Candidate for Senator
United Slate
Dear Student Body,
My name is Jennaly Lerouge, and I am a first-year student majoring in accounting and currently serving as a Senator for the 2024-2025 Student Government Association. In the coming months, the Senator’s part of the 2024-2025 term for Student Government will soon depart and transition into the next phase of their college experience. With the dedicated and talented minds that will soon vacate their positions, there is a need for a new set of students to step up to the call and continue the extraordinary work of the last term of Senators created as well as previous terms. I, Jennaly Lerouge, intend to declare my candidacy for the 2025-2026 term of the Borough of Manhattan Community College, Student Government Association.
I am running for Senator for the upcoming 2025-2026 term of the Student Government Association. The Borough of Manhattan Community College is the second largest CUNY school with over 19,800 students (about the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden). That means over 19,800 students deserving of a fruitful college experience.
19,800 students deserve to have their opinions and concerns considered and dealt with appropriately and fairly, and 19,800 students deserve the necessary tools and support to transition in the next phase of their academics. Statistics aside, the Student Government plays a significant role in supporting the needs of all students. Responsible for facilitating the needs of change and improvement in all aspects in a college setting, it is important that students who step up to the calling of running for Student Government understand the diverse cumulation of students that are actively present on our campus. The Student Government is here to serve the students, and it is important to hone this idea when executing the duties no matter the position in Student Government.
As a current Senator in the 24-25 term, I have been afforded the opportunity to connect with many students throughout the pursuit of duties outlined in the Student Government constitution. Being in this position, I have been granted the trust to take part in enhancing campus life, connecting with students on personal affairs and be the voice of change. Serving on the committee on Finance, Technology & House of Clubs & Public Relations, I have experience in every sector regarding the inner workings of both internal and external school relations. The Student Government Association is responsible for allocating and managing a budget that it uses internally within the SGA and for clubs. One of my considerations for the management of the SGA budget is to push for publication of an SGA budget report so the student body can see how the budget is being spent and where it is being allocated to. This is important as the publication of our budget promotes trust, promotes student engagement and allows for more efficient and careful considerations of budgeting. In regard to a fund distribution plan for clubs, it is important to adopt a system that is consistent and fair. Allocation of funds to clubs should be done carefully and strategically so that a club can actually meet its outlined goals as stated in their constitution. The communication process in which the Finance Committee specifically reviews a club’s budget has room for improvement in areas where we effectively communicate with clubs regarding their budget in terms of receiving the form or other information such as incorrect information or submitting an incomplete form. Lastly, establishing a general criterion to use as guideline when allocating funds to a club to put an emphasis on consistency and fairness. To better support students who wish to create a club, the SGA should consider working alongside the Office of Student Activities (OSA) to refine and streamline the club chartering process as well as make all relevant information accessible to students. In relation to club chartering, it would be of a great service to club officers to receive an informational packet from the SGA outlining the roles and duties of a club officer and going over the intricacies of running and maintaining a club and the importance of formulating a well-rounded club constitution.
For the 25-26 term, my goal is to serve alongside a group of dedicated and like-minded students who share the same vision of advocating for the student body. As someone who comes from a background where participation and engagement are dismissed due to a lack of representation, I aim to be that bridge of representation between students and the Student Government ensuring that all areas of student life are acted on and addressed. Building on experience, I want to put an emphasis on clarity and presence in the Student Government. I believe our presence and impact could be more visible particularly in our other campuses such as CUNY in the heights, Fitterman and Murray. Many students are often unaware of the resources and opportunities available to them, and I believe that improving communication efforts with students and being a present figure would aid in maintaining a positive student life. Additionally, I plan on ensuring that projects such as the SGA Brightspace initiative and the development of a student recreational center are worked on and communicated to our students. These projects are very important in shaping the student experience, and I am certain that the outcome of these projects if acted upon will prove to be a benefit for all students’ years and decades to come.
As we move forward into our next academic year, my focus and goal of serving the students only gets stronger. My end goals are rather obtainable, and they are to ensure that all students from all backgrounds, whether you’re traditional or non-traditional, from another country or returning to school to complete that chapter in your life, it is to provide you all with a positive and memorable experience that every student deserves. I implore all students to take a role in defining our campus life by participating in the upcoming Student Government elections so that you too can strive for that positive and memorable experience. Thank you.
Sincerely, Jennaly Lerouge
Candidate for Senator, 2025-2026 Student Government Association The Jobs not Finished
