The Fordham Rose Hill United Student Government (USG) met on Thursday, Oct. 16, to review budget requests and proposal team initiatives.

Executive President Lucas Hjertberg, FCRH ’26, and Executive Vice President Andrew McDonald, FCRH ’26, presented VIVA: Mexican Student Association with the September Club of the Month Award. 

Vice President of Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) Mary Hawthorn, FCRH ’26, presented two budget requests for the FCRH Dean’s Council’s upcoming events: their Mindfulness and Midterms event and their Study Abroad Discussion Panel. Hawthorn explained that her Student Success Subcommittee is organizing an event to help students deal with stress during midterms, and they are requesting funding to give away resources such as stress balls, tea bags, coloring books and donuts. The Study Abroad subcommittee will be hosting a roundtable student discussion panel where students can ask other students questions about different study abroad programs they have participated in. The subcommittee is requesting funding for decorations and snacks for the event. Both budget requests were approved by the Senate. 

Hjertberg presented a budget request for two new tables that USG can use for events or tablings. Senator Karam Youssef, GSB ’26, explained that during a tabling hosted by the Class of 2026 senate earlier that day in the McShane Campus Center, their table unexpectedly broke. Lastly, Vice President of Operations Tina Pathak, FCRH ’28, requested funding for a cookie platter for her Packets and Pastries event where students can ask the Operations Committee any questions they have regarding the Operation Packets. 

Hjertberg stated that USG hosts the annual Big Four event with the Fordham Rose Hill Campus Activity Board (CAB), Commuting Students Association (CSA) and Residence Hall Association (RHA); however, none of the other clubs reached out to them about the event this year, leaving USG with extra discretionary funding. Hjertberg explained that they now have $2,900 in discretionary funds and he hopes to use about $2,000 on a new event. 

Vice President of Facilities and Dining Maddie Ando, FCRH ’27, suggested that she, along with multiple other vice presidents, could use the funding for a wellness event that they have been planning. Senator Ava Cascella, FCRH ’26, suggested they use the funding to host an event similar to RHA’s “Under the Tent” formal, since RHA has decided not to host it anymore. Hjertberg explained that the formal may be a more expensive event than USG could afford; however, Cascella stated that the administration normally helps with additional funding. Senator Whitney Egbe, FCRH ’28, proposed the possibility of USG hosting a charity event, and using the extra funding to purchase raffle prizes as incentives for students to donate. 

Assistant Director for Student Leadership and Engagement Joshua Somrah reminded cabinet members that Family Weekend is this weekend, October 24 to 26. Tickets are available online. 

Vice President of Student Life and Experience Luc Angus, FCRH ’26, announced that club suite applications will be opened soon, and they are trying to clean out the current club suites for new clubs to apply for the space. 

Vice Chair of the Budget Committee Siri Bhat, GSB ’27, gave a tutorial on how to use Fordham’s purchase request form. Bhat also mentioned that the club sports budget increased to $60,000 up from $33,000 and expressed her thanks to Rose Dara, assistant athletic director for events, intramurals and club sports, as well as leaders from Rose Hill’s club sports team who made this possible. 

Vice President of Sustainability, Ayden Johnson, FCRH ’27, reminded everyone that sustainability week will be October 20 to 25. More information can be found on their Instagram page. Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion Laila Sayegh, FCRH ’27, announced that there is an event in the works to have professors speak on their experience with Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives. 

Sayegh mentioned she is looking to compile a list of restaurants that have sent in their Certificate of Insurance for food handling for students, and organizing ordering food for events on campus. Hjertberg shared that Dean Catharine McGlade, assistant dean for Student Involvement, is also trying to make a list. 

USG will meet again on Oct. 23 in Bepler Commons.