Legislative Branch

Who We Are

The Legislative Branch of USG is the center of advocacy. The branch aims to create an inclusive, intentional, and collaborative space for students to find solutions to student problems through partnering with other organizations and administrative offices. This branch consists of the Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer, Speaker of the Senate, 12 senators, 6 Standing Committees, and the advocacy liaisons. Their work is supported by the Parliamentary Secretary, Legislative Aides, and Senate Aides. Together, they represent the interests of undergraduate students and create solutions to problems that represent a middle ground between students, staff, faculty, and the community.

Our Leaders

Michelle Lu

Michelle Lu

Vice President

Rudra Saigal

Rudra Saigal

Speaker of the Senate

Kaleb Stephens

Kaleb Stephens

Chief Diversity Officer

How to Join Us

Come to a Senate meeting! We meet every Tuesday at 7pm in TCC 450.

 Come to one of our six committee meetings: Academic Affairs, Accessibility, Affordability & Basic Needs, External Affairs, Sustainability & Campus Infrastructures, and Wellness Affairs

Legislative Branch Project Tracker

See 2023-24 Legislative projects and latest work!

CommitteeProject TitleDescriptionLast StepStatusProject Lead(s)Email AddressTeam MembersLast Updated
USCard Mobile IntegrationIntegrate the USC ID card onto Mobile Wallets in collaboration with USC Card ServicesAuxiliary services put in a budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025; administration is in supportIn ProgressMichelle Lu, Divya Jakatdarusgvp@usc.eduSanjana Sambhwani, Mustafa Ali Khan, Coleman Cochran2/6/24
Medical Supply Vending MachinePack medical supplies in vending machines in Village and Royal Parking LotCompletedMichelle Lu, Divya Jakatdarusgvp@usc.edu1/11/24
Emergency Funding for Philanthropic EventsProviding funding for community service initiatives that address current worldwide issues with a faster turnaround time then the current 6 week timeline.Met with Veejay to determine how feasible this project will be and how to connect with on campus partnersIn ProgressKhalil Danielsusgcfo@usc.eduZain Saquib, Anish Kushalapa11/8/23
Wellness RoundtableHost an administrative roundtable surrounding mental health resources and therapy options for students Reach out to admin, budget request for foodIn ProgressMichelle Lu, Brianna Sanchezusgvp@usc.edu3/6/2024
Transparency on USC Financial Aid Wait Time for Phone CallsAn edit to the voicemail system of the USC office of financial aid, which implements a call back system so students do not have to wait on hold for extremely long periods of time. Reached out to new contact in fin aid. No response yet. In ProgressPatrick Nguyenpnguyen5@usc.eduBrianna Sanchez, Lydiao Costantian, Patrick Nguyen, Diana Carpio, Chase Dudum, and Klarissa Palacios2/7/2024
Laundry StipendThis project advocates for increasing sustainability and access to affordable laundry. Our goal is to give students who are financially insecure a stipend so they have one less thing to worry about. Meeting with financial aid to ensure the recipients will not have conflicts of interest with their financial packages. In ProgressAneri Narayan & Diana Carpiodcarpio@usc.edu, arnaraya@usc.eduPatrick Nguyen, Yasmeen EIFarra, Lydia Costantian1/8/2024
Student Art on CampusWe propose a dual effort to install art in various interior spaces on campus and in the village. On campus, we’d like to implement a program to have student artists create artwork for common spaces across campus (i.e. libraries) that can be hung up/put up and taken down every few months. With the USC Village space, we hope to recruit artists from the local South Central community to paint murals/put up their artwork around the village on a rotating basis. To protect the integrity of the building designs, these artworks may be put up in the village storefront windows in partnership with the businesses. Additionally, permanent artwork by local community members could be placed in the parking structure below the village.Established a meeting with the USC Office of Religious and Spiritual Life for talks of installing a mural in their RestSC Space.Establishing connections with the University’s Public Art Committee.In ProgressPresident Jakatdar, Senator Schaffer, Chair Cisneroshmschaff@usc.eduExternal Affairs Committee10/30/23
Non-USC Housing Printing StipendUSC Libraries and USG are joining forces to create software that allows students to use USG-provided stipends for printing expenses directly through the USC Libraries' printing portal. Students can apply for a $10 stipend through USG, which will be linked to their USC ID cards, offering convenient and equitable access to printing services for academic materials. This initiative aims to support students' learning preferences and reduce financial barriers to printing costs.A Google form has been recently created to collect data on the commuter student experience regarding printing on campus. There has also been a meeting with USC Libraries scheduled for October 9, 2023. Finally, we met with Lydia, the Chair of the Affordability and Basic Needs Committee, to discuss the potential for collaboration with the committee.In ProgressBrandon Tavakolibtavakol@usc.eduHana Doss-Wassily10/23/23
Football Ticket GivebackOur goal is to create a platform that connects students without tickets and those willing to donate their tickets. Many students don’t use all of their tickets in the season pass, and those who are unable to sell them can donate these tickets to students who are unable to afford them. This gives a chance for tickets to not go to waste and for students in need to experience a part of USC culture.Figuring out logistics with the Athletic Student SenateIn ProgressAneri Narayan arnaraya@usc.eduLydia Costantian, Affordability and Basic Needs committee, Chase Dudum, Patrick Nguyen1/10/24
Adding Armenian Language Courses and an Armenian Studies Minor to the University of Southern California’s Curriculum USC has more than 1,000 Armenian students. LA County is home to the largest Armenian diaspora community in the world, with over 200,000 Armenians. Therefore, students at USC should have the opportunity to learn the language. Without having the Armenian language available, students are deprived of the opportunity of learning Armenian to fulfill their foreign language requirement and of keeping the language alive outside of Armenia. This project aims to add Armenian language courses and an Armenian Studies Minor to USC’s language curriculum. There would be three years of Armenian. In turn, the language classes would support the Armenian Studies Minor, alongside other classes which are still being decided.Dr. Karapetian has submitted the Armenian Language Courses to the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures, where the Armenian language courses and Armenian Studies Minor will be housed. Upon approval of the Armenian language courses, Dr. Karapetian will submit the Armenian Studies Minor course plans because its structure depends on the language courses.In ProgressDr. Shushan Karapetian, Jackalyn Karamanougianjkaraman@usc.eduMane Berikyan,Julianna Melendez,Klaudia Lukomska, andRin Choi3/20/24
Transfer Student CenterThis project is a collaboration between TSA, specifically AL Chase Dudum, and myself to see how we can acquire a physical space on campus to act as a hub for transfer students. This will also ental a pursuit of transfer advisors and/or embedded counselors.Reasearched comparable transfer student centers and resourcesStalled AL Chase Dudum, Julianna Melendezjjmelend@usc.eduChair Brianna Sanchez2/28
FGLI Real Talk RoundtableThis will be a roundtable discussion with various FGLI alumni that will give students a chance to ask questions they would otherwise ask an older sibling. Questions can range from how to pursue a social life without feeling guilty, how to avoid limiting mindsets when it comes to money/money management, how to stop having imposter syndrome, etc. Really anything and everything. Have spoken with FGSA e-board as well as AL and they’re on board to have this happen in the spring.Completed Julianna Melendezjjmelend@usc.eduPatrick Nguyen, Jackalyn Karamanougian1/25/24
Apartment Meal Plan ExpansionThis project is a collaboration between Gary Marschall (Head of Campus Dining), his Dining staff, and myself to see how feasible it would be to either A.) Allow more flexibility in how much of the apartment meal plan cost can be moved to prioritize dining dollars > meal swipes or B.) to see how we can expand upon the entire meal plan.Met with Dining and discussed a pause on apartment meal plan changes due to student feedback. Pivoting to a different project called "Too Good to Good" which addresses both food insecurity and food waste.In Progress Julianna Melendezjjmelend@usc.eduJackalyn Karamanougian, Patrick Nguyen, and Chase Dudum1/25/24
USC Cafes x USG Outreach Event In order to meet students where they’re at, the idea is to go where they frequent most - cafes! This would be an effort to have a collaboration with one or more cafes on campus (Annenberg, Literatea, Popovich, etc) and different assemblies and host outreach there. Every outreach event would be highlighting different assemblies, starting with lesser known assemblies like FGSA and MENASA. The assembly would decorate coffee cups highlighting different projects, events, and initiatives they’ve worked on. Representatives from the assembly would be there to hand out the coffee, man a table with flyers, etc. Stickers delivered. Annenberg confirmed tabling space.In ProgressJulianna Melendezjjmelend@usc.eduPatrick Nguyen, Jackalyn Karamounigian 2/21/24
LA Local Business Day LA Local Business Day is a once-a-semester event where the Undergraduate Student Government works in conjunction with Trojans Shop Local to bring local businesses to USC campus. During the event vendors will sell food, local goods, and other items unique to the South Los Angeles area. The project hopes to bridge the disconnect between USC and its surrounding community members, and offer a more holistic look at the cultural aspects and influences of the region. Reached out to Trojans Shop Local to confirm a partnership, Met with Trojan Marketplace to create connections and begin to build out a framework to integrate their businesses into this project, Reached out to Trojan Event Services about securing the McCarthy Quad for the event, Finalizing budget to apply for funding request, Met with the External Affairs committee to confirm that they can begin working on the UPass x Local Businesses documentIn ProgressHalle Schafferhmschaff@usc.eduExternal Affairs, Trojans Shop Local01/31/24
EBT Implementation ProjectThis project advocates for increasing sustainability and access to affordable food on campus, as well as in the surrounding community. We want to work with the school to get EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) integrated into Seeds, with the hope of having regular EBT accepted as a form of payment. We also want to help the school expand the vendors who accept EBT at the farmers market right here on campus. This would also include working with Market Match to get their program up and running here once they are taking new applications. The last part of this project is to work with restaurants and vendors in the community to offer student discounts, which would help students explore the community they are a part of, as well as hopefully find less expensive food options.We have started discussing what we want the goals of this project to look like.In ProgressSenator Christian Shaw, Senator Diana Carpiodcarpio@usc.eduLydia Costantian 02/12/24
Therapy ExpansionWe want to make the therapy process easier, whether that involves extending the current number of free sessions from 5 to 8-10, reducing the wait time/creating more available appointments, or ideally partnering with a third party provider (ex. Lyra) for additional sessions.met with Dr. Leaks and team early DecemberIn ProgressKarina Patel, AnnaOlivia Schwedtkmpatel@usc.eduArrianah Galvin, Sea Gira01/10/24
Sharps DisposalFor students with diabetes or other health conditions, they have no proper destination to dispose of needles or other sharps, causing an increased hazard to them and others. We want to implement separate sharps disposal containers into on-campus bathrooms in class buildings and residential hall communal bathrooms. After AnnaOlivia and Karina met with Dr. Van Orman on October 9th, she recommended that we try to guage the simplicity of the California sharps take-back programs to see if we can find a way to make it more accessible to the student body. Over the past month, AnnaOlivia has been navigating various take-back programs and ordering sharps containers and sending them back to see how feasible the programs are. After concluding that the programs are effective and simple to use, she reached out to USC Environmental Health and Safety to see if there was a possibility of updating their website or any other websites that are relevant to safe sharps disposal. EHS redirected AnnaOlivia to USC Pharmacy, and now the website has a hyper link on their main page that shows students how to get a sharps container and send it to a disposal facility at no cost. CompletedKarina Patel, AnnaOlivia Schwedtkmpatel@usc.eduAnnette Malan, Isabel Jasper02/08/24
Campus Dorms Fan Recycling ProjectThe purpose of this project is to provide a temporary solution to address the urgent need to provide cool air to residents living in on-campus housing. As a first step, we aim to complete research and stakeholder engagement through surveys as well as spread to the Residential Assistants for greater outreach. After we collect this information, we will have a better understanding of how extensive the issue is and how many students would be willing to donate their used fans. After approval, we would begin preparations for a giveback program where students donate their fans and they can be repurposed for incoming students. Senator AnnaOlivia Schwedt met with the director of housing, Chris Ponsiglione, to discuss the feasibility of putting either centralized air conditioning or individual units into the residential halls that do not have them (Birnkrant, New North, Pardee, Marks, Parkside Apartments). Considering the project is estimated to cost 100 million dollars, we are considering a giveback program for fans purchased by students that they no longer need after the first year. We also met with JJ from ECO-DORM, who informed us that there is already a startup doing this project.In ProgressJon-Marc Burgess (ESA AL), Chase Dudum (TSA AL), and AnnaOlivia Schwedt (Senator) schwedt@usc.edu, dudum@usc.edu, jonmarcb@usc.eduKarina Patel, Chair of the Accessibility Committee, Ezekiel Buenaventura, GM of the Affordability and Basic Needs Committee01/10/24
Library Priority Seating Get designated seating for students with mobility needs at all USC libraries.Set up a meeting with Libraries accessibility contact for 2/26/24In Progress Julianna Melendezjjmelend@usc.eduGM Emma Fallon, Chair Karina Patel, AL Annette Malan, AL Arrianahb Galvan02/21/24
OSAS Workshop The goal is to host a workshop which gives a breakdown of OSAS as a resource on campus and addresses the most common questions and confusions students have.Workshop occurred on February 14 at TCC 350 from 12-1pm.Completed Julianna Melendezjjmelend@usc.eduJackalyn Karamanougian, Chair Kate Ariathurai, AL Annette Malan, AL Patrick Nguyen02/15/24
LSA Resources HandbookThe goal is to consolidate Latine resources for students and put them in a document as a of resource guide. This can be in the form of physical handbooks (placed in La Casa) and GQ codes distributed amongst campus for a virtual version.Met with LSA to review resources guideIn Progress Julianna Melendezjjmelend@usc.eduJackalyn Karamanougian, Chair Kate Ariathurai, AL Kiana Amaya02/21/24
ofCourse Support ofCourse is a student run organization currently building their own web registration interface that includes ability to upload past syllabuses for classes you have taken, leaving peer reviews (that are verified and align with interface guidelines), and a seat check which alerts a student to open seats in a class they would like to attend that is currently full.Thus far ofCourse has built the bones of the interface and continues to work on the programming weekly. I have met with both the President and the Treasure to discuss their monetary needs and goals for funding.In ProgressKate Ariathuraikariathu@usc.eduKate Ariathurai, Senator Zober, Senator Speier, Rin Choi09/05/23
Textbook Online DatabaseThe database will be based on the Open and Affordable Textbook Initiative (OATI) at Loyola Marymount University to help faculty identify, adopt, and/or create high-quality, flexible, accessible, and low-no-cost course materials for our LMU students using Open Educational Resources (OER) and library-licensed materials. The database currently has 160,000+ titles. The library can pay an e-book access fee to create a database of library-licensed materials.In ProgressKate Stuzinstuzin@usc.eduKlaudia Lukomska, Kate Ariathurai, Matthew Speier, Jake Zober, Bryan Fernandez10/09/23
Naloxone Access ExpansionOpioid overdose is on the rise, especially among college students. As of now, naloxone education is limited since students need to approach programs in order to learn how to administer naloxone. Met with AAPP and agreed to organize one workshop in a Residential Hall during Wellness WeekStalledVarun Tummalapallivrtummal@usc.eduBrianna Sanchez01/20/24
Welcome Back Wellness FairThis fair, similar to Wellness Day, will be on Sep 19, 2023 and consist of wellness-based RSOs to table. Here, they will talk about their mission and what they offer for students.Had a successful event with 18 attending RSOs/USC Departments!CompletedBrianna Sanchezbasanche@usc.eduRudra Saigal, Emilia Bletsas, Wellness Committee 09/19/23
Student Health Fee (SHF) PromotionWorking to create materials that demonstrate what the Student Health Fee provides and social media promotion of these resources can expose these benefits to the greater student body. The Student Health team was able to create reusable flyers for USG events that show the benefits of the Student Health Fee. Mustafa and Brianna filmed a Q&A style video that was posted on Sep 5, 2023 that promoted Student Health tabling at the Farmer’s Market.CompletedBrianna Sanchezbasanche@usc.eduMustafa Ali Khan, Emilia Bletsas, Rudra Saigal 09/06/23
Wellness Week Wellness Week is a week-long event that will be held February 12th-16th in partnership with Student Health. Wellness-related RSOs and assemblies will table and/or lead workshops/sessions on topics such as mindfulness, fitness, stress management, etc.Having weekly planning sessions with various stakeholdersCompletedBrianna Sanchezbasanche@usc.eduRudra Saigal, Wellness Committee 02/07/24
Resource Awareness Tote Bags with Wellness EssentialsIn this pickup, students will be able to pick out their desired essentials in a student-designed tote bag inspired by the artists’ view on health. On the back of this tote bag, there will be a QR code leading to Student Health’s resource (potentially a LinkTree w/ categories). Legislative proposal madeIn ProgressSenator Padilla, Senator Schaffer, Chair Sanchezpadillai@usc.eduWellness Committee, Arrianah Galvan, Chair Costantian02/21/24
More Accessible STI Testing The purpose of providing STI testing is imperative for uncovered USC students. Receiving accessibility to STI testing is an effort to promote sexual health, education and awareness, facilitate public health, and to reduce stigmas surrounding sexual transmitted ailments. In accordance with Student Health’s goal of encouraging students to take care of their sexual health and to prevent the spread of infections, providing more accessible STI testing would serve to benefit the overall objective of both parties. The project will begin with a pilot phase where we test it out for just one month to gauge how students respond to free testing services.Proposal approved by Senate 10/31 CompletedRudra Saigal, Brianna Sanchez rsaigal@usc.edu, basanche@usc.eduKrish Malhotra, Kevina Tanos, Devin Ayala 01/30/24
Navigating Health Insurance WorkshopThis project aims to streamline and simplify the information dissemination and navigation of health insurance policies, ensuring that USC students can confidently make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage and access necessary services without unnecessary obstacles.Met with Rachel Lichtman, a Student Health Center Representative, and confirmed that two Student Health Representatives will be guiding the workshop over Zoom (Rachel Lichtman and Minnie Ho) sometime in the afternoon during Wellness Week.In ProgressBrianna Sanchez, Wellness Chair, & Rudra Saigal, Speaker of the Senate / Wellness Committeersaigal@usc.edu, basanche@usc.eduRachel Lichtman, Minne Ho02/21/24
Embedded Counselor PanelThis project aims to facilitate an embedded counselor panel within the university to provide information on the available mental health support to the student body by fostering a proactive approach to well-being. By integrating counseling services directly within the USC community through an in-person panel (where students can ask questions and get to see the faces of available embedded counselors), the project seeks to address mental health concerns promptly, reduce stigma, and create a supportive environment conducive to the overall success and happiness of students.Met with the Student Health team and was able to finalize 2 embedded counselors to participate in the panel. CompletedBrianna Sanchezbasanche@usc.eduAlice Chiang, Hunter Black, Rachel Lichtman02/07/24
External Affairs and LSA Approved Vendor List Expansion ProjectLSA Advocacy Liaison Kiana Amaya will conduct research on Latiné restaurants in the South Los Angeles area, with an emphasis on restaurants owned by underrepresented parts of the Latiné community. When the list is complete, the External Affairs Committee will work with these businesses to get them on the approved vendor list, so that in future events it is easier to include them. LSA has completed list of potential restaurants to add. Currently exploring adding them to the list as well as increasing access to form for Spanish speakers or hosting workshops. In ProgressVincent Cisneros, Kiana Amaya, Yolanda Zhangvrcisner@usc.eduAkshay Manglani, Clarissa Rosales09/14/23
External Affairs and LSA Village Community Space Research and Lobbying LSA Advocacy Liaison Kiana Amaya and External Affairs Chair Vincent Cisneros will conduct research into what village policy, if any, requires the presence and inclusion of local businesses. If no such policy exists, External Affairs will draft policy change recommendations for the village to require locally-owned businesses and potentially reserving a space for a community-based nonprofit organization in the village’s future expansion plans. Vincent and Kiana held meeting with village real estate and gained information about how the village obtains tenants for its businesses. Discovered that majority of businesses are minority owned and several are owned by folks from the greater Los Angeles area. Village also emphasized that Target and Trader Joe's are EBT certified and Target is working to get WIC certification. Kiana identified With Love as potential business partner. In ProgressVincent Cisneros, Kiana Amaya vrcisner@usc.eduKaren Borglund09/14/23
NANDC ParticipationFor the academic year, Vincent Cisneros will continue his appointment as the USC Community representative on the council as the External Affairs committee chair. This will allow him to continue building off the progress made over the previous term. The USG Senate has signed his petition approving his appointment. Vincent was confirmed for NANDC in September and is currently serving his termCompletedVincent Cisnerosvrcisner@usc.eduUSG Senate (petition signatures)09/14/23
DPS Naloxone EquipmentThe project will start with conducting research around regulations over who can carry and/or administer Naloxone. If it is deemed possible for DPS to carry and administer it, the committee will explore funding and legislative outlets for acquiring the materials and training for DPS officers. Yolanda Zhang and Karen Borglund reached out to DPS officilals and confirmed that officers are equipped and trained to administer Naloxone. Naloxone is available to both students and community membersCompletedVincent Cisnerosvrcisner@usc.eduElle Barker (JAMS AL), Karen Borglund, Yolanda Zhang09/14/23
Orientation Office Curriculum Advocacy ProjectExternal Affairs will reach out to the orientation office and ask for access to orientation curriculum. Based on this curriculum, the committee will identify gaps and lapses in cultural awareness regarding USC’s relationship with its surrounding community. The committee will use these gaps to create recommendations for the orientation office to change its curriculum. Akshay Manglani held meeting with Lisa Starr from orientation who agreed that promoting U-Pass Maps would be great and very feasible for her officeIn ProgressVincent Cisnerosvrcisner@usc.eduValeria Macias, Akshay Manglani09/14/23
Tommy’s Closet: Affordable Professional Clothing DriveThis project will build off of last year’s Tommy’s Closet event. Through this project, students and administrators were able to donate gently used professional clothing over the course of a week. After donations were collected, a Clothing Drive Event was hosted for students to stop by and pick up professional clothing items that were needed.We completed the Tommy's Closet Event on March 7th in the Sustainability Hub. We had 182 students sign in to the event, and the estimated # of donations was in the thousands. CompletedLydia Costantianlcostant@usc.eduAffordability and Basic Needs Committee, Patrick Nguyen (FGSA AL), Heyday Vasquez (IDEAS AL), Isabella Padilla (Senator)03/20/24
Trojan Bites: Extra Food AppCollege campuses are responsible for 22 million pounds of food waste per year. Not only is this a sustainability issue, but leftover food can also be channeled back to students in need. USC incurs food waste from the dozens of catered events that occur each week on campus. To solve this issue, USC should establish an Extra Food App for students. With this system, organizers of catered on-campus events will be able to notify students when they have extra food available, addressing both food insecurity and sustainability.Distributed the code from Too Good To Go (an app for reduced price meals) to over 600 students. App usage has increased by a lot. In ProgressLydia Costantian and Kelvin Arana Orozcolcostant@usc.eduPatrick Nguyen (FGSA AL), John Marc (ESA AL)03/20/24
Free Menstrual Products in BathroomsWe want to build on the past USC initiative of providing pads and tampons by making sure every bathroom is always stocked with these products. Every menstruating student deserves the right to access period products.VGSA created a google form to collect data on product availability. Distributed this form to SAGE and USG members to help collect data..In ProgressLydia Costantian, Alexa Dadson (Senate Aide)lcostant@usc.eduKyra Aligaen (works for Student Health), McKayla Dorantes (Senator), Maya Hermanus (SAGE AL)03/20/24
Legal Aid Workshop for HousingThe purpose of this project is to create a “Housing 101” workshop for students to learn important information about signing a lease and choosing housing within the USC area. This workshop will be led by a lawyer (affiliated with USC) who has robust knowledge on housing contracts, especially for student-buyers.We are going to set up a meeting with Jules and the next AffBN Chair to pick up the project from there.StalledLydia Costantian, Jules Maxlcostant@usc.eduTroy Nevil (AffBN General Member), Ashley Castro (AffBN General Member), Bryan Fernandez (Senator)03/20/24
EBT 101 Workshop/InformationSurrounding the general anxiety for students thinking about applying for food stamps and specifically Calfresh benefits at USC, the project aims to research and create a resource for students eligible to feel confident applying. What this project will provide is interview preparation, general advice on filling out financial information, and affirming that applying for benefits should not be an anxiety-inducing process. New Project is starting to take off, meeting with appropriate parties (OSBN) and seeing where we should begin to kick this off fromIn ProgressAva Grosley & Senator Fernandezgrosely@usc.eduSAL SOON, AffBN Chair Costantian 11/08/23
Reducing Single Use PlasticThis project’s purpose is to work with USC administration to find incentives for stores at the village (such as Cava, Dulce, and Insomnia Cookies) to switch to compostable plastic, or encourage them to give more sustainable options to customers such as opting to take plastic, or bringing reusable containers from home. set up a meeting with Retail Property Manager for the USC villageIn ProgressAlice de Martel demartel@usc.eduSara Stienecker, Senator Isabella Padilla, Elle Barker, and Jon-Marc Burgess10/24/23
Electronic Receipts on RTCC KiosksWe aim to implement an electronic receipt option in the kiosk systems, allowing students to obtain a receipt through email, phone number, or giving them the option to not obtain one at all. In doing so, we would be able to reduce waste and contribute to USC’s Sustainability Initiative by procuring the University’s resources and diverting the receipts waste from having such a short useful lifespan. Contacted ESA AL.In ProgressSenator Velazquezandreav6@usc.edu Sara Stienecker (Sustainability Committee Chair), McKayla Dorantes (Senator), Bryan Fernandez Gonzalez (Senator), Jon-Marc Burgess (ESA AL)10/30/23
Farmlink “Abundance” Screening We will screen the documentary “Abundance” by Farmlink, hold a Q&A session at the end with a panel, and overall educate the audience on how to approach the issue of food waste more sustainably. Starting a new project, but first action will be reaching out to Farmlink to coordinate screening and panel.In ProgressLauren Chun ljchun@usc.eduSara Stienecker 11/13/23
Houseware Recycling The project’s purpose is to create a resource/system for students to donate and buy houseware. At the end of year, there is an abundance of usable houseware that is thrown out. By collecting donations before move out day, the products can then be given away to students at donation drives. An additional intention of the project is to provide low income students a more affordable option, as these products would significantly ease the financial stress of moving in.In ProgressPatrick Nguyen, Sara Stieneckerstieneck@usc.edu, pnguyen5@usc.eduChase Dudum, Jon-Marc Burgess, Julianna Melendez 11/13/23
Tongva Land History TrojanLearn ModuleThis project will create a module on TrojanLearn that Freshmen will need to take during their first semester, similar to the Sexual Assault Prevention module that is necessary to be taken first semester.Discussed project idea with NASA E-Board as well as the CDO in order to find people to reach out to. In ProgressZidane Zamoranozzamoran@usc.edu09/12/23
Queer Resources Visibility ImprovementImprove accessibility to queer resources by, firstly, establishing and promoting the Queer Advocacy Committee within QuASA to get more students involved in queer advocacy, and possibly working with the LGBTQ+ Student Center to reach a greater audience.Continue to have QuAC meetings, at which we will also survey students about their suggestions for QuAC and ideas for queer advocacy projectsIn ProgressIsabel Jasper, Hulbert Dangijasper@usc.edu01/24/24
Gender Inclusive Housing ImprovementUse student input and increase involvement to improve the university’s approach to offering gender-inclusive housing options, which would entail improving visibility of these options to students applying to housing, improvement of roommate questionnaires, and possible expansion of gender-inclusive housing.Contact administration about putting survey QR code up in residence halls, brainstorm more ways to get more responsesIn ProgressIsabel Jasper, Hulbert Dangijasper@usc.edu01/24/24
South LA x Village This project will advocate for a community organization/restaurant like South LA Cafe to have a space in the village. The implementation of a community organization could be the first step to having a proper, accessible space for South Central residents and low-income students. Met with Vincent Cisneros on Tuesday 9/12 and discussed prior confusion over requirements to become a vendor at the village. In ProgressKiana Amaya, Vincent Cisneros vrcisner@usc.edu, kamaya@usc.eduExternal Affairs Committee 09/18/23
Discrimination in the ClassroomThis project will survey students in their academic classrooms to understand how they are treated and gather data so that we have actionable evidence for how to positively change these environments with things such as inclusive texts and examples, and more diverse professors etc. Published the survey for gender based discrimination in the classroom. Sent survey to all AL's to put in their respective assemblies newsletters, emailed some other organizations but awaiting responses. Waiting on more responses to the survey. In ProgressMaya Hermanushermanus@usc.edu03/20/24
Non-Mexican Latin VendorsBy incorporating South Central’s diverse population into USC’s programming and culture, we can bring representation to both the local community/South Central USC Students and non-Mexican Latinos.Met with Chair of External Affairs on Tuesday, (9/12), and discussed how we can collaborate and move forward with this project. In ProgressKiana Amaya, Clarissa Rosales kamaya@usc.eduLSA E-Board, Vincent Cisneros & External Affairs Committe09/05/23
EquiConnect: On-the-Go Accommodation SupportStudents can select the option to have their accommodations in a select building on the OSAS portal. OSAS requests classrooms where they can distribute and have their counselors meet students at.Met with Karina Patel, Senator Julianna M, and Senator Anna S.In ProgressAnnette Malanamalan@usc.edu08/31/23
Parking Accessibility ImprovementIdentify use of various parking structures and lots around campus to identify a gap in resources and use. Project forward to better accessibility for commuter students.Survey has been thoroughly reviewed and is approaching completion for publishing. Digital promotional materials produced by Seva Raman, so survey release is imminent.In ProgressElle Barker eabarker@usc.eduChase Dudum, Anna Schwedt, Briana Hui, Seva Raman02/21/24
MENA Race Box for Administrative Data This project is seeking to increase representation and data collection on MENA students through providing them the opportunity to self-identify as “Middle Eastern/North African” on official university forms. This has the potential to majorly increase third party stakeholder engagement for this population as well as foster a better sense of belonging and community within the university environment. The lack of data is a huge missed opportunity to highlight the contributions of MENA students to the university and this would help to start the data collection that almost every single other ethnic group on campus has had access to for decades. This data collection would help to ensure the appropriate allocation of resources, funding, and student services. Meeting with administration to begin advocacy workStalledAL Yasmeen ElFarra and Chair Kate Ariathurai yelfarra@usc.edu & kariathu@usc.eduSenator Julianna Melendez, Senator Mathew Speier, CDO Kaleb Stephens02/19/24
Military-Associated Community Survey (MACS)Begin to leverage connections with the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and ROTC programs to seek out potential JAMS students. Produce a comprehensive and concise survey that can connect students with JAMS and VRC newsletters, identifies their interests for JAMS programming, and catalogs their concerns with respect to advocacy.Published the survey through JAMS instagram and member RSO comm networks. Produced digital promotional materials to accompany release of the survey. In ProgressElle Barker eabarker@usc.edu02/21/24
Grocery Gift Cards For Undocumented students For this project, undocumented students will be able to receive gift cards to food designated places such as Ralphs, Smart & Final, and Vons. These will serve to bring affordability to undocumented students in grocery shopping. Gift card distribution will be on a monthly basis. Emailed financial aid to see how and what to do if it confclits with students packagesIn ProgressHeydy Vasquez, Bryan Fernandezhyvasque@usc.edu10/23/23
Embedded Counselor for MENA LoungeAs MENASA works to ensure we are accepted as a separate cultural demographic, it is crucial that USC makes strides to offer an embedded counselor in the MENA Lounge who is familiar with MENA culture. Through advocacy efforts, this project hopes to promote cultural understanding of the mental health stigma apparent within the MENA community and encourage the establishment of an embedded counselor that will serve students in the MENA Lounge.30 minute, 1-1 Let's Talk sessions are now available with a MENA-identifying counselor!!In ProgressYasmeen ElFarrayelfarra@usc.eduAL Chase Dudum, Senator Julianna Melendez, CDO Kaleb Stephens, Nour Geha (MENA Lounge Cultural Ambassador), Isabel Atiyah (MENASA E-Board Member)02/19/24
Storage ReimbursementTo alleviate the financial and mental hurdles of moving into college, this project would reimburse low-income students under the USC Affordability Initiative, for a storage service of their choice over the summer. Survey is made and we await for Comms Request Form for distribution In ProgressPatrick Nguyen pnguyen5@usc.eduChase Dudum (TSA AL), Rudra Saigal (Senator), Ezekiel Buenaventura (Affordability and Basic Needs Committee), Andrea Velazquez (Senator), Jon-Marc Burgess (ESA AL) 10/30/23
Compostable Wipes for USC Recreational Centers Aligning with USC’s Assignment Earth initiative, we believe it is necessary to create a system for compostable cleaning wipes at the recreation centers on campus. The purpose of this project is to enable recreation centers to contribute to Project Earth initiatives that we partake in. As a first step, we will research compostable alternatives for gym wipes, and eventually, we will collaborate with current gym managers to help them incorporate our compostable solution.Spoke with staff at Lyons Recreational Center to explore the feasibility of the project and start building connections with management. In ProgressJon-Marc Burgess (ESA AL) and Tiya Jain (ESA Director of Advocacy)jonmarcb@usc.edu11/07/23
Dornsife Lab Coat Recycling ProjectTo minimize our impact on the environment and break the financial barrier that often separates low-income students from being able to participate in sustainability initiatives, it is necessary to create a lab coat recycling program. The purpose of this program is to reuse lab coats donated by students and distribute them, for free or at a reduced cost, to incoming students. We have curated the form for data collection purposes to see how many students would be willing to donate their lab coats. USC EHS has been extremely helpful and I have been communicating with Dr. Webber who will send a list of all the classes that use 100% cotton lab coats to aid with our data collection efforts. In ProgressJon-Marc Burgess (ESA AL), Kate Douglas (ESA Director of Advocacy), and Tiya Jain (ESA Director of Advocacy)jonmarcb@usc.edu11/07/23
This project will be finding a space and staff to be allocated into a dream center for undocumented students. This center would be a specific space for undocumented students to feel welcome and gain support from different ends. In ProgressHeydy Vasquezhyvasque@usc.eduIDEAS e-board, Senator Padilla, Chair Ariathurai, FGSA AL Patrick Nguyen, LSA AL Kiana Amaya, Chair Sanchez, Senator Fernandez, BSA AL Abonie Blount11/20/23
For students who don't have the means or resources for the technology necessary to succeed in school, this project attempts to address this.- contacted Dean of Financial Aid to see if we can use financial aid to determine eligibility. This will help in figuring out a demand for this project and see if we can get a fund establishedIn ProgressAbonie Blountablount@usc.eduAFBN GM Troy Nevil01/24/24
Project TitleDescriptionLast StepStatusProject Lead(s)Email AddressTeam MembersLast Updated
USCard Mobile IntegrationIntegrate the USC ID card onto Mobile Wallets in collaboration with USC Card ServicesAuxiliary services put in a budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025; administration is in supportIn ProgressMichelle Lu, Divya Jakatdarusgvp@usc.eduSanjana Sambhwani, Mustafa Ali Khan, Coleman Cochran02/06/24
Medical Supply Vending MachinePack medical supplies in vending machines in Village and Royal Parking LotCompletedMichelle Lu, Divya Jakatdarusgvp@usc.edu01/11/24
Emergency Funding for Philanthropic EventsProviding funding for community service initiatives that address current worldwide issues with a faster turnaround time then the current 6 week timeline.Met with Veejay to determine how feasible this project will be and how to connect with on campus partnersIn ProgressKhalil Danielsusgcfo@usc.eduZain Saquib, Anish Kushalapa11/08/2023
Wellness RoundtableHost an administrative roundtable surrounding mental health resources and therapy options for students Reach out to admin, budget request for foodIn ProgressMichelle Lu, Brianna Sanchezusgvp@usc.edu3/6/24
Project TitleDescriptionLast StepStatusProject Lead(s)Email AddressTeam MembersLast Updated
Transparency on USC Financial Aid Wait Time for Phone CallsAn edit to the voicemail system of the USC office of financial aid, which implements a call back system so students do not have to wait on hold for extremely long periods of time. Reached out to new contact in fin aid. No response yet. In ProgressPatrick Nguyenpnguyen5@usc.eduBrianna Sanchez, Lydiao Costantian, Patrick Nguyen, Diana Carpio, Chase Dudum, and Klarissa Palacios2/7/24
Laundry StipendThis project advocates for increasing sustainability and access to affordable laundry. Our goal is to give students who are financially insecure a stipend so they have one less thing to worry about. Meeting with financial aid to ensure the recipients will not have conflicts of interest with their financial packages. In ProgressAneri Narayan & Diana Carpiodcarpio@usc.edu, arnaraya@usc.eduPatrick Nguyen, Yasmeen EIFarra, Lydia Costantian1/8/24
Student Art on CampusWe propose a dual effort to install art in various interior spaces on campus and in the village. On campus, we’d like to implement a program to have student artists create artwork for common spaces across campus (i.e. libraries) that can be hung up/put up and taken down every few months. With the USC Village space, we hope to recruit artists from the local South Central community to paint murals/put up their artwork around the village on a rotating basis. To protect the integrity of the building designs, these artworks may be put up in the village storefront windows in partnership with the businesses. Additionally, permanent artwork by local community members could be placed in the parking structure below the village.Established a meeting with the USC Office of Religious and Spiritual Life for talks of installing a mural in their RestSC Space.Establishing connections with the University’s Public Art Committee.In ProgressPresident Jakatdar, Senator Schaffer, Chair Cisneroshmschaff@usc.eduExternal Affairs Committee10/30/2023
Non-USC Housing Printing StipendUSC Libraries and USG are joining forces to create software that allows students to use USG-provided stipends for printing expenses directly through the USC Libraries' printing portal. Students can apply for a $10 stipend through USG, which will be linked to their USC ID cards, offering convenient and equitable access to printing services for academic materials. This initiative aims to support students' learning preferences and reduce financial barriers to printing costs.A Google form has been recently created to collect data on the commuter student experience regarding printing on campus. There has also been a meeting with USC Libraries scheduled for October 9, 2023. Finally, we met with Lydia, the Chair of the Affordability and Basic Needs Committee, to discuss the potential for collaboration with the committee.In ProgressBrandon Tavakolibtavakol@usc.eduHana Doss-Wassily10/23/2023
Football Ticket GivebackOur goal is to create a platform that connects students without tickets and those willing to donate their tickets. Many students don’t use all of their tickets in the season pass, and those who are unable to sell them can donate these tickets to students who are unable to afford them. This gives a chance for tickets to not go to waste and for students in need to experience a part of USC culture.Figuring out logistics with the Athletic Student SenateIn ProgressAneri Narayan arnaraya@usc.eduLydia Costantian, Affordability and Basic Needs committee, Chase Dudum, Patrick Nguyen1/10/24
Adding Armenian Language Courses and an Armenian Studies Minor to the University of Southern California’s Curriculum USC has more than 1,000 Armenian students. LA County is home to the largest Armenian diaspora community in the world, with over 200,000 Armenians. Therefore, students at USC should have the opportunity to learn the language. Without having the Armenian language available, students are deprived of the opportunity of learning Armenian to fulfill their foreign language requirement and of keeping the language alive outside of Armenia. This project aims to add Armenian language courses and an Armenian Studies Minor to USC’s language curriculum. There would be three years of Armenian. In turn, the language classes would support the Armenian Studies Minor, alongside other classes which are still being decided.Dr. Karapetian has submitted the Armenian Language Courses to the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures, where the Armenian language courses and Armenian Studies Minor will be housed. Upon approval of the Armenian language courses, Dr. Karapetian will submit the Armenian Studies Minor course plans because its structure depends on the language courses.In ProgressDr. Shushan Karapetian, Jackalyn Karamanougianjkaraman@usc.eduMane Berikyan,Julianna Melendez,Klaudia Lukomska, andRin Choi3/20/24
Transfer Student CenterThis project is a collaboration between TSA, specifically AL Chase Dudum, and myself to see how we can acquire a physical space on campus to act as a hub for transfer students. This will also ental a pursuit of transfer advisors and/or embedded counselors.Reasearched comparable transfer student centers and resourcesStalled AL Chase Dudum, Julianna Melendezjjmelend@usc.eduChair Brianna Sanchez2/28/24
FGLI Real Talk RoundtableThis will be a roundtable discussion with various FGLI alumni that will give students a chance to ask questions they would otherwise ask an older sibling. Questions can range from how to pursue a social life without feeling guilty, how to avoid limiting mindsets when it comes to money/money management, how to stop having imposter syndrome, etc. Really anything and everything. Have spoken with FGSA e-board as well as AL and they’re on board to have this happen in the spring.Completed Julianna Melendezjjmelend@usc.eduPatrick Nguyen, Jackalyn Karamanougian1/25/24
Apartment Meal Plan ExpansionThis project is a collaboration between Gary Marschall (Head of Campus Dining), his Dining staff, and myself to see how feasible it would be to either A.) Allow more flexibility in how much of the apartment meal plan cost can be moved to prioritize dining dollars > meal swipes or B.) to see how we can expand upon the entire meal plan.Met with Dining and discussed a pause on apartment meal plan changes due to student feedback. Pivoting to a different project called "Too Good to Good" which addresses both food insecurity and food waste.In Progress Julianna Melendezjjmelend@usc.eduJackalyn Karamanougian, Patrick Nguyen, and Chase Dudum1/25/24
USC Cafes x USG Outreach Event In order to meet students where they’re at, the idea is to go where they frequent most - cafes! This would be an effort to have a collaboration with one or more cafes on campus (Annenberg, Literatea, Popovich, etc) and different assemblies and host outreach there. Every outreach event would be highlighting different assemblies, starting with lesser known assemblies like FGSA and MENASA. The assembly would decorate coffee cups highlighting different projects, events, and initiatives they’ve worked on. Representatives from the assembly would be there to hand out the coffee, man a table with flyers, etc. Stickers delivered. Annenberg confirmed tabling space.In ProgressJulianna Melendezjjmelend@usc.eduPatrick Nguyen, Jackalyn Karamounigian 2/21/24
LA Local Business Day LA Local Business Day is a once-a-semester event where the Undergraduate Student Government works in conjunction with Trojans Shop Local to bring local businesses to USC campus. During the event vendors will sell food, local goods, and other items unique to the South Los Angeles area. The project hopes to bridge the disconnect between USC and its surrounding community members, and offer a more holistic look at the cultural aspects and influences of the region. Reached out to Trojans Shop Local to confirm a partnership, Met with Trojan Marketplace to create connections and begin to build out a framework to integrate their businesses into this project, Reached out to Trojan Event Services about securing the McCarthy Quad for the event, Finalizing budget to apply for funding request, Met with the External Affairs committee to confirm that they can begin working on the UPass x Local Businesses documentIn ProgressHalle Schafferhmschaff@usc.eduExternal Affairs, Trojans Shop Local01/31/24
EBT Implementation ProjectThis project advocates for increasing sustainability and access to affordable food on campus, as well as in the surrounding community. We want to work with the school to get EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) integrated into Seeds, with the hope of having regular EBT accepted as a form of payment. We also want to help the school expand the vendors who accept EBT at the farmers market right here on campus. This would also include working with Market Match to get their program up and running here once they are taking new applications. The last part of this project is to work with restaurants and vendors in the community to offer student discounts, which would help students explore the community they are a part of, as well as hopefully find less expensive food options.We have started discussing what we want the goals of this project to look like.In ProgressSenator Christian Shaw, Senator Diana Carpiodcarpio@usc.eduLydia Costantian 2/12/24
Project TitleDescriptionLast StepStatusProject Lead(s)Email AddressTeam MembersLast Updated
Therapy ExpansionWe want to make the therapy process easier, whether that involves extending the current number of free sessions from 5 to 8-10, reducing the wait time/creating more available appointments, or ideally partnering with a third party provider (ex. Lyra) for additional sessions.met with Dr. Leaks and team early DecemberIn ProgressKarina Patel, AnnaOlivia Schwedtkmpatel@usc.eduArrianah Galvin, Sea Gira1/10/2024
Sharps DisposalFor students with diabetes or other health conditions, they have no proper destination to dispose of needles or other sharps, causing an increased hazard to them and others. We want to implement separate sharps disposal containers into on-campus bathrooms in class buildings and residential hall communal bathrooms. After AnnaOlivia and Karina met with Dr. Van Orman on October 9th, she recommended that we try to guage the simplicity of the California sharps take-back programs to see if we can find a way to make it more accessible to the student body. Over the past month, AnnaOlivia has been navigating various take-back programs and ordering sharps containers and sending them back to see how feasible the programs are. After concluding that the programs are effective and simple to use, she reached out to USC Environmental Health and Safety to see if there was a possibility of updating their website or any other websites that are relevant to safe sharps disposal. EHS redirected AnnaOlivia to USC Pharmacy, and now the website has a hyper link on their main page that shows students how to get a sharps container and send it to a disposal facility at no cost. CompletedKarina Patel, AnnaOlivia Schwedtkmpatel@usc.eduAnnette Malan, Isabel Jasper2/8/2024
Campus Dorms Fan Recycling ProjectThe purpose of this project is to provide a temporary solution to address the urgent need to provide cool air to residents living in on-campus housing. As a first step, we aim to complete research and stakeholder engagement through surveys as well as spread to the Residential Assistants for greater outreach. After we collect this information, we will have a better understanding of how extensive the issue is and how many students would be willing to donate their used fans. After approval, we would begin preparations for a giveback program where students donate their fans and they can be repurposed for incoming students. Senator AnnaOlivia Schwedt met with the director of housing, Chris Ponsiglione, to discuss the feasibility of putting either centralized air conditioning or individual units into the residential halls that do not have them (Birnkrant, New North, Pardee, Marks, Parkside Apartments). Considering the project is estimated to cost 100 million dollars, we are considering a giveback program for fans purchased by students that they no longer need after the first year. We also met with JJ from ECO-DORM, who informed us that there is already a startup doing this project.In ProgressJon-Marc Burgess (ESA AL), Chase Dudum (TSA AL), and AnnaOlivia Schwedt (Senator) schwedt@usc.edu, dudum@usc.edu, jonmarcb@usc.eduKarina Patel, Chair of the Accessibility Committee, Ezekiel Buenaventura, GM of the Affordability and Basic Needs Committee01/10/24
Library Priority Seating Get designated seating for students with mobility needs at all USC libraries.Set up a meeting with Libraries accessibility contact for 2/26/24In Progress Julianna Melendezjjmelend@usc.eduGM Emma Fallon, Chair Karina Patel, AL Annette Malan, AL Arrianahb Galvan2/21/24
OSAS Workshop The goal is to host a workshop which gives a breakdown of OSAS as a resource on campus and addresses the most common questions and confusions students have.Workshop occurred on February 14 at TCC 350 from 12-1pm.Completed Julianna Melendezjjmelend@usc.eduJackalyn Karamanougian, Chair Kate Ariathurai, AL Annette Malan, AL Patrick Nguyen2/15/24
LSA Resources HandbookThe goal is to consolidate Latine resources for students and put them in a document as a of resource guide. This can be in the form of physical handbooks (placed in La Casa) and GQ codes distributed amongst campus for a virtual version.Met with LSA to review resources guideIn Progress Julianna Melendezjjmelend@usc.eduJackalyn Karamanougian, Chair Kate Ariathurai, AL Kiana Amaya2/21/24
Extend Doheny's hours to be more accessible for students schedules and provide more space for students to do work throughout the 7 day week. Research Doheny library hours and contacts In ProgressEmma Fallonefallon@usc.eduChair Karina Patel, Accessibility Commitee3/20/24
Project TitleDescriptionLast StepStatusProject Lead(s)Email AddressTeam MembersLast Updated
ofCourse Support ofCourse is a student run organization currently building their own web registration interface that includes ability to upload past syllabuses for classes you have taken, leaving peer reviews (that are verified and align with interface guidelines), and a seat check which alerts a student to open seats in a class they would like to attend that is currently full.Thus far ofCourse has built the bones of the interface and continues to work on the programming weekly. I have met with both the President and the Treasure to discuss their monetary needs and goals for funding.In ProgressKate Ariathuraikariathu@usc.eduKate Ariathurai, Senator Zober, Senator Speier, Rin Choi9/5/23
Textbook Online DatabaseThe database will be based on the Open and Affordable Textbook Initiative (OATI) at Loyola Marymount University to help faculty identify, adopt, and/or create high-quality, flexible, accessible, and low-no-cost course materials for our LMU students using Open Educational Resources (OER) and library-licensed materials. The database currently has 160,000+ titles. The library can pay an e-book access fee to create a database of library-licensed materials.In ProgressKate Stuzinstuzin@usc.eduKlaudia Lukomska, Kate Ariathurai, Matthew Speier, Jake Zober, Bryan Fernandez10/09/23
Project TitleDescriptionLast StepStatusProject Lead(s)Email AddressTeam MembersLast Updated
Naloxone Access ExpansionOpioid overdose is on the rise, especially among college students. As of now, naloxone education is limited since students need to approach programs in order to learn how to administer naloxone. Met with AAPP and agreed to organize one workshop in a Residential Hall during Wellness WeekStalledVarun Tummalapallivrtummal@usc.eduBrianna Sanchez1/20/24
Welcome Back Wellness FairThis fair, similar to Wellness Day, will be on Sep 19, 2023 and consist of wellness-based RSOs to table. Here, they will talk about their mission and what they offer for students.Had a successful event with 18 attending RSOs/USC Departments!CompletedBrianna Sanchezbasanche@usc.eduRudra Saigal, Emilia Bletsas, Wellness Committee 9/19/23
Student Health Fee (SHF) PromotionWorking to create materials that demonstrate what the Student Health Fee provides and social media promotion of these resources can expose these benefits to the greater student body. The Student Health team was able to create reusable flyers for USG events that show the benefits of the Student Health Fee. Mustafa and Brianna filmed a Q&A style video that was posted on Sep 5, 2023 that promoted Student Health tabling at the Farmer’s Market.CompletedBrianna Sanchezbasanche@usc.eduMustafa Ali Khan, Emilia Bletsas, Rudra Saigal 9/6/23
Wellness Week Wellness Week is a week-long event that will be held February 12th-16th in partnership with Student Health. Wellness-related RSOs and assemblies will table and/or lead workshops/sessions on topics such as mindfulness, fitness, stress management, etc.Having weekly planning sessions with various stakeholdersCompletedBrianna Sanchezbasanche@usc.eduRudra Saigal, Wellness Committee 2/7/24
Resource Awareness Tote Bags with Wellness EssentialsIn this pickup, students will be able to pick out their desired essentials in a student-designed tote bag inspired by the artists’ view on health. On the back of this tote bag, there will be a QR code leading to Student Health’s resource (potentially a LinkTree w/ categories). Legislative proposal madeIn ProgressSenator Padilla, Senator Schaffer, Chair Sanchezpadillai@usc.eduWellness Committee, Arrianah Galvan, Chair Costantian2/21/24
More Accessible STI Testing The purpose of providing STI testing is imperative for uncovered USC students. Receiving accessibility to STI testing is an effort to promote sexual health, education and awareness, facilitate public health, and to reduce stigmas surrounding sexual transmitted ailments. In accordance with Student Health’s goal of encouraging students to take care of their sexual health and to prevent the spread of infections, providing more accessible STI testing would serve to benefit the overall objective of both parties. The project will begin with a pilot phase where we test it out for just one month to gauge how students respond to free testing services.Proposal approved by Senate 10/31 CompletedRudra Saigal, Brianna Sanchez rsaigal@usc.edu, basanche@usc.eduKrish Malhotra, Kevina Tanos, Devin Ayala 01/30/24
Navigating Health Insurance WorkshopThis project aims to streamline and simplify the information dissemination and navigation of health insurance policies, ensuring that USC students can confidently make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage and access necessary services without unnecessary obstacles.Met with Rachel Lichtman, a Student Health Center Representative, and confirmed that two Student Health Representatives will be guiding the workshop over Zoom (Rachel Lichtman and Minnie Ho) sometime in the afternoon during Wellness Week.In ProgressBrianna Sanchez, Wellness Chair, & Rudra Saigal, Speaker of the Senate / Wellness Committeersaigal@usc.edu, basanche@usc.eduRachel Lichtman, Minne Ho2/21/24
Embedded Counselor PanelThis project aims to facilitate an embedded counselor panel within the university to provide information on the available mental health support to the student body by fostering a proactive approach to well-being. By integrating counseling services directly within the USC community through an in-person panel (where students can ask questions and get to see the faces of available embedded counselors), the project seeks to address mental health concerns promptly, reduce stigma, and create a supportive environment conducive to the overall success and happiness of students.Met with the Student Health team and was able to finalize 2 embedded counselors to participate in the panel. CompletedBrianna Sanchezbasanche@usc.eduAlice Chiang, Hunter Black, Rachel Lichtman2/7/24
Project TitleDescriptionLast StepStatusProject Lead(s)Email AddressTeam MembersLast Updated
External Affairs and LSA Approved Vendor List Expansion ProjectLSA Advocacy Liaison Kiana Amaya will conduct research on Latiné restaurants in the South Los Angeles area, with an emphasis on restaurants owned by underrepresented parts of the Latiné community. When the list is complete, the External Affairs Committee will work with these businesses to get them on the approved vendor list, so that in future events it is easier to include them. LSA has completed list of potential restaurants to add. Currently exploring adding them to the list as well as increasing access to form for Spanish speakers or hosting workshops. In ProgressVincent Cisneros, Kiana Amaya, Yolanda Zhangvrcisner@usc.eduAkshay Manglani, Clarissa Rosales9/14/23
External Affairs and LSA Village Community Space Research and Lobbying LSA Advocacy Liaison Kiana Amaya and External Affairs Chair Vincent Cisneros will conduct research into what village policy, if any, requires the presence and inclusion of local businesses. If no such policy exists, External Affairs will draft policy change recommendations for the village to require locally-owned businesses and potentially reserving a space for a community-based nonprofit organization in the village’s future expansion plans. Vincent and Kiana held meeting with village real estate and gained information about how the village obtains tenants for its businesses. Discovered that majority of businesses are minority owned and several are owned by folks from the greater Los Angeles area. Village also emphasized that Target and Trader Joe's are EBT certified and Target is working to get WIC certification. Kiana identified With Love as potential business partner. In ProgressVincent Cisneros, Kiana Amaya vrcisner@usc.eduKaren Borglund9/14/23
NANDC ParticipationFor the academic year, Vincent Cisneros will continue his appointment as the USC Community representative on the council as the External Affairs committee chair. This will allow him to continue building off the progress made over the previous term. The USG Senate has signed his petition approving his appointment. Vincent was confirmed for NANDC in September and is currently serving his termCompletedVincent Cisnerosvrcisner@usc.eduUSG Senate (petition signatures)9/14/23
DPS Naloxone EquipmentThe project will start with conducting research around regulations over who can carry and/or administer Naloxone. If it is deemed possible for DPS to carry and administer it, the committee will explore funding and legislative outlets for acquiring the materials and training for DPS officers. Yolanda Zhang and Karen Borglund reached out to DPS officilals and confirmed that officers are equipped and trained to administer Naloxone. Naloxone is available to both students and community membersCompletedVincent Cisnerosvrcisner@usc.eduElle Barker (JAMS AL), Karen Borglund, Yolanda Zhang9/14/23
Orientation Office Curriculum Advocacy ProjectExternal Affairs will reach out to the orientation office and ask for access to orientation curriculum. Based on this curriculum, the committee will identify gaps and lapses in cultural awareness regarding USC’s relationship with its surrounding community. The committee will use these gaps to create recommendations for the orientation office to change its curriculum. Akshay Manglani held meeting with Lisa Starr from orientation who agreed that promoting U-Pass Maps would be great and very feasible for her officeIn ProgressVincent Cisnerosvrcisner@usc.eduValeria Macias, Akshay Manglani9/14/23
Community Art Representation on CampusExternal Affairs will leverage its relationship with local CBO LA Commons to procure an artist from the greater South LA area for a temporary display to be painted before the end of the Spring 2024 semester at Cafe Dulce. The display will either be made of removable window paint or placed on a removable canvas. The goal of the project is that if successful, university administration will support a permanent campus display in the future.Funding was approved for the display. In ProgressVincent Cisneros, President Divya Jakatdarvrcisner@usc.edu2/28/24
External Affairs and Programming Assemblies U-Pass Map DesignExternal Affairs will connect with advocacy liaisons from LSA, MENASA, BSA, NASA, APASA, QuASA, SAGE, SAA, and JAMS to create lists of 4-6 businesses owned by members of the demographic or identity group associated with that assembly that can be accessed using the METRO U-PASS. For simplicity, all routes will start at transit stops near USC, especially the Expo Line, but given that buses are such an integral part of the METRO service capacity, they can be used as connectors on the route. Upon creation of the lists, External Affairs will look into solutions to visualize the lists, and send the maps to the orientation office so that the lists can be distributed for the upcoming summer’s orientation programming. Lists have been optained from all participating AL's.In ProgressVincent Cisneros, Halle Schaffervrcisner@usc.edu; hmschaff@usc.eduYolanda Zhang, Valeria Macias, Akshay Manglani, Elle Barker, Kiana Amaya, Annette Malan, Abonie Blount, Yasmeen Akbar, Isabel Jasper, Maya Hermanus, Zidane Zamorano2/2024
Project TitleDescriptionLast StepStatusProject Lead(s)Email AddressTeam MembersLast Updated
Tommy’s Closet: Affordable Professional Clothing DriveThis project will build off of last year’s Tommy’s Closet event. Through this project, students and administrators were able to donate gently used professional clothing over the course of a week. After donations were collected, a Clothing Drive Event was hosted for students to stop by and pick up professional clothing items that were needed.We completed the Tommy's Closet Event on March 7th in the Sustainability Hub. We had 182 students sign in to the event, and the estimated # of donations was in the thousands. CompletedLydia Costantianlcostant@usc.eduAffordability and Basic Needs Committee, Patrick Nguyen (FGSA AL), Heyday Vasquez (IDEAS AL), Isabella Padilla (Senator)3/20/24
Trojan Bites: Extra Food AppCollege campuses are responsible for 22 million pounds of food waste per year. Not only is this a sustainability issue, but leftover food can also be channeled back to students in need. USC incurs food waste from the dozens of catered events that occur each week on campus. To solve this issue, USC should establish an Extra Food App for students. With this system, organizers of catered on-campus events will be able to notify students when they have extra food available, addressing both food insecurity and sustainability.Distributed the code from Too Good To Go (an app for reduced price meals) to over 600 students. App usage has increased by a lot. In ProgressLydia Costantian and Kelvin Arana Orozcolcostant@usc.eduPatrick Nguyen (FGSA AL), John Marc (ESA AL)3/20/24
Free Menstrual Products in BathroomsWe want to build on the past USC initiative of providing pads and tampons by making sure every bathroom is always stocked with these products. Every menstruating student deserves the right to access period products.VGSA created a google form to collect data on product availability. Distributed this form to SAGE and USG members to help collect data..In ProgressLydia Costantian, Alexa Dadson (Senate Aide)lcostant@usc.eduKyra Aligaen (works for Student Health), McKayla Dorantes (Senator), Maya Hermanus (SAGE AL)3/20/24
Legal Aid Workshop for HousingThe purpose of this project is to create a “Housing 101” workshop for students to learn important information about signing a lease and choosing housing within the USC area. This workshop will be led by a lawyer (affiliated with USC) who has robust knowledge on housing contracts, especially for student-buyers.We are going to set up a meeting with Jules and the next AffBN Chair to pick up the project from there.StalledLydia Costantian, Jules Maxlcostant@usc.eduTroy Nevil (AffBN General Member), Ashley Castro (AffBN General Member), Bryan Fernandez (Senator)3/20/24
EBT 101 Workshop/InformationSurrounding the general anxiety for students thinking about applying for food stamps and specifically Calfresh benefits at USC, the project aims to research and create a resource for students eligible to feel confident applying. What this project will provide is interview preparation, general advice on filling out financial information, and affirming that applying for benefits should not be an anxiety-inducing process. New Project is starting to take off, meeting with appropriate parties (OSBN) and seeing where we should begin to kick this off fromIn ProgressAva Grosley & Senator Fernandezgrosely@usc.eduSAL SOON, AffBN Chair Costantian 11/8/23
Alternative for Work Study Program for Undocumented Students A solution is to create an alternative (stipend or scholarship) for Undocumented Students at USC. Students will be able to have the equitable financial aid as other students.Contacted Universities (Berkeley, UCLA, UC Irvine, and LMU) about how their alternative work study works. Met with the previous UNLV Undergraduate Student Government to discuss how they previously passed a resolution for a work study alternative for undocumented students.Met with Dr.Ally about the possibility of stipend jobs for undocumented students.In ProgressAshley Castro, Elvia Castillo, Kevyn Callejaelviacas@usc.edu; apcastro@usc.eduIDEAS 3/20/24
Suit-Up is an annual event that occurs every year to provide a 30% discount on JCPenny professional clothing, as well as $150 gift cards for students to purchase these items.USG gave $12,000 in funding for the event, which occured from February 20th - March 5th. There were 651 applicants for gift cards, and 321 students received gift cards.CompletedLydia Costantianlcostant@usc.eduExecutive, AffBN Committee3/20/24
Project TitleDescriptionLast StepStatusProject Lead(s)Email AddressTeam MembersLast Updated
Reducing Single Use PlasticThis project’s purpose is to work with USC administration to find incentives for stores at the village (such as Cava, Dulce, and Insomnia Cookies) to switch to compostable plastic, or encourage them to give more sustainable options to customers such as opting to take plastic, or bringing reusable containers from home. set up a meeting with Retail Property Manager for the USC villageIn ProgressAlice de Martel demartel@usc.eduSara Stienecker, Senator Isabella Padilla, Elle Barker, and Jon-Marc Burgess10/24/23
Electronic Receipts on RTCC KiosksWe aim to implement an electronic receipt option in the kiosk systems, allowing students to obtain a receipt through email, phone number, or giving them the option to not obtain one at all. In doing so, we would be able to reduce waste and contribute to USC’s Sustainability Initiative by procuring the University’s resources and diverting the receipts waste from having such a short useful lifespan. Contacted ESA AL.In ProgressSenator Velazquezandreav6@usc.edu Sara Stienecker (Sustainability Committee Chair), McKayla Dorantes (Senator), Bryan Fernandez Gonzalez (Senator), Jon-Marc Burgess (ESA AL)10/30/23
Farmlink “Abundance” Screening We will screen the documentary “Abundance” by Farmlink, hold a Q&A session at the end with a panel, and overall educate the audience on how to approach the issue of food waste more sustainably. Starting a new project, but first action will be reaching out to Farmlink to coordinate screening and panel.In ProgressLauren Chun ljchun@usc.eduSara Stienecker 11/13/23
Houseware Recycling The project’s purpose is to create a resource/system for students to donate and buy houseware. At the end of year, there is an abundance of usable houseware that is thrown out. By collecting donations before move out day, the products can then be given away to students at donation drives. An additional intention of the project is to provide low income students a more affordable option, as these products would significantly ease the financial stress of moving in.In ProgressPatrick Nguyen, Sara Stieneckerstieneck@usc.edu, pnguyen5@usc.eduChase Dudum, Jon-Marc Burgess, Julianna Melendez 11/13/23
Project TitleDescriptionNext StepStatusProject Lead(s)Email AddressTeam Members
Tongva Land History TrojanLearn ModuleThis project will create a module on TrojanLearn that Freshmen will need to take during their first semester, similar to the Sexual Assault Prevention module that is necessary to be taken first semester. Reach out to Campus Activities and discuss feasibility of this projectIn ProgressZidane Zamoranozzamoran@usc.edu
Queer Resources Visibility ImprovementImprove accessibility to queer resources by, firstly, establishing and promoting the Queer Advocacy Committee within QuASA to get more students involved in queer advocacy, and possibly working with the LGBTQ+ Student Center to reach a greater audience.First QuAC meeting of the semester January 24, we changed the meeting time to after QuASA general meetings so hoping to have bigger attendance, also promoted at involvement fair. In ProgressIsabel Jasper, Hulbert Dangijasper@usc.edu
Gender Inclusive Housing ImprovementUse student input and increase involvement to improve the university’s approach to offering gender-inclusive housing options, which would entail improving visibility of these options to students applying to housing, improvement of roommate questionnaires, and possible expansion of gender-inclusive housing.Survey will be shared at QuASA queer advocacy committee, hoping to get more student feedback on it and how to promote better.In ProgressIsabel Jasper, Hulbert Dangijasper@usc.edu
South LA x Village This project will advocate for a community organization/restaurant like South LA Cafe to have a space in the village. The implementation of a community organization could be the first step to having a proper, accessible space for South Central residents and low-income students. The next steps include researching and finding out what exactly are the steps needed to become a vendor at the village. In ProgressKiana Amaya, Vincent Cisneros vrcisner@usc.edu, kamaya@usc.eduExternal Affairs Committee
Discrimination in the ClassroomThis project will survey students in their academic classrooms to understand how they are treated and gather data so that we have actionable evidence for how to positively change these environments with things such as inclusive texts and examples, and more diverse professors etc. Discuss the results of the survey with the people on my team and come up with a game plan to effectively fix the problems that are identified in the results. In ProgressMaya Hermanushermanus@usc.edu
Non-Mexican Latin VendorsBy incorporating South Central’s diverse population into USC’s programming and culture, we can bring representation to both the local community/South Central USC Students and non-Mexican Latinos.The next step is to create a list of diverse, latine restaurants mostly from South Central Los Angeles or from surrounding areas.In ProgressKiana Amaya, Clarissa Rosales kamaya@usc.eduLSA E-Board, Vincent Cisneros & External Affairs Committe
EquiConnect: On-the-Go Accommodation SupportStudents can select the option to have their accommodations in a select building on the OSAS portal. OSAS requests classrooms where they can distribute and have their counselors meet students at.Will be reaching out to OSAS to determine the next steps with administration.In ProgressAnnette Malanamalan@usc.edu
Parking Accessibility ImprovementIdentify use of various parking structures and lots around campus to identify a gap in resources and use. Project forward to better accessibility for commuter students.Finalize survey, establish comms channels that will publish the survey, and release it to the student body. Forecast connections with relevant admin that will help future leads/team members continue this project.In ProgressElle Barker eabarker@usc.eduChase Dudum, Anna Schwedt, Briana Hui, Seva Raman
MENA Race Box for Administrative Data This project is seeking to increase representation and data collection on MENA students through providing them the opportunity to self-identify as “Middle Eastern/North African” on official university forms. This has the potential to majorly increase third party stakeholder engagement for this population as well as foster a better sense of belonging and community within the university environment. The lack of data is a huge missed opportunity to highlight the contributions of MENA students to the university and this would help to start the data collection that almost every single other ethnic group on campus has had access to for decades. This data collection would help to ensure the appropriate allocation of resources, funding, and student services. Establish central points of contactStalledAL Yasmeen ElFarra and Chair Kate Ariathurai yelfarra@usc.edu & kariathu@usc.eduSenator Julianna Melendez, Senator Mathew Speier, CDO Kaleb Stephens
Military-Associated Community Survey (MACS)Begin to leverage connections with the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and ROTC programs to seek out potential JAMS students. Produce a comprehensive and concise survey that can connect students with JAMS and VRC newsletters, identifies their interests for JAMS programming, and catalogs their concerns with respect to advocacy.Establish accountability metrics for the survey completion for member RSOs to increase completion rates. Seeking better engagement from RSO members as opposed to non-JAMS students.In ProgressElle Barker eabarker@usc.edu
Grocery Gift Cards For Undocumented students For this project, undocumented students will be able to receive gift cards to food designated places such as Ralphs, Smart & Final, and Vons. These will serve to bring affordability to undocumented students in grocery shopping. Gift card distribution will be on a monthly basis. Meet with michelle to see the logistics of leg funding In ProgressHeydy Vasquez, Bryan Fernandezhyvasque@usc.edu
Embedded Counselor for MENA LoungeAs MENASA works to ensure we are accepted as a separate cultural demographic, it is crucial that USC makes strides to offer an embedded counselor in the MENA Lounge who is familiar with MENA culture. Through advocacy efforts, this project hopes to promote cultural understanding of the mental health stigma apparent within the MENA community and encourage the establishment of an embedded counselor that will serve students in the MENA Lounge.Begin advocacy process to eventually get a MENA-Identifying counselor "embedded"In ProgressYasmeen ElFarrayelfarra@usc.eduAL Chase Dudum, Senator Julianna Melendez, CDO Kaleb Stephens, Nour Geha (MENA Lounge Cultural Ambassador), Isabel Atiyah (MENASA E-Board Member)
Storage ReimbursementTo alleviate the financial and mental hurdles of moving into college, this project would reimburse low-income students under the USC Affordability Initiative, for a storage service of their choice over the summer. Researching the storage service process for out-of-state students, contacting students to gauge needs and support in addition to reaching out to USC Financial Aid Administrators on the logistical framework and feasibility of a reimbursement program In ProgressPatrick Nguyen pnguyen5@usc.eduChase Dudum (TSA AL), Rudra Saigal (Senator), Ezekiel Buenaventura (Affordability and Basic Needs Committee), Andrea Velazquez (Senator), Jon-Marc Burgess (ESA AL)
Compostable Wipes for USC Recreational Centers Aligning with USC’s Assignment Earth initiative, we believe it is necessary to create a system for compostable cleaning wipes at the recreation centers on campus. The purpose of this project is to enable recreation centers to contribute to Project Earth initiatives that we partake in. As a first step, we will research compostable alternatives for gym wipes, and eventually, we will collaborate with current gym managers to help them incorporate our compostable solution.In ProgressJon-Marc Burgess (ESA AL) and Tiya Jain (ESA Director of Advocacy)jonmarcb@usc.edu
Dornsife Lab Coat Recycling ProjectTo minimize our impact on the environment and break the financial barrier that often separates low-income students from being able to participate in sustainability initiatives, it is necessary to create a lab coat recycling program. The purpose of this program is to reuse lab coats donated by students and distribute them, for free or at a reduced cost, to incoming students. Look at the responses received and then plan a day during the last week of April to do the collection of lab coats (since labs would be finished by then) In ProgressJon-Marc Burgess (ESA AL), Kate Douglas (ESA Director of Advocacy), and Tiya Jain (ESA Director of Advocacy)jonmarcb@usc.edu
This project will be finding a space and staff to be allocated into a dream center for undocumented students. This center would be a specific space for undocumented students to feel welcome and gain support from different ends. In ProgressHeydy Vasquezhyvasque@usc.eduIDEAS e-board, Senator Padilla, Chair Ariathurai, FGSA AL Patrick Nguyen, LSA AL Kiana Amaya, Chair Sanchez, Senator Fernandez, BSA AL Abonie Blount
For students who don't have the means or resources for the technology necessary to succeed in school, this project attempts to address this.- waiting for FA to contact me back and also spreading QR codes across campus in places like Viterbi and DornsifeIn ProgressAbonie Blountablount@usc.eduAFBN GM Troy Nevil
Let's Talk Sessions with a MENA-Identifying CounselorrAs MENASA works to ensure we are accepted as a separate cultural demographic, it is crucial that USC makes strides to offer opportunities for MENA students to speak with a MENA-identifying counselor who resonates with their culture. Through advocacy efforts, this project hopes to promote cultural understanding of the mental health stigma apparent within the MENA community and encourage the establishment of 30-minute, Let’s Talk sessions with a MENA-identifying counselor to serve the mental health needs of MENA students.Done!CompletedYasmeen ElFarrayelfarra@usc.eduAL Chase Dudum, Senator Julianna Melendez, CDO Kaleb Stephens

*Data has been truncated for brevity.