Menna Nasser

What relevant experience would you bring to the position you are seeking?

I have served as an SGA Senator for the 2020-2021 school year and I have certainly learned a lot with my time. I served as the primary student representative on various UMBC committees, asserting my voice when needed to express student concerns. While working on the Student Dining Advisory Committee, I was able to express students’ desire to having campus dining provide healthier options and diversify students’ options given that many dining services had to close due to the pandemic. I was also able to communicate UMBC student’s frustrations with the hours dining services provided, and with that, Retriever Market (aka Outtakes) changed their hours for Spring 2021 to accommodate students’ wishes. I also served on the Student Fee Advisory Committee, representing students in discussions and decisions that allocate student fees to student services. Very recently, I have been working with current SGA President Mehrshad Devin, to address the concerns students have about the rising cost of Athletics and Recreation Fees that students are required to allocate their money to.

In the meantime, I have pursued many of my own initiatives to improve UMBC sustainability and accessibility. I am currently working alongside RSA, Dining Services, and Office of Communication to provide residential students the resources and drop-off location needed to enable them to compost in their dorms/apartment, to address the environmental and food waste concerns that resulted from the take-out only dining options due to the pandemic. I have also worked closely with SGA’s Department of Communication on student outreach to bring awareness and education on important matters.

How do you intend on fulfilling your role while working alongside other members of SGA? What strategies do you use to address conflict?

I plan on fulfilling my role by demonstrating a commitment to providing students with the services and accessibility that they need. Throughout my experiences, I have learned that being organized and flexible is essential to accomplish initiatives. Serving as a member of SGA for the past year has had me working closely with other student representatives, campus staff, and faculty to implement initiatives to better improve UMBC. Everyone coming together is how we can address the various student services and concerns that were brought before us. Maintaining effective communication is what can bring about important conversations that are needed to have with UMBC administration to bring forth the desired change students wish for. If any conflict arises, I will address it directly by finding the root cause of the issue and working from there to implement a peaceful strategy to diffuse the situation. For that to happen, I will always do my best to remain respectful, supportive, and open-minded.

What is your vision for UMBC and the UMBC student body?

My vision for UMBC is for it to be an inclusive and engaged University in all aspects of students' lives and for all its demographics so that the whole student body can feel respected, represented, and prideful to call UMBC their school, and even, their home.

How do you plan to facilitate communications with your constituents?

I will facilitate communication with my constituents by actively taking a stance in their lives. To accomplish that, I will make myself easily accessible through all mediums so that everything serves as a forum of discussion on student issues and concerns. These mediums include, but are not limited, to social media, email, office hours, or personal platforms if needed. Senators are the bridge connecting students with administrators, so it is essential for me to remain open and within reach so that anyone can feel safe to come and address their concerns to me.

I really care about UMBC and I want to make sure that all students are able to love and enjoy some of the best four years of their lives as we all strive to achieve our goals! For that to happen, I will do whatever it takes to address any issues or lack of services, ensuring UMBC remains a safe and nurturing place for the student body!