The Fordham Rose Hill United Student Government (USG) met on Thursday, Sept. 18 for special elections and to discuss the university’s strategic plan with Fordham’s administration.
Fordham University’s Vice President and Chief of Staff Michael R. Trerotola spoke to USG about the University’s strategic plan, which he said hopes to deliver on “the promise of Fordham.”
There are three parts to this plan: centering students, advancing research as well as academic excellence and forging community. The first part — centering students — focuses on empowering and inspiring first-year students, according to Trerotola. He explained that retention is a key part of their plan and that they hope to lower the number of students who transfer out of Fordham.
With this goal in mind, Trerotola announced that his office hired a Vice Provost for Student Success to better align student services and academic records. They hope to enhance experiential learning, such as internships, for all students, to leverage New York City as a launchpad for students’ careers and make Fordham’s education more accessible.
For the second part of their plan, advancing research as well as academic excellence, Trerotola said that Fordham plans to design distinctive academic programs, launch cutting-edge STEM programs and cultivate collaborative and interdisciplinary research beginning with the professors and then students.
The last part of their strategic plan is centered around building trust in the Fordham community through transparency and integrity. This part of their plan has already been put in motion, specifically with the Class of 2029, with emphasizing the “One Fordham” motto. Trerotola alongside President Tania Tetlow want Rose Hill and Lincoln Center students to have the same Fordham experience.
Trerotola opened the floor for discussion and questions from USG members. Vice President of Dining and Facilities Maddie Ando, FCRH ’27, asked if Ram Vans would be free under the effort to unite both campuses. Trerotola said that this idea has been discussed before, however, it would be too costly for the University to maintain.
USG Vice President of Budget and Finance Peter Grimes, FCRH ’26, asked if students should expect another tuition increase with the addition of all of these programs. Trerotola said that, looking at the University’s financial data historically, an increase will eventually happen, but it will not be a drastic change.
Senator Whitney Egbe, FCRH ’28, suggested that they start offering financial aid scholarships but on a percentage basis so that the scholarship amounts increase when tuition also increases.
Executive Vice President Andrew McDonald, FCRH ’26, asked how Fordham is preparing for retention debt and possible budget cuts in the current political as well as financial climate. Trerotola said that he and his office are constantly vigilant and preparing for these types of situations.
Executive President Lucas Hjertberg, FCRH ’26, said that Fordham had recently hired a Director of Federal Relations, as reported by The Fordham Ram in February, who works in Washington D.C.
USG held special elections for two open seats on the Class of 2026 and Class of 2027 senate after Trerotola’s presentation.
Kabir Patel, GSB ’26, and Karam Youssef, GSB ’26, ran for the 2026 Class Senate Gabelli seats and were both elected.
Patel explained that he is very grateful for his Fordham experiences so far and, in his last year here, he would like to give back to the Fordham community by being part of USG and working on initiatives that will change the student experience for the better.
Youssef stated that he has seen the difference that USG can make through his own work on different committees when he sat as a sophomore senator, and that he would like to have the chance to continue to make a difference on campus.
The Class of 2027 senate special elections had four students running for only two available Gabelli seats. Ashley Garcia, GSB ’27, and Carter Soderberg, GSB ’27, were both elected to fill the two positions.
Garcia explained that she is a first-generation college student, and she was denied medical accommodations from Fordham this fall. She said that the system failed her and that it is failing others as well. She explained that, if she were elected, she would work to make sure students are never denied accommodations. She also plans to expand community mentorship programs in the Bronx.
In his speech, Soderberg explained how his time on USG was cut short due to an unexpected health diagnosis.
However, he said that from his experiences, he learned teamwork and resilience that he plans to bring to USG. He specifically wants to help students with disabilities.
USG will meet next on Sept. 25 at 5:30 p.m.
