Fordham University Rose Hill’s United Student Government (USG) met to hear a presentation from Public Safety and provide committee updates on Jan. 30.
Robert Fitzer, associate vice president for Public Safety, began the USG meeting with a brief overview of Public Safety policies and procedures. Fitzer reviewed the emergency blue light system, a series of light posts placed throughout the Rose Hill campus that have emergency call buttons and cameras on them.
Fitzer mentioned that Alertus, a mass notification system, will replace the previously used emergency texting app. Alertus has a feature where a student can press an emergency button to alert Public Safety, which can even be used while the student is off-campus to alert 911, if the student can’t call themselves.
Additionally, Fitzer reviewed the Ram Path Safety Corridor. This stretch of a few blocks on Arthur Avenue and Fordham Road has several businesses that the university works with.
In exchange for the university including the businesses in promotions, these places offer shelter to any Fordham University community member who needs help while waiting for Public Safety or other authorities to arrive. Locations include Simon’s Deli, Audiomaxx, Tuff City Tattoos and more.
Vice President of Student Experience Joseph DaProcida, FCRH ’25, asked if Public Safety guards are trained. Fitzer explained that most of the guards have worked for law enforcement in the past and are trained from experience, but any guard who hasn’t worked in law enforcement or has been retired for more than 10 years is required to complete a 16-hour course every year.
Senator Mary Hawthorn, FCRH ’26, questioned the restrictions on smoking on Fordham’s campus. Fitzer noted that the university is not smoke-free, but does have restrictions on smoking in buildings and in specific outdoor areas on campus, such as the Starbucks dining area.
Senator Grace Shin, FCRH ’28, brought up several instances of students being stuck in the elevators in Loschert Hall for over 40 minutes. Fitzer explained that the procedure is to have the on-campus mechanic respond to the situation, but assured her that if it involves a medical emergency or is over 30 minutes, the fire department will be called.
Following Fitzer’s presentation, Yeonsu Son, chief communications officer for the Resident Halls Association (RHA), gave a short delegate report. Son shared that RHA had their spring retreat and has finalized their budget for the spring semester as well.
The co-founders of AI at Fordham, Connor Mancuso, GSB ’25, and Jack O’Brien, GSB ’27, presented their new club proposal to USG. The goal of this club would be to destigmatize the use of AI and educate students on the future of AI in society. AI at Fordham is also interested in the possibility of a speaker series where alumni and other guests discuss the impact of AI on the workplace.
Senator Jude Ortega, FCRH ’25, suggested that the club work closely with the Ethics Department. Vice President of Fordham College at Rose Hill Emma Blake, FCRH ’25, noted that they should utilize the STEM faculty whose fields are being changed by AI as well.
After the club presentation, there was an election for Senate Pro Tempore. Ortega ran and included specific initiatives such as expanding career opportunities in STEM outside of the pre-health track. Senator Tasminah Raman, GSB ’25, ran with an emphasis on the importance of using the legislative process to assist senators in furthering their proposals.
However, it was Senator Anna Brown, FCRH ’27, who won the election. Brown ran on her passions for legislation as well, citing a semester-worth of experience on USG, most notably with her current proposal to attain unlimited Metrocards for Fordham students.
Arielle Duran, assistant director for Leadership and Commuter Student Services, noted that the Fordham University Emerging/Experienced Leaders (FUEL) program application deadline has been extended to Feb. 7.
Ahead of executive board updates, Executive President Eron Malzman, GSB ’25, announced that a discussion surrounding USG Bylaws would be tabled until the next meeting on Feb. 6.
Vice President of Operations Megan Ruzicka, FCRH ’27, shared that new club applications closed on Jan. 29, with a total of 13 applications submitted. In partnership with Vice President of Budget and Finance Peter Grimes, FCRH ’26, there will be a Coffee and Club Leader Conversations event from 1-2 p.m. on Feb. 12 in the McShane 2nd Floor Ballroom.
Vice President of Facilities and Dining Mike Rodriguez, FCRH ’27, shared the addition of a second regional head chef to the Marketplace staff, in order to enhance the meal selection.
Brown reported that the 2027 senate is in conversation with the financial services office to calculate costs for their Metrocard proposal. Shin also mentioned the completion of her wellness room proposal and suggested that the head of Counseling and Psychological Services come in to talk with USG.
One USG Bylaw was changed; the Campus Activities Board (CAB) is now a voting delegate of USG.
