Calltoorder
AgendaoftheSenate
HofstraUniversityStudentGovernmentAssociation April03,2025
HofstraUniversity
MeetingCalledtoorderat8:00pmEST
A. QuorumCall
a. Quorumsetto28
B. NewBusiness
a. SenatorFinklesteinmovestoopenthegallery
i. Motionseconded
ii. Motionpassed
b. WELCOMETHEFRATERNITYANDSORORITYCOUNCILS!
i. Do you have any concerns you want to address to start the conversation?
1 VP of APO: One big concern is that enrollment is low across the board. We are reaching the point where more members are graduating then joining.
2. VP DPO: A limit I see is that freshmen cannot join their first semester. I don’t think that this is helping with our low enrollment.
3. CPH Pres: I think participation is low outside of the Greek community All Greek life events are open to all Hofstra students–Greek Week is coming up, for example– and we don’t get a lot of non-greek participants.
ii. VP Joyal:
1. VP DPO: We host a lot of events. And being apart of MFSC, a smaller council, we struggle with promotion to help increase participation I think something during orientation that explains all the councils in the beginning of their schooling could be could.
2. VP of APO: I think we struggle with getting in touch with students who aren’t already interested in Greek Life.
3. CPH Pres: As a first generation student, I didn’t think I would find a space in Greek life until I came to Hofstra. I think that we need to find a way to promote these organizations for those who don’t
even have them on their radar. We also need help with admin, so we can help create our own spaces for events
iii. Senator Finklestein: Do you all come to Club Fair? Do you have your own Greek version of that? Would a bigger space help?
1. VP DPO: Yes, we go to Club Fair and we also have Meet the Greeks. However, it is hard to increase attendance for Meet the Greeks for those who don’t already have an interest in Greek life.
2. CPH Pres: We have utilized multiple spaces, indoors and outdoors, and it’s overall just not always the best Sometimes it’s too crowded, and I think having more personal meetings within each council is beneficial.
iv. VP Joyal:
1. VP DPO: Other organizations get funding for the events that they host for themselves and the community. We break our backs fundraising, but most of that goes towards philanthropy– which is great But, we would benefit from some financial support The expectations are high, but the resources are low. There’s a place for everyone.
2. CPH Pres: The biggest thing we have run into is that our organizations are equal to a university club. This simply does not work, as we all have fundamentally different rules and running. There is no priority in scheduling, where some clubs have We want to see more Greek Life, but we don’t have access.
v. Secretary Egolf: Being in a PFC, I know how different everything is. How do you break down dues/financials?
1. CPH Pres: There are three dues. There are national dues to the main organization, there are local dues to the school chapters themselves, as well as council dues that help us put on recruitment events, merchandise, and anything else we can provide
2. VP DPO: We are able to put on the events we do because of our efforts, but the more we put in, the less we seem to get out.
3. VP of APO: As a service organization, almost all of our funding from our dues goes to service oriented events. It is challenging when we have to cut our budget in half to account for events.
vi. Chair Jacobs: How can you get more information out to everyone?
1 VP DPO: There are so many different things you can get out of each orgs. I knew I wanted to be in my sorority, and I did. But there are so many other orgs I didn’t know about, despite going to meet the Greeks, that I think I would love.
2. VP of APO: I think having a Q&A event would be great. We could have Eboard’s come and answer questions for those who are interested or on the fence.
vii Senator Rades: It seems your main issue is that you don’t really fall under any organization or club umbrella, limiting resources. What would be most beneficial to you if you were to be under SGA, for example?
1. VP DPO: So, we are all under the FSL office. We have so many rules to follow, some stricter than others
2. CPH Pres: The main reason we don’t fall under SGA is because we collect dues, which is not allowed for recognized clubs. We fundraise and distribute ourselves. We pay dues, but also it is still not enough for what we need.
viii. Chair Vickers: How do you feel being in a multicultural sorority, which has a different history and process that is very different than the other Greek orgs?
1. VP DPO: Because it’s multicultural, we have to put in a lot of work to make everything possible. A lot of which goes unnoticed. There is such a big minority population at Hofstra, many of which don’t know about the rich history and programming we offer. We are passionate about everything, but it is frustrating when we don’t get support from the school.
ix Senator Yari: As someone who is rushing 2 greek organizations this semester, and knowing the struggle I had to keep track of all the orgs, do you think it would be beneficial to do a Greek Org presentation at orientation?
1. VP of APO: Yes, I really do think that would be an effective way. I had met underclassmen and mentioned the org, and took our conversation to heart and followed through at Greek week We need to expand this.
2. VP DPO: I think a panel discussion would be the most beneficial, but definitely something during orientation. Recruitment for everyone runs different, but should be highlighted. Who is better to talk about it than us?
3. CPH Pres: I think they tried to incorporate a presentation during orientation, but I don’t know how extensive those presentations were.
x. Senator Ahmad: Do you think Hofstra or SGA could help alumni interactions?
1. VP of APO: I think we could always incorporate them more, but we have requirements for new members to chat with alumni. We also have a service event with alumni.
2 VP DPO: Everyone has their own busy schedule, but I think a Hofstra wide FSL alumni event could be cool. Not sure how feasible, but I think it would be fun.
3. CPH Pres: We have something similar. We have new members chat with alumni, we host events, and we send a monthly newsletter.
xi. Secretary Egolf: funding through SGA but still separate
1 CPH Pres: I think that would be great I don’t think it would create too many sticky situations or ties. We have had to turn so many
members away because we could not afford to send everyone. If it worked within your documents, it would be a great help
2. VP DPO: Same here, we have never been able to go to our national conferences or retreats because of lack of funding. Even if not to the extent of funding trips like that, I know other schools provide food, snacks, or drinks to some events to take the burden off.
xii. Chair Danek: For low enrollment, how can we educate students about the recruitment process, and even what happens if your first round doesn’t work out the first time
1. VP DPO: I know for our orgs, our new member education is confidential. I think this goes across multicultural organizations. The knowledge that we teach and learn is privy to our national requirements. We mass text students, and people are interested, but having to wait until second semester instead of the beginning as they get their footing deters them.
xiii Senator Callahan: I think getting rid of this rule is beneficial I think it would eliminate the idea that FSL is a “wrecking ball” to academics when you all care deeply about academics. What do you think we can do about this?
1. CPH Pres: Unfortunately, it is just not possible. I have tried to fight this rule, but due to the culture in the northeast, studies have shown that people who join their first semester have lower retention rates. On the other side, I think it would be great, but I don’t think administration is there yet.
2. VP DPO: We all know if you don’t do well academically, you get kicked out of the organization. To us, we only see a benefit. We really encourage our academics, but we need support.
xiv. Senator Ehrlick: As someone who has reached roadblocks with requirements, is there a way that organizations can be more welcoming?
1. CPH Pres: Speaking for PHC and IFC, our requirements are quite loose. Other than a minimum GPA and being a full-time student, there is no other real reason that someone would be barred from recruitment.
2. VP of APO: For APO specifically, we just passed a motion that we can allow zoom meetings to help increase accommodations for commuting students We are always there to work through absences or other issues.
3. Chair Vickers: I think Hofstra needs to do better spreading our education, while keeping the integrity of the organizations–especially multicultural orgs.
xv. Senator Rades: I think a big reason people feel separated from Greek Life is the financials. I personally wanted to rush this year, but I didn’t have the financial freedom to do that Are there scholarships, or national support, to help alleviate these stressors?
1. VP DPO: For us, we do payment plans to help spread the cost. That is for our organization specifically It is based on the community's scholarship of available resources.
2. CPH Pres: I know most organizations use a payment plan. Most national organizations also have scholarships. Hofstra may have one scholarship, but definitely limited. It would be a good idea.
3. VP of APO: I think making sure people are more aware of the resources, even if limited, is a start.
xvi Senator Finklestein: Do you think having an interview in the fall, even if not the entire rush process until the spring, could help?
1. VP DPO: I think it is just a matter of the interest fleeting over the first semester.
2. CPH Pres: Agree, it is hard to keep up the excitement, even with having events in between the fall and spring.
xvii. VP Joyal: If you could summarize the main goals for FSL to the administration to help build the connection, what would it be
1. CPH Pres: I think if they want Greek Life to be shown on campus, they have to start prioritizing, and actually follow through with actions.
2. VP DPO: Not to downplay what other clubs do, but because we have thrived as much as we have without them, they think we don’t need their support If I have requirements through FSL, I should get benefits or support from them too.
3. VP of APO: I think it always looks better on the outside than the reality. You may see the letters now while attendance is high, but as numbers begin to dwindle, it is harder to fix it onces it's too broken.
xviii. Senator Yari: Do you think an email newsletter with hyperlinks would be successful?
1. CPH Pres: I know PHC for example allows enrollment up until your second semester senior year. There is recruitment every semester, but it is usually bigger in the spring.
2. VP DPO: I don’t know how beneficial it would be after the second semester, because they are joining clubs they already know. It would be a great first step.
3 VP of APO: I think it would be a great idea to get people talking about it, but again people lose interest after a few weeks if they cannot follow through.
xix. Senator Callahan: How do you think recruitment teams can reach out specifically to those struggling with mental health, or have other disabilities that prevent them from joining?
1. CPH Pres: All recruitment counselors are training in the beginning on mental health, pronoun inclusion, and more that we utiilize in all interactions. It is also nice realizing these orgs become a sisterhood that becomes a support too.
2. VP DPO: We always want to be as inclusive as possible. If someone is overwhelmed with the process, we want them to let us know and communicate that with us.
3. VP of APO: Being VP of DEI, this really falls under my domain. I have been trying to make it more open, for example, next week we are doing an ASL lesson in collaboration with D.R.E.A.M. We regularly host workshops to help educate our members on visible and physical disabilities.
xx Senator Ehrlick: How do you guys supervise your organizations to enforce Hofstra’s Anti-Hazing rules?
1. CPH Pres: Hofstra is small, but Greek Life is even smaller. If it’s an issue, people are talking about it. We all know each other's processes, even when we aren’t supposed to, which adds an extra layer of protection.
2. VP DPO: Specifically for MFSC, ours is confidential, but we follow all rules given to us by our nationals We want to make sure we are recognizing our organization to our own members or strangers. It is our own honor and holding others accountable.
3. VP of APO: We have prevention education and contracts to sign. We also create a safe space to address concerns, if any, in regards to hazing.
c. SA.2025.89.022
i Chair Skeldon moves to hold a moderated caucus in regards to SA.2025.89.022
1. Motion Seconded
2. Motion Passed
ii. Chair Skeldon: I just have some concerns regarding the reallocation process. For example, we had a club come this past week who just wanted to switch with museums which is an easy fix. With this taken away, Approps would have to call for a meeting, even if not operational, for minimal changes like this.
iii. Comptroller: I am okay with un-striking that. I forgot about that change.
iv. Chair Skeldon moves to unstrike 402.1.C in SA.2025.89.022
1. Motion seconded
2. Motion passed
v. Chair Danek moves to open Constitutional Convention
1 Motion seconded
2. Comptroller Greenlaw: Y
3. Secretary Egolf: Y
4. Chair Danek: Y
5. Chair DiSanto: Y
6. Chair Quail: A
7 Chair Skeldon: Y
8. Chair Young: Y
9. Chair Denson: Y
10. Chair Jacob: Y
11 Senator Ahmad: Y
12. Senator Apostol: Y
13. Senator Callahan: Y
14. Senator Dzaveluri: Y
15. Senator Ehrlich: Y
16. Senator Finkelstein: Y
17. Senator Garramone: Y
18 Senator Green: Y
19. Senator Kurtz: Y
20. Senator Malele: Y
21. Senator Orellana: Y
22. Senator Peri: Y
23. Senator Rades: Y
24. Senator Ruffo: Y
25 Senator Su: Y
26. Senator Thani: Y
27. Senator Yari: Y
28. Motion passed
vi. Senator Ahmad moves to pass SA.2025.89.022
1. Motion seconded
2 Comptroller Greenlaw: Y
3. Secretary Egolf: Y
4. Chair Danek: Y
5. Chair DiSanto: Y
6. Chair Quail: A
7. Chair Skeldon: Y
8. Chair Young: Y
9 Chair Denson: Y
10. Chair Jacob: Y
11. Senator Ahmad: Y
12. Senator Apostol: Y
13. Senator Callahan: Y
14. Senator Dzaveluri: Y
15. Senator Ehrlich: Y
16 Senator Finkelstein: Y
17. Senator Garramone: Y
18. Senator Green: Y
19. Senator Kurtz: Y
20. Senator Malyari
21. Senator Malele: Y
22. Senator Orellana: Y
23 Senator Peri: Y
24. Senator Rades: Y
25. Senator Ruffo: Y
26. Senator Su: Y
27 Senator Thani: Y
28. Senator Yari: Y
29. Motion Passed
vii. Chair Young moves to close Con Conventional
1. Motion seconded
2. Comptroller Greenlaw: Y
3. Secretary Egolf: Y
4 Chair Danek: Y
5. Chair DiSanto: Y
6. Chair Quail: A
7. Chair Skeldon: Y
8. Chair Young: Y
9. Chair Denson: Y
10. Chair Jacob: Y
11 Senator Ahmad: Y
12. Senator Apostol: Y
13. Senator Callahan: Y
14. Senator Dzaveluri: Y
15. Senator Ehrlich: Y
16. Senator Finkelstein: Y
17 Senator Garramone: Y
18. Senator Green: Y
19. Senator Kurtz: Y
20. Senator Malyari
21. Senator Malele: Y
22. Senator Orellana: Y
23. Senator Peri: Y
24 Senator Rades: Y
25. Senator Ruffo: Y
26. Senator Su: Y
27. Senator Thani: Y
28. Senator Yari: Y
29. Motion Passed
d. Comptroller Greenlaw moves to strike SA.2025.89.023
i. Motion seconded
ii Motion passed
e. SA.2025.89.023
f. Braver Angels Discussion
i. Senator Yari: There has been a lot of news surrounding Columbia University, the DOE, and all of these other hot topics. Maybe this is a point of discussion?
ii. Senator Malele: Having a discussion about the filibuster and Senator Booker’s action would be beneficial Also talking about performative activism and what can be actionably done for sustainable change.
iii. Senator Ahmad: We should have a conversation about the Department of Education moving financial aid specifically
iv. Senator Ehrlich: We should talk about how students can be activists and make a change through their elected officials.
v. Senator Callahan: Echoing what a previous speaker said. Our Representatives are active in our community, two even came to Hofstra last week. We should connect students to these events.
vi. Senator Dzavaluri: We should discuss the tariffs and the U.S economy and how Trump’s actions will impact the future of jobs and economy, which is important as we will all be seeking jobs in the near future.
vii. Senator Yari: I agree with everyone. Another idea is talking about how other countries are talking about the US and hearing international perspectives.
viii. Chair Vickers: A discussion about how Hofstra or other leaders can better support the mental health and feels of safety for trans and LGBTQ, Black and Brown, and other students of color who feel like the government is actively working against them or feeling that they actually do not have a place in academic communities because of how politicians frames these issues around DEI.
ix. Chair Danek: I think going off of the economy, talking about cutting off the federal workforce, inflation effects, and pulling out of world trade organizations could be a topic I think university policy changes like demonstrations, free speech/press, etc. could be beneficial.
x. Senator Kurtz: I think it would be interesting to talk about NY state updates, because as an out-of-state student I am not totally aware of going on, but as a student it affects me.
xi. Senator Ahmad: We could also talk about the fact that there are not enough people going into the military, and we could get perspectives on that
xii. Senator Yari: What are things that would motivate students to activism? There are some students implementing rules surrounding phone usage in schools, which could be a topic of concern.
C. ApprovaloftheMinutes
a. SenatorFinklestien movestopasstheSenateminutesfrom03/27
i. MotionSeconded
ii. MotionPassed
b. Chair movestopasstheCabinetminutesfrom04/02
i. MotionSeconded
ii. MotionPassed
D. E-boardReports
a. President
i. President
1. MeetingwithPoserwentwell
2. DiscussedTrumpactions,Hofstra’spositioning
3. GettingPublicSafetymorepresentwithMack
4. Softserveicecreamforreal.
ii. MeetingwithUniversitySenateonMonday
iii. MeetingwithFormerSGAPresidentDamienGalleger(2016-2017,81st SGA)onTuesday
1. IhopetogainsomeSGAinsightandperspective,hopingtheycan cometoalumnipanel!
b. VicePresident
i. SpecialElections
1. Whattime?
2. 1:30-4:30
c. Comptroller
i. Comptrolling
d. Secretary
i. There’ssomeleftovermerch,ifyouwantsomeforyourself,feelfreeto takesomeAFTERlettingmeknow:)
ii. YALLSIGNUPANDPAYMEFORFORMAL.Trytopaymenextweek especiallyifyou’repayingcashbecauseIhavetogosignthecontractin person:)
iii. 45daysuntilgraduation!
E. CommitteeChairReports
a. Appropriations
i. Minutes
ii. Fullyfundedeveryclub!
iii. FallBudgets
1. DueFriday,April4th
2. Budgetweekend
a. April11th,12PM-4PM
b. April12th,11AM-3PM
3. Askmeaboutmyposition!
b. ClubResources
i. Minutes
ii. Newclubtrainingdone!
iii. ClubE-Boardsurvey
c. Communications
i. DecorumFor‘Emisdone!!!
ii. Alumnipanelisintheworks
d. Programming
i. Minutes
ii. KaraokeNight&CardsAgainstHypnosis!
iii. RelayforLife
1. April26st-12-8PM-IntramuralFields
2. PastaKickoffApril15th-6:30pmMPR101
a. ($7payment)
3. Howtoregister2025.pdf
4. joinSGA'steam
iv. AskmeaboutProgramming!!
e. AcademicAffairs
i. Minutes
ii. GettingHiredintheAgeofAI4/141:00pmSCPlazaWest127
iii. CUAMeetingWednesday
iv VPValentiMeeting4/15
v Reachedoutaboutmakingacademicbulletinsavailableforeach department
f. Equity&Inclusion
i. Minutes4/03
ii. MeetingwithHAPIA,SASA,andMENASAtomorrow
1. AAPI@Hofstra
iii. MeetingwithE&Inextweek
1. SemesterlyEquityCouncilMeetingnextFriday
iv SittinginonSDABmeetingtomorrow!
v. Askmeaboutmyposition!
g. Facilities&Operations
i. Minutes
ii. WorkingwithCommstopromotethefacilityreportingformwithnew graphic
iii. UpcomingMeetingw/librarydeanLorrieMcAllister
iv BringingfacilitybusinesscardstoSAStomorrow
h. Wellness&CampusSafety 1 MMW&CS4/3
NarcanTrainingdatesconfirmedforApril30th
MetwithJovannitodiscusssomeconcernswithPsafe RachelontheRunPt.3beingfilmedonMonday!
F. ApprovalofCommitteeMinutes
a. SenatorFinklesteinmovestopassthecommitteeminutesfrom3/31
i. Motionseconded
ii. Motionpassed
b. SenatorPerimovestopasstheallocationsfrom4/1.
i. Motionseconded
ii. Motionpassed
G. ForGoodoftheOrder
a. ElectionCommissionerGreenlaw:Infosessionsareupcoming!SeetheInstagram foralldatesandlocations.
i. Abidebycampaigningrules,nosignaturesinacademicspaces.Takedown allcampaignmaterialsafterthedate.Allmaterialsmustbeapproved. Violatingpolicywillresultintheendofyoureligibility.
H. Announcements
a. SenatorYari:YayCulinaryClub!
I. Adjournment
a. SenatorCallahan movestoadjournthismeeting
i. Motionseconded
ii. Motionpassed
1. Meetingadjournedat10:02pmEST