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With the beginning of campus elections this week, Syracuse University’s Student Association encouraged students to cast their ballots during its Monday meeting. The association also approved its final three funding allocation requests for its current session.

SA President German Nolivos emphasized the incentives SA is offering to generate participation, including free tickets for one random fraternity or sorority chapter to University Union’s Block Party based on its voter turnout. SA will also give away $1,000 in custom promotional items to a random registered student organization with a strong voter base.

In a year where Nolivos is running uncontested, the rising senior said his priority this election season is passing a referendum to the association’s constitution — which requires approval from 10% of the student body. The adoptions would rename the association to “Student Government Association” and add positions to the assembly.

Nolivos said the number of students who voted on the first day has increased since last year, giving hope that the 10% benchmark is achievable.

SA Vice President Reed Granger also encouraged students to attend this year’s Take Back the Night event, organized by student advocates within SA’s cabinet. The event, which creates a safe space for survivors of sexual violence, will be held on April 10 and include a performance from the Citrus Dolls majorette dance group and a fashion show.

Granger also reminded the assembly that SA’s Prevent, Report, Support: Together Against Sexual Assault event in collaboration with the Syracuse Coalition Against Sexual Assault and SU’s Greek Council will be on Tuesday at the National Veterans Resource Center. SA is hoping that by partnering with these councils, it can raise awareness for sexual assault and domestic violence through collaborations with partners like the Barnes Center, Granger said.

The assembly also approved funding for a collaboration between the association’s “Spring into Action” series and SU’s Las Naranjas club for the second Multicultural Olympics. The event will be held on April 19 at the Women’s Field. It will include multiple multicultural RSOs to promote cultural awareness and unity, said Luis Gomez, SA’s vice president of community & government affairs.

The association also approved funding for the Walnut Park Farmer’s Market, which will bring the Central New York farmer’s market to SU’s Walnut Park.

Gomez said the market will help bridge the gap between SU students and the city of Syracuse, lessening the need for SA sponsored transportation. Nolivos and Granger previously said they hope to make the market a regular event on campus, highlighting the value of accessible fresh produce and exposure to the broader central New York region.

“There are limited grocery store options within walking distance of SU’s campus, which creates challenges in accessing fresh and affordable food,” Gomez wrote. “The CNY Regional Market features over 400 vendors, helping foster the connection between our student body and the Syracuse community.”

Other business:

• Neal Powless, SU’s ombudsman, addressed the association to encourage students to use the ombuds office’s resources and confidentiality measures. Powless said the ombuds office is an “ear to the people,” and the organization is especially geared toward graduate students.
• SU’s Dynamic Sustainability Lab will share a QR code to a research survey asking for Generation Z’s opinions on slave labor and ethical consumption in sustainability.
• The assembly approved the final funding bill of the semester for April 9th’s TEDx event at SU’s the National Veterans Resource Center, which will help support catering for the event.
• The Finance Board will not accept further funding requests after the association suspended rules for new bills during Monday’s meeting.

Published on April 1, 2025 at 1:19 am
Contact Shivika: sgupta38@syr.edu