RIT Student Government president sets priorities for student success
Yasmine Ibrahim plans to improve communication, student involvement, access, and menu options
Traci Westcott/RIT
Yasmine Ibrahim, this year’s Student Government president, donned the traditional orange blazer as she welcomes the audience at the Gordon Field House and Activities Center for New Student Convocation.
As last year’s director of finance for Rochester Institute of Technology Student Government, Yasmine Ibrahim learned about challenges students face and the opportunities Student Government can offer to make positive differences.
“It motivated me to pursue a larger leadership role where I can help drive broader improvements across campus,” she said.
Ibrahim, a fourth-year health sciences, innovation and management major in the School of Individualized Study, ran and was elected as this year’s president “to make sure student concerns lead to real, tangible improvements.”
RIT Student Government represents more than 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students on the Henrietta, N.Y., campus and works with university leadership to advocate for student needs, improve campus services, and support student organizations.
She and her running mate, Student Government Vice President Nkodia Ndongala, campaigned on a platform to improve student health and well-being, something they are both passionate about.
“I want to improve dining by expanding nutritious options, increasing accommodations for students with dietary restrictions, and improving food accessibility to fruits and vegetables and expanding options for vegan/kosher/halal/gluten-free students,” Ibrahim said. “I want to expand access to health and wellness resources, including mental health services and disability accommodations, while improving communication between students and administration.”
Among the other changes she’d like to see: summaries of student projects, research, and outstanding class work for each college printed and promoted in academic journals; increased access for international students at career fairs; expanding the Disabilities Services Office test center to reduce wait times and provide better accommodations; and expanding ways to connect RIT to greater Rochester by enhancing the shuttle system and continuing ROC-the-Block weekend shuttles.
With the support from Ndongala, a third-year physics major whose interest is in research, co-ops, and clubs, Ibrahim plans to strengthen student life by increasing collaboration between colleges, promoting student achievements, and creating more opportunities for students to connect with resources and funding.
“I plan to advocate for academic and co-op opportunities, particularly for international students and students seeking interdisciplinary or entrepreneurial experiences,” she said.
They also want to help improve support for intramural sports and the more than 300 student clubs and organizations on campus.
“One of the things I value most about RIT is its vibrant club environment and the opportunities students have to build communities around their niche interests,” she said.
And she’s experienced opportunities RIT has to offer in that area. Other than Student Government, Ibrahim has been active in the Beekeepers Club, the School of Individualized Study Student Advisory Board, RIT Association of Middle Eastern and North African Students, RIT Muslim Students Association, the Pre-Health Society, the Plant and Soil Club, and Tennis Club.
“Being involved in campus organizations has been one of the most rewarding parts of my RIT experience,” she said. “They have allowed me to meet students from different backgrounds, understand the unique needs of different communities on campus, and appreciate how important student organizations are to the overall RIT experience.”
Ibrahim already knows she and Ndongala will get along. After all, they’ve been friends since elementary school, and grew up on the same street in the Rochester suburb of Irondequoit.
“We’ve both survived and outlived school lunches, proms and balls, evil exes, messy friend group drama, hard classes, and both of our eventual graduations,” she said. “No different from the rest of life, high school and university are tough, and each stage has offered a unique set of difficulties as well as opportunities for growth. I’m fortunate to have someone that’s seen and been there through all the growing pains, and has encouraged, believed in, and challenged me into the person I am today.”
