President Tania Tetlow hosted a question-and-answer session at the first Student Life Council meeting of the semester. (from Instagram)
On Wednesday, February 14th, the Student Life Council (SLC) held its first meeting of the semester. The SLC is comprised of students, faculty, and administrators and aims to foster open communication between students and Fordham University administrators by hosting monthly meetings. The Council welcomed President Tania Tetrow to the meeting.
The meeting began with a question and answer session with Mr. Tetlow. Students expressed questions and concerns ranging from transparency within the administration to the development of Fordham-Belmont community relations and student engagement.
Regarding concerns over transparency from university administrators, Tetlow encouraged students to download Fordham Hub. Fordham Hub is an app that connects students to a variety of campus resources and can be accessed at fordham.edu. Christopher Rogers, assistant vice-chancellor and dean of students at Rose Hill College, offered two pieces of advice for students seeking more transparency. These include attending Fordham University’s Emerging Leaders’ “Secret Hidden Agenda of Management” workshop and attending SLC’s monthly meetings.
Tetrault mentioned Fordham’s responsibility for its relationship with the Belmont community. Tetlow cited numerous community groups, Fordham’s University Science and Technology Engagement Program, and the university’s Environmental Protection Agency grants as resources that will allow Fordham to further deepen its relationships with the surrounding community. Tetlow also said he is considering easing restrictions on campus access for people outside the Fordham community.
“There’s no simple solution to this, but at least we have to do meaningful work that is part of who we are and what we believe in,” Tetrow said.
Tetlow said he is also working with the Office of Student Affairs to brainstorm strategies on how to best engage with students. In the meantime, Tetlow encouraged students to email their thoughts, ideas and questions and invite them to conferences such as the SLC conference.
At the request of the SLC Executive Committee, Charles Clancy, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life, shared the number of transports for drunkenness each month.
Sean Power (FCRH ’24), United Student Government (USG) Vice President for Sustainability, asked for an update on the Laudato Si’ action plan. Mr. Rogers said he has been in touch with the Laudato Si’ Commission and intends to contact them again and connect Power with the commission. USG Executive Director Brianna Al-Omoush (FCRH ’24) and Executive Vice President Eva Coogan (FCRH ’25) shared a presentation on the upcoming student activity fee referendum. The referendum proposes a $95 increase in student activity fees, which would also increase funding for clubs. Last year’s referendum failed due to low student participation. Al-Omouche attributed the low turnout to the concurrent tuition increase and poor communication on the part of USG. This year, students will vote using paper ballots. Al-Omoush said paper ballots require fewer votes from the student body, and she is encouraging USG to take a different approach when it comes to getting students to vote. Voting will take place from March 4th to 12th, with counting starting a few days earlier. Questions can be sent to: [email protected].
Keith Eldridge, assistant vice chancellor and director of student services, discussed Midstate accreditation with the Midstate Higher Education Commission. Accreditation is “an expression of confidence in an institution’s mission, goals, performance, and resources.” Certification standards focus on student experiences outside of the classroom. Eldridge asked his students two questions. What does Fordham do well? What are the areas where Fordham can improve? Eldridge said it is preparing an initial draft report. A final report will be completed by the end of the semester and shared with the university in the fall for feedback.
The next SLC meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 13th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the McShane Campus Center.
