Chatham Student Government (CSG) held its regular meetings on April 3, 10 and 17 where it discussed the change to Chatham’s flat rate tuition credit limit, the Chatham Democrats’ talent show and the final legislation of the year. CSG also held its elections this month, announcing the results April 11. Below are the updates from the last meetings of the spring semester.
Election Results
Voting took place on April 9 and 10. The results were announced April 11. Most Executive Board members of CSG maintained their positions. Olivia Harris ‘27 was elected executive vice president of student finances to replace class of 2025 graduate Gabrielle Slovikosky and Anna Mack ‘27 was elected as parliamentarian following Connor Domke ‘27 shifting into the role of executive vice president in November. Former Executive Vice President of Communications Jada Jenkins ‘26 will reassume her role in the fall after LJ Varley ‘27 filled in this semester while Jenkins was abroad. Varley will reassume the role of class of 2027 president.
Below is the full list of those who won their elections and will be assuming them in the fall semester.
Executive President: Dom Randall ‘27
Executive Vice President: Connor Domke ‘27
Parliamentarian: Anna Mack ‘27
Executive Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Madison Stokes ‘26
Executive Vice President of Communications: Jada Jenkins ‘26
Executive Vice President of Student Finances: Olivia Harris ‘27
Class of 2026 President: Daniel Miller
Class of 2026 Vice President: Madison Butina
Class of 2026 Secretary: Danielle McConnell
Class of 2026 Treasurer: Bakhit Cuccia
Class of 2026 Representatives, Carolyn Bigley, Vacant
Class of 2027 President: LJ Varley
Class of 2027 Vice President: Ryan Halloran
Class of 2027 Secretary: Oona McKeegan
Class of 2027 Treasurer: Jocalyn Henry
Class of 2027 Representatives: Paige Watson, Rebecca Engberg
Class of 2028 President: Zoe Reed
Class of 2028 Vice President: Maryam Al Mrayani
Class of 2028 Secretary: Ava Arundel
Class of 2028 Treasurer: Najiyah Smith
Class of 2028 Representatives: Gabrielle Pulizzi, Rudy Bilger
Students also voted on a referendum on the reinstitution of Chatham’s former mascot Pennsy the Seal, with 60% voting yes and 40% voting no. The results will be taken to the University administration for further discussion about reimplementing the beloved mascot.
Resolutions and Proclamations
CSG passed a resolution April 10 that condemned the University’s decision to lower the flat rate tuition credit limit from 21 to 18, meaning that for every additional credit over 18 students will have to pay an additional $1494. The resolution acknowledges the short notice for the decision and the financial impact it will have on students and called upon the university to reverse or delay the implementation of this decision.
On April 17, CSG presented the Chatham Democrats with a proclamation recognizing its talent show fundraiser, which raised over $800 for the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.
A number of budgets were also passed to provide funding for CSG events, purchase a new hammock stand for the Quad and a new bench to be placed near the pond.
Guest Speakers
CSG hosted two special guests this month: President Rhonda Phillips on April 3 and Assistant Dean of Students, Residence Life and Student Conduct Natty Burfield on April 10. Members of CSG posed questions and common student concerns to the guests and discussed reasoning and potential solutions to issues.
A food studies student attended the April 3 meeting and spoke to the Senate as well as President Phillips about their concerns related to cuts made to Eden Hall. These concerns were referred to the Executive Board to look into. Phillips called Eden Hall a “special resource” to Chatham and said that meetings will be held with faculty and staff to reevaluate Eden Hall and find ways to maintain the campus.
One of the main points of discussion with Burfield was the recent change made to the residential medical accommodation policy, specifically the decision to no longer provide air conditioning units to students. Burfield said this was mostly due to feasibility issues related to security, staffing and the electrical capacity of the residence halls.
Other Updates
During the final meeting of this year on April 17, graduating seniors Morgan Rapsky, Maggie Vargo, Louisa Riccardi, Gabrielle Slovikosky and Jackson Adkins were presented with their CSG cords.
CSG’s Award of Honorable Distinction was granted to those who participated in the Constitutional Convention for their work in developing a new constitution to be implemented in the fall.
If students are interested in getting involved with CSG, they can attend an in-person meeting in the Conover Room in the Mellon Board Room on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Students can also visit the CSG website to learn more about the organization.
