STUDENT

GOVERNMENT

ASSOCIATION FALL 2016 NEWSLETTER

Page 2: Letter from the SGA President Page 3: About SGA Page 4-10: SGA Fall Accomplishments Page 11: Be Our Date to Winter Formal

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A Letter from the SGA President Mike Braun

Serving as SUNY Cortland’s Student Government Association President could not have been more of

a pleasant and humbling experience. The opportunity to do what I love by representing and protecting student

voices’ is something I cannot be more grateful of. Throughout the semester, I have worked with and observed

tremendous efforts from hardworking and dedicated students who make such a lasting impact on both the

University and the surrounding Cortland community. Between their willingness to provide service, their

consistent philanthropic efforts, and the stimulating educational opportunities they provide, SUNY Cortland

has been able to develop a recognizable honorable reputation.

As a student leader, I have come to realize how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to interact with

such a diverse and open-minded community. By listening to the perspectives of students with different

backgrounds, interests, ideologies and identities, the SGA is able to attain an accurate understanding of the

prominent issues we face on our campus. This diversity also gives our students an impactful experience. Not

only does it benefit our students while in college, but it also prepares them for life in the real world. The

college at SUNY Cortland prides itself for having exceptional academics, a prominent athletics program, fine

campus dining, and a state-of-the-art fitness facility. However, I believe that our students are what make our

campus so great. I believe it’s the unique and memorable social experience that provides our students with the

social and versatile skills they should need to succeed in their endeavors. Personally, I know if it was not for

my friends and colleagues that I have met during my time at Cortland, I would not be the person that I am

today. And I am sure this holds true for others.

Despite the impact our students have on this campus, it is also important to recognize those who

devote their lives to educate and provide services for us. Throughout my time as SGA President, I have

realized how grateful we are to attend a University with such devoted administrators, faculty and staff.

Throughout the last few decades, students across the nation have been faced with a great deal of adversity.

Tuition costs have consistently risen. Classes are becoming more rigorous. Services are being cut. However,

most students across the nation do not have the support system that we have. SUNY Cortland does not just

provide educators; SUNY Cortland provides role models. And for that, our administration, faculty and staff

deserve a great deal of gratitude.

When a student governing body is able to develop strong relationships and connections with the

general student population, student initiatives become more successful. As we enter into this next semester, I

look forward in continuing to spread awareness of the potential of our campus’ SGA. This will not only allow

our SGA administration to grasp more input on student campus issues, but will create a reputation for the SGA

that will set up future administrations for success. I am truly so proud of all that we have accomplished

together and cannot wait to see what is in store for us next!

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What is the Student Government Association (SGA)?

The Student Government Association acts as the voice of the student body here at SUNY Cortland. Its dedicated staff and elected officers act as liaisons to the administration in order

to address student concerns. The SGA Executive Board consists of nine students; three of which are elected by the

student body in late April and the remaining six who are appointed by the elected officers in early fall. The SGA

Executive Board utilizes the Student Senate to solicit campus issues. The primary duty of these student leaders is to

persistently work on improving the SUNY Cortland campus.

SUNY Cortland Corey Union, Room 217 sga@cortland.edu 607-753-4816 Office hours: 8:30am-4pm, Monday-Friday

Goals of the Student Government Association

• To work effectively as a group in decision making and problem

solving.

• To continue and improve Winter Formal and Festivus.

• To strengthen relationships with other offices and

departments on campus.

• To get help get people more involved in student government

and the campus community as a whole.

• To increase programming to make ourselves more visible.

• To increase community involvement.

• To research other Student Governments to help us to

continue to evolve.

Spring 2017 Dates to Look Out For January 26, 7PM, Corey Function Room - Presidents and Treasurer Meeting February 12, 12-3, Corey Function Room - SGA Club Fair- February 17, 6-9 p.m, Greek Peak - SGA Winter Formal March 25 & 26, Sign up in SGA Office - SGA Budget Hearings April 2, Sign up in SGA Office - SGA Budget Appeals Hearings April 18, 7 p.m Corey Function Room - SGA Senate Budget Vote - - - -

Students can also be a part of the SGA by becoming a

Senator or by joining one of the 70+ clubs on campus.

Prior to the beginning of the Fall, 2016 semester, the Student Government Association’s elected officials hired a new Office Coordinator, Amy Riotto. Amy is a SUNY Cortland graduate, class of 2013, a hardworking mother of four children, and is actively involved in the Cortland community. She is always available to answer students’ questions. Amy works to maintain positive relationships with the Administration, students and the SGA Officers. She is a valuable asset to the SGA! Please feel free to stop by the SGA Office next semester and say hi!

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KEEPING UP WITH SGA

Club Fair outside of Corey Union! Early September, each club tabled outside of Corey Union to showcase what their club brings to this campus! Everyone enjoyed music provided by WSUC, snacks, and more! Students from around campus had the opportunity to learn about a club that interests them, and receive information from members.

Annual Diversity Retreat Early September, SGA took part in the 2016 Annual Diversity Retreat, hosted by the Multicultural Life and Diversity Office. It is held to gain

understanding of student’s leadership styles, the role and importance of diversity in leadership, team building and teamwork development,

and the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in one’s educational experience. During the duration of the weekend, students worked with

each other, utilizing strengths to work as a team and build leadership skills. Not only was this an educational experience for the SGA, but it

was an opportunity for the SGA leadership to hear valuable perspective from students of different identities and backgrounds.

217 Corey Union 8:30-4:00 President

Michael Braun Vice President

Keara Lowenhar Treasurer

Justin Wade Vice Treasurer

Benny Bermudez Exec. Assistant to the President Abby Papakonstantis

Exec. Assistant to the VP

Tara Farley Public Relations

Jessica Haverlin Secretary

Gloria Huelde Parliamentarian

Aristotle Arkayasa

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#LOSETHEBLUES This year, SGA collaborated with Alumni Engagement for a successful Cortaca apparel giveaway! Lose the Blues was a

campaign designed to collect blue clothing items to be donated to the Cortland Thrifty Shopper Rescue Mission. SGA was successful in handing out 1200 hats to students! Together

SGA and Alumni Engagement donated over 900 pieces of clothing!

Student Leaders

Reception Dinner On December 6th, SGA hosted a reception to thank club members for all their hard work this past semester. No one’s hard work went unnoticed as we enjoyed some tasty desserts with President Bitterbaum, who encouraged students to continue their involvement on campus.

Collaboration with ASC After hearing numerous concerns, the student members of the ASC Board of

Directors spoke about the problems & have come up with solutions

Student voices prevail!

The removal of hand-scanners in the dining halls! Effective next semester, the hand-

scanners will be removed from Neubig and Bistro.

SUNY Cortland and ASC will be renovating the ground floor of Corey Union by Fall of

2018. A temporary coffee shop will open at the Information Desk in place of Dunkin

Donuts in the Fall. Raquette Pizza will also be moved to Hilltop temporarily during the

renovation.

Bistro will now be serving breakfast until 10:30 AM everyday

Bistro will now have the rotisserie section

open until close, rather than 9:00 PM.

ASC plans to utilize the middle kitchen for nutrition and demonstration classes, team

dinners and club dinners.

ASC has opened a new station on a 5-week cycle for vegetarians in Neubig.

ASC has decided that white bread will now

be offered in Bistro.

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The Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program This is a local program that improves early childhood literacy. The program delivers each child enrolled one free book per month. At this time, the program provides brand new books for over 200 local Cortland children. SGA has promoted The Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program campus wide to fund-raise money so that the program can help more children in the community. Greek Life, Education Club and the Speech and Hearing Club have altogether already raised over $1,000 for the program.

March on Washington

Scholarships! The SGA funded a scholarship for 25 SUNY Cortland students

to attend the March on Washington on January 21,

2017. This experience to Washington D.C is an incredible

and a once in a lifetime opportunity for students to

attend. The SGA is honored to be able to provide students with

this life-changing experience.

Congrats to all the Scholarship recipients!

CORTACA 2016 This year was one of the most successful Cortaca’s SUNY Cortland has had in a long time. Prior the event, SUNY Cortland’s SGA met with the Mayor Brian Tobin, Cortland City Police Chief Mike Catalano, and University Police Chief Steve Dangler. This meeting consisted of valuable conversations regarding the expectations from the city, university and students for this year’ Cortaca as well as maintaining and improving relations between the campus and community. These meetings allowed the SGA to grasp valuable insight and speak with students about ways they can Cortaca safely and respectfully, while still having a great time! This year’s Cortaca had very few problems, respectful encounters between police and students, and, last but not least, another win for the Red Dragons!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW CLUBS ADDED IN THE FALL! Young Americans for Liberty

College Republicans French

English as a Second Language Hippies for Hope

Current Research in Biology Cortland English Education

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Holiday Party This December, we hosted a Holiday Party to thank and recognize the faculty and staff who dedicate themselves to the well-being of our campus. We invited the children and grandchildren of these faculty and staff members to enjoy a day filled with bounce houses, an entertaining clown, a photo booth, some delicious food and of course a very special visit from Santa! Thanks to WSUC, we had a fun filled day listening to holiday music and enjoying each other’s company. The party was definitely a success and a great way to show our appreciation for our hardworking faculty and staff!

This semester, the Student Government Association introduced the Cortland Connect system to the campus. This system brings many benefits to the Cortland campus. It allows for students to find an organization to get involved with, as well as find an event held by one of our many clubs on campus. This is a huge step for Cortland as we strive to increase campus involvement.

Accreditation for Club Participation SGA has collaborated with the Director of Career Services and

Internship/Volunteer Coordinator to allow club members to earn credit hours for their hard work. Any club member that can prove they have

contributed at least 40 hours to their club throughout the semester will be eligible for these internship credit hours. For more information, please

contact SGA or Career Services. SGA encourages every eligible club member to take advantage of this great opportunity presented!

The Student Leadership Cabinet The cabinet comprises of representation from our SGA Clubs, Social Sororities, Cultural Greeks, Community Service Fraternities, Social

Fraternities, Voice Office Clubs, Residence Hall Association, Recreational Sports and Athletics. The meetings allow for the

dissemination of these different organizations events and concerns, and serves as a platform for leadership in pursuing purposeful

initiatives. Such initiatives like SUNY’s Got Your Back which is a project to collect comfort kits for victims and survivors of sexual and interpersonal violence, were given the resources needed through the help and reach of the constituencies from which the student leaders

represented.

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SUNY Cortland and SUNY Assembly This year, more than ever, SUNY Cortland’s Student Government has been

working very closely with the SUNY Student Association representing the voices of students throughout the SUNY system. SUNY Student Assembly

President Marc Cohen and the rest of the Student Assembly have been doing a tremendous job representing all students who attend a SUNY institution

throughout the state. Our SGA President, Michael Braun, serves as a member of the Legislative Affairs Committee, and was appointed as one of

three SGA President’s from University Colleges on the SUNY Chancellor Search Student Advisory Committee. Additionally, SUNY Cortland’s SGA was

given the opportunity to appoint hardworking students to serve on important SA Committees including the Sustainability Committee; Diversity,

Equity and Inclusion Committee; Academic Affairs; Military Affairs and Campus Safety. The students representing SUNY Cortland on these

committees are Alex Cicero (SA Sustainability Committee), Karmelisha Alexander (SA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee), Gloria Hulede (SA

Academic Affairs Committee), Daniel DiDomenico (SA Military Affairs Committee), and Taylor O’Halloran (SA Campus Safety Committee). It is imperative that SUNY Cortland has a voice in advocacy efforts for SUNY

students. We are so fortunate to have such reputable individuals to represent our campus.

The 2016 SUNYSA Fall Conference This conference provided the opportunity for Cortland to have representation in passing a legislative agenda that affects the entirety of the SUNY system. At this conference Cortland delegates worked with other SUNY leaders in proposing amendments and offering insight on resolutions that created progressive movements towards diversity, equity and inclusion. Aside from the SUNY wide initiatives, our delegates caucused with other schools in gathering information to better off campus housing and in developing strategies for restructuring our student government.

SUNYCON 2016

SGA President Michael Braun was named to the SUNYCON Fellows Class of 2016 by State University of New York Board of Trustees Chairman H. Carl McCall and Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. He was one of 18 SUNY students chosen to represent the 600,000+ students who attend a SUNY institution. The students were invited to participate in exclusive events during

the annual SUNYCON conference held Oct. 27-28 in New York City. This two day event consisted of forums and panels about “The Forces Shaping the Future of Higher Education.” Following SUNYCON, SGA President Michael Braun brought

concrete insight and valuable ideas back to SUNY Cortland.

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Are you in Need of a Lawyer?

SGA provides a FREE 15 Minute Consultation with a Local Lawyer! Do you have legal issues with your landlord? Do you have questions about your lease? Are you involved in another situation that requires you to seek legal advice? SUNY Cortland Student Government Association now offers a FREE 15-minute consultation with a local lawyer. Stop by the SGA office, Corey Union, Room 217, Monday-Friday between 8:30am-4:00 pm, to sign up. Appointments are first come first serve.

Want to Buy a Bus Ticket Home? You can now buy tickets online, any time, for the bus to go home for any/every weekend during the semester (including fall & Thanksgiving breaks). Buses fill up very quickly, so as soon as you know when you'd like to go home, buy your tickets! Go to www.collegeexpressbus.com to purchase your tickets. It's a very user-friendly website & should only take you 5-10 minutes to complete the whole process (have your debit/credit card ready). $80/round trip or $50/one way, no matter what weekend. Tickets will be emailed to you to print to give to each bus driver. The website has the approximate times of arrival (depending on traffic, weather, other stops) & specific locations for pick-up/drop-off. Any questions or concerns, please email, stop in or call the SGA office.

SGA Executive Branch is Now Restructured! The proposal to restructure the SGA Executive Branch was approved on November 29th. The current

executive board consists of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Executive Assistant to the President, Executive Assistant to the Vice President, Vice Treasurer, Public Relations, Secretary and

Parliamentarian. After consultation with multiple advisors and past executive board members, it was clear that seven out of nine of the executive board members directly assisted clubs – and due to the

structure of the position, clubs only. Our intent for the restructuring of the Executive Branch is to create a community of transparency between the entirety of the student body and the

representatives who are selected to serve as the voice for students. Next year, the Executive Branch will be made up of the President, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff to

the President, Chief of Staff to the Vice President, Associate Financial Officer, Director of Public Relations, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Director of Community Engagement and

Outreach and Director of Student Activities.

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Changes in the Financial Handbook This semester we adapted our financial policy to improve on its functionality and efficiency, and to adapt it to our CortlandConnect online system. We were able to move all event and purchase requests onto the online system as well as reduce the required processing time from 14 business days to 7 business days.

Election Year

The Student Government Association worked alongside Young Americans for Liberty and the Political Science Association to bring New York’s 22nd congressional district candidates to the

SUNY Cortland campus to speak before the student body. This included Republican candidate Claudia Tenney, Democratic Candidate Kim Meyer and Independent Candidate Martin Babinec. These efforts helped to generate a historically high voter turnout rate amongst SUNY Cortland

students.

When We are in the Office! Mike

Monday 9-1, Wednesday 9-1, Thursday 1-3 Keara

Monday 11:30-1:30 & 3-4, Tuesday 10:30-2:30, Wednesday 11:30-1:30 & 3-4 Justin

Monday 12:30-3:30, Tuesday 1-3, Wednesday 8:30-11, Thursday 1-3 Abby

Monday 11-1, Thursday 1-4 Tara

Monday 2-4, Tuesday 11:30-1, Thursday 11:30-1 Benny

Monday 1-3, Wednesday 12:30-2:30, Thursday 10-12 Jessica

Monday 2:45-3:45, Tuesday 2:30-4, Thursday 2:30-4 Gloria

Tuesday 11-12, Wednesday 8:30-9:30, Thursday 1-2 Aristotle

Wednesday 11-1

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