The Fordham University Rose Hill United Student Government (USG) met on Thursday, Oct. 9, to discuss the expansion of experiential learning opportunities with Annette McLaughlin, director of the Career Center and Cheretta Robson, the senior associate director of Rose Hill.
McLaughlin and Robson had shared that the launch of Experiential Learning, an extension of RamConnect, a new part of the platform where professors and companies can post real projects for students to engage with. McLaughlin added that the platform is easily accessible to students of all majors.
Alongside the introduction of the internship promise, every undergraduate student will have the opportunity to participate in an internship, which includes research and experiential learning, starting with the class of 2029. They also shared other resources for students, such as the cocurricular resume, Pathway U and professional development sites like it.
USG Vice President of Sustainability Ayden Johnson, FCRH ’27, then presented a budget request for the upcoming sustainability week events. Events include a “Rio” movie night, Eco-Trivia and a Plant a Seed event. Various prizes and giveaways will be at each event. Sustainability week will take place from Oct. 20 to 25. The budget request was approved.
Vice President of Gabelli School of Business (GSB) Dean’s Council, Hunter Gholson, GSB ’26, presented a budget request for upcoming International Business Bridge events. Spirits of Culture and Community event will take place on Oct. 30 to celebrate Halloween. The academic subcommittee will be tabling at the event. The budget request was approved. The second proposal was for an Outreach Event with Pedro Arrupe Volunteers (PAV). The budget request was approved for that event as well.
The USG then voted VIVA: Mexican Student Association as September Club of the month. Contemporary Science Fiction and Rodrigue’s Coffee House were also nominated for the award. VIVA gained official university recognition in the Spring 2025 semester. VIVA shared in their essay that their recent work with Mangutio’s Snack Bar, a woman-owned business local to the Bronx, helped culminate an on-campus community that celebrates Mexican culture. In addition, VIVA said they had a strong start to the year with stellar attendance, great publicity and lively events.
USG Executive President Lucas Hjertberg, FCRH ’26, discussed plans for the upcoming President-Student Advisory Council Meeting on Nov. 1 after the administration reduced the frequency from multiple meetings per term.
The meeting will give USG members the opportunity to meet with University President Tania Tetlow to discuss the new five proposal groups. Hjertberg added that any senator with proposals ready for discussion will also have the opportunity to share them with the president.
Separately, Hjertberg said he is coordinating with Abby Paulson, director of Federal Relations, to train students to advocate in Washington, D.C., for priorities such as federal work-study and need-based aid.
Joshua Somrah, the new assistant director for Student Leadership and Engagement, as the new USG advisor, reminded everyone that Family Weekend 2025 is scheduled for Oct. 24 to 26.
Vice President of Operations Tina Pathak, FCRH ’28, was not present. Siri Bhat, GSB ’27, shared that Operations and Budget will be announcing a “Packets and Pastries” event soon and that club packets are due on Nov. 1. There is also planning for a club social event where board members from a variety of different clubs can come together.
Bhat also spoke in place of Vice President of Budget and Finance Peter Grimes, FCRH ’26. About $13,000 was awarded, but with sanctions, only $9,528 was allocated.
Vice President of Gabelli School of Business Hunter Gholson, GSB ’26, shared that the International Bridge Program will host “Spirits of Culture and Community,” an event set to take place on Oct. 30 in Hughes Lobby. Gholson also shared that Outreach will be co-hosting an event with some Pedro Arrupe Volunteers (PAV) on Oct. 26.
Senator Ava Cascella, FCRH ’26, debriefed her meeting with Nicole Vaughan, assistant director of Residential Life, regarding concerns about summer housing at the Rose Hill campus. This included timeline and logistics for busy families, expanding who is eligible for early move-in. Cascella reported that there have been efforts to update cart inventory for summer move-in and move out, and that while it is up to the Academic Calendar Committee to change move-in dates for students, there is a possibility to add more student groups to early move-in.
Air conditioning will not be able to be implemented in any capacity to Loschert and Alumni Court South Halls. In an email, Cascella clarified that, “Loschert and South, are not set up to withstand the power for central air conditioning and AC units. However, students are still able to make requests to bring their own portable ACs and [requests] typically always get approved.”
