Get the latest Syracuse news delivered right to your inbox.
Subscribe to our newsletter here.

German Nolivos, Janese Fayson and Alexis Leach — candidates for next year’s Student Association leadership positions — discussed financial transparency, safety and student engagement as their top priorities during Thursday night’s annual SA executive debate.

The candidates running for Syracuse University’s Student Association president, vice-president and comptroller positions shared plans for their administration, and highlighted the experience they bring as returning SA leaders. As an uncontested ticket makes its bid for the second straight year, Citrus TV hosted the event in a Q&A format rather than traditional debate.

“We’re not just here to ask for your vote,” Nolivos said. “We’re asking for your trust, your partnership and your deletion and your belief in ambition.”

Leach, the debate’s first speaker, reflected on the leadership experience she’s gained in the past year and how she’s navigated after being faced with changes to the fiscal codes. Recent budget cuts by SA left Registered Student Organizations seeking alternative funding methods to support their events and operations.

“I wouldn’t be standing here again if not for the students and organizations I’ve had the privilege to serve,” Leach said. “Even in moments of conflict, I’ve learned to appreciate the deep passion each student has for their organization.”

One of Leach’s top priorities is maintaining and strengthening financial transparency, as well as acting in students’ interest. Leach attributed support from Nolivos and current SA Vice President Reed Granger as a large reason for her success.

Last month, Leach spearheaded SA’s proposed changes to the university’s fiscal code, which would redirect money from rollover funds to RSOs and cap student organizations at three major events with similar purpose per year. She emphasized the need to promote fairness in funding and allow for more inclusivity within RSOs.

Due to the complexity of fiscal processes, she said the role is “hard and unforgiving.” Despite these challenges, Leach reaffirmed her passion and ability to continue in the role.

“I understand the reason why this role has been uncontested, because it is hard,” Leach said. “But every step of the way I’ve had support to be able to push me forward and continue like what I want to do in this job, and see how this role can come into fruition.”

During her closing statement, Leach said despite the challenges, her work as comptroller isn’t done. She ensured her commitment for all students to have access to necessary resources.

Both Nolivos and Fayson — the candidate for SA’s executive vice president and current vice president of diversity and inclusion — highlighted their common interest in expanding student empowerment. Nolivos said he advocates for students and challenges the status quo to push the university forward.

Fayson discussed her efforts to ensure every student on campus feels seen by bridging the gap between administration and student organizations. She also said her experiences as a resident advisor and vice president of DEIA make her qualified for the role.

Solange Jain | Photo Editor

Candidates for next year’s leadership positions also shared their vision for addressing key issues such as improving student representation, enhancing communication with the administration, and creating a more inclusive campus community.

Addressing President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders revoking federal dollars from universities for their student discipline policies, the candidates highlighted SA’s support of peaceful protests and condemnation of hate.

In the face of suppressed speech on college campuses under the Trump administration, candidates committed their support for student’s rights to protest and recognized the impact student-led-protests have made historically at academic institutions.

“Overall, we want the students to understand that if they’re protesting, we want to know why, we want to be on the grounds. We want to be involved with them and be involved with their actions, and really be one with them in their peaceful politics,” Fayson said.

As SA deals directly with SU administration, Nolivos said the association has an obligation to advocate for students and encourages open communication between the student body and SA. They said they will continue ongoing conversations with SU administrators to ensure any changing policies are communicated to students.

“We understand the weight of this role better than anyone does, and no one has fought harder to make a student association more accessible and to make students a priority and not an afterthought,” Nolivos said. “No one is more prepared than (Fayson) and I to continue this work.”

Nolivos also acknowledged communication with students is an ongoing challenge, but reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening dialogue on campus. The association has introduced multiple initiatives to boost student engagement and voter turnout.

On the ballot, SA is hoping to change its name to Student Government Association, though in order for constitutional revisions to be made, it needs to reach a 10% voter threshold. The association has made multiple attempts to pass these changes, but has not reached the benchmark, garnering 4.7% of students in the 2024 spring elections.

During closing statements Nolivos and Fayson reinforced their vision of making SU a place where every student feels welcomed, heard and empowered to shape their own experience.

“Progress to government is like a wheel that must keep turning, and each of us plays a role in keeping it in motion,” Nolivos said. “If someone stumbles, we lift them up, because progress depends on all of us moving forward together.”

Elections begin March 30 at midnight and will continue through April 4. Voting is accessible through SA’s social media and website.

Published on March 28, 2025 at 2:15 pm
Contact Sydney: sadepiet@syr.edu