Fordham University’s Rose Hill United Student Government (USG) elected a new Senate Pro Tempore and addressed various campus initiatives during its meeting on Thursday, Sept. 26.
Representatives from the proposed Fordham Southeast Asian Association (FSAA) presented their club proposal. If approved, the FSAA aims to promote Southeast Asian cultures through educational, discussion-based meetings. The group plans to host events celebrating holidays such as Diwali and invite influencers and officials as guest speakers. The FSAA also hopes to connect Southeast Asian students at Fordham with professionals for career opportunities and advice.
Following the new club presentation, Executive President Lucas Hjertberg, FCRH ’26, announced his plans to study abroad in Madrid, Spain, and step down from his position at the end of the fall semester. Executive Vice President Eron Maltzman, GSB ’25, will assume the role of executive president. In the Pro Tempore election, Senator Carter Soderberg, GSB ’27, was the sole nominee. The nomination and voting process is restricted to senators only. Pro Tempore refers to the temporary position of USG, which serves as the president of the Senate and reports directly to the USG Executive Board.
Soderberg presented his campaign for Senate Pro Tempore. With experience in various initiatives, Soderberg aims to streamline the proposal process for fellow senators. Soderberg expressed enthusiasm about becoming executive vice president following a leadership shuffle, where Hjertberg would step down, Maltzman would assume the presidency and Soderberg would fill the executive vice president role.
The Residence Housing Association delegate, Yeonsu Son, GSB ’27, announced that RHA had concluded its Special Election voting today, filling every position. Son discussed potential philanthropic events and is considering forming an amendments committee to work on the constitution.
Megan Ruzicka, FCRH ’27, vice president of Operations, provided several updates. Club information packets will be distributed on Friday, including details on club constitution standardization based on a provided template. Operations will host an event called “Packet and Pastries” to discuss club operation packets. Clubs face a 25-50% sanction if they fail to standardize their constitution by the set deadline. Standardized constitutions must be uploaded to Rams Involved. Ruzicka noted that 50% is within the standard range for sanctions.
Aidan Costella, FCRH ’27, vice president of Health and Security, reported on several initiatives. Costella plans to revamp Campus Assault and Relationship Education rhetoric with an emphasis on informing students they can call Fordham University Emergency Medical Service for instances of sexual assault. Costella has finalized ideas to present to Dean of Students Christopher Rodgers, including examples of disrespect for consent and highlighting gray areas in consent. Costella also aims to clarify medical amnesty policies for students.
Mike Rodriguez, FCRH ’27, vice president of Facilities and Dining, provided an update on recent dining concerns. Aramark addressed the issue of pink pork found earlier, explaining that it is normal for pork to look pink and that all pork is thoroughly cooked at a third-party facility before being reheated at the Marketplace. Rodriguez emphasized that Ram Hospitality takes health concerns seriously, with temperature checks conducted every two hours. The staff undergoes training twice yearly, exceeding New York’s standard of annual training. Rodriguez emphasized that the pork served in the cafeteria is safe for consumption.
Senator Ava Cascella, FCRH ’26, provided an update on the Ram Van payment process. Cascella met with the Ram Van administration to discuss a proposal to save payment methods in the purchasing portal. The process is complex, with only one coder handling the e-ticketing system. While the full implementation is expected to take multiple years, other efficiency upgrades for the website are in the works.
Senator Grace Shin, FCRH ’28, announced the creation of a new Instagram account dedicated to USG 2028 Senate updates. Students can follow the account at @2028usgsenate for the latest information.
