate vice president for communications and special adviser to the president, contributed additional information to this story regarding the role of the Marketing and Communications office. The Marketing and Communications office creates and disseminates undergraduate enrollment marketing, produces university news, publishes a print alumni magazine, operates multiple social media channels and publicizes Fordham and members of the community via local, regional and national news media in print, web and broadcast.
The Marketing and Communications office also responds to media requests for information, assists the president with her communications and delivers emergency communications. Additionally, the office advises faculty and administrators on media relations, does media training and assists in placing faculty Op-Eds. Since Fordham is no longer the only Jesuit university in the state of New York, the office is completing comprehensive research to inform how best to communicate with audiences going forward.
