Fordham University’s Rose Hill United Student Government (USG) announced their plan on Oct. 31 to appoint a student representative to the Advisory Committee on Socially Responsible Investing. They also celebrated Halloween by having members attend the meeting in costume.
Executive President Lucas Hjertberg, FCRH ’26, and Executive Vice President Eron Maltzman, GSB ’25, are finalizing the application process for a new student position on Fordham’s Advisory Committee on Socially Responsible Investing. The committee, which includes students, faculty and alumni, was established to evaluate Fordham’s investments through an ethical lens, aligning with Jesuit Catholic values.
USG aims to appoint a candidate with a strong business and investing background and administrative experience. The application, which closes in one week, asks students to detail their field of study, class year, training in investment and motivations for joining. The selected student will be interviewed and, according to Maltzman, will “definitely be chosen before Dec. 5.” A university-wide message about the application process is forthcoming.
Hjertberg provided an update on a spring 2022 USG proposal to offer campus tours in Spanish. Admissions will soon survey students on their interest in taking or leading these tours, with implementation expected soon.
Fordham clubs have requested a formal process to apply for and be recognized as “Club of the Month.” In response, the USG is considering adding an application link in their social media bio, outlining the criteria for selection. Nominated clubs for this month included Model United Nations, Black Box Theater, Circle K and the Mimes and Mummers. Circle K, a philanthropic organization, was chosen as the winner.
Hjertberg shared that Vice President of Student Affairs Michele Burris confirmed that Fordham’s Office of Disability Services (ODS) will be relocated to a more accessible space on the ground floor of Loyola Hall. Hjertberg also announced last week that the move will include new paid positions for student workers within ODS.
Hjertberg announced that Robert Fitzer, associate vice president of Public Safety, recently updated plans to implement card readers capable of accepting Fordham student IDs through Apple Wallet. Hjertberg says that Fitzer is working closely with the IT department, which has narrowed the selection to two vendors competing for the contract. This initiative aligns with a key promise from Hjertberg and Maltzman’s campaign platform to expand electronic identification options on campus.
Vice President of Student Experience Joseph DaProcida, FCRH ’25, announced the next event following the success of Halloween Night: a student art show themed “City Life.” DaProcida encourages students to submit their artwork by the Nov. 25 deadline to be featured.
Vice President of Fordham College at Rose Hill Emma Blake, FCRH ’25, shared that she raised a previous USG suggestion to excuse student absences for mental health reasons. Dean Maura Mast responded, indicating that if provided with a report on how other schools manage similar situations, she could present the proposal at the next administration meeting.
Vice President of Sustainability Regina Miller, FCRH ’26, announced plans for a Fordham Flea tabling event at an upcoming Fordham Women’s Basketball game. The next official Fordham Flea popup will be on Nov. 20. The Sustainability Committee is also continuing efforts on last year’s proposed composting improvements initiative, which will reduce food waste.
Vice President of International Integration Nandini Anand, GSB ’25, says she is working on improved transparency around language requirements for international students following miscommunication about English proficiency tests. Anand said the International Integration Committee is also working to improve advanced communication regarding break-stay requests. Currently, students receive only three days’ notice to submit these requests. Anand highlighted the challenges this creates for international students, who may need more time to arrange alternative accommodations if their break-stay requests are not accepted.
USG also celebrated Halloween with members dressed up in various costumes, some of which were inspired by their roles in USG. Notable costumes included Hjertberg as Vincent Vega from “Pulp Fiction,” Maltzman as Carmen from “The Bear” and DaProcida as Kyle from “South Park.” Vice President of the Gabelli School of Business Catie Flores, GSB ’25, dressed as Mario Gabelli, and Miller came as The Lorax — both costumes paying homage to their respective USG roles. Other costumes included Senators Katelyn Martins, FCRH ’27, and Anna Brown, FCRH ’27, dressed as each other, and Senator Sarah Bayas, GSB ’28, as “Senator-Spiderman.”
USG members voted on the best costume, with Vice President of Facilities and Dining Mike Rodriguez, FCRH ’27, taking the top spot for his Pope costume.
