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RIT Student Governments

Year in
Review
2016-2017
The vision of RITs
Student Government
is to be the premier
student government in
the world.
Our mission is to represent the interests
of the student body through the
implementation of innovative programs,
services, and initiatives that enrich student
lives. We will be the primary source of
advocacy for students from Rochester
Institute of Technology and we will utilize
our shared governance structure to voice
student opinions and concerns. RIT Student
Government will be the forefront of change
within the university.
Table of Contents
COS Senator.................................................................................32
SG Membership.................................................................................4
Cross-Registered Senator............................................................33
Letter from the President and Vice President....................5
Freshman Senator........................................................................34
The Four Pillars..................................................................................6 GCCIS Senator.............................................................................35
Major Accomplishments................................................................8 Graduate Senator.........................................................................36
Soire Award Winners.................................................................10 Greek Senator...............................................................................37
SG in the News................................................................................11 KGCOE Senator...........................................................................38
Major PawPrints Petitions.........................................................12 NTID Senator...............................................................................39
Project SpiRIT...................................................................................13
SCB Senator..................................................................................40
SOIS Senator.................................................................................41
Major Events.....................................................................................14
Womens Senator.........................................................................42
The Budget........................................................................................15
Major Student Organization Reports....................................43
Marketing and Services Update..............................................16
ALANA Collegiate Association...................................................44
Cabinet Members...........................................................................17 College Activities Board...............................................................45
Committee Reports.......................................................................18 On-Campus Apartment Student Association............................46
Academics and Co-ops Committee............................................19 Residence Halls Association.........................................................47
Deaf Advocacy Committee.........................................................20 Student Athlete Advisory Committee........................................48
Facilities, Parking, and Transportation Committee.................21 Appendices.......................................................................................49
Housing and Dining Committee................................................23 SG 65.01 Library Study Spaces...................................................50
Student Affairs Committee.........................................................24 SG 65.02 Reallow Ridesharing...................................................53
Sustainability Committee............................................................25 SG 65.03 Executive Immigration Order....................................55
Technology Committee...............................................................26 SG 65.04 RIT Conflict Free Procurement.................................58
Senator Reports..............................................................................27 Study Abroad Scholarship Proposal...........................................61
CAST Senator..............................................................................28 Transcript Fee Proposal..............................................................62
CHST Senator..............................................................................29 Letter of Support for DAS..........................................................66
CIAS Senator................................................................................30 Global Consortium Final Report...............................................68
COLA Senator..............................................................................31 Special Thanks................................................................................77
SG Membership 2016-2017
President Andrea Shaver Greek Senator Juan Lachapelle
Vice President Amar Bhatt GCCIS Senator Christopher Tran
Director of Finance Ali Prengaman CAST Senator Tony Mendoza
Director of Operations - Fall Ashley Kosak COS Senator Camela Kiernan
Director of Operations - Spring Jeff Olivero Graduate Senator Anton Travinsky
Director of Services - Fall Luther Heigl SCB Senator Liz Biz Vosburgh
Director of Services - Spring Melissa Laskowski CHST Senator Rachel Tassoni
Director of Clubs & Orgs Jason Karol COLA Senator Annabella Kajtezovic
Director of Student Relations Sam Ferrigno SOIS Senator Elli Naor
Director of Programming Farid Barquet NTID Senator Mercedes Olson
Director of Public Relations Emma Fleming Womens Senator Cynthia Chu
CIAS Senator Austin Quinlan Cross-Registered Senator Bobby Moakley
KGCOE Senator Enri Marini Freshmen Senator Emily Turner

Advisor Dave Bagley, Assistant Vice President, Campus Life


Advisor Bill St. Jean, Associate Director for Campus Programs
Office Manager Kathy Hall

4
A letter from the SG
President & Vice President
As our year and time at RIT come to a close, RIT Dubai. Our leaders and services were published in
we cannot help but to look back at all that we have over 20 RIT publications and 8 external media outlets
learned this year. We are proud of our team of driven, ranging from University News, to radio, to Inside Higher
passionate, and dedicated student leaders. They Ed, to Teen Vogue. We also refreshed our Governance
accomplished so much and embraced our strategic structure to ensure we were representing our student
plan of four pillars; Academics, Student Life, Campus body. This included extensive changes to our Bylaws,
Beautification, and Empowering You. These were the partnerships within Student Affairs, a deeper relation
cornerstone of our successes this year. We were able to with our Global Campuses, and robust leadership
complete many of our goals, and were quick to respond development opportunities for our students.
to events we could not foresee. We capped our year with the most engaged
Our year was riddled with change, from new student election cycle in school history with over 23% of
advisors, the selection of a new RIT President, the students voting. We also retained several leaders from
election of a new US President, the retirement of Dr. Student Government, Major Student Organizations, and
Destler & Dr. Johnson, and retirement of our beloved Committees. Just as we gave life back to our beloved
office manager, Kathy Hall. We took these changes campus bells, our legacy will continue to ring throughout
in stride and were able to grow and learn from these campus with our new leaders. We are honored to have
experiences. We passed a number of resolutions ranging served the RIT student body and community at large.
from topics at RIT, state legislation, US Executive Order, As we venture off into life after graduation we are
and global responsibility. We empowered students by excited to see the success this organization will continue
listening to over 200 PawPrints petitions, completing 36 to have. Thank you for your continued support!
charges, and opening our committees to all students to
help us with our 81 active charges.
Our vision statement says, ...to be the premier
student government in the world. With that in mind
we expanded our PawPrints system to several schools Andrea Shaver Amar Bhatt
including RPI, SUNY Brockport, SUNY Geneseo, and President 2016-2017 Vice President 2016-2017

5
The
Four
Pillars
Academics
Student Life
Campus Beautification
Empowering You
6
Academics
Advocating for all students to have equal access to all resources
influencing their RIT education and post-graduation goals.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
COLA Career Fair, Grade Feedback Policy, Library Study Rooms, Wallace Library/ILB Committees

Student Life
Improving the quality of student life at RIT
inside and outside the classroom, on and off campus.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Nap Map, Bike Repair Stations, Project SpiRIT, Global Consortium, Ridesharing

Campus Beautification
Creating an environment through design, structural improvement,
and school spirit to make RIT a home away from home.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Bring the Bells Back, Diploma Redesign, Destler Appreciation Day

Empowering You
Empowering each and every student to accomplish their personal,
academic, and leadership goals during their time at RIT.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
MSO Refresh, Executive Order, Student Leader Recognition, Sustainable Leadership, Limitless NY,
Presidential Search Committee, Trustee Meeting in California
7
Summary of Major
Accomplishments
Academics Global Consortium Takeaways
Increase the number of opportunities for all RIT students
COLA Career Fair to have global interactions with students on any of the RIT
Several PawPrints Petitions asking for a more inclusive campuses. This includes inter-campus events, as well as
Career Fair. improving marketing and visibility of the global campuses on
Charged to Academics and Co-ops Committee, led by our each and every RIT campus.
COLA Senator. Creating inclusive environments for Deaf/HOH students
Was hosted on March 29th. globally. This includes not only making study abroad
opportunities more attainable, but also making the experience
21 companies from public service, non-for profits, to much more inclusive. All campuses have expressed strong
communications, etc. 100+ students in attendance. interest in learning and teaching ASL!
Grade Feedback Policy Find a way to increase communication between Rochester
First charged Fall of 2015. and the global campuses (calendar changes, study abroad
First brought to Academic Senate Spring 2016 with D.05 scholarships, etc).
Policy Change. Ridesharing
After several revisions and partnering with Academic Passed a resolution at RIT in Fall 2015.
Senate Members the policy passed in Spring 2017. Passed as resolution through the Rochester Intercollegiate
Professors are required to submit feedback within 2 weeks of Council in Spring 2016.
coursework submissions. Andrea was on the radio three different times speaking about
importance of ridesharing to students.
Student Life Attended a ridesharing rally in downtown Rochester.
Ridesharing will begin again in July 2017!
Bike Repair Stations
Students who own bikes were looking for a way to fix them Nap Map
themselves. Officially launched the Nap Map, Spring 2017.
Student Government ordered two bike fixing stations that Have 4 official and 28 unofficial napping locations, their noise
were installed Spring 2017. level, comfort level, and number of seats loaded into the map.
Nap Map was featured in Teen Vogue and Inside Higher Ed.

8
Campus Beautification Governance Refresh
Ensure students are being equally represented.
Bring the Bells Back
The bells fell silent in Fall 2014. Ensure underrepresented groups on campus have proper
representation (as per our bylaws).
Replacement cost around $30,000.
Ensure sustainable leadership every year.
The Schmitt Foundation has generously funded the
replacement of the bells. Ensure student fees are going to student needs and services and
that we are performing our duty as an RIT Governance Group.
The first ring was on March 24th with the song America
the Beautiful. Ensure we elevate our student leaders within our governance.
PawPrints Metrics
Destler Appreciation Day
A student thank you to Dr. Destler and Dr. Johnson to 848 petitions.
their service at RIT (held on April 14th). 76,000 total sessions this year (includes desktop/mobile/return
Started with a Tiger Walk from Eastman to the SAU. users).

Many students (over 300), faculty, and staff attended. 33,000 new sessions this year (includes desktop/mobile).

Many of our MSOs held booths with Destler related games. 1.3 minutes - average time spent per session this year.

Handed out concert T-shirts and music albums from 2.5 petitions - average viewed per session this year.
Destlers concert in March. SG Elections
Incoming President and VP are current SGers.
Many of their Cabinet and Senate members are currently
Empowering You
involved in SG/MSOs.
Project SpiRIT Had over 12 non-SG members complete charges in committees.
Students won points for wearing RIT apparel and
Adding committee head positions will increase opportunity for
attending events.
leadership growth within the organization.
Gave out prizes such as flat screen TV, XBox One, Maroon
5 concert tickets, a Reserved parking pass, $500 airline
ticket voucher, etc.
In over 40 events 2,000 students participated in at least one
event, and more than 500 participating in more than two.
Project SpiRIT was shared with the RIT global campuses,
and it has expanded to RIT Dubai and RIT Croatia.

Resolutions
SG 65.01
RESOLUTION TO URGE THE PRESERVATION OF NON-EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE STUDY SPACES IN THE
WALLACE CENTER
SG 65.02
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF RE-ALLOWING RIDESHARING SERVICES IN UPSTATE NEW YORK
SG 65.03
RESOLUTION TO ENSURE THAT RIT AND RIT STUDENT GOVERNMENT ACTIVELY SUPPORT THOSE
AFFECTED BY U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMPS EXECUTIVE ORDER ON IMMIGRATION
SG 65.04
RESOLUTION FOR RIT CONFLICT-FREE PROCUREMENT POLICY

9
Student
Government
Soire Award
Winners
Representative Student Organization of the Year
ALANA Collegiate Association
Service Student Organization of the Year
WITR
Major Student Organization Advisor of the Year
Shawna Szabo
Major Student Organization President of the Year
Marc Billow
Committee of the Year
Facilities, Parking, and Transportation
Committee Member of the Year
Lisa Ni
Committee Chair of the Year
Kevin Kane
Outstanding Student Leader
These award recipients were nominated by the RIT community.
Ervina Hakaj
Jessica Alvarado
Todd Skirving
Kaleigh Sweeney
Extra Mile Awards
These Extra Mile award recipients were nominated by the RIT community.
Deb Kingsbury
Enid Cardinal
SGer of the Year
Ali Prengaman
Presidents Awards
Dr. James Watters & Joeann Humbert, in recognition of their
support for the Student Government Global Consortium
Dr. Chris Collison, for his support of the student experience through
governance and the Academic Senate
Sue Provenzano, for being one of RITs unsung, but most organized
and thoughtful leaders
Karen Barrows, for her organization and support of the Presidential
Search Committee
Sandy Johnson, for her unwavering support of Student Government
and the student experience at RIT

10
Student Government in the News

Student Government President Student Government director


Andrea Shaver of programming prepares for RIT President Bill Destler
Brick City Homecoming events Announces Retirement
Saying goodbye to RITs No. 1
and his No. 1 Humans of New York creator Uber and Lyft Seeking Drivers
coming to RITs Brick City in Rochester
Nap map at RIT helps students Weekend
find restful spots between
classes Presidential Search Committee
Membership
Carillon set to ring across
campus on Friday for first time RIT Carillion Bells Ring Again
in years
RITs next president David C.
RIT student leaders converge Munson Jr. introduced with
in Dubrovnik high hopes Introducing RITs 10th
President
RIT students: Key to success RITs global campuses unite in
includes involvement, OneSpiRIT event Saturday A Decade of Destler: Bringing
persistence out the best of RIT
Farid Barquet elected next
RITs Student Government Student Government president Teacher Evaluations: Whats
supports those affected by at RIT the Status?
immigration policy
The RIT Triumvirate

Impact of Voting in Local


Elections

International Perspectives
From an International
Community

Lyft Up Our Roads

Where to Nap? RIT Has a Map Rochester Institute of Get Your SpiRIT On!
Technology Has a Map
Dedicated to Napping Spots The Bells That Used to Ring

Carillon bells will ring at RIT David C. Munson Jr., RITs


once again new president, brings a broad
vision
Student Government Leader
Reflects on Retiring RIT
President

11
Major PawPrints
Petitions
Report by Sam Ferrigno, Director of Student Relations

Do NOT allow the library study rooms to become


graduate student only
Stop Most Library Study Rooms from Being Restricted
to PhD Students
Due to the increase in Engineering PhD candidates, early this Fall
it was determined that 18 out of 27 private study rooms in The
Wallace Center were to be converted into PhD Student Offices.
Over 1,000 students signed 2 petitions regarding this issue.
Working quickly, we drafted a resolution overnight stating that
SG does not stand for this change, and that other accommodations
must be immediately made. The Provost and his office were very
responsive, and understood the uniqueness of the spaces they had
taken away. The spaces were returned to students within 2 short
weeks with upgraded furniture and technology.
RIT, wave that Black Lives Matter flag!
Recent nationwide events sparked movements of solidarity among
out students. One of which was the awareness of civil impacts
on the ALANA community. This petition hit threshold, and was
given to one of our Representative Student Organizations (RSO),
ALANA Collegiate Association (ACA) to be worked on. Much
progress has been made, and steps are being taken to join the
many universities that have already taken this stance.
Stand in Solidarity - SG for International Students
Trumps Executive Order on Immigration passed in late January
surprised many students and faculty coming home from the
Winter Holidays. Fortunately, our 45 affected students were on
our campus safe, but one faculty member was stuck overseas. This
order left an air of uncertainty and fear over our campus. SG took
to writing a resolution of standing in solidarity with those affected
and to encourage RIT to do all they can to support and take care
of our international population.
Major Assignments Should be Graded in Timely Manner
A petition theme we see often is receiving graded coursework in
a timely manner such as this petition. Many students go to week
12, 13, 14, 15 and even finals with no feedback or grades given
for several courses. This causes stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.
Students are unable to grow positively without feedback
throughout a course. Petitions like this allowed us to work with
Academic Senate to put in a policy to address these concerns.
Have President Destler Give A Concert On Campus
Dr. Destler is a beloved member of the RIT Family, and he is
known for his musical talents as well. Before he left, a number
of students felt it necessary for him to showcase his talents in a
student-only concert. SG worked with CAB to make this happen
during FreezeFest. Concert T-shirts and CDs were given out
during this sold out event.

12
STUDENT GOVERNMENTS

Report by Farid Barquet, Director of Programming


sg.rit.edu/spiRIT

The Student Government initiative started in Fall 2016 to Sample Project SpiRIT Events:
increase attendance at campus events and promote school spirit
Chocolate on Ice
among RIT students.
Big Football Game
SpiRIT Fridays were created in which students were
encouraged to wear RIT apparel on Fridays and scan their Songs for the Journey
IDs in the SG office to get SpiRIT points for a chance to win Fowl Play Presents: Casually Mentions Girlfriend
awesome prizes.
Winter Warrior
Several clubs and organizations identified their biggest events
Womens Hockey
of each semester, and labeled them as SpiRIT Events. People
who attended these events and had their IDs scanned received Womens Basketball Championship
SpiRIT points as well. We supported clubs that registered their Intercollegiate Poetry Slam
event as a SpiRIT event by helping with online advertisement
Late Night Breakfast
for their events.
Cultural Bites
The top prizes for the Fall semester were: a 43-inch flat screen
TV, a Microsoft Surface 3, an XBox One, and two tickets for the GLBT Health Fair
Maroon 5 concert in the Blue Cross Arena. The top prizes for Malaysian Cultural Night: Citrawarna Malaysia 2017
the Spring Semester were: A 43-inch flat screen TV, a Reserved
Heel Violence
parking pass for the Fall 2017 semester, a $500 airline ticket
voucher, and a $500 Barnes and Noble gift card. Additionally, Distorter Release Party
smaller prizes (not for the top winners) were given in the Spring Period Party/Health Resource Fair
Semester. These included gift cards to different businesses, RIT
Relay for Life
apparel, pens, and stickers.
Karaoke for a Cause
Both semesters, there were over 20 registered SpiRIT events,
with more than 2,000 students participating in at least one Spring Social Latin Dance Night
event, and more than 500 participating in more than two. 25th Annual Mi Tierra
Project SpiRIT was shared with the RIT global campuses, and it STARfest
has expanded to RIT Dubai and RIT Croatia.
Into the ROC: Pick up the Parks
To begin this initiative we held a SpiRIT kickoff event where
RIT Players Presents: Noises Off
SG gave out free pens, shirts, and stickers to get people excited
about Project SpiRIT. MGC Stroll Show
Project SpiRIT continues to change and improve as time goes Raijin No Matsuri
on, and it will hopefully continue to be strong and expand the Mens Lacrosse Liberty Leage SemiFinal
number of events done, as well as, student engagement in the
coming years.

13
Events
Report by Farid Barquet, Director of Programming

Student Government Retreats


We held off campus retreats twice. Once in the fall, and once in the
spring. We had a bonding event (pool party and trip to the Strong
Museum of Play) and goal setting and team bonding sessions on
each retreat.
Dunkin with Your Delegates
Once a month, SG gave out free donuts and coffee to students
walking to and from class in the morning. This was done to allow
students to meet their representatives in Student Government.
Horton Speaker Series
The Horton Speaker series is part of Brick City Homecoming
weekend and one of SGs biggest events of the year.
This year, the speaker was Brandon Stanton, founder of Humans of
New York. Nearly 3,000 people were in attendance.
Several contests were made to allow students an opportunity to
meet Brandon Stanton. These contests included submitting a
Humans of RIT photo and story, and an essay detailing why a
student wanted to meet Brandon Stanton.
Project SpiRIT Kickoff
A big event in the SAU lobby with free shirts, stickers, and pens for
Students that came and learned more about Student Government.
Bring the Bells Back Celebration
We invited the foundation representatives who donated funds to
replace the bells for a celebration and the first ringing of the bells.
Dr. Destler Appreciation Event
With Dr. Destler, and his wife, Dr. Johnson, retiring at the end
of the year, students needed to have an event where they could
properly thank them for all that they have done for RIT.
There were student performances, Destler themed activities, and
mingling of different student groups.
The event had participation from faculty and staff as well, with
over 300 people helping us cheer Dr. Destler and Dr. Johnson on
during the Tiger Walk.
SG Participation at other Events
SG also helped support events from some of our MSOs, having a
presence by setting up a table at their events.
These events included:
NSCs Apple Fest
Mud Tug
One SpiRIT
Presidents Ball
ACAs Welcome Back Bonanza
Global Unions Halloween Blowout
CABs Big Football Game (BFG)
Res Lifes Chocolate on Ice
Accepted Student Open Houses

14
SG Budget Report
Report by Ali Prengaman, Director of Finance

*Current - as of April 2017

SG Finance Committees

Greek Finance Remark


Since its creation 3 years ago, this is the
first year Greek Finance has completely
utilized their budget. SG provided
an additional $3,000 to their starting
budget in spring semester to help with
continued requests.

15
SG Marketing
SG Marketing and Public Relations Team Managed by Emma Fleming

A selection of
our design and
social media
posts from
this year.

SG Services
SG Services Team Managed by Melissa Laskowski (Spring) and Luther Heigl (Fall)

PawPrints PawPrints RITpediaRITpedia


reached itsPawPrints
PawPrints
third year, and had consistent use. Over 200 RITpedia
A record setting year for our PawPrints system. It officially
RITpedia
RITpedia is the RIT wiki page that Student Government
continues to support. While we are not actively doing
BikeShare BikeShare
petitions were created this year alone. More on Page 12.
Sitesanything with
Sitesthis service, there is a lot of traffic!
PawPrints RITpedia
BikeShare BikeShare Sites Sites
With all ofTrees Trees
the twenty bikes in our fleet consistently checked Many clubs and organizations will host their own club
BikeShare
out, the BikeShare program has been
Trees
a huge success. We are Sites
website through SG Sites. It is a great service with a number
Trees
looking into new ways to expand and improve the program. of free wordpress templates that are easy to customize.

Trees
Our newest service was one of our biggest hits this year. OpenEvals continues to allow students to view the results
Since its creation, the Nap Map has had over 20 community from their course evaluations. In the Fall, we hit over the
added spots, and was featured in magazines like Teen Vogue. 65% threshold mark, which was huge for the system.

16
Student Government Cabinet

Andrea Shaver Amar Bhatt Ali Prengaman Ashley Kosak


President Vice President Director of Finance Director of Operations - Fall

Jeff Olivero Sam Ferrigno Emma Fleming Farid Barquet


Director of Operations - Spring Director of Student Relations Director of Public Relations Director of Programming

Luther Heigl Melissa Laskowski Jason Karol


Director of Services - Fall Director of Services - Spring Director of Clubs and
Organizations

PR Team Services Team


Graphic Designer - Shalaka Haldankar Senior Web Developers - Omar De La Hoz, Peter Zujko
Content Manager - Allison Shaw Junior Web Developers - Lukas Yelle, Chris Lemelin
Illustrator - Alyssa Minko (Fall) and Monica Nguyen-Vo (Spring) Systems Administrator - Chris Beliveau
Photographer - Cindy Roblero (Fall) and Emily Patten (Spring) QA - Max Maurin

17
Committee
Reports
Membership
Academics & Co-ops
Committee
Austin Quinlan (Chair)
Jason Stryker
Rebekah Geller
Aditi Khazanchi
Jeffrey Olivero Barnes and Nobles Contracts COMPLETED
Anton Travinsky Create a report on the rumored rule that professors are forbidden to talk about getting old versions
of textbooks, which includes details on RIT and Barnes and Nobles contracts for the matter. Look
Andrew Eberhard
into Barnes and Nobles potentially not allowing book exchanges on campus
Enri Marini
It was determined that RIT cannot exchange books on campus in exchange for money
Elli Naor
Elisabeth Vosburgh Grade Forgiveness COMPLETED
Annabella Kajtezovic Student can switch past classes to pass/fail if they were from non-major classes and negatively
Amar Bhatt affected their GPA
Sikha Kishore Jain It was determined that there is already a system in place for students who may need it and no
further work is needed from the committee
Adam Kaufman
Camille Howard
Centralized Book Exchange COMPLETED
Students wanted a centralized book exchange for students to easily and cheaply obtain textbooks
Thanks to It was determined that this already exists; its the Wallace Library Circulation Desk

Jason Stryker
Library Printing Services Management COMPLETED
Manny Contomanolis
Helped collaborate on changes to the Wallace Center printing system. The printing in the Wallace
Amar Bhatt Center has been improved with cloud printing and other services
Andrea Shaver Students are happy about the changes
Dr. Christopher Collison
Marcia Trauernicht Investigate Exam Scheduling IN PROGRESS
Registrars Office Look into the formal process for rescheduling final exams and draft a piece to put into all syllabi
Joe Loffredo We are working with the Registrars office to find if there is a formal process that is unified across
Dr. Jeremy Haefner all of the colleges

Sue Provenzano
Provosts Office
Library Expansion Support IN PROGRESS
This year, Andrea and Amar sat on the Wallace Library Renovation committee. This charge is an
Academic Senate indefinite charge that will ensure that students are always aware of updates to the Wallace Center

Require Grades on MyCourses IN PROGRESS


Student Government had an initial conversation with Academic Senate and decided that requiring
grades for MyCourses specifically was not feasible at this time. Instead, we proposed changes to
policy D.05 Grades in Spring 2015. By Fall 2016, the new policy had passed.
D.05 now requires professors to give back course feedback on all assignments within two weeks.
The next step for this charge is to investigate requiring all professors to use MyCourses and post
their grades on the system.

Adobe Free Licensing Software IN PROGRESS


After the trip with the trustees to California, we worked with the Provost and the Office of
Development to investigate the feasibility of Adobe Creative Cloud Licenses for Students
Well it is still in negotiations, we hope it will be put into place for the next academic year
19
Membership
Deaf Advocacy
Committee
Bobby Moakley (Chair)
Eric Tong
KJ Cahalane
Nikk Boutillier
Mary Karol Matchett Spoken Interpreters COMPLETED
Getting more spoken interpreters in NTID classrooms to accommodate all students
DAS has expressed that we do not have the assets or finances to accommodate all spoken
interpreting needs, so alternative approaches were taken such as FDI, and VRI is being looked into
Thanks to
This charge was brought to DASSAB (DAS Student Advisory Board) to be further discussed and
Mary Karol Matchett was closed in the DAC
Gerry Buckley
Student Life Team Monroe County Sheriff COMPLETED
NTID Student Congress Ensuring that communication between Deaf/HOH individuals and the Monroe County Sheriffs
office follow protocol
Kory Samuels
An open forum was held in the Fall of 2016 and brought large numbers of people together to
discuss how to handle any situation involving a Deaf/HOH individual and police officer
After ensuring that both students and the Sheriffs office understood correct protocol, the charge
was closed

Deaf-Friendly Businesses IN PROGRESS


Identify Deaf-Friendly businesses within the Rochester community and design an online handbook
for anyone to view
By contacting businesses and working with deaf individuals within the Rochester community, we
have been able to identify a bulk of DFB
In order to expand our list, we will be creating an open-sourced website where anyone will be able
to add a DFB that they know of

Dining & Deaf Accessibility IN PROGRESS


To create a more accessible form of ordering at dining locations on campus
Dining Services has agreed to placing order kiosks for trial runs at some of the dining locations
We are also working towards implementing ASL training for dining services employees

DeafBlind Accessibility IN PROGRESS


Making campus more accessible to DeafBlind students
A report was written regarding faults in lighting, paths, and lack of visibility across areas of campus
We have placed a focus on areas other than infrastructure, but also bringing more awareness to the
DeafBlind population on campus

20
Membership
Facilities, Parking,
and Transportation
Rachel Tassoni (Chair)
Jason Karol
Cam Kiernan
Lisa Ni
Juan Lachapelle Committee
Bryan Gascon
Austin Enriquez Nap Map COMPLETED
Sent out surveys to students to find the best napping locations and then narrowed down the list
after ruling out areas where colleges dont want to see students sleeping
Developed and sent out rating scale for napping locations for information about the noise level,
crowd activity, accessibility, and comfort
Thanks to
Worked with FMS, Public Safety and the Physical Wellness Team to compile information about
John Moore - the best way to nap, napping safely and information on how to properly care for the napping areas
Facilities Management
Check it out at naps.rit.edu
Dave Baldwin -
Parking & Transportation
Crazy Taxis COMPLETED
Chris Denninger -
Reached out to Parking and Transportation services to have them remove information about Apple
Public Safety
Taxi from their website, and responded to PawPrints petitions about taxis
Donna Rubin -
Student Wellness
Extended Gym Hours COMPLETED
Greg Livadas -
Sent out survey to collect information about when students go to the gym and when they would
University News
use the gym if it was open later and researched other universities policies
Met with Donna Rubin to discuss feasibility of opening the fitness center longer
Closed the charge because gym hours will not be extended because of lack of resources, and
when resources do become available they will go to other areas of Student Wellness such as the
counseling center

Laundry Infographic COMPLETED


Collected information about how to do laundry and information about RITs laundry facilities for
Andrea and PR team to create/update a laundry poster
Worked with Housing Operations to have them hang multiple posters in each laundry facility
across campus (dorms, Global Village, apartments)

Bike Repair Station COMPLETED


Ordered 2 stations with committee budget after confirming model with FMS
FMS installed the stations on dorm side and by the bike racks between Golisano and Orange Hall

Bus System Review IN PROGRESS


Developed survey to send to students to gather information about the overall quality of the
shuttles, what stops students use and would be interested in, seat availability, bus furnishings and
other general comments that they might have
Analyzed and compiled all of the data from the survey into categories (Stops, Bus Upgrades,
Weekend/Evening, Timeliness/Scheduling, General Comments) and developed a report to share
with the Parking and Transportation Office

Report continued on following page. 21


Facilities, Parking,
and Transportation
Committee, cont.
Streetlight Manifesto IN PROGRESS
Walked around campus to document areas that need more light and reported to FMS
Charge will be left open for committee to evaluate lighting every semester/year

Bike Racks on Campus IN PROGRESS


Walked around campus, documenting the locations of bike racks and compared to the information
given on maps.rit.edu

24 Hour Labs/Building Access IN PROGRESS


Compiled information about each colleges stance on 24/extended access to labs
Different colleges have different concerns over lab access, and it is their right to do what they want
with their buildings
Building access cant be justified for students until they have access to the labs in the buildings
Senators are advocating for their constituents to their administration

22
Membership
Housing & Dining
Committee
Emily Turner (Chair)
Marc Billow
Sierra Chimene
Sam Ferrigno
Lisa Ni Credit Card Acceptance Program COMPLETED
Spoke with Kory Samuels about accepting Discover cards on campus
Emma Fleming
New equipment for Dining Services allowed this function, and Kory was willing to enable it
Declan Behan
Food was purchased from all dining locations on campus with a Discover card to confirm this new
Cynthia Chu
feature
Charge was closed through Senate

Thanks to Gender Inclusive Housing COMPLETED


Harold Fields Ellingson 2 and Sol 7 are now gender neutral floors
Kory Samuels Charge was closed through Senate
Carla DiLella
Residence Halls Make Catalyst Chemically Correct COMPLETED
Association Reached out to Dining Services and Auxiliary Services about the possibility of changing the logo
The College of Science Senator, Cam Kiernan, worked with these two departments to draft up a
chemically correct logo
The logo has been updated at the restaurant
Charge was closed through Senate

Student Feedback Data COMPLETED


Obtained the data from a survey conducted by Dining services last year.
Closed through Senate

Tiger Bucks Expansion IN PROGRESS


Investigated the types of restaurants that accept Tiger Bucks
Created a survey to find out which locations students are aware of and which locations they would
like to be able to use Tiger Bucks at.

Gender Neutral Bathrooms IN PROGRESS


Worked with John Moore to address issues with the Gender Neutral Bathroom Map
FMS is in the process of updating it

Water Fountains on Dorm Side IN PROGRESS


Worked with John Moore to advocate for better access to drinking water in the dorms
FMS plans to install water fountains this summer

23
Membership
Student Affairs
Committee
Tony Mendoza (Chair)
Jason Karol
Daisy Itzol
Nikeral Taylor-Small
Farid Barquet Electronic Room Reservation Implementation COMPLETED
Andrea Shaver Support the development while also implementation of a complete management and room
reservation system.
Cynthia Chu
Aiming for a central location/platform in which RIT constituency can reserve a location and have a
Sam Ferrigno
single stream of contact.
Emma Fleming
Katia Hudspeth Indigenous Peoples Day COMPLETED
To empower, support and truly recognize the Native American community.
To officially recognize Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples Day.
Thanks to
Bring the Bells Back COMPLETED
RIT Financial Wellness
Look into fixing broken bell system. New bells rang in March 24, 2017!
Committee - led by Sharon
Kompalla-Porter
Weather Closure Policies COMPLETED
Student Health Center:
led by Tuara Blyth & To create a comprehensive report on current RIT Weather Closure Policy.
Sandford Mayer Apply edits on policy for confirmation on prioritizing areas of high demand by student population.
Center for Campus Life Create a more transparent and visible policy on RIT Weather Closure Policy for all students to
Study Abroad Office - attain it.
Claire Del Monte
Student Affairs - Diploma Redesign COMPLETED
Adam Platzer Provide a history behind each feature of diploma design & its importance symbolization.
Frank Pollito - Create a proper order of steps on redesigning/updating diplomas for the future Student
Rail Jams Lead Government when approaching similar goal.
Board of Trustees - Student
Affairs Sub-Committee IN PROGRESS
Student Health Center
Placing awareness and continuing to advocate for better services in the Student Health Center,
Counseling Center, and Wellness Departments.
Had several meetings and will work to continue advocating and raising awareness of student issues.

RIT Fiscal Literacy IN PROGRESS


Placing awareness and advertising support for events through Financial Wellness Committee
Find ways to increase initiatives that will help students developing financial literacy.

Short Term Study Abroad Scholarship Fund IN PROGRESS


To motivate and apply feasibility for RIT Rochester students to study at RIT Global Campuses.
Creating a short term scholarship and impact the general student population so all students have
the opportunity to take such opportunity. Currently searching for donors.

Drink Company Sponsorship IN PROGRESS


Clarification on what is considered to be a Drink Sponsorship Policy. Pushing for proper
documentation and reasoning for such policy so clubs/organizations know what is possible.

24
Membership
Sustainability
Committee
Kevin Kane (Chair)
Enid Cardinal
Kurt Ingerick
Keira Higgins
Sarah Quirk Improving Vegan/Vegetarian Options on Campus COMPLETED
Connected with RITs vegan and vegetarian communities to ask how we can improve their dining
Kennedy Fellmeth
experience.
Madison Lake
Investigated vegan and vegetarian options that are currently available.
Tanner Traughber
Currently talking with RIT Dining about how they can make the availability of vegetarian foods
Adnan Syed more publicly known.
Abby Frawley
Ashley Wynne Expand Local Food options on Campus COMPLETED
Oren Cohn Students wanted to help the local economy and environment by having more food on campus be
from local farms.
Gabriel Kramer
Headwater Foods, a local farming co-op has run a few farmers markets on campus and found much
Evan Zachary
success.
Elizabeth Stevens
Starting Spring 17, farmers markets will be weekly and ad-infinitum.
Manny Okafor
Jeremy Clink Student Composting Pilot IN PROGRESS
Running a test-case to determine if a composting program for students living on campus would
function well.
Thanks to
Connected with the Greek Organizations to have them compost out of their mansions as our test-
Dr. Dawn Carter (COS) case.
Kory Samuels (RIT Organized logistics of composting and recently began the program.
Dining)
John Moore (RIT FMS)
Expanding OZZI Takeaway Program IN PROGRESS
The Cornell Cooperative The OZZI program at Gracies was a promising reuse system, but some logistical hurdles needed to
Extension be overcome before expansion could happen.
Headwater Foods After working with Dean Engdhal in Aux. Services, we helped gather student input and practical
Kathy Hall info for the expansion
Sue Grace (RIT Wellness) OZZI will move into RITZ and Brick City in Fall 17

25
Membership
Technology
Committee
Melissa Laskowski (Chair)
Luther Heigl
Chris Tran
Juan Lachapelle
Transgender Tech Improvements COMPLETED
Working with OUTspoken on information for changing names.
Thanks to A pamphlet was created to help students navigate the various systems to change their name.
Doris Singletary-White
Kim Sowers eServices API COMPLETED
Dr. Jodi Boita There was a pawprints petition requesting an API for but it is not possible due to the private and
financial information that goes through this site.
Jessica Bowen
Sara Bayerl
Outdoor Wifi IN PROGRESS
Jeanne Casares Get Wifi outside for students.
This is expensive, so we are looking into specific areas that would benefit from outdoor wifi.

Notify Students When Professor Changes IN PROGRESS


Working with SIS or Tiger Center to get the systems to notify students when their professor
changes once they are registered in a section of a course.

MyCourses Education IN PROGRESS


Students wish professors would utilize MyCourses tools better (Cumulative Grades, Document
Uploads, etc.), but many professors do not utilize the system.
Work with Innovative Learning Institute and Teaching and Learning Services to figure out other
ways to encourage professors to use these tools.

MyCourses App IN PROGRESS


Students want to be able to have a MyCourses App.
The company that owns MyCourses is not interested in creating an app anytime soon, so we need
to advocate for improvements to the mobile site.

Cloud Printing on Campus IN PROGRESS


A long-term goal would be to have cloud printing (like recently implemented in the library) across
campus, so that students can print from their own devices.
This is a long term goal.

Pronouns MyCourses IN PROGRESS


Work with MyCourses to allow students to add their pronouns on MyCourses.

26
Senator
Reports
Tony Mendoza

CAST Senator
College of Applied Science and Technology

Advocacy Efforts
Administration Pitch: College Wide Student Survey Deans List Gifts (per department)
Develop and publish a survey for all CAST students. To find ways on applauding students work and hard ethic on
their academic achievement, encouraging students to aim for
Summarize the results/responses into a PowerPoint
continuous academic improvement.
presentation provided for each department and CAST Deans
Office. Discussed results with the Dean for a strategic plan to be GCCIS 1180 Project Lab & Hallway Remodeling
developed across the academic year. Improve locations that are in high need of updating to further
increase students academic performance. Create a comfortable
Manufacturing Day
location for all students to use for group discussions, individual
To gather clubs/organizations to meet a local Upstate NY
research, physical comfort, and tutoring spaces.
Company - GM Manufacturing Plant.
Had an alumni panel for all students to ask about the CAST Departments: Carnival Competition
opportunities under the manufacturing field - with respect To push for an annual CAST inclusive event in which all
to sponsorship, internships, jobs, research and its future students at each department under CAST are gathered together
development. in a fun and social environment. To create relationships
between CAST Administration Office and Clubs/Organizations
Engineering Week for a stronger connection between students to staff.
To place awareness on the National Engineering Week with co-
sponsoring this event among CAST, KGCOE, & GCCIS. Student Resource Brochure (CAST Labs, Software List,
Printing Services Scanning Services, Additive Manu-
To place a motion that Engineering derives from creativity and facturing)
innovation in which its inspired by clubs, STEM organizations, Create a brochure which will allow students to know the
startups and entrepreneurs. locations of all their resources across CAST. Be able to identify
24 hr Lab & Building Access what software students are able find per lab.
Identify the current hours for access on both labs & buildings. General CAST Club President/Rep Meetings (Monthly)
Meet with lab managers and tech service teams per department To create a communication pool allowing clubs/organizations
for current status of technology within the labs and potential to voice their troubles, barriers, needs and concerns.
improvement if needed. Allow an opportunity for organizations recognize each other
CAST Student Advisory Board and place support among each of them whether that means for
To empower students by gathering as a group and make an events, projects, common needs, etc...
impact to the general CAST community.
Identifying the current issues and/or needed improvements at There will be many diverse loads to handle. Even
each department. though they seem like unfamiliar giants at the
Create a central location in which students are able to have a beginning - they are not impossible to be resolved.
point of contact in voicing their concerns, needs, problems, It only requires an initiative from you, a motion that
issues, and suggestions. sees the final goal and you will see it come to life.

28
Rachel Tassoni

CHST Senator
College of Health Sciences and Technology

Advocacy Efforts
CHST Career Fair Open Forum
Mindy Blake from Career Services was onboard with the idea and Host an Open Forum event with faculty, staff and
the Dean, Dr. Ornt was in favor, but wanted definitive proof that administration so students can ask questions and relationships
students want and would benefit from a career fair will be strengthened
After collecting results from survey, faculty and staff also agreed it College Communication
was a good idea. Will hopefully implement next year! Developed Facebook Page for better communication with
students about events and opportunities to get involved
CHST Student Survey
Conducted a survey to collect information on demographics, good Utilize SG email list to keep students informed
things about the new Clinical Health Sciences Center and CHST, Free Printing
what resources/opportunities students want more of, class variety, Collected data from student survey that shows why students
what things need to be improved upon need Free Printing. Developed a document outlining why its
After administering the survey I analyzed the results and presented important for students to have free printing
to the CHST Administrative Council, who were impressed with
student feedback External Committee Involvement
CHST Club Collaboration Eisenhart Award Committee
Held a Presidents Round Table each semester so all clubs were on Student Representative from CHST for Group 1 committee
the same page with events and college updates
Reviewed candidates qualifications and documents for award
Club Presidents enjoyed the Senator updates about stuff happening
in the college and could plan events around one another Conducted classroom visits for each candidate up for the award
in anticipation for voting
Flavors of Fall Event was held in November for all CHST clubs to
talk with students and had approximately 80 attendees Parking Appeals Board
Served as one of two SG Representatives
College-wide CHST team for Relay for Life in conjunction with all
CHST clubs and students Attended meetings for the board and voted on appeal hearings

Increased Signage University Council


The vending machines in Slaughter for the new Clinical Health Served as one of the SG Representatives
Sciences Center can be difficult to find Vote on policies that will affect the entire RIT community and
Working with Kim Corbett, we installed more signage throughout student body
the new building so the vending machines are more clearly marked
and can be found easier
Student Government has been one of the best
Premedical Advising experiences of my college career. Ive met so many
Talked with students to understand current feelings towards the amazing people, been given unique opportunities,
Premedical Advising Program. Still in progress, working with and have grown so much as a person. I couldnt be
Rebecca Fletcher-Roberts happier with SG!

29
Austin Quinlan

CIAS Senator
College of Imaging Arts and Sciences

Advocacy Efforts Adobe Free Licensing


Worked with the Academics and Co-ops Committee and Aditi
Better Vending Machine Options K. to work on getting Adobe licensing available for all students
Worked with Don LaFlam to inspect vending machines around Hope to have it implemented by next academic year
CIAS. Contacted AVI to fill vending machines and discuss vending
options. Increased supply of healthier food options in the vending Events
machines around CIAS and the rest of campus
Club Fair
Mentor/Mentee Program
November 1st 2016
Reached out to department heads in CIAS to gather interest in
making a mentor/mentee program Three or four of the big CIAS clubs attended and had pamphlets
for students. I had a table for SG to advertise Pawprints, our
Created Sign-up form for future students to use to be paired
committees, and some of the work I am doing
together will put the system in place for future use before the end
of this academic year Constituency Event #1
October 14th 2016
Handicapped Door Access
Brought issue with handicapped accessibility to FMS during Tabled in CIAS to make students aware of SG services and what
construction and prioritized this issue I am working on
CIAS Club Fair Gave away hundreds of mini cupcakes.
Reached out to various art and design based clubs to hold a small Ugly Sweater Photo Booth
club fair in CIAS December 6th 2016
Held the fair to promote Student Government work Had a photobooth set up with plenty of ugly sweaters. Students
24 Hour Swipe Access for Buildings would put on a sweater and a photo of them would be shared
Worked with Michael Dear to ensure that there was indeed 24 on Facebook and the photo with the most likes would win art
hour swipe access in Booth supplies
In response to this petition Two dozen people entered; people really liked the idea!

Natural Dye Garden


Worked with Kurt Ingerick, Debbie Kingsbury, and Michael Dear
Being a part of Student Government has introduced
to plan a natural textile and dye garden for the School of American
my to some amazing people that are dedicated to
Crafts. Will begin the garden in late spring
making change. When you are surrounded by such a
vibrant and diverse group of leaders you cant help
but feel inspired!

30
Annabella Kajtezovic

COLA Senator
College of Liberal Arts

Major Projects Better reputation for COLA


This is going to be done with new signage: getting away from
COLA Career Fair the temporariness of the current banners. More recognition of
Met with Board of Trustees during the Board of Trustees Senate the COLA lounge. And lastly, much more student engagement
and voiced concerns; met with COLA Deans Office and voiced and feedback considered.
concerns. Deans Office met with Manny Contomanolis, were told
COLA career opportunities
that there will be COLA Career Fair.
Getting Career Services to understand that the COLA
The fair was a success for the first year, having 24 companies in experience regarding the Office of Career Services and Co-Ops
attendance, with over 120 students attending. was unheard of.
Furniture Renovations Inside & Outside COLA Building Not to mention that the COLA experience with the university
Used Survey results to give Deans Office information on the wide Career Fair not only was negative, but most of our
current COLA student reaction to furniture. students found it invalidating to their majors and aspirations.
Met with company in January to pick out furniture. Events
Updated Signage Outside of the COLA Building &
Within COLA Lounge (EAS - 1st Floor) The Next Step: 9/23
Series of professional workshops for COLA students; ranged
We used survey results to demonstrate that there is a lack of
from alumni panel to graduate workshop and resume building;
awareness of COLA Lounge and lack of pride in COLA because
about 40-60 people.
of signage. We submitted ideas - were told to wait because new
administration might change overall signage across the campus. Tacos for Your Thoughts: 10/25
Survey distribution and completion in exchange for tacos; about
COLA Shadowing Program
30-40 people showed up.
Currently working with the Deans Office and the COLA SAB to
establish a COLA Shadowing Program Resume Workshop: 2/17
Shadowing Program would entail students applying to shadow A workshop dedicating to teaching students the tips and tricks
local organizations/professions for 2-3 days to gauge if they would of creating a resume; about 35-45 attendees.
enjoy the environment, profession, etc. COLA Career Fair: 3/29
Career Fair dedicated to the COLA; students will be able to
Advocacy Efforts attend and get the experience of networking and potentially get
COLA Pride and Morale a job from attending.
Strived to make sure that university officials were aware that College, Connect, Career: 3/30
COLA students are not happy with their experience and addressed Networking event; alumni, faculty, and students will network
their concerns; this is going to be done with furniture renovations, with each other and create connections that will be sustainable
computer lab hard drive wipe-outs (to get rid of slowness), and even after RIT.
distribution of swag.

If I got 50 COLA signatures in 11 hours, imagine what I did in a years worth of time.

31
Cam Kiernan

COS Senator
College of Science

Advocacy Efforts
COS Community Facebook Group Increase Awareness of SG in College of Science
Purpose: To get students in the College of Science to have a place Purpose: Make sure that students in the college know and
where they can come together and share information. understand the role of Student Government
Worked with Mila Le, the College of Science social media Talking to students in a variety of clubs within College of
coordinator, to create a COS community Facebook page for Science to make sure they are aware of Student Government and
students and clubs to post events. how Student Government can help them.
Added students and clubs to the page to give them a platform to Connecting with students and faculty in the college and
promote events and interact. speaking about the things SG is doing.
Women in Science Student Ambassadors (WISe SA) Event: College of Science Food for Your Thought
Purpose: To give women in science a platform where their Purpose: Get feedback from College of Science students on the
voice will be heard and an area in the college where they can be college and suggestions on what they want to see in the future
supported. Gave out food and drinks in exchange for students filling out a
WISe SA gives autonomy to students in the community to create feedback form
events and bring awareness to issues that are important to them. Had about 50 students in attendance
First meeting was held on Wednesday, March 29th at 3:00pm. Event: WISe Student Ambassador Womens Panel
This group will work closely with WISe to support their outreach (Will occur late April)
efforts and volunteer for events as well as creating a space for Purpose: To give students a chance to talk to the women
discussion on gender issues within the science community. professors and learn about their struggles and successes and well
as giving them a chance to network.
Women in Science (WISe)
Purpose: Work with WISe in their major projects and help in any WISe SA will be putting on the event to get students involved
way they need. and legitimize the group.
Met with College of Science Women in Science to learn about their This will hopefully serve an underrepresented part of the
goals, plans, and objectives as well as how COS students can work community in College of Science
with them.
Joined WISe Executive Board to give student representation and
work to promote events among students.
College of Science Student Advisory Board (COSSAB)
Purpose: Work with COSSAB to help give representation from Student Government has helped me see the role of
Student Government and give support as needed. students at RIT and understanding that if you are
Attend weekly meetings and help promote events. determined and persevere you can really make a
change for the better.
Give advice and help with identifying resources and giving
assistance.

32
Bobby Moakley

Cross-Registered
Senator
Advocacy Efforts
Cross-Registered Rebranding Department of Access Services
Distributed T-shirts and Stickers with a brand new Cross- Had Bi-Weekly meetings with Rico Peterson (Head of DAS)
Registered logo (funding from DAS) and painted a XREG mural in and worked with him to reinitiate and chair the DAS Student
the dorm tunnels Advisory Board (DASSAB)
Held events and advertised the importance of having a XREG Assisted DAS in redesigning MyAccess website and videos
community on social media and in person
Worked on various efforts to make students more aware of how
Cross-Registered Student Advisory Board they can self advocate and avoid unnecessary problems with DAS
Re-initiated the XSAB (XREG Student Advisory Board) which was (Making requests ahead of time, tabling in public spaces, making
a group of students willing to help with efforts in bringing more new instructional videos, etc...)
awareness to the XREG community
Dodgeball and Ice cream Event
The space for the XSAB was located in the RADSCC center with Had an event where XREG students came together to play
support from the employees there dodgeball and socialize at Ben & Jerrys where we got Ice cream.
Tutoring for XREG students Event was a success with ~20 students showing up and having
Concerns arose about the availability of tutoring for XREG lots of fun
students, so I talked with Gerry Buckley and Mary Karol Matchett XREG Fun in the Sun Event
to gauge current tutoring services, which seemed to be sufficient Towards the end of the semester on the Greek Lawn where
for all students. The main problem is that not all students are students will be able to come and socialize with fun activities
aware of the wide variety of services offered (NTID tutoring, RIT including slacklining, tie-dye, corn roasting, and more
tutoring, Supplementary Instructors, Learning Assistants, etc... )
NSC/NSA
Connecting with RSD and BOCES I also served as a representative for XREG students in NSC
Working with the Rochester School for the Deaf and the Board (NTID Student Congress) and NSA (NTID Student Assembly) to
of Cooperative Educational Services to initiate a mentorship/ voice concerns to the NTID community
leadership program for the DHH+ youth of Rochester
This year was a time of tension and stress for the NTID
Worked with NTID Student Life Team, Astrid Jones, and Sarah community as they had several issues with administration, so I
Gordon to gather logistics and gear interest within the community supported them in several areas
The monthly events consist of leadership and advocacy workshops
led by RIT/NTID students followed by a fun activity
Over the past year, I have seen the RIT/NTID
RIT Climate Action Plan community become more and more aware of the
Participated in the Climate Action Plan working groups, led Cross-Registered Community. This has enabled us
by Enid Cardinal, where I worked with RIT faculty, staff, and to empower the entire community and have more
administration to redesign the RIT CAP for the next 10 years to
of a presence on campus. I am absolutely thrilled
better accommodate our needs to reach carbon neutrality by 2030
to see what our coming senators do to advance our
communitys impact in the future.

33
Emily Turner

Freshman Senator

Advocacy Efforts
Water Fountains Dorm Side United Way Involvement
Investigated the water quality on the floors of every residence
hall (in kitchenettes and bathrooms). Coin Drive
Involved in Student Committee and attended weekly meetings
Spoke with John Moore, the head of Facilities Management, on
the possibility of water fountain installation Created advertisements for a United Way charity coin drive
Advocated for an FMS summer project to install water fountains Volunteered during the drive to help collect money
on the first floor of every dorm (John says this should actually be Helped organize the sign up process for the event
happening!)
Campaign Kickoff Breakfast
Stress-Free Coloring Spoke at the United Way Breakfast with other Student
Event hosted in Grace Watson Hall Government members to inform donors of student efforts on
Featured coloring pages and finger painting for all RIT students campus to contribute to United Way.
Around 20 students participated and I received lots of positive The purpose of getting involved with United Way was to help
feedback contribute to the RIT and greater Rochester community.
Orientation Changes It was a success! United Way has raised over $11,000 through
Met with Sarah Pavia to discuss potential changes to be made to various school-wide events
orientation
Will continue working with her next fall to ensure changes
were made

Honestly half of the fight in life is just showing up. I


Pawprints Petitions Responded to promise you that things get about ten times easier if
RIT Residents allowed to park on campus youre just present. Every second you spend around
people is a second spent learning new things.
Ice-Machines in Dorms

34
Chris Tran

GCCIS Senator
Golisano College of Computing and
Information Sciences

Advocacy Efforts
24 Hour/Extended GCCIS Lab Availability GCCIS Department Town Hall
Polled GCCIS students on lab usage and preferred dedicated 24 Worked to set up a framework for holding town halls between
hour lab per department. students and their respective departments.
Met with the entire Deans Leadership team to present an Determined that a college-wide town hall was impractical
updated report on 24 hour labs and the data gathered from the because many issues would probably be directed towards the
students. departments anyway which would defeat the purpose of the
college-wide town hall.
We were able to get the leaderships concerns and opened
additional communication channels with Registrars office and Fall Halloween Costume Contest EVENT
ITS to address their concerns to implementation. October 29-31st (depending on the weekend), 10A-12P
Talking to Joe Loffredo for custom card-swipe authorization ~25 participants that showed up excited to be participating
feeds from the Registrar. Held the 2nd annual costume contest during Halloween in the
GCCIS Student Advisory Committee fall.
Meets every third Wednesday of the month, times vary due to Held to build morale during a stressful point in the semester
committee member schedules and awards different amounts of prizes (currently 25/50/75$
Re-established line of communication between students and Amazon gift cards)
dean leadership. Spring Hack Day/Mini-Imagine RIT Event
Advisory committee members initially opened to Club leaders This event is designed for current and accepted students to see
and associate dean. what GCCIS clubs have to offer by giving them hands-on demos
Used to address issues within the dean and department and experiences of what its like being a member of those clubs.
leadership and issues with the students. Helped connect clubs Designed to build interest in interdisciplinary clubs to alleviate
with Deans Office for support and extra resources. students staying within their majors all 4 years.
This is a great way for clubs to get to know other leadership
teams so that they are encouraged to work together and
intermingle their member base.
Attempted to get all club heads or delegates to attend, but was
pretty unsuccessful. Consistent attendees were RC3, SPARSA,
and WiC.

35
Anton Travinsky

Graduate Senator

Advocacy Efforts
Health Insurance for RIT students Graduate Council
Wanted to: Attended weekly meetings
Cancel the Student Health Center (SHC) fee for students Worked with program and College directors on expanding
GSAC by nominating Grad students to participate
Expand the SHC working hours
Add the possibility of dental insurance for students Grad Student Happy Hour
Continued monthly off-campus meetings with the SPIE/OSA
Add the possibility of vision insurance for students student chapter
Achieved: Meeting with other grad students and discuss the grad student
The SHC team is negotiating with AETNA for better terms and life in an unofficial setting is very useful
the addition of dental/vision insurance
Graduate Student Advisory Committee (GSAC)
Wanted to:
Have a group of Grad students to represent the RIT Grad
Student population in all academical and other on-campus
affairs (GSAC)
Work with the Dean of Graduate Education
Recruit new GSAC members

36
Juan Lachapelle

Greek Senator

Advocacy Efforts
Goals RIT Alcohol Policy
Keep the position stabilized and figure out top objectives for Worked a developing an alcohol policy for university events
future Greek Senators with the help with a university wide committee
Identify top issues in the community and start initiatives to fix Greek Finance Committee
them Revised bylaws to help align with other finance committees and
streamline the process
Failures
With our over programming, more events will not solve our Implemented new form from its old clunky state
problems, best to focus on conversation and initiatives. Further advertised the committee to Greeks to obtain diverse
Due to the large amount of graduations in our community, it requests.
was a lot younger than usual making it harder to connect to OFSL and Council Assistance
many members. Helped out in large Greek events such as IMPACT and New
Deaf Greek Advocacy Member Institute as a presenter/general duties
Held deaf Greek roundtables to discuss issues concerning deaf/
hard of hearing Greeks and what can be done to help
Assisted in hosting Deaf Deaf World that looks into the daily I probably wont ever be as busy as I was this
hardships of deaf individuals entire year. Im going to take a nap and take more
Discussed issues in Greek Presidents Roundtable dance lessons.

37
Enri Marini

KGCOE Senator
Kate Gleason College of Engineering

Advocacy Efforts
KGCOE Community Facebook Group Engineering Week
Prior to this year, there was no official and central social media In an effort to help celebrate and bring the spirit of National
platform for the college of engineering that was actively used by Engineers Week to RIT, faculty and staff from the career
students/staff/faculty services office, College of Applied Science & Technology
(CAST) and KGCOE worked to host a week long series of
The aim of creating the KGCOE Community Facebook group
events centered around engineering!
was to offer students a way to communicate and get to better
know their college of engineering peers to promote a proactive These events included food trucks, student demos of senior
approach to getting engaged with the college of engineering design projects, club/organization day where various clubs/
organizations from KGCOE and CAST displayed prior and
Through this platform, the hope is to encourage future
current works, and entrepreneurial & leadership panels
senators an easy method of reaching out to their peers as
well as increasing socialization between the KGCOE clubs/ This event is hosted during the time that high schools have
organizations to the rest of the KGCOE body their spring break week long vacation and is geared to attract
an audience consisting of internal and external to RIT!
KGCOE Townhall Discussion
Due to the large and diverse student population in the college of Erdle Commons Renovations
engineering, it is often easy for students to feel that their voice The first floor of KGCOE was renovated and converted to
and feedback isnt being heard, especially when students wish to become a more comfortable study space, with the addition of
express their thoughts to administration easily movable chairs, tables, and charging stations.
The goal of the KGCOE Townhall Discussions is to be a Part of this renovation included losing the tutoring center
minimum of once-a-semester occurring event in where students space that was converted into a computer lab for the computer
can get acquainted with the KGCOE administrative staff, which engineering department. As a result, this tutoring space had to
includes the dean, associate dean, undergraduate/graduate be relocated into another area.
programs coordinators, and the like The new designated tutoring area has now become fitted into
The unique thing about this townhall discussion is that only the study space in Erdle Commons. With the addition of so
students are allowed to attend, as the goal is to establish a safe many tables and chairs, cubicles were also added to offer a quiet
and welcoming environment where students will not feel spot in the first floor for students and tutors to be able to work
threatened by faculty monopolizing the time and questioning together. The space in Erdle is often contested for by other
departments and I had the responsibility of making sure that
KGCOE Competition Vehicle Team Collaboration
this space stay prioritized to student use first before all else.
Most of the competition vehicle teams at RIT make use of the
same resources and lab space and their projects often fall within
similar deadlines. Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not
In an effort to introduce and familiarize the leadership of the be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall
competition vehicle teams, a collaborative meeting is held once a find a way around or through it. If nothing within you
semester to get members acquainted stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves.

38
Mercedes Olson

NTID Senator
National Technical Institute for the Deaf

Advocacy Efforts
Ensure Accessibility Expansion to All of NTID Community Outreach
Met with Dr. Buckley, Student Life Team, and Mary Karol to Worked closely with NSC and NSA to discuss student needs and
discuss issues within NTID. Many of these meetings brought hold community building events such as Iceball, World as One,
out positive change, such as a Deans Town Hall every month to Colorfest, Tigerfest, and Applefest.
hear students concerns.
Attended and help host a number of community events such as
Chairing the English Resolution committee with Jennifer Grav- Convocation, Pulse Happy Hour, and NTID Barbecue to honor
itz to ensure fairness in the English program for incoming stu- NTID student achievements.
dents. We also discussed alternative resources to help students.
Hosted Deaf International open forum with DISA to educate ISS
Worked with International Student Services to ensure the needs and Global Union on issues in the community.
of Deaf International students were being met.
Sustainable Leadership
Worked with RIT FMS to put emergency phone number Developed a number of Video Blogs (vlog) to explain Student
signage in elevators to give Deaf/Deaf+ students comfort in Government services, leadership, and events. Most popular
knowing they could call for help. was the PawPrints vlog to help NTID students use PawPrints.
Assisted SG and NSC/NSA in the Spring 2017 election process.

In my freshman year, I knew nothing about the NTID and other communities until I joined Student
Government during my second year. I learned a lot more than I expected! I am absolutely thrilled to see what
our Senators do to advance our communitys impact on the future. Also, I am looking forward to seeing the
NTID community thrive in future!

39
Liz Biz Vosburgh

SCB Senator
Saunders College of Business

Project/Goals Worked on in 2016-2017 Saunders Speaker Series


Thursday, March 23, 2017 from 5pm-8pm
Collaboration and Communication within clubs Currently working with the Alumni Advisory Board to plan
Started a Facebook page for all updates and events in Saunders talks that will give students the chance to network with alumni
and Student Government and learn about todays most relevant business topics. Hoping to
Created a Google Calendar with each clubs events so two do this four times per each school year
different events werent held at the same time/date This particular talk is called, Linkedin Revamp: Creating
Held Advisory Board meetings each month with the Events a powerful profile. We are offering free headshots in the
and Promotion Manager and the president of each club. Helped beginning, two featured speakers, and networking at the end
plan events, was informed of volunteer opportunities, and got
feedback and help from the clubs in Saunders
Advocacy Efforts:
Improved Facilities within Saunders Increase Networking with Alumni
Worked with the head of facilities management to make Purpose: Saunders has such a great relationship with alumni
improvements to the water fountain on the first floor who work at a diverse group of companies. My goal as senator
was to hold more events where students could have a chance to
Changes are going to be made this summer and students will be
network with alumni and form their own relationships
able to easily fill their water bottles
So far, it has been a success planning with the student clubs
Get Feedback for Courses in Saunders and Alumni Advisory Board. One thing Ive learned is to always
Started a survey to see what students thought about classes in be flexible and make sure to give yourself enough time to plan
Saunders big events like these. Lastly, use the resources that you have in
Worked with faculty to hear about the course and what possible Saunders, everyone is happy to help
changes could be made
Collaboration and Communication with Clubs
More Networking Opportunities with Alumni Purpose: I wanted to increase collaboration between clubs,
Wanted students to work with Alumni more since we have such encourage each other to go to events, and make sure events
a good network werent going to happen at the same time
Collaborated with the Alumni Advisory Board in Saunders to Ive worked with the presidents of each club and met with them
hold events where students could network more with alumni about once a month to have Advisory Board meetings
Events held in Saunders:
Meet & Greet in Saunders lobby Being in Student Government and Saunders
Friday, December 9th, 12pm-2pm Senator has been an amazing experience. Thank
Ordered 200 insomnia cookies and spent the afternoon meeting you to everyone that has helped me out and
and speaking with my constituents supported me this year. Ive not only grown as
a leader, but also as a person. It has been really
Students loved the cookies and it was really nice to meet
inspiring to be with a group of people who are so
students I have never met and hear what they want
involved and care about RIT so much.

40
Elli Naor

SOIS Senator
School of Individualized Studies

Advocacy Efforts
Build a Community within the SOIS Student Body Create Open Forum Opportunities
Became an influential member of the SOIS Council which planned Held a number of events to gather feedback from the SOIS
many successful community building events. community such as the Pizza for your Thoughts event.

Worked closely with student leaders from other colleges to Held a Paint-a-Mug event to bring together the SOIS
expand our reach to our constituents who were apart of the SOIS community to talk about issues and problems, while also getting
community. One event that came from this was a Halloween creative by decorating ceramic mugs.
Movie Night which was planned in conjunction with the COLA
and Cross-Registered Senators. Establish Consistency within the SOIS Senator
Position
Bring a Global Perspective to SOIS Ensured that the first SG election for a SOIS Senator was held in
Met with the Study Abroad Office about how to market study Spring 2017.
abroad opportunities to SOIS students. Through these efforts several students were interested in
Reached out to RIT Kosovo to discuss their majority SOIS advocating for the SOIS community.
population and how to integrate our students more.

It was nice to see the growth that SOIS has had in the last year. From the time we changed from CMS to SOIS,
people now know what SOIS is, incoming freshmen are coming to RIT to be a part of SOIS, and very slowly we
are growing as a community. I am proud to be part of that growth in any small way that I was.

41
Cynthia Chu

Womens Senator

Advocacy Efforts Events


Establish Center For Women And Gender Student Love And Solidarity Rally
Advisory Board November 14
Revived and chaired the Center for Women and Gender
Organized an event to promote love and solidarity for
Advisory Board to empower, advocate for, and educate the
marginalized groups. CLCE, Muslim Student Association, Title
community.
IX, Active Minds tabled outside SAU with resources.
Collaborated with representatives for events, connected
Members of the community spoke on a stage and then we held a
students to volunteer opportunities regarding gender equality,
solidarity walk around campus
advocated for student needs
Ugly Sweater Photo Booth
Worked on a resource guide for sexual assault survivors and
December 6
friends
Engaged with the CIAS community by giving away art supplies
Communication and Centralization of Information
to the people who got the most likes on their ugly sweater photo
Created Facebook page and Facebook group for the Student
Advisory Board to keep students updated on events, meeting Collaborated with Austin Quinlan, the CIAS senator
minutes, and projects. Galentines Day
Compiled all volunteer opportunities regarding gender February 15
equality in a Sign Up Genius form. Created to celebrate friendship and Parks and Recreation
Created Period Party manual so the event can continue and Generally very successful. People love the cards and enjoy
grow the future having the opportunity to sit down, meet new people, grab
Resource Guide for Sexual Assault Survivors and brunch, and just write in cards.
Friends Period Party/Health Resource Fair
Created a concise and comprehensive guide so students know April 6
what to do and who to talk to if they want to report sexual
assault, receive support, or both. Event that educates students on health resources and reduces
the stigma around periods. We give away free period products.
Compiled list of actions and support resources for friends of Different health resources table in the Fireside Lounge with us.
sexual assault survivors
High attendance rate and engagement. Very positive responses!
Intersectionality and Collaboration
Collaborated with ALANA Collegiate Association and hosted
a Mental Health Monday discussion for Womens History
Month Courage doesnt always roar. Sometimes courage is
Worked on creating an NTID Womens Group the little voice at the end of the day that says Ill try
again tomorrow. -Mary Anne Radmacher
Tabled at OUTspokens Queer Fest to promote advocacy
efforts and resources from Student Government

42
MSO
Reports
Reports compiled by Jason Karol, Director of Clubs and Organizations
ALANA Collegiate Association

ACA

Goals for the ALANA Collegiate Advocacy


Association and Status Post-Election Community Address
Increase the efficacy of the executive board - MET Monthly meetings with Vice President/Associate Provost for
Diversity & Inclusion. Directly connecting student concerns
To build and maintain academic excellence and student
with appropriate administration
leadership in the ALANA Community - SOMEWHAT MET
President Tempest Sampson served on the Expanded
To build and maintain commUNITY among ALANA students,
Presidential Search Group
ALANA-interest clubs and organizations - MET
Black Lives Matter @ RIT (still in progress)

Important events and initiatives Presidents Statement


I am very pleased with what ACA was able to accomplished this
Signature Events year. The three things I am most proud of are the success of
Welcome Back Bonanza the Welcome Back Bonanza, the reception of our Community
ALANA Week (I am ALANA Campaign) Address, and the start of our Mental Health Mondays initiative.
I am hoping to end the year with the implementation of Black
New Initiative Lives Matter programming on campus and a smooth transition
Mental Health Mondays to the new administration. In the future I hope ACA continues
Revamped Initiatives to work hard to improve the ALANA student experience by
United Leadership Council Meetings continuing to provide relevant programming, reinforcement of
community ties and unapologetic advocacy.
Welcome Back Bonanza
September 11, 2017 (2PM - 6PM) - Tempest Sampson, President (2016-17)
Acclimated new ALANA students with ALANA clubs and
organizations and the ALANA community
Marketed ACA as the foundation for the ALANA community

44
College Activities Board

CAB

Signature Event Dance-A-Thon ~October


Our first fundraising event in over ten years
Picking one event that we have done so far this year is very
Pushed our boundaries with a different type of planning and
difficult due to the fact that we hold over a 100 a year. If one was
learned a lot
needed to be picked than the Fall Concert would be our biggest
event that was new/brought back due to popular demand by Students wanted more fulfilling events on campus as well as
our students. This event, we worked extremely hard on because more dance parties so catered to both.
we knew what it meant to our students and tried to make as Ski Trip ~ January
many happy possible. We did have to do a nice amount of re- First ever weekend long trip
allocating budgets and do extensive work over the summer but
we got everything to work out and finally brought back our Fall Our first trip in a different state
Concert! Senior Night ~ April
Besides bringing back a well sought after event, the fall concert, Increased attendance, giveaways and added more entertainment
we also pushed all of our event planning boundaries. Some for our seniors.
examples are a dance-a-thon, a ski trip, and so on. Another huge Added a casino which CAB successfully got approved last year.
project we are currently working on is about to roll out which is
an entire new structure for CAB that will focus more on creating A Note from the Director
bigger experiences for our students. CABs biggest goal this past year was to push ourselves in our
events. We want to create those college experiences that will last
you your whole life. To make events that you feel comfortable
Other events and initiatives going to, have a great time at and hopefully making some new
friends. This past year is full of new, fresh events that our
CAB Restructuring
campus hasnt seen or its been a while and will continue on
Complete CAB restructuring in progress and soon to be rolled into the future with our new structure. My hopes for next year
out. Divisions will change, positions, co-sponsorships and are that our restructuring that we have been working on for
methods of operating. our students, work and create even bigger, more experienced
Events filled events for our students. This will also include our goals of
We have done well over 100 events, one festival as of right now becoming more eco-friendly by re-doing our marketing tactics
(FreezeFest), Orientation and Brick City Homecoming events as well as creating a method for students to be able to voice their
with SpringFest soon to follow with Senior Week. concerns and/or tell us their ideas.

45
On-Campus Apartment Association

OCASA

Signature Event Global Union MSO Blowout Collaboration


We partnered with Global Union to bring our constituency a
Every year OCASA annually held a soon before Thanksgiving fun balloon popping game as a way to giveaway swag and to get
dinner. This year we decided to hold it on the Thursday before our name out amongst the campus.
Thanksgiving. This way we thought to catch the most of our
We had a lot of students come to our event, so much that there
constituency before they left for break. This was the first event
was a line out the door!
that our entire eBoard planned and overall it was a success! Our
constituency being from all around RIT, we figured that emailing We used this event as a way to promote our new leadership and
them through our various networks, the RAs, open door Facebook page. We had hoped that in the future we would use
newsletters, and RIT Message Center, would be best and we got this platform as a way of connecting to our constituents and
a turn out way bigger than we had expected. We had a scanned letting them know when our OCASA Orders would take place.
attendance of 158. Overall between the happy faces of our
constituents and their full bellies made this event a huge success!
A Note from the President
Other events and initiatives
This year was a year of rebuilding and attempting to set up
OCASA Orders a new groundwork for the future. With a new advisor and a
Monthly event where we went to different Apartment complexes completely new eBoard, we set out to establish a new MSO and
and did some of food giveaway. learn how we can help our constituency. We wanted to establish
For example, for January we gave away hot coffee, cider and a monthly recurring event or some sort of flagship event that
donuts in the global village quad right before 8am classes on would be recognizable and be meaningful to our constituency.
a Friday, then in February we gave away candy the day after We found that event in OCASA Orders. Going to all of the
Valentines day. different apartment complexes helped us learn our audience
and helped us learn how we could help them. It seemed that
The purpose of this event was to make our way to try to meet our they mostly wanted to find more ways to be engaged from their
constituency across all of the apartments and bring them quality apartments. Some of them being far away from campus made
service. it hard for them to engage with the rest of campus. We did
Position Descriptions this by hosting quality events. These events were most notably
A lot of our time on our own was spent looking over and revising collaborating with Global Union for the Halloween blowout,
the position descriptions for the different OCASA positions. our balloon popping swag giveaway event was a huge success,
and our Thanksgiving dinner. We had a lot of changes come our
We all took the descriptions of years past and wanted to update
way in the spring semester, but we hope to send off the OCASA
them with what we were currently doing and have them more
name with a celebratory BBQ at the end of the year.
succinct and readable for future members.
Now that we are transitioning into RHA we will have to find out
how our effort can be translated into that organization and how
they can represent our constituency.

46
Residence Hall Association

RHA

Signature Event Take a Pad, Leave a Pad


Providing feminine hygiene products in female and unisex
Our Spring MSO carnival is our largest event of the year. It bathrooms around the residential side of campus.
involves collaboration with many RSOs as well as MSOs. The
The initial roll out was successful and we received a lot of good
goal is to show the students in the residence halls the other
feedback.
organizations which are out there to support them in becoming
happy, healthy, and successful. We are beginning the process of collecting usage information.

Other events and initiatives


A Note from the President
Monthly Awareness Events
Advertise current initiatives and spread awareness of the RHA. This year has been a very large step forward for the Residence
Each month we set up by the Sundial or in the lobbies of the Halls Association. I set a goal very early on to work alongside
residence hall towers and give way free food to connect with our Student Government and become more involved with student
constituency. submitted petitions. Throughout the year we have worked
with Housing and Dining Committee to achieve this goal.
Condom Initiative We have investigated and/or tackled issues like access to
Educate our constituency about the necessity of safe sex along free contraceptives, upperclassmen meal plans, and dorm
with providing contraceptives to aid in this effort. security. Going forward I am hoping to strengthen our bond
This program has been received very well and we have already with the Center for Residence Life as well as Housing. These
seen a large amount of use. relationships have been invaluable for achieving as much as we
have, but going forward I aim to better align our programming
Hockey Ticket Exchange
and advocacy.
The RHA provided free hockey tickets to every RIT Mens
Hockey home game in exchange for a nonperishable food item.
With 17 regular season games and an average of around 90
tickets per game, we donated over 1,500 items to the RIT
FoodShare.

47
Student Athlete Advisory Committee

SAAC

Signature Event Student Athlete Week


Held in the middle of April, this is a week where our student
Our biggest event of the year, National Girls and Women in athletes focus on giving back to the community and getting
Sports Day (NGWSD), was held on February 3rd, 2017. We closer as a constituency. This year, we will be visiting the
invited several elementary and middle schools from Rochester to Champion Academy for at-risk Rochester kids, making cards
come to campus and interact with our student athletes. Then, we and posters in appreciation of our athletic trainers, and holding
attended that nights Womens Basketball game with the girls. Its an athletics dodgeball tournament.
always a packed crowd and loads of fun for the girls. This event is
great as it showcases our student athletes as well as gives back to Community Service
the Rochester community. Held throughout the year, we work with several community
organizations to allow our athletes to give back. This year, we
Other events and initiatives have raked leaves for senior citizens in Irondequoit, volunteered
at the Special Olympics basketball tournament at Brockport, and
New Athlete Orientation
we will be visiting the Champion Academy in Rochester.
Held in September, 2016, this event focuses on welcoming our
new athletes (freshmen and transfers) to campus, getting them
oriented to our facilities, and providing a fun environment for A Note from the President
them to make friends and connections with other student athletes
This year has been one of the best for SAAC in terms of
RIT Athletics Talent Show community service, athletic community involvement, and
Held March 26th, 2017, the talent show gives our athletes an campus outreach. We have worked alongside RIT Dining to
opportunity to showcase their non-athletic talent to their peers. improve the dining experience for student athletes. By the end
This is a great way to bring athletic teams closer together and of the year, we will have held 4 separate community service
instill a sense of community within athletics. events. We have implemented Tiger Tag, which encourages
Tiger Dens our teams to get out and support their fellow athletes outside of
Held throughout the year, Tiger Dens are our best avenue Tiger Dens. SAAC is greatly looking forward to expanding our
to showcase each athletic team to all of campus. Each team is campus awareness and improving the student athlete experience
entitled to one Tiger Den event per season, where we work with in the future.
Campus Life to advertise the game and get as many students as
possible to attend.

48
Appendices
ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY - STUDENT GOVERNMENT SENATE

SG 65.01

RESOLUTION to URGE THE PRESERVATION OF NON-EXCLUSIVE


PRIVATE STUDY SPACES IN THE WALLACE CENTER

This resolution is an official response from RIT Student Government regarding the issue of private
study spaces in the non-exclusive library study spaces being converted into offices for PhD students.
While Student Government supports the RIT Strategic Plan with respect to graduate enrollment,
taking away unique and frequently utilized graduate and undergraduate study spaces introduces
barriers to students academic success.

Version 1.0

Introduced by: Andrea Shaver (SG President) and Amar Bhatt (SG Vice President)

First Reading: 23 September 2016

WHEREAS, The Wallace Center serves as an non-exclusive study space to accommodate all
students equally, and

WHEREAS, 18 private study rooms and 14 computer workstations in The Wallace Center have
been converted into Ph.D student offices, and

WHEREAS, the 18 private study rooms converted into offices were rooms that were primarily
utilized for individual (1-2 students) academic purposes, and

WHEREAS, The Wallace Center is currently able to house 6.6 percent of the student population at
any given point in time, which is below the recommendation of the Association of College &
Research Libraries. Their recommendation is that, with 50 percent of the full-time equivalent

SG 65.01 1

50
ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY - STUDENT GOVERNMENT SENATE

student body living on campus, the library should seat 20 percent of the total student population[1].
Removal of the individual study rooms will further restrict this capacity, and

WHEREAS, only 10 rooms that are designed for small group (4-6 students) work remain
unconverted, and

WHEREAS, there are about 52,000 reservations per academic year for The Wallace Centers
individual study rooms, amounting to 5-10 reservations per study room per day, and

WHEREAS, Students use these private study rooms for quiet work time, safe study space, test
preparation, phone interviews, and one-on-one meetings, and

WHEREAS, these private study rooms are safe and monitored by RIT staff, and

WHEREAS, other private areas on campus outside of The Wallace Center currently do not exist to
replace the need caused by the loss of these study rooms, and

WHEREAS, there was little forewarning nor messaging to inform RITs student body of the
change, and

WHEREAS, Student Government was not involved in conversations surrounding the decision to
convert these study spaces into offices, and

WHEREAS, RIT students have posted PawPrints petitions regarding the subject. The petition with
the most signatures is Do NOT allow the library study rooms to become graduate student only
signed by 807 students as of September 23, 2016, and

WHEREAS, another petition was posted called Stop Most Library Study Rooms from Being
Restricted to PhD Students and that petition has 259 signatures as of September 23, 2016, and

WHEREAS, these temporary Ph.D offices are instated for an undetermined amount of time, and

WHEREAS, this decision negatively impacts students at all degree levels, and

WHEREAS, research shows that, There should be a variety of silent spaces to meet different needs
for different degree of quietness. At the deep end of silent spaces are places of solitude with no
distraction from noise and interference. A typical implementation is the single study room[2], and

SG 65.01 2

51
ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY - STUDENT GOVERNMENT SENATE

WHEREAS, research also shows that Silence is not just the absence of noise but also of distraction
and unwanted stimuli. The value of silence in any learning activity is the minimization of unwanted
stimuli so that full attention can be directed on the main task at hand[2].

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: RIT Student Government does not support the
conversion of private study rooms, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: RIT Student Government will advocate for an


non-exclusive library that has no individual office spaces, aside from the library staff, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: RIT Student Government calls for alternative, safe,
accessible study rooms to be created to replace those taken away, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: RIT Student Government advocates for RIT


Administration to establish standards used to evaluate our current library with benchmarks from
other Doctoral University libraries, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: RIT Student Government advocates for RIT


Administration to explore alternate locations for permanent Ph.D offices, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: RIT Student Government will not support the further
depletion of The Wallace Center resources, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: RIT Student Government will continue to advocate for a
much-needed renovation and expansion of The Wallace Center, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: RIT Student Government is committed to communicating


our position on this issue to the student body; the staff, faculty and administration of the RIT
community, including the Provosts Office, RIT Board of Trustees, President Destler, Student
Affairs, and The Wallace Center.

________________________________ ________________________________
Andrea Shaver, SG President Amar Bhatt, SG Vice President

This resolution was adopted on September 23, 2016, at Student Government Senate

[1] Philip D. Leighton, David C. Weber, (1999) "Planning Academic and Research Library Buildings", American Library Association, pp.115-117
[2] Fatt Cheong Choy, Su Nee Goh, (2016) "A framework for planning academic library spaces", Library Management, Vol. 37 Iss: 1/2, pp.13 - 28

SG 65.01 3

52
ROCHESTERINSTITUTEOFTECHNOLOGY-STUDENTGOVERNMENTSENATE

SG65.02

RESOLUTIONINSUPPORTOFRE-ALLOWING
RIDESHARINGSERVICESINUPSTATENEWYORK

A Resolution that requests that New York State pass legislation to re-allow ride-sharing services to
operate within Rochester in order to fulfill the transportation needs of RIT students on-campus as
wellasothersinthecommunity.

Version1.0

Introducedby:AndreaShaver,StudentGovernmentPresident

FirstReading:9December2016

RESOLUTION- To address theissueoftransportationoff-campusforstudentsandthestate'scurrent


injunctiontosuspendservicesforride-sharingservices,

WHEREAS many other requests from students for alternate bus routes and shuttle stops
showsaneedforalternatetransportationmethodstogettocampus,

WHEREAS many requests for additional shuttle or bus routes are not feasible for Rochester
TransitSystem,orRochesterInstituteofTechnologyscurrentshuttlesystem,

WHEREAS students have submitted several PawPrints petitions on the subject of


unreliability from most taxi companies currently serving RIT and the need for more
transportationoptionsoff-campus,


SG65.02 1

53
ROCHESTERINSTITUTEOFTECHNOLOGY-STUDENTGOVERNMENTSENATE

WHEREASthecar-sharingcompanyLyfthaditsRochesterandBuffalooperationssuspended
on 1 August 2014 until an agreement could be reached on meeting New York State
regulations,

WHEREAS New York State is currently looking into adjusting the regulations on
transportation network companies such as Lyft and Uber to re-allow these ride-sharing
businessestooperateinNewYorkState,

WHEREAS Student Government recognizes that there are many benefits to ride-sharing
servicesoperatingwithinthecity,especiallyforcollegestudents

WHEREAS car-sharing services will allow students to participate more within the citys
economybyexpandingtheirreachoffcampusandtowardslocalbusinesses,

WHEREAS issues pertaining to drinking and driving on collegecampusescanbecurtailedby


car-sharingserviceswhichprovideeasyandcheaperalternativestogethome,

THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED that the Rochester Institute of Technology Student


Government urges the NewYorkStateLegislatureandGovernortosupportthere-allowance
of ride-sharing services in New York State due to the large benefit these services provide for
theRochestercommunity.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that the Rochester Institute of Technology Student


Government will send this resolution to all relevant parties, including but not limited toRIT
Administration, RIT Government and Community Relations, Mayor Lovely Warren,
Rochester City Council, the New York State Governors Office, and all RochesterLegislators
intheNewYorkStateAssemblyandNewYorkStateSenate.

________________________________
AndreaShaver,SG President

ThisresolutionwasadoptedonDecember8,2016,atStudentGovernmentSenate

SG65.02 2

54
ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY - STUDENT GOVERNMENT SENATE

SG 65.03

RESOLUTION TO ENSURE THAT RIT AND RIT STUDENT GOVERNMENT


ACTIVELY SUPPORT THOSE AFFECTED BY U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD
TRUMPS EXECUTIVE ORDER ON IMMIGRATION

This resolution is an official response from RIT Student Government regarding the issue of U.S.
President Donald Trumps recent executive order to ban entry to the United States from 7
countries, which include, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, Syria, and Somalia. RIT currently has 45
students from the aforementioned countries, and we urge RIT to actively support those students
and other members of the RIT community affected, as well as oppose the executive order within
their jurisdiction.

Version 1.0

Introduced by: Andrea Shaver (SG President) and Amar Bhatt (SG Vice President)

First Reading: 3 February 2017

WHEREAS, on January 27th, 2017 U.S. President Donald Trump signed the Executive Order
Protecting The Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry To The United States1 which bans nationals from 7
countries (Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, Syria, Somalia) from entering the United States for 90
days, and

WHEREAS, this order affects students and visitors from the aforementioned countries, and

1
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2017/01/29/protecting-nation-foreign-terrorist-entry-united-states

SG 65.03 1

55
ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY - STUDENT GOVERNMENT SENATE

WHEREAS, this order states that the banning of additional countries may take place after a 60 day
review in accordance with foreign government participation or by recommendation from the U.S.
Secretary of State or U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, and

WHEREAS, RIT currently has 45 students enrolled, 9 faculty, and some staff employed from the
aforementioned countries on the New York campus, and

WHEREAS, 1 faculty member is still unable to return to the U.S., and

WHEREAS, RIT President Bill Destler has stated, RIT, will do everything within its legal powers
to support our community and keep our members safe, on January 28th, 2017, and

WHEREAS, RIT is committed to foster an environment that promotes education, research and
international collaboration, and

WHEREAS, on February 1st, 2017 RIT President Bill Destler signed a letter authored by The
American Council on Education (ACE) that expresses U.S. Higher Education Institutions concerns
about the Executive Order, and

WHEREAS, RIT has issued a statement to discourage international students from the
aforementioned countries from traveling outside of the U.S. for at least 90 days, and

WHEREAS, the 90 day ban adversely affects travel for specific international students, families and
relatives visiting U.S. for graduation or going home in cases of family emergencies.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: RIT Student Government does not support the Executive
Order to ban nationals from foreign nations, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: RIT Student Government will advocate for RIT to exercise
any legal and political authority within their means to push back against this policy, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: RIT Student Government calls for additional support to
ensure those students who are affected by the Executive Order continue to have a positive student
life, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: RIT Student Government supports all affected members of
the RIT community, and

SG 65.03 2

56
ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY - STUDENT GOVERNMENT SENATE

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: RIT Student Government will work with International
Student Services to make sure that all affected members of the RIT community are educated on
their rights and ways that they may be affected, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: This resolution is not politically motivated and is instead an
affirmation of the values of RIT and our support for members of the RIT community affected by
this policy and does not represent the political position of the Student Government, RIT, or the
student body as a whole, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: RIT Student Government will join and support others in
higher education who oppose the order, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: RIT Student Government is committed to communicating


our position on this issue to the student body, the staff, faculty, and administration of the RIT
community, including the RIT Board of Trustees, President Bill Destler, Student Affairs,
International Student Services, Rochester City Mayors Office, NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, U.S.
Members of Senate and Congress.

________________________________ ________________________________
Andrea Shaver, SG President Amar Bhatt, SG Vice President

This resolution was adopted on February 3rd, 2017, at Student Government Senate

SG 65.03 3

57

SG65.04

RESOLUTIONFORRITCONFLICT-FREEPROCUREMENTPOLICY

A Resolution that requests that Rochester Institute of Technology conduct responsible purchasing,
and that products containing materials covered undertheDodd-Frankactshouldnotbepurchasedin
thefuture.

Version1.0

Introducedby:RITConflict-FreeCampusInitiativeandSGSustainabilityCommittee

FirstReading:7April2017

WHEREAS, Rochester Institute of Technologys mission statement emphasizes the importance of


incorporating a global mindset throughout the institution, stating: Through a unique blend of
curricular, experiential, and research programs delivered within a student-centric culture,Rochester
InstituteofTechnologypreparesitsstudentsforsuccessfulcareersinaglobalsociety;and

WHEREAS, Rochester Institute of Technology values innovation and flexibilitythat could make
thedepartment,college,ordivisionanevenbetterorganization;and

WHEREAS, the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Congo) has been the source of
ongoingviolencefordecades,particularlyheightenedsincetheRwandangenocide;and

WHEREAS, the International Rescue Committee has foundmorethan5.4millioncivilianshavedied


and many more remain at risk as a consequence of attacks conducted by armed groups in eastern
Congo;and

WHEREAS, the illegal exploitation of four minerals in particular - tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold
(3TG)hasfundedarmedviolenceintheeasternCongo;and

58
WHEREAS, conflict minerals have fueled and continue to help sustain armed groups in Congo that
operate with little accountability for perpetrating economic crimes, war crimes, and crimes against
humanityincludingsexualviolenceandtherecruitmentofchildsoldiers;and

WHEREAS, legislation signed into law Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and
Consumer Protection Act of 2010 requires that companies publicly traded in the U.S. submit an
annual report to the Securities and Exchange Commission disclosing whether their productscontain
gold, tin, tantalum, or tungsten from Congo oranadjoiningcountryandwhatstepstheyaretakingto
determinewhetherthosematerialsaresupportingarmedgroups;and

WHEREAS, Rochester Institute of Technology seeks to gain transparency inthesupplychainsofthe


equipmentitpurchases;and

WHEREAS, Rochester Institute of Technology supports the establishment of an international


certification system for minerals coming from central Africa to ensure they are not contributing to
conflict;and

WHEREAS, Rochester Institute of Technologydesirestodobusinesswithelectronicscompaniesand


other industries that are taking the necessary steps to source conflict-free minerals from Congo and
arecontributingtolivelihoodprojectsforCongoleseminingcommunities;and

WHEREAS, Rochester Institute of Technology procures a significant amount of equipment from


companieswhichlikelycontainconflictmineralsfromCongointheirsupplychains;and

WHEREAS, a situation may arise in the future where Rochester Institute of Technology'sprocuring
ofaproductmayindirectlyordirectlyaidperpetratorsofconflictsorinhumanrightsviolations,and

WHEREAS, Rochester Institute of Technology, through its procurement capacity, can leverage the
useofconsumerpressureformarketchange.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Rochester Institute of Technology will take into account
whether electronics products contain conflict minerals in future purchasing decisions and, when
available, will favor companies that are working to source or have sourced verifiably conflict-free
mineralsfromeasternCongofortheirproducts;and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Rochester Institute of Technology will request documentation


from the manufacturers regarding their policies and practices related to the conflict minerals
originating from Congo, including, for publicly traded companies, their Securities and Exchange
Commission report associated with Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and
ConsumerProtectionActof2010;and

59
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Rochester Institute of Technology will use the information
gathered from the conflict minerals documentation and other public sources to support purchasing
conflict-freeproductscontainingmineralsfromCongo;and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Rochester Institute of Technology should end the purchase or
discontinue the purchase of similarly produced materials in favor of materials that are responsibly
produced in the future situations where profits are funding perpetrators or contributing to human
rightsviolations;and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Rochester Institute of Technology will make this policy publicly
availableonline;and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the procurement department and administration of Rochester


Institute of Technologycallonelectronicscompaniesandotherindustriestoimplementthenecessary
stepstoremoveconflictmineralsfromtheirsupplychain.

________________________________
AndreaShaver,SGPresident

________________________________
NtekerezeEnock,Student,RITConflict-FreeCampusInitiative

________________________________
KevinKane,SGSustainabilityCommitteeHead

ThisresolutionwasadoptedonApril7,2017,atStudentGovernmentSenate

60
BroadeningRITsGlobalMind
RITisauniqueplayerinGlobalEducation,withcampusesaroundtheworldinRochester,Dubai,Dubrovnik,
Zagreb,Kosovo,andWeihai.

Thisopensthedoorforourstudentsaroundtheworldto
- Immersethemselvesintoanever-growingglobalworld
- Developadvancedcommunicationskills
- Workondiverseteams
- Staywellaheadoftheirpeersatotherinstitutions
- Experiencenewcultures

RITsStudentGovernmentunderstandsthebenefitsofstudyingabroadandwantstoopenthedoorsformore
studentstoexperienceaglobaleducation.WithclosecommunicationwithourStudentGovernmentpartners
inourothercampuses,wewanttocontinuethetrendtowardscollaboration,knowledge,anddiversitywithall
ofourRITstudentbody(19,000andgrowing!).

StudentGovernmentStudyAbroadScholarships
Wewouldliketoprovide2studyabroadscholarshipstoRochesterstudentstogotoourGlobalCampuses.

1. StudentGovernmentStudyAbroadStudentScholarship($1,000-$2,500)
Availableforallfull-timestudentsattheRochester,NYRITcampus.Usedtotohelpcovercostof
travel,books,andtuition.
2. StudentGovernmentStudyAbroadDeaf/HoHScholarship($1,000-$2,500)
Availableforallfull-timeDeaf/HoHstudentsenrolledattheRochester,NYRITcampus.Usedtohelp
covercostoftravel,books,andtuition.AllowsopportunitiesforourDeaf/HoHstudentstoreceivea
globaleducationwhilestillreceivingRITservices.Thisalsogivesabroaderperspectivetoourglobal
campusstudentsondeafcultureandcommunication.

Weneedyourhelp!
Wewouldliketoprovidethesescholarshipseachyeartoencouragestudyabroadopportunities.Toensurethis,
weneedtoraise$50,000dollarstobegintheendowmentofthisstudyabroadfund.

HelppartnerwithustomaketheseopportunitiesarealityforourRITstudents.Weencourageyoutoreachout
toustobecomeapartnerinthisprogramandguideuswithyourwealthofinformationandfunding.Please
contactSGPresident,AndreaShaver(sgpres@rit.edu)ifinterested.

61


TranscriptFeeProposal
ThisletterisinresponsetotheproposedelectronictranscriptfeethatwillbeassessedstartingJune1st,2017.
WhileStudentGovernmentisinsupportofasecure,electronicprocessfortranscriptretrievalandprocessing,
wehavemanyconcernsoverthepricingmodel.

WhatWeKnow
RITselectedParchment,atranscriptprocessingapplication,about1yearagotomeetthedemandforonline
anddigitaltranscriptprocessing.RITwasbehindinthis,andmuchofthetranscriptprocessingwasdone
manually,inoftenunsecureways.

ParchmentallowsRITto:
- Makeandsendelectronic,securedtranscriptstocolleges,employers,andotherrequestors
- Reduceprocessingforpapertranscripts(1-2days)andelectronictranscripts(30minutes)
- Tracktranscriptrequests
- Allowalumniandcurrentstudentstorequesttranscriptsthroughthesameservice

Withtheseaddedconveniencesafeestructurewasalsointroducedtohelpoffsetthesecosts(Parchment
transcriptfee,manuallabor,etc).
- ElectronicTranscripts-$6pertranscript
- PaperTranscripts-$10pertranscript
- UnofficialTranscripts(Electronic)-Free

Itisdifficulttoestimatethenumberoftranscriptsrequestedbyourstudentsduetothecurrentpaperprocess.
Onaverage,ourstudentsrequest4-6officialtranscriptsovertheirtimeatRIT,withsomerequesting0and
somerequestingmuchmore(informationobtainedfromRegistrar).

OurConcerns
Thefeeassessedpertranscripthascauseduncertainty,concern,anddistastefrommanystudents.Weviewthe
currentmodelasafinancialburden.Studentsrequireofficialtranscriptsforanumberofreasons,andthese
costscanadduppreventingstudentsfromseekingoutopportunities.

Full-TimeJobs,Co-ops,Internships
OutofRITs9maincolleges,4(KGCOE,GCCIS,CAST,SCB)requireco-opstocompletetheirdegree
requirements.Thisconsistsofatotalof65programsrequiringco-opsforbothundergraduateandgraduate
students.Formanyoftheseprogramsstudentsmustcompletemorethanoneco-opblock.TheOfficeofCareer

StudentGovernment-TranscriptFeeProposal1
Authoredby:AndreaShaver(President)&AmarBhatt(Vice-President) 62


ServicesandCooperativeEducationrecommendsthat80-100applicationsbesentoutforco-opandfull-time
positions.Theyalsoestimatethatabout33%ofjobsrequiretranscripts,andjobsinEngineering,Government,
andSciencearemoreapttorequiretranscriptstoproveenrollment,GPA,coursestaken,etc.Manyofthesecan
beunofficialtranscripts(informationfromtheTheOfficeofCareerServicesandCooperativeEducation)
Thiswouldresultinstudentsneedingtospendaround$90(90applicationsx33%requiretranscriptsx50%
requireofficialtranscriptsx$6)persemesteronapplicationsaloneintheextremecasethatofficialtranscripts
arerequiredforatleast15oftheirapplications.Thisamountsto$180peryear,$720-$900duringtheir
durationhereatRIT.

GraduateSchoolApplicationsandLicensing
AswegrowintoournewclassificationofaDoctoralResearchUniversity,manystudentsareseeking
opportunitiesinhighereducationpost-graduation.Thisrequiresentranceexamsandapplicationswhichcan
beexpensive:

MCAT[1]-$275
MCATPreparationCourse[1]-$1,200
InitialAMCASApplication[1]-$160
MedicalSchoolApplication[1](20-25applications)-$36perapplication
Secondary/SupplementaryApplication[1]-$100
LetterService[1]-$125
TravelCoststoattendinterviews[1]-$2,500

LSAT[2]-$160
LawSchoolAdmissionsCounseling[2]-$1200
LawSchoolApplicationfee[2]-$40-$100
LSACCredentialAssemblyService(CAS)[2]-$155(basefeeforCAS)+$12perschoolyouapply

GMAT[3]-$250
ScoreReport[3]-$28perschool
MBAApplicationfee[3]-$250-$280
TravelCosts[3]-$1,000

Graduateschooladmissions[4]-$125

LicensingExamscouldbeanywherefrom$50to$1000.Licensingexamsaffectseveralstudentsincluding
engineers(FEexam),medicalstudents,andtechnologists.

Theseapplicationsoftenrequireofficialtranscriptstobesent.Whichcouldcostastudentbetween$120-$150
(informationverifiedwithTheOfficeofCareerServicesandCooperativeEducation).

StudentGovernment-TranscriptFeeProposal2
Authoredby:AndreaShaver(President)&AmarBhatt(Vice-President) 63


Scholarships
Manystudentscholarshipswillrequireanofficialtranscripttobesenttoensurethecredibilityofthe
scholarshiprecipient.Merit-basedscholarshipsoftenrequirethis.Thefeeontranscriptswouldcauseaburden
onstudentsapplyingtoscholarshipstorelievefinancialpressure,thusresultinginstudentsnotpursuingthe
opportunitytoapplyforthesescholarships.

Proposal
Whilewerecognizethatfreetranscriptprocessingisnotfeasiblewithoutraisingallstudentstuition/fees,we
donotfinditjusttochargestudentstoobtaintheirowninformationwhichwouldassisttheminpursuinga
varietyofopportunities.Wehaveoutlinedafewfeestructuresthatmaybemorefavorabletostudents,without
causingahugefinancialburdenontheUniversity.Webelievesomecombinationofthesestructureswouldbe
reasonable.
OurrecommendationsareinBOLD

FeeStructure1:
One-timeflatrateduringyourinitialenrollmentintoRIT.

Example1:
ElectronicTranscripts-$15for5($3each),$6eachafterfirst5
PrintTranscripts-$15for3($5each),$10eachafterfirst3

Total:$30uponenrollment,transcriptallotmentwillincluderequestsasalumni

Example2:
Transcripts(electronicorprint)-$15for5($3each),$4foreachelectronicand$6foreachprint
afterfirst5

Total:$15uponenrollment,transcriptallotmentwillincluderequestsasalumni

FeeStructure2:
Offerfreetranscriptsbeforefeesapply.

Example1:
ElectronicTranscripts-5free,then$6pertranscript
PrintTranscripts-3free,then$10pertranscript

StudentGovernment-TranscriptFeeProposal3
Authoredby:AndreaShaver(President)&AmarBhatt(Vice-President) 64

Example2:
ElectronicTranscripts-2freeayear,then$6pertranscript
PrintTranscripts-1freeayear,then$10pertranscript

FeeStructure3:
ReduceallfeestowhatischargedbyParchment:

ElectronicTranscripts-$3.25pertranscript
PrintTranscripts-$3.25+$0.75(processing)pertranscript

Education
Webelieveitimportantthatpartnershipsformwithvariousdepartmentsoncampustoeducatestudentson
whattypeofdocumentationisneeded.Formany,anunofficialtranscriptismorethanenough,butmaynotbe
explicitlystated.Byprovidingeducationonwhattypeoftranscripttorequest,wemaybeabletohelpstudents
financially.

Endorsedon04/28/17by:
AndreaShaver,SGPresident
AmarBhatt,SGVice-President
StudentGovernmentSenate

References:

1
https://career.berkeley.edu/Medical/AppCost
2
https://lawschoolinteractive.com/the-cost-of-applying-to-law-school-2/
3
https://www.topmba.com/blog/how-much-does-applying-mba-cost
4
http://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/apply/

StudentGovernment-TranscriptFeeProposal4
Authoredby:AndreaShaver(President)&AmarBhatt(Vice-President) 65

LETTEROFSUPPORTFORDEPARTMENTOFACCESSSERVICES

May16,2017

GerryBuckleyandErwinSmith,

TheDepartmentofAccessServiceshasbeenworkingtirelesslytodevelopanewwebsite,
whichcanbefoundathttps://myaccess.rit.edu/myaccess5/.Thenewwebsiteisalreadyliveand
functional.However,ithasyettoofficiallyreplacethecurrentwebsite,https://myaccess.rit.edu/2/.
Whilethenewwebsiteisfullyfunctional,therearemanybugsandmissingcomponentsthatmakesit
inferiortothecurrentsite.ThesebugsandareasofimprovementhavebeenidentifiedbyDASstaff,
studentrepresentativesontheDASStudentAdvisoryBoard,membersofNTIDStudentCongress,
andvarioustesterswithinthecommunity.Thependingfeaturesforthewebsiteinclude:
easieraccesstonotes
improveddesign/colorchanges
simplifiedfunctionality
Mobilecompatibility
Thesefeaturescanbeperceivedaslowpriorityconsideringthewebsiteisalreadyfunctioningwith
suchalargesystemofassigningaccessservicesallovercampus.However,thesesmallfeaturesand
developmentswerethewholereasonbehindredesigningthewebsite.
Sleeknewdesignandchangesincoloraregearedtowardstwomajorgoals:accessibilityto
blind/deafblindstudentsandeaseoffunctionalityforallusers.Afterupdatingthedesignandlayoutof
MyAccess,wehavereceivedoverwhelminglypositivefeedbackonhowmucheasierthenewsiteisto
understandandnavigate.Oneissuethatisseenveryoftenisstudentsgettingfrustratedwith
MyAccessandgivinguponrequestinginterpretersforanevent,hinderingtheiraccesstoany
situation.
Otherimprovementstothesiteinclude:easilyaccessiblecontactinformationfor
coordinators,simpleandclearlyvisiblecancelbuttons,andmobilecompatibility.Therearemany
moreupdates,butthesethreearecrucialtomovingtowardsthesolutionofamajorissueoncampus:
thelackofaccessservices.Inreality,thereisnotalackofaccessservices.Inthefallof2016,68,890
hoursofinterpretingwereassignedthroughoutcampus.8.6%,or5,954,ofthesehourswentunused.
5,954hoursofassignedinterpretingwenttowasteduetostudentsnotshowingup,cancelling

66
requestslastminute,orsimplynotcancellingtheirrequests.Bymakingcoordinatorseasytoreach,
requestsmucheasiertocancel,andintroducingmobilecompatibility,wehopetoseenearly6,000
hoursofinterpretingbetterutilizedthroughincreasedengagementwithMyAccess.
ItisunderstoodthatDAShasalreadymademanyrequestsbasedonstudentrecommendations
toNTIDTechnology&InformationServicesforimprovementsanddevelopments.Itisalso
understoodthatNTIDTIShasalonglistofrequeststhatareprioritized.OnbehalfoftheRIT/NTID
studentbody,StudentGovernmentstronglyencouragesNTIDandTIStoprioritizethedevelopment
ofthenewMyAccesswebsite.ItisalsorecommendedthatDASandTISworktogethertoestablisha
documentofrequirementsfortheproject.Webelievethatthenewwebsitewilllessentheburdenof
manyunderlyingissuesassociatedwithaccessibilityacrosscampus.
Insummary,weemphasizetheimportanceofcompletingMyAccessdevelopmentstostudents
andstronglysupportDASinbeingahighpriorityforTISuntilcompleted.

________________________________ ________________________________
AndreaShaver BobbyMoakley
SGPresident Cross-RegisteredSenator
SGVicePresident-Elect

67
2016-2017

Global
Consortium
Dubrovnik, Croatia

68
Attendees
Croatia Rochester Dubai
Don Hudspeth (Dean & President) Andrea Shaver Kareem Hassan
Robert Moakley Kelly Gosa (Advisor)
Dubrovnik
Dave Bagley (Advisor)
Niko Katsuic
Dr. James Watters (Senior
Toni Paskojevic Kosovo
Vice President for Finance &
Andrea Kecic Administration) Lavon Bajrami (Advisor)
Luka Dragicevic Joeann Humbert (Associate Director, Andi Haxiu
Belma Sokolovic Organizational Development) Jona Jaha
Christina Petrovic (Advisor) Stacey Derooy (Title IX Coordinator)
Zagreb Erika Duthiers (Assistant Vice
President and Chief Compliance &
Lorena Rosean Ethics Officer)
Matea Cvijanovic
Yahya Bushara Abdalla Abdelrahem
Sven Kovacevic
Armend Aliu
Maja Obadic (Advisor)

69
Summary of Progress Since
Global Consortium 2015-2016
Completed Didnt Happen
Global Committee meets weekly to set and work on goals Meetings
starting at the beginning of the year, leading into the Meeting with old and new SG members at the end of the
consortium. These weekly meetings really helped us prepare year to help transfer information
and gear up for in-person conversations at the Consortium
Leadership Meetings - 2 reps from each campus to talk
Recommendation: Global Committee should meet at about PawPrints, elections.
least bi-weekly in Fall and Spring Semesters to ensure
Campus Collaboration meetings - (meetings for event
that we are communicating & continuing conversations.
planning, PR brainstorming, athletics, etc.)
Connect Global Campuses to resources like MSOs, Clubs,
Exploring the possibility of webinars or on-campus
etc. as fit
representatives to communicate study abroad details
Develop specific consortium recommendations for the
Lessons Learned: We had a very ambitious number of
following year.
meetings which we wished to hold. We found it was easier
Support SG Sites for clubs, SGs, and athletics as needed at to coordinate, and a better use of everyones time to just
each campus hold one meeting, and only call special meetings if needed.

In Progress Services
Partnerships Implement PawPrints at applicable campuses
Discover more about the worldwide campus partnerships, Implement Rate My Landlord at each campus as applicable
and figure out how our Student Governments can support Investigate unified bike sharing system
eachother. Investigate OpenEvals/SmartEvals implementation at each
Become collaborative partners on global campus event campus
initiatives (e.g. One SpiRIT) Document global campuses and partnerships in RITPedia
Lessons Learned: SG Rochester Services team is spread
Services thin trying to support their SG and some services for the
Google Drive for all campuses other campuses. Many of the services that SG Rochester
offers do not make sense at the other campuses.
Implement SG Rebrand on all campuses and figure out
a way to share marketing materials for events, elections,
business cards, PawPrints, etc. between campuses
Create a social media strategy for SG Global - Instagram,
Snapchat, hashtags, etc.
Have members of the deaf community available to help the
global campuses understand deaf culture as study abroad
programs grow to include more Deaf students
Student Affairs Committee looking into study abroad
opportunities/scholarships for RIT Rochester students

70
2016-2017 Main Takeaways
from the Global Consortium

Increase Global Interaction Between Students


During the whirlwind of the Global Consortium, you really realize how valuable global interactions are for students.
As one global RIT campus, we would like to encourage ALL RIT students (not just student leaders) to become better
global citizens. Some of our potential efforts include encouraging students to utilize the Global Scholarship Program
and finding study abroad scholarships for those that need financial assistance. It also includes programming efforts like
holding more cross-campus collaborative events such as One SpiRIT to engage all global students with each other.

Increasing Communication Between SG Global Campuses


During discussions, it is evident that many of the campuses feel that they would like more communication. This
is communication with Rochester, the administration, their respective student bodies, and other RIT Student
Governments. We decided to modify the structure of our Global Committee to have a larger focus on how we can
collaborate rather than just being a meeting to update each other on what is happening on our respective campuses.
We are also working on enforcing documentation of all Global Committee work in order to have easy access to
updates as well as to smooth out any possible transition issues.

Create Inclusive Environments Globally


The final main focus of the global consortium was establishing inclusive environments for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
students across the globe. As RIT/NTID students have been studying abroad at our global campuses more frequently,
we want to ensure that all students have equal access to the full experience. In order to accommodate all students, we
have been working on several potential solutions such as and promoting online classes as well as implementing ASL
classes at the global campuses. We are also looking into creating an NTID study abroad scholarship to allow financially
challenged Deaf/HOH students to be able to afford such an unique experience. We value the impact that study abroad
can have, and we look forward to bringing these opportunities to the entire student body.

71
Rochester Campus Takeaways

Offering Support to the Global Campuses

As Rochester is the original and largest RIT campus, we have far more resources and opportunities. Our goal is to
ensure that all RIT global campuses have the resources necessary to develop as they wish.
In order to accomplish this goal, we must:
Facilitate discussion between campuses and administration
Administrations at the global campuses have not always communicated important details between
each other and the students. We aim to resolve this by making sure that administration understands
the importance of informing ALL RIT students about any significant changes such as the the recent
schedule shift
Provide materials to aid Global Student Governments in expanding-especially as an advocacy based
organization
The global SGs function very differently as the needs of the student body vary from location to
location. We want to support all SGs in becoming a more advocacy based organization at any scale
they want. This includes providing and assisting other SGs with the following resources
PawPrints
Project SpiRIT
SG Sites
Emails
Transition Documentation and Google Drive
And more

72
Kosovo Campus Takeaways
Improve SG Promotion Strategy
SG Website
The SG website can be the best promoting tool of our goals and activities thus it is important to focus on improving it.
Seeing different promotion strategies used by other campuses encouraged us to work more on our webpage in order be more
transparent and try to reach a broader public. The SG website can also be used as a measure of effectiveness of our activities
and their outreach.
Promote Inclusive Environments
Focusing on Deaf and Hard of Hearing community by promoting the Deaf and ALS Handbooks (provided by our main
campus) can be a valuable addition to the SG website and the SGs marketing strategy. In addition, a presentation of the
activities and community engagement of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in RIT Rochester would be beneficial in
promoting inclusive environments in our campuses.
In order to accomplish this goal, we must:
Provide easy navigation through the website
- Consult the IT Office and ask for their assistance
Clear presentation of the goals and the team members of the Student Government body
Constant updates of our activities including pictures and short description of the activities
Add new activities and call for action events in regards to the promotion of inclusive environments
Promotion of Global Campuses - Study Abroad Opportunities and Scholarships
To be able to study in one of RITs global campuses is an advantageous opportunity and a privilege to RIT Kosovo students.
Unfortunately, as we have seen from the discussions in the consortium this opportunity has not received the adequate
promotion. It is now our goal to work on the promotion of the study abroad opportunities by offering attractive information
for each of our campuses, including their academic and extracurricular activities. In the consortium we were also presented
with the Study Abroad Scholarships that with the appropriate presentation can become an incentive for the students to look
for exchange programs to one of the global campuses.
In order to accomplish this goal, we must:
Discuss with the student advisors to improve the informative sessions for Study Abroad Opportunities
and Scholarships
Add the academic and extracurricular activities that students could follow in global campuses in the
informative sessions
Promote Study Abroad Opportunities and Scholarships in the SG website
(Potentially) Trying to add international co-op opportunities through alumni and associations in the info sessions

73
Croatia Campus Takeaways
Zagreb Dubrovnik
SpiRIT points SG rebrand, RIT SpiRIT, better communication
Implement SpiRIT points to increase the student engagement between faculty and Sg members!!!
on events We need to rebrand our SG because with this act our visibility
Getting students to attend various SG events has been an among students will be better and more productive!
ongoing struggle throughout the years. This way we hope After rebranding our SG with small things as name tags,
to change that by showing the students some extra benefit SG uniforms, VP suit, badges and SG stickers our students
from attending can get better picture about us that are trying to make RIT
List objectives that need to be accomplished in order to college better place for all students! We dont have such
achieve the goal a things in Dubrovnik and people dont take us serious!
We have SG members developing a strategy on how we Maybe with creating awareness and entire picture we can
distribute points, and what the prizes might be do more things for our community! Also we demand more
interaction between SG and faculty, Dean! We want to be
We should talk to SG advisor, and Dean for support
engaged and educated so that we can provide students with
Decide on how we are most efficiently going to keep track reliable informations. Also we want more contact between
of each student individual points Dubrovnik and Zagreb SG by flying two members of SG VP
Funding for the prizes should be our biggest issue and SG member of the month to visit other campus every
This should all be ready to go in motion at the beginning of month! And our plan is work on new ideas that can improve
the next academic year our RIT Community!

SG rebranding List objectives that need to be accomplished in order to


achieve the goal
Get the students more aware of the SG as a brand
We created our Dubrovnik SG logo, we presented our idea to
This is very important since we dont have anything to
our SG mentor!
increase the SG presence both in our students minds as
well as in physical form Dean and Dave so that we can design our uniforms and
necessary equipment
List objectives that need to be accomplished in order to
achieve the goal Collect info about uniforms, badges, name tags Engage
faculty to take us little bit serious as SG community!
We have an SG logo ready, and have decorated the office
to be more inviting Maybe funds can be a problem but we would like to cover half
of the expense with our money from memorabilia sale!
The SG advisors and the Dean
These things should be done by the end of the semester so
Order badges, stickers and other swag with SG brand
that we can prepare everything before new students arrive to
Find a way to fund this RIT Croatia!
This could be done even during this academic year; depending
on the amount of money we receive through various
fundraisers
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Dubai Campus Takeaways
SG Dubai Website Reimplementation of PawPrints
Increase marketing of SG and have a platform for students Dubai
to stay up to date with recent Student government activities Create an online platform where students can present their
After meeting with the other campuses, it became evident concerns as petitions for the community to sign if they
that we were all struggling to get students to be more active approve.
for SG activities and understand more about what we do Although the idea was implemented last year, it did not
in departments outside of events (student senate, careers succeed in reaching to students effectively. The plan this
etc). Rochesters SG helped us understand more about the time is introduce it online and then open a petition for
importance of the website since they always keep all online the ASL immersion. If we get enough students to sign
SG platforms up to date. Also we would like to connect the petition and management agrees to providing the
students to events happening on other campuses using the immersion then this would show our students that there
website. is power in this method and would inspire them to use the
platform for any concerns they have.
Project SpiRIT
This project was an idea developed by Rochesters SG with
the purpose of pushing students to become more active and Global sports interactions
we hope to implement soon in Dubai.
Start working on slowly developing a major activity
One of SG Dubais primary goals this year was to push where each campus sports teams take part in a regional
students to become active in areas that have been slightly tournament with each other.
neglected such as clubs. With our understanding of RIT
RIT Dubai has recently begun to make more facilities
Dubais students, we believe that this would get students
available to our athletics team and we are slowly becoming
to be more excited about events, forming of clubs or
more competitive in tournaments around Dubai. If all
other ideas (radio station), workshop opportunities, RIT
campuses could shift partial focus on sports then maybe
representation outside of university etc
we can eventually create teams in each campus that can
compete with each other in a regional tournament once
Creating inclusive environments every 2 or 3 years. This idea would take time to implement
but progress can start from now nonetheless. This would
Providing an ASL immersion to our students in RIT Dubai increase interaction of all campuses and would be a very
In the past, RIT Dubai has received a few deaf students interesting event for students and staff to meet one another.
as study abroads from the US and unfortunately, the Before we accomplish that major goal, we can instead try
community here isnt fully aware on how to handle the to make students more aware of the accomplishments
situation. We believe that an ASL immersion would help happening in other campuses in terms of sport
introduce many students to the language therefore creating
a community in which the deaf student can communicate
freely and even befriend easily.
If RIT Dubai offers an ASL immersion, we would then be
the first university in the UAE to do so. this would improve
the university standard and it would also invite many hard
of hearing from neighbouring countries to our university.
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In Conclusion
Global Committee
The global committee is meeting bi-weekly. Including advisors in conversations as needed.
Meetings consist of:
Short campus updates
Action Items Tracker and Goal related updates
Themed conversations
PawPrints
Project SpiRIT
Deaf Advocacy
Clubs
Finance structures
How to market SG / build reputation
Increasing School Spirit
Building relationships with faculty/administration
We want to have a big group meeting with all outgoing and incoming SG leaders before the end of the year, to work
on transition for the Global Committee. Each campus (excluding Weihai) is required to participate in the meetings.

Conclusion
Student Governments of years past have historically struggled to implement impactful change in their
initiatives and practices. Through conversations at the Global Consortium, we have discovered that all SGs have a lot
in common. While we have a lot in common, the cultures of our the campuses and structure and purpose of the SGs
themselves varies. Because of this, the structure and purpose of Student Government is different on each campus.

The Global Consortium grants us the opportunity to discuss our service to RIT students across all of RITs campuses
through enhanced collaboration and awareness, providing safe and inclusive environments, and increasing
communications between each campus.

Thank you for your continued support of this important initiative!


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Student
Government
would like
to recognize:
Dr. Destler and Dr. Johnson
Provost Haefner
Dr. Sandra Johnson
Dr. James Watters + Joeann Humbert
Judy Von Bucher
Steve Schultz
Dr. Chris Collison
Joe Loffredo
Sue Provenzano
Dr. Jodi Boita, Kim Sowers, Jessica Bowen, Sara Bayerl
Dave Bagley + Bill St. Jean
Kathy Hall

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