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Syracuse University’s Student Association hopes to fill multiple open assembly and cabinet seats at the start of the semester. According to an Aug. 28 email from SA Board of Elections Chair Caroline Ridge, there are currently 21 elected and 26 appointed seats available.

With SA’s first general assembly meeting of the fall semester scheduled for Monday, Sept. 9, the association will hold two interest meetings for prospective members. These information sessions are the first step for students interested in joining the association.

To become official candidates for the open assembly seats, students must submit petitions containing 25 signatures from members of their constituency, according to SA’s Assembly Information Sheet. If running to represent a specific program, petitioners must be students enrolled in the same area of study.

Another requirement is a one-page letter of intent, explaining potential candidates’ qualifications for the open seat and what they hope to accomplish in the position, according to the information sheet.

Ridge also shared information on available cabinet positions for the 68th session. These roles, unlike assembly members, are appointed by the SA president and executive vice president — currently held by German Nolivos and Reed Granger.

According to Ridge’s email, there are 26 openings on SA’s cabinet in the 2024-25 academic year. Assembly petitions and cabinet applications must be submitted by Sept. 13 at 11:59 pm.

Students interested in both elected and appointed positions must attend an information session led by the Board of Elections. The two remaining meetings will be held on Sept. 3 and Sep. 10 at 7 pm in Hall of Languages room 107.

The Daily Orange detailed the different positions available for students interested in joining SA’s 68th session.

Board of Elections commissioners

Board of Elections Commissioners are responsible for working alongside the BOE chair on carrying out the association’s on-campus elections. This fall, the association is looking for two commissioners.

The board is responsible for verifying the upcoming election results and also works to increase student participation in SA elections, something the association has hoped to accomplish in past sessions.

Associate Justices

Associate justices serve on SA’s internal Supreme Court and are predominantly responsible for legislation reviews, drafts decisions and answering legislative questions in internal court proceedings. There are currently four open associate justice positions.

The court is also responsible for reviewing legislation, performing disciplinary hearings and mediating issues between registered student organizations, according to its website.

Director of Transportation

The director of transportation addresses transportation issues on campus — including the university’s parking, bus and shuttle services. They act as a liaison between SA and the university, collaborating with university officials, students and other stakeholders to resolve transportation issues, according to the cabinet application form.

Last spring’s Director of Transportation, Sede Vacante, worked with the university to address student complaints — such as trolley delays and reliability of public transportation on campus.

Director of Indigenous Student Affairs

The director of Indigenous student affairs is responsible for representing interests for Indigenous students, according to SA’s website. The position was first added to the association last year during its 68th session.

Katsitsatekanoniahkwa Destiny Lazore Whitebean, last year’s director, was tasked with facilitating a direct relationship between SU’s Indigenous student population and the association, 67th session Vice President Yasmin Nayrouz said in August 2023. Last year, Whitebean led SA in passing a resolution to officially recognize Indigenous People’s Day.

Community Review Board members

The Community Review Board is responsible for auditing SU’s Department of Public Safety, according to its website. CRB reviews student appeals, officers misconduct reports and prospective DPS policies, procedures and trainings.

The board was established following an independent review by former Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch. The initiative began shortly after the #NotAgainSU protests of 2020 called for increased oversight of on-campus law enforcement agencies.

SUAA Board of Director Class of 2028 Representative

The SU Alumni Association Board of Directors works to engage alumni in a manner consistent with the university’s goals. The SUAA Board includes members of the alumni community and representatives from each undergraduate class.

“The board’s mission is to create an environment in which Syracuse University alumni, former students, parents, students, and friends become and stay connected to the University and support it with their work, wisdom, and wealth,” the board’s website reads.

University Senators

The University Senate — a governing body consisting of SU students, staff, faculty and administrators — reserves 27 seats for SA members. SA university senators represent the association in the broader governing body. SA has 13 senatorial positions open heading into the fall semester.

Director of Disability and Access

The director of disability and access is responsible for managing accessibility and inclusivity for students with disabilities on campus, the cabinet application states.

Assembly positions

SA assembly members are responsible for attending weekly sessions on behalf of their respective colleges. Current open positions include:

• 6 first-year seats
• 4 at-large seats
• 1 School of Architecture seat
• 3 College of Arts & Sciences seats
• 2 College of Engineering and Computer Science seats
• 1 School of Education seat
• 1 David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics seat
• 1 School of Information Studies seat
• 1 College of Visual and Performing Arts seat
• 1 College of Professional Studies seat

Published on September 2, 2024 at 11:18 pm

Contact Duncan: digreen@syr.edu