SENATE COMMITTEES
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SENATE COMMITTEES |
At the heart of the Student Association lies a robust framework of committees, each constitutionally mandated to uphold the values, enforce the rules, and champion the causes of our vibrant student community at the University at Albany. Empowered by the SA Constitution, these committees are the operational arms of student governance, working diligently to ensure that every student’s voice is heard and their needs are addressed.
From the diligent oversight of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Operations (SOGO) to the strategic financial stewardship of the Committee on Appropriations, our committees are foundational to maintaining transparency and integrity within our student government.
The Community Engagement & Outreach Committee connects us with the broader Albany area through service and collaboration, while the Committee on Constituent Relations ensures direct dialogue and responsiveness to student concerns.
For our newest Great Danes, the Sub-Committee on the First-Year Experience is dedicated to making the transition into university life as smooth and supportive as possible.
The Committee on Ethics vigilantly safeguards our shared values, promoting accountability and ethical conduct across all SA activities. Simultaneously, the Committee on Rules and Administration is entrusted with the continual refinement of our governing policies, adapting them to serve you better.
These committees, along with others, are the engines of our Student Association, driving initiatives that resonate with every corner of our student population. They embody our collective resolve to foster an environment of equity, learning, and student empowerment.
Browse through to understand the critical roles these committees play, the profound impact they have on campus life, and how you can take part in this journey of student-led governance.
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Chair Emma Rennard
The Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Operations, famously known as SOGO, is responsible for overseeing the internal operations of the Student Associations outside of the Senate, including in the Judicial and Executive Branches. Further, they are responsibile for enforcing all Student Association Bylaws excluding those that pertain to internal Senate policy.
Chair Luther Kohout
The Committee on Appropriations hears requests for supplemental funding from the various Student Association-recognized organizations. They also are responsible for reviewing requests of new groups to receive funding for the first time.
Chair Erin McGrath
The Executive Committee is made up of the senior officers of Legislative Branch. The Executive Committee meets to discuss major issues within the Senate including preparation of the agenda, scheduling of Student Association Senate committee meetings, and preparation for other Senate functions.
Chair Trevor Pettit
The Committee on Constituent Relations is responsible for making the voices of each and every student at SUNY Albany amplified and heard by each Senator. They also are responsible for helping to organize town halls for each subgroup of senators such as the living area Senators.
Chair Dylan Klein
The Committee on Rules and Administration is the Senate committee focused on internal operations of the Student Association Senate and changes to Student Association policy.
Chair Ethan Madappatt
The Committee on Ethics is dedicated to upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical behavior within the student body. This committee is responsible for addressing concerns related to the conduct and integrity of student representatives and organizations, ensuring that actions and decisions are aligned with the university's values and standards.
Chair Gina Smith
The Sub-Committee on First-Year Experience is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition for first-year students into the university community & focuses on understanding the unique needs and challenges of first-year students and works towards creating programs, policies, and initiatives that enhance their academic, social, and personal growth.
Chair Sidney Wheeler III
The Committee on Community Engagement & Outreach is dedicated to bridging and strengthening the ties between the campus community and the broader Albany area. With a passionate commitment to community involvement, the committee diligently works to engage the campus through various community-based initiatives, such as SA Days, and orchestrates a myriad of impactful community service projects.
