On Wednesday, Feb. 14, the Student Life Council (SLC) held its first meeting of the semester. The SLC, composed of students, faculty and administrators, aims to foster open communication between students and the Fordham University administration by hosting monthly meetings. The council welcomed President Tania Tetlow to the meeting.
The meeting began with a question and answer session with Tetlow. Students voiced questions and concerns ranging from transparency within the administration to Fordham’s evolving relationship with the Belmont community and student engagement.
In regards to concerns surrounding transparency among university administrators, Tetlow encouraged students to download The Fordham Hub. The Fordham Hub is an app that connects students with a variety of campus resources and is accessible via fordham.edu. Christopher Rodgers, assistant vice president and dean of students at Rose Hill, offered two pieces of advice for students craving more transparency: attending Fordham University Emerging Leaders’ “The Secret Hidden Agenda of ‘The Administration’” workshop and attending SLC’s monthly meetings.
Tetlow addressed responsibilities regarding Fordham’s relationship with the Belmont community. Tetlow cited numerous community groups, Fordham’s Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program program and the university’s Environmental Protection Agency grant as resources that will allow Fordham to further their relationship with the surrounding community. Tetlow also stated that she is considering easing campus access restrictions to those outside of the Fordham community.
“There are no simple solutions to this, but at the minimum, we have to do the meaningful work that is part of who we are and what we believe,” said Tetlow.
Tetlow also shared that she is working with the Division of Student Affairs to brainstorm strategies for how to best engage with students. For the time being, Tetlow encouraged students to email her their thoughts, ideas and questions as well as invite her to meetings such as the SLC meetings.
At the request of the SLC Executive Board, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Residential Life Charles Clency shared the number of monthly intoxication transports.
United Student Government (USG) Vice President of Sustainability Sean Power, FCRH ’24, asked for an update on the Laudato Si’ Action Plan. Rodgers said that he’s been in contact with the Laudato Si’ committee and will circle back to them and connect Power with the committee. USG’s Executive President Briana Al-Omoush, FCRH ’24, and Executive Vice President Ava Coogan, FCRH ’25, shared a presentation on the upcoming student activities fee referendum. The referendum proposes a $95 increase to the student activities fee and will increase club funding. The referendum failed last year due to low student participation — Al-Omoush attributed the low turnout to the tuition increase, which occurred at the same time, and lack of communication on USG’s end. This year, students will vote using paper ballots. Al-Omoush said that paper ballots require less of the student body to vote and also encourages USG to have a different approach when it comes to getting students to vote. Voting will take place from March 4-12 and tabling will begin a few days prior. Questions can be directed to [email protected].
Assistant Vice President and Dean of Student Services Keith Eldredge discussed The Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Middle States accreditation. The accreditation is an “expression of confidence in an institution’s mission and goals, its performance, and its resources.” The accreditation’s standards are focused on the student experience outside of the classroom. Eldredge asked students two questions: what does Fordham do well and what are areas where Fordham can improve? Eldredge said they are in the process of creating initial draft reports. The final report will be completed by the end of the semester and shared with the university in the fall for feedback.
The next SLC meeting will be on Wednesday, Mar. 13 from 3-5 p.m. in the McShane Campus Center.
