SA Celebrates Halloween, Debating Appointments and Club Budgets

By Lucienne Burns | November 3, 2025 

The Student Association Senate posed for a picture dressed up in costume while they had their meeting last Wednesday (10/29). 

           Photo Credit: Lucienne Burns | The ASP

The Student Association (SA) Senate convened last Wednesday (10/29), hosting senators in festive costumes and a discussion about club budgets and appointments. 

After the Senate posed for a picture dressed in their Halloween attire, two bills regarding club budgets were discussed and then passed. Issues of decorum and respect outside of Senate meetings were also briefly addressed by Senate Chair Troy Serao. 

Following the chair’s opening remarks, a New and Unfunded budget request for UAlbany’s coding club was approved, providing funding for the club’s food, prizes, and events. 

The Pre-Dental Club was also approved for a supplemental funding request. The club had already utilized their allotted funding on events held this semester, and therefore asked for additional funds to continue having events. 

Clubs can request supplemental funding from SA due to unforeseen circumstances, according to senator and additionally chair of the appropriations committee, Nazar Yevko, who clarified this definition within the Senate’s bylaws. 

“So the supplemental line applies to clubs who have had unforeseen and unexpected circumstances in the budgeting process,” Yevko said. “So that’s the definition of the supplemental line, and that’s how we consider clubs.”

A bill on the legislative agenda nominating UAlbany sophomore Alex Toop to the Elections Commission raised concerns within the Senate regarding bias. 

When it was time to vote on the bill, senators even debated over going into executive session or not allowing the nominee into the room during the debate process. The Chair of the Elections Commission noted hesitancy to speak in front of the candidate, but wanted to make sure his statement was on the record highlighting a discrepancy within the election process. 

“I was informed in a meeting that the reason this nominee was chosen was due to a lack of connections within the Senate,” said the Election Commission’s chair, Dylan Cohen. “As we all heard today, the nominee did just state they know people in the Senate.” 

Cohen also expressed that in an overheard conversation, the nominee disclosed their connections to people in the Senate in their interview. Despite these concerns, the candidate reaffirmed his impartiality and qualifications and the bill passed 33-3-7, confirming his position on the commission.

Another long debate occurred over the two nominees to be Associate Justices on the Supreme Court. Concerns among the Senate were raised regarding nominee Justin Campbell’s legal experience.

“I agree with several senators who have spoken before me in saying that I do not believe that this candidate is qualified for the position,” said Senator Jackson Woolley. “There is a lack of experience within this nominee, and I find that worrying with a position as important as a Supreme Court member." 

Despite concerns, students Nylah Henry and Justin Campbell were ultimately both confirmed and sworn in by the Chief Justice. 

In addition to budget and appointment debates, during campus climate, tentative town hall plans were mentioned. A donation drive occurring on Halloween was advertised to collect food, hygiene supplies, and winter clothing. This was held in anticipation of SNAP benefits running out last Saturday (11/1) because of the government shutdown. 

The town hall is set to be held Friday, Nov. 7 in the Campus Center Bean. More information regarding this event can be found here.