University at Albany Student Association

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University at Albany Student Association
AbbreviationUAlbany SA
PredecessorMyskania
Formation1923
Legal status501(c)(3)
Location
  • 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York, 12222
Membership
12,000+
President
Jalen Rose
Vice President
Amelia Crawford
Chair of the Senate
Erin McGrath
Chief Justice
Tolu Anjorin
AffiliationsUniversity at Albany
Budget
$3 million[1]
Websitesaualbany.com

The University at Albany Student Association is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization[2] and the undergraduate student government of the University at Albany. It is the largest student run organization at the university.[3] Established in 1923, the University at Albany Student Association is the official on-campus undergraduate student government. The Student Association exists in order to provide and encourage opportunities beyond those offered in the formal curriculum.[4]

The focus of the Association is to provide the undergraduate student population with a positive campus experience.[5] The Association funds over 180 student groups and events on campus, including social, cultural, academic, and professional organizations.

History[edit]

Early years and formation as Myskania (1914–1921)[edit]

Interest in forming a student government dates from 1914. However, President Milne rejected a student petition at that time, stating, "There is no place in this institution for the association and activities contemplated in this petition." President A.R. Brubacher (1915-1939) took a more favorable attitude toward student government. In response to a 1915 student petition, he instructed Professor Risley to form a committee to study the possibility of creating a student government. An attempt at forming a rudimentary student organization was made in January 1916. As a result of Risley's study, Myskania was formed in 1917. Myskania, initially referred to as the student council, was an honorary body comprising seniors responsible for representing student opinions and improving the student body's department. In 1921, Myskania played a crucial role in suggesting the formation of the Student Association, the official student government.[6]

In 1921, Myskania was responsible for drafting the initial constitution for the Student Association, effectively relinquishing its leadership role in student governance. It held authority over Greek social and service organizations and clubs, including approving their constitutions, the State College News board, and the Finance Board. Myskania also vetted officer candidates for student-funded organizations, primarily ensuring compliance with the student tax, and served as the student judiciary.[7]

Early structure and conflicts with Myskania (1921–1928)[edit]

The Student Association was officially formed in 1921 with the purpose of managing all non-academic student matters. It had legislative, financial, and executive powers. Myskania served as a single judicial branch and guardian of school traditions. The Student Association's executive branch was initially managed by the Executive Board, consisting of the president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer, who carried out the provisions of the Assembly and acted as a court of appeals.[6]

The relationship between Myskania and the Student Association witnessed conflicts as early as 1927-28. According to the Student Association's 1945 constitution, the Association claimed the right to represent students before the Faculty Council and changed the election process of Myskania members. Despite this, Myskania suggested that some members should still be chosen from a list prepared by its outgoing members.[8]

By 1928, a new constitution altered the executive branch's structure. The Student Council replaced the Executive Board, and it included the president, vice president, secretary, and presidents of the four classes. The new Student Council had broader duties, such as arranging programs for Student Association meetings and executing all legislation passed by the Student Association.[6]

Engagement with contemporary issues and the reduction of Myskania (1930s–1960s)[edit]

During the 1930s and 1940s, the Student Association assemblies addressed contemporary issues, including presidential campaigns, the New Deal, and World War II. In 1949, the Student Association was involved in a project called CARE, aimed at assisting children affected by war.[6]

From the late 1960s onward, the Student Association placed increasing emphasis on student rights and equal opportunity. Minority groups, such as the Women's Liberation Front, Black Students Alliance, and Lesbians for Freedom, gained formal recognition from the Student Association.

Over the decades, the changing nature of the college and successive Student Association constitutions gradually reduced Myskania's functions and powers. Factors contributing to this included an expanded enrollment, relocation to the uptown campus, and the abandonment of certain traditions, such as Rivalry, which ended in 1963.[9]

Dissolution of Myskania and Further Initiatives (1960s-1990s)[edit]

By 1965, Myskania had lost its judicial powers, and its last election occurred in 1978. The Student Association's refusal to fund Myskania's ceremonial functions led to the organization's dissolution in 1979.[10] In 1982, University President Vincent O’Leary initiated the Purple and Gold program, inspired by Myskania's service aspects, such as "assisting at events and providing guides for high-school tours on campus.[11]

From the 1970s through the 1990s, the Student Association gained influence in academic affairs, including assessing the competence of teaching faculty and publishing the results of surveys in ACT and SCATE Booklets.[6]Initiatives like the Equal Opportunity Program (EOP) were developed in 1973.[6]

The Student Association extended its focus to environmental issues, with the recognition of NYPIRG on campus in 1982. It also supported academic initiatives like the Frosh Reading Program.[6]

Historic Achievements, Senate Controversies, and Impeachment Proceedings (2017-2020)[edit]

In 2017, Jerlisa Fontaine was elected as the University at Albany Student Association president. Fontaine was celebrated as the first black woman to assume the position, and the first female president in seventeen years. Fontaine's plans for the Student Association focused on improving budget transparency and emphasizing academic excellence and mentorship.[12]

In 2018, the University Senate voted to remove all religious holidays from their academic calendar in favor of a new fall break in October.[13] Concerns were raised by the Student Association, and legislation was introduced to call on the University to support Jewish holidays like Yom Kippur. Many Jewish students came to the SA to lobby to have the Jewish holidays remain, such as UAlbany Hillel,: a student group on campus.[14]A divided Student Association voted down the resolution urging the University at Albany to keep the religious holidays off for the following academic year.[15]

In the 2019-2020 academic year, the Board of Finance launched an investigation into the Student Association President Desann Chin-Carty for the misuse of funds.[16] The Student Association Senate heard testimony and reviewed evidence to determine whether the president misused more than $1,000 in student fees[17] to purchase personal items. The Board of Finance Chair Samuel Salazar flagged purchases such as gold-colored office accessories, glow-in-the-dark rocks for a fountain in her office, essential oils, and Glade air fresheners.[18] The Board of Finance investigation drew hundreds to a Senate meeting on February 2nd, 2020, where the board recommended the Senate impeach Chin-Carty and recommended bylaw changes to prevent future misuse,[19] and the Student Association Senate proceeded to vote for impeachment based on Article I: abuse of power and Article II: Neglect of duty, which drew comparisons to then recently-concluded first impeachment of Donald Trump.[6] Chin-Carty defended her purchases and called the interrogation a "witch hunt".

The COVID-19 pandemic and Social Justice Initiatives (2020-present)[edit]

In June 2020, a petition initiated by members of the University at Albany appealed to the university to rename Indian Quad to Indigenous Quad as a part of a broader movement towards cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. It also urged the university to establish a task force responsible for identifying and renaming buildings that presently bear names reflecting racist ideologies or histories.[20]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Student Association partnered with university administration in 2021 to promote student COVID-19 vaccination through the "#GetVaxxedUAlbany" initiative. The vaccine initiative was started "in hopes of not only promoting vaccinations but also to address any questions and concerns the student body [had] about the COVID-19 vaccine".[21]

In 2023, President Jalen Rose and Vice President Crawford engaged in talks with UAlbany's Provost, Carol Kim, discussing various academic-related matters including extending the S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) course option dates, addressing issues related to academic advisors and faculty advisors not meeting students' expectations, and reducing the cost of printing for students[22]

The University at Albany Student Association met on October 4th, 2023 to pass legislation that would make an official call on the university to halt the merger of Africana Studies (AFS) and Latin American, Caribbean & U.S. Latino Studies (LACS) departments.[23] The Student Association collaborated with the UAlbany chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Puerto Rican Student Association organizations to promote a protest in front of the University Hall to call on Provost Carol Kim to address the issue. [24]

On November 1st, 2023, UAlbany President Havidan Rodriguez addressed the Student Association's concerns over the merger of the LACS and AFS departments, iterating the "responsibility as an institution to make decisions that we see will benefit the institution moving forward".[25]On November 13th, 2023, the Student Association questioned Provost Carol Kim over the merger, marking her first visit to the SA boardroom all semester.[26]She clarified several points regarding the merger, assuring that the two departments were keeping all current programs, explaining that the merger was done as a result of declining enrollment, and Dean Jeanette Altarriba of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) was responsible for the original idea to merge the two departments.[27]

Student Government Operations[edit]

The UAlbany Student Association comprises four branches; Legislative, Judicial, Executive, and Finance. They also operate several departments that execute the Student Association's plan throughout school years.[28]

The University at Albany Student Association is structured as follows:

  • The Executive Branch, responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations.
  • The Legislative Branch, consisting of the Student Association Senate.
  • The Judicial Branch, serves to solve disputes within student organizations.
  • The Finance Branch, consists of the office of Comptroller, who manages supplementary requests.
  • The Board of Finance, an independent committee that produces the budget.
  • Elections Commission, an independent commission that facilitates Student Association elections.

Dippikill Wilderness Retreat[edit]

A wooden sign prominently features the retreat's name and identifies it as private property, accessible only to SUNY Albany affiliates. Below the sign, there is a canoe decorated with cornstalks and pumpkins, suggesting the photo was taken in the fall. The surrounding area is wooded with autumnal foliage, creating a rustic and seasonal atmosphere. The retreat appears to be a secluded and tranquil location for students and staff.
The entrance to the Dippikill Wilderness Retreat in Thurman, NY.

The Dippikill Wilderness Retreat is the largest student-owned natural preserve in the United States.[29] The 1,000-acre private wilderness retreat[30] has belonged to the Student Association of the University at Albany since 1956, and is located in Thurman, New York.

In late 2019, the Student Association gave less funding than requested for the fiscal year of 2019-20, but added money for more buses to the camp.[31] Dippikill was allocated roughly $30,000 less than they asked for to go towards development and renovations, which the Student Association said is necessary for critical maintenance.[32]

In October 2019, Dippikill closed to the public.[33] According to Assistant Director of Operation Heidi LaPrairie, the retreat "had a history of issues with the general public with regards to misuse and abuse of [the] property."[34] She explained that the property's listing on AllTrails and social media publicly drew more and more visitors to the site.[35]The cabins and campsites are only open to reservations from University at Albany undergraduates and affiliates.[36]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Roberts, Leigh (6 February 2023). "Upcoming Referendum to Address Mandatory Student Activity Fee". Albany Student Press. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  2. ^ Roberts, Andrea Suozzo, Alec Glassford, Ash Ngu, Brandon (9 May 2013). "Student Association At State University Of New York At Albany I - Nonprofit Explorer". ProPublica. Retrieved 27 October 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ "UAlbany Student Association 2018 Block Party". Capital Region Chamber. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  4. ^ "Administration | University at Albany". www.albany.edu. University at Albany. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  5. ^ Johns, Alexis (7 December 2022). "UAlbany Student Association Announces Fall 2021 General Election Winners". Albany Student Press. Albany Student Press. Albany Student Press. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h "Student Association Records, 1921-2020 - M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections & Archives". archives.albany.edu. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
  7. ^ "UAlbany Magazine - University at Albany - SUNY". www.albany.edu. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
  8. ^ "UAlbany Magazine - University at Albany - SUNY". www.albany.edu. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
  9. ^ "UAlbany Magazine - University at Albany - SUNY". www.albany.edu. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
  10. ^ "UAlbany Magazine - University at Albany - SUNY". www.albany.edu. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
  11. ^ "UAlbany Magazine - University at Albany - SUNY". www.albany.edu. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
  12. ^ Matson, Zachary (2017-05-06). "UAlbany junior first black female to lead Student Association". The Daily Gazette. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
  13. ^ "Albany Student Press, Fall Issue 10, 2018 December 4 - M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections & Archives". archives.albany.edu. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
  14. ^ "Albany Student Press, Fall Issue 9, 2018 November 13 - M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections & Archives". archives.albany.edu. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
  15. ^ "Albany Student Press, Fall Issue 9, 2018 November 13 - M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections & Archives". archives.albany.edu. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
  16. ^ Gazette, More from the Daily (2020-02-09). "Potential impeachment brews at UAlbany as student president accused of misusing student money". The Daily Gazette. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
  17. ^ Silberstein, By Rachel. "An impeachment trial unfolds at UAlbany". Times Union. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
  18. ^ Silberstein, By Rachel. "An impeachment trial unfolds at UAlbany". Times Union. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
  19. ^ Silberstein, By Rachel. "An impeachment trial unfolds at UAlbany". Times Union. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
  20. ^ Mikati, Massarah (22 October 2020). "UAlbany students push swift renaming of Indian Quad". Times Union. Times Union. Times Union. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  21. ^ theaspeic (2022-12-07). "UAlbany Student Association Begins Vaccination Initiative Campaign". Albany Student Press. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
  22. ^ Ness, Shawn (September 4, 2023). "UAlbany's Student Association Holds First Meeting of the Fall Semester". Albany Student Press. Albany Student Press. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  23. ^ theaspeic (2023-10-09). "UAlbany Student Association Calls on the University to Halt the LACS and AFS Merger". Albany Student Press. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  24. ^ theaspeic (2023-10-23). "UAlbany SA Raises More Concerns to University's Response to Israel-Palestine Conflict". Albany Student Press. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  25. ^ theaspeic (2023-11-06). "UAlbany President Havidán Rodríguez's First Address to Student Association this Semester". Albany Student Press. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  26. ^ theaspeic (2023-11-13). "Provost Questioned at SA Senate Meeting About LACS and AFS Merger". Albany Student Press. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  27. ^ theaspeic (2023-11-13). "Provost Questioned at SA Senate Meeting About LACS and AFS Merger". Albany Student Press. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  28. ^ Johns, Alexis (October 4, 2021). "UAlbany Student Association Announces Fall 2021 General Election Winners". Albany Student Press. Albany Student Press. Albany Student Press. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  29. ^ Explorer, Adirondack (2019-01-04). "Delighting in Dippikill". Adirondack Explorer. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
  30. ^ "Dippikill". magazine.albany.edu. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
  31. ^ "Albany Student Press, Spring Issue 10, 2019 April 30 - M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections & Archives". archives.albany.edu. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
  32. ^ "Albany Student Press, Spring Issue 10, 2019 April 30 - M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections & Archives". archives.albany.edu. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
  33. ^ Karlin, By Rick. "Citing abuse by visitors, Dippikill preserve in Warren County is closed to public". Times Union. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
  34. ^ Hart, Melissa (2019-10-07). "Dippikill retreat closes public access". Adirondack Explorer. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
  35. ^ Karlin, By Rick. "Citing abuse by visitors, Dippikill preserve in Warren County is closed to public". Times Union. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
  36. ^ "A Deep Dive into Dippikill Mountain and Pond". STORIES FROM OPEN SPACE. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
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