During the Fordham University Rose Hill United Student Government (USG) meetings on Nov. 10 and 17, the first Special Proclamation of the year was given and new committees were discussed.
Jack Wenz, FCRH ’26, and Andres Caballeros, FCRH ’26, are the founders of Fordham Food Walks, a student-led food drive initiative. During the USG retreat a few weeks ago, it was suggested that the program could be the first recipient of the Special Proclamation award this year. While accepting the award at a following meeting, Wenz said, “It keeps us going to know we have an army of support behind us.” Deli workers who prepare the food and students who donate meal swipes work to give hundreds of sandwiches each month to Part of the Solution. Wenz and Caballeros plan to continue their efforts and grow the program.
The Plant Club proposed their club idea to USG. Their mission is to celebrate native and home-friendly plants and promote biodiversity. They plan to host plant exchanges, lectures on New York City’s native and invasive species and affordable ways to engage with plants around the city. The club aims to donate plants to non-profits like Green Bronx Machine and The Bronx is Blooming. They requested funding for refreshments and rare plants to propagate, with planned events including a plant-cutting exchange, sale and clinic.
Senator Ava Cascella, FCRH ’26, was named Senator of the Month by the executive ticket. Cascella was recognized for her work contacting the Ram Van office to address the lack of a system for saving payment methods.
Executive President Lucas Hjertberg, FCRH ’26, and Executive Vice President Eron Maltzman, GSB ’25, are exploring the idea of launching a monthly USG newsletter to provide detailed updates. Hjertberg and Maltzman envision offering more in-depth information than weekly meeting notes for a more engaged approach to connecting with students. The newsletter will serve as a brief, frequently updated account of USG plans.
Hjertberg mentioned that USG is looking into incorporating a Study Abroad committee. The committee would need to be formally incorporated into the bylaws and constitution. USG will work with Dean Catharine McGlade to ensure the changes integrate the committee into the existing USG framework.
Hjertberg mentioned an upcoming meeting with the president’s Student Advisory Council and asked USG members for their thoughts on items to bring to attention at the meeting. Cascella highlighted concerns about the Office of Residential Life’s $40 early move-in fee, noting that upperclassmen move-in day falls on a Monday, which causes difficulties for parents who work that day. Cascella said charging students a fee for moving in early is unfair and suggested changing from a specific move-in date to a window.
Student Wellness Committee members suggested the possibility of excused absences for mental health reasons.
The topic of staffing for the Office of Disability Services and IT was discussed. For the Ram Van IT services, it was suggested that they offer students jobs to increase the number of workers and offer student work experience.
The last issue was professed by Senator Jude Ortega, FCRH ’25, who voiced displeasure with the difference between Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) and Gabelli School of Business (GSB) allocation of funds and attention to post-college career opportunities for FCRH students compared to GSB students.
Vice President of Operations Megan Ruzicka, FCRH ’27, reminded club leaders that the final required training event is approaching. Failure to attend this meeting will result in frozen club funding and the inability to request room reservations. Additionally, operations packets are due by Oct. 25.
Vice President of Student Experience Joseph DaProcida, FCRH ’25, launched a new committee Instagram account, @usgstudentexp. DaProcida announced a Halloween night event on Oct. 28 in Keating 1st from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will include food, arts and crafts and a screening of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” at 7 p.m.
Vice President of FCRH Emma Blake, FCRH ’25, announced that meetings and office hours with Dean Maura Mast will be delayed due to her ongoing jury duty. Blake announced an upcoming undergraduate research information panel on Oct. 24 at 1 p.m.., which will take place in Keating 1st.
Vice President of Facilities and Dining Mike Rodriguez, FCRH ’27, noted the issue with Dagger John’s stopping poke bowl GrubHub orders after 4 p.m., explaining that orders were cut to prioritize in-person customers due to high demand. Rodriguez also highlighted that opening the Marketplace earlier on weekends is not feasible, as Aramark’s budget constraints would limit food availability later in the school year. Rodriguez also acknowledged the Chomp Truck’s underperformance, citing ingredient shortages, and stated that he reminded Aramark that they must purchase all items listed for sale.
According to Rodriguez, scan-in line times at the Marketplace have been reduced by adding a second scanner. However, reducing wait times at popular stations is more challenging due to high demand. Rodriguez is considering adding an extra burner at the omelet station and eliminating unnecessary steps to improve efficiency.
Vice President of Sustainability Regina Miller, FCRH ’26, organized the first Fordham Flea event on Oct. 18, promoting sustainable shopping. In addition to regular items, upcoming flea market events will allow students to buy and donate Halloween costumes before and after the holiday.
Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Nyla Patel, FCRH ’25, announced several upcoming initiatives. A Bronx Appreciation Week meeting with the Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) is being held to discuss bringing Bronx artists to campus. Patel collaborated with Juan Carlos to finalize a Kahoot for the diversity, equity and inclusion workshops, “Civility x Community,” which occurred on Oct. 17, with a second workshop scheduled for Oct. 21.
