Student Senate Meeting Minutes
2/17/26
President Garrett Rotzien called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Members Present: Garrett Rotzien, Lizzie Pike, Zoe Fink, JJ Garcia, Javier Rodriguez, Jaedyn Fellenz, Scott Walker, Nozomi Osada, Maggie Albers (Marc Fletemeyer), Grace Leis, Caroline Paulson, Bella Norris (Ryan Pavelka), Zach Ames, Rylee O’Konek, Alexa March (Zach Newby), Destinee Hoffman (Kiyana Buland), Mollie Koch (Lydia Hawkins), Kylie Faerber, Peyton Berg (Gabbie Grover), Karli Zetah, Angel Garcia, Bobby Skemp, Noelle Buckley, Kylee Paul (Gracelyn Leichtnam), Amanda Siemienas (Leah Wagner)
Members Absent: Taryn Dornseif, Reese Heitzman, Libby Dellessio, and Kathy Tran
Academic Request: $490 Robotics/Coding Competition
- A group of students are looking for money to go to Eau Claire, Wisconsin for a robotics/coding competition, specifically for hotel rooms and student registration.
Motion to adopt Request: Angel Garcia
Seconded: Zach Ames
For: 19
Against: 0
Abstain: 0
Motion Passes
Special Request: $116 ASA
- ASA is putting on an event, Lunar New Year, which is this Friday at 5pm, with the performance starting at 5:30pm in Saint Mary’s Common Room on 3rd floor. They’re looking for money for a donation for their line dancing performers, dumplings, and tangerines. They have had a big turn out previously, so looking for more money to put on a large event.
Motion to adopt Request: Angel Garcia
Seconded: Zach Ames
For: 19
Against: 0
Abstain: 0
Motion Passes
Day at the Capitol Training Information:
- MPCC for 18 member schools in Minnesota-including Saint Mary’s! We advocate at the state and federal levels on behalf of our private, nonprofit colleges.
What is the MN State Grant?
- A MN program providing need-based financial aid for low and middle income families to pay for college. The program began in 1969.
- Similar to the Pell Grant on the federal level.
- 75,500 students receive the State Grant.
What to Expect at the Day at the Capitol:
- Advocate for the MN State Grant
- Time to meet with legislators
- Networking with other college students
- Opportunity to explore the legislative and Capitol Complex
Schedule for the Day:
- Arrive at the capitol at 9:00am
- Attend a brief kickoff
- Meet with legislators!
- Have lunch (lunch provided) and explore the capitol
- Debrief with fellow advocates and then head back to campus.
- 1:30pm, students depart from the capitol.
Why are we heading to the capitol?
- To tell legislators to prioritize the MN State Grant program this session!
- A $102 million shortfall was announced in fall of 2025 by the MN Office of Higher Education.
- Why is there a shortfall?
- Driven by the increasing enrollment and changes in FAFSA, direct admission programs and more-this is a massive problem for students!
If the State Grant deficit is not resolved…
- Cuts will begin in the 26-27 academic year.
- More than 12,100 students at private nonprofit colleges will have their grants reduced.
- 18,000+ total college students (public, private, and tribal) will lose grants.
- 3,000+ students from private nonprofit colleges will lose their grants completely.
Pause & Reflect-Advocacy Reminders:
- Meetings between legislators and constituents like you should not be a debate-you have a purpose.
- Things change quickly at the capitol-be flexible.
- Take time to think what you are going to say before you advocate for the MN State Grant.
Any Questions Reach Out to Olivia Brammer:
- Text/Call: 612-799-9389
- Email: obrammer@mnprivatecolleges.org
Executive Board Reports
Garrett Rotzien, President
- The golf simulator is open!
- Next week on Tuesday at the meeting we will do vocal nominations for president.
Noah Lahner, Vice President of Financial Affairs
- Nothing to report.
Javier Rodriguez, Vice President of Campus Affairs
- The golf simulator is ready!
- A Google Form poll should be out tomorrow regarding student responses of concrete corn holes on campus and the St. Yon’s card gate.
Zoe Fink, Vice President of Academic Affairs
- Nothing to report.
Reese Heitzman, Vice President of Public Affairs
- Tuesday February 17th – Training
- Reminder: Sign up for Day at the Capitol – Deadline February 25th
- March 10th, 2026
Jaedyn Fellenz, Vice President of Student Affairs
- Wednesday
- Men’s basketball vs. Hamline 7PM, women’s basketball @ Hamline
- Friday
- Track in Mankato, Baseball vs. Luther College @ Arizona, Tennis vs. Crown College @ 6PM, Women’s hockey vs. Augsburg 7PM, men’s hockey @ Augsburg
- Saturday
- Women’s basketball @ Gustavus, men’s basketball @ Gustavus, Baseball vs. Luther College @ Arizona, Softball vs. UW La Crosse @ Mankato 1PM then vs. Concordia 3:30PM, women’s hockey @ Augsburg, men’s hockey vs. Augsburg 7PM
- Sunday
- Softball vs. Dominican university 8AM then UofM Morris 10:30AM, baseball vs. Luther
- Sunday –
- Softball vs. Bethany in Mankato 9AM, UWRF 11:30 both in Mankato
- Ash Wednesday Mass is at noon tomorrow in the Chapel.
- Upperclass dorm open houses March 19th, 6:30-8:30pm
- Housing applications and deposits are due March 20th.
Taryn Dornseif, Vice President of Media and Communications
- Presidential petitions are due by 5pm on Monday, February 23rd.
- On Tuesday, February 24th during the meeting, vocal nominations for president will be held and those nominated will be asked to share a short speech about why they are running for president!
Lizzie Pike, Vice President of Administrative Affairs
- On April 9th, at 12:15pm in the Toner Lounge there will be young entrepreneurs speaking. There will be free steak salads for lunch and cheesecake for dessert for the students attending. More information to come at a later date.
- The junior class officers sold out of roses last Wednesday!
JJ Garcia, Vice President of Multicultural Affairs
- FGI is partnering with Career Services. They will be having a Linkedin focused event on Thursday, February 19, in HC23 from 4:30-5:30 pm.
- The event will include why to use LinkedIn, how to build a network, general profile tips, and how to update your profile with personal assistance.
- FGI, the Center for Business Analytics, and the new IT club will be having a workshop on ethical uses of AI for academic success. On Tuesday, February 24, at 12:15 pm in AH225
- The countdown to college applications have opened on Handshake. The deadline to submit all application materials is Sunday, March 8 at 11:59 pm
Scott Walker, Advisor
- Nothing to report.
Class Officer Reports
Freshmen
- Nothing to report.
Sophomores
- Nothing to report.
Juniors
- Thank you to everyone who bought a rose at our fundraiser, we sold out! We raised a total of $50.
- On March 20th, we will be selling alcohol in the Pub at St. Patrick’s Day Trivia! 21+ only and card/tap payment.
Seniors
- We are working on planning Gaslight for the Spring right now!
Marc Fletemeyer: This Saturday, the men’s hockey team is playing to win the MIAC Championship! Go fill the stands to support them!
Angel Garcia: IHM Open House time/date is TBD, but will soon be posted!
Adjournment
Motion made to Adjourn- Angel Garcia
Seconded- Grace Leis
Adjourned at 7:46pm
