RUSA Report November 13: Basic Needs reps address assembly
Photo: Andrew Hawthorne
The student assembly heard from representatives of the Basic Needs Department and Scarlet Service Program during its meeting Thursday.
Philip Smith, Associate Dean of students and Director of Student Basic Needs, discussed how his department helps struggling students. Smith also presented the Basic Needs Center, where students can get food, clothing, and other necessities.
Smith said that the center is currently seeing increased need among students as the recent federal government shutdown caused interruptions for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also called SNAP or food stamps, which many students rely on.
Smith also discussed ways RUSA has worked with Basic Needs in the past, including the Swipe Out For Charity and Swipe Out Hunger, where students could donate their unused guest meal swipes to be given to charity as a dollar amount or to be given directly to a fellow student with food insecurity.
The presentation comes a week after the assembly passed legislation to give $1000 to the Basic Needs Center for their operations. The bill also called for RUSA and other administrative bodies to lend greater support for the Basic Needs department.
Representatives of Rutgers Scarlet Service, an internship program part of the Department of Government relations, also spoke to the assembly about the opportunities available to students. Speakers said the program was looking for professional and mature interns with a passion for public service.
During E-board updates, RUSA president Christopher Godoy reminded the assembly of their responsibility to attend weekly meetings and be active in their committees. Godoy warned members that they would be warned and then impeached from their positions if they do not meet their responsibilities.
Vice President Lilly Sousa said she is looking for assembly members to join a committee to head the ongoing project to build an on-campus memorial for students who have passed.
The full meeting minutes for the November 13 meeting can be found here.