Fordham University Rose Hill’s United Student Government (USG) met to hear proposals for two new potential clubs and recap their retreat on Oct. 3.
USG went to the Bronx Zoo on Sunday, Sept. 29, for their annual retreat. Members brainstormed nearly 30 initiative proposals during the retreat, with three concrete proposals emerging as issues worth urgently pursuing. These proposals include initiatives related to career services and health center improvements; specific proposal details were not given.
Usage of the Special Proclamation was also mentioned at the retreat. This rule allows USG to recognize significant student achievement. The process involves a nomination by a USG representative and approval from the executive president or two-thirds of the USG cabinet.
USG both nominated and approved a Special Proclamation honoring the grassroots work and charity Fordham Food Walks has done toward reducing food waste. This is the first time such an honor has been awarded in many years.
Fordham Food Walks, which aims to use leftover meal swipes to buy food for distribution in the Bronx community, was suggested as a potential award recipient. A student-led GroupMe of over 400 students has donated over 6,100 meals since the start of the spring 2024 semester to Part of the Solution, an organization to fight hunger and poverty in the Bronx.
Feel Good, a student-run organization affiliated with The Hunger Project presented a proposal to establish an official chapter at Fordham. The group, which has spent nearly a year planning in collaboration with Hunger Project leaders and a student from the University of Virginia, aims to raise awareness and support global hunger relief through events like a “Grilled Cheese-a-thon.” However, USG voted to table the application, citing concerns about safety risks associated with purchasing cooking equipment. USG leaders plan to review the bylaws before moving forward with the process at a later date.
The second club to present was the Chinese Student Association. Their intended purpose is to dedicate a space for Chinese students and to offer all Fordham students the chance to learn more about Chinese culture. Involvement in the club will include biweekly meetings and monthly outings. Proposed outings include but are not limited to visiting the Chinese Institute Gallery, celebrating the Lunar New Year in the city and trips to You and Me Books, the first Asian women-owned bookstore in Manhattan. This club would also like to focus on volunteer
opportunities and is working with the Chinese Progressive Association, an organization focused on social and political equality for Chinese Americans. The club was approved with the caveat that they must change their name so as not to get confused with the Commuting Student Association.
USG nominated clubs to be recognized as September’s Club of the Month. Nominations included Fordham Backstage, Fordham Experimental Theatre, Smart Woman Securities and Model United Nations. Fordham Backstage, a club for students interested in technical theater and stage crew, won the majority vote and is officially September’s Club of the Month.
Joseph DaProcida, FCRH ’25, vice president of Student Experience, recapped the success of USG’s Keating Steps event. DaProcida said that the Student Experience subcommittee had received feedback from students who hoped for more events that would take place in the fall. In response, DaProcida said he plans to work with Dining and Facilities to hold a Halloween-themed Midnight Breakfast similar to those held around finals week. He also proposed event ideas for later in the semester, such as a student art exhibit and performance group caroling.
Vice President Emma Blake, FCRH ’25, announced several upcoming events, including an undergraduate research symposium in collaboration with Dr. Christopher Aubin. Blake also highlighted a meet-and-greet with Dean Maura Mast on Oct. 8, followed by office hours on Oct. 29, which will be held on Zoom. Additionally, physical certificates will be awarded to Dean’s List students.
Regina Miller, FCRH ’26, vice president of Sustainability, discussed updates on the upcoming Fordham Flea event, a student-run thrift store. According to Miller , donation bins were put out around campus and posters with more information would be forthcoming. Aside from this event, Miller shared the idea of a potential partnership with New Student Orientation to incorporate discussions about sustainable living at Fordham with incoming first-years.
Mike Rodriguez, FCRH ’27, vice president of Facilities and Dining, met with John Puglisi, associate vice president of Facilities Management, to discuss ongoing campus construction projects. These include renovations to the University Church, construction behind John Mulcahy Hall, and work on the west wing of O’Hare Hall. Rodriguez also announced the introduction of a new D.I.Y. smoothie bar in the McShane Marketplace. In recognition of Rosh Hashanah, a selection of holiday-related foods is now available.
