SGA discusses ‘emerging academic programs,’ recaps leadership’s D.C. trip
Associate Provost Julie Hasenwinkel discussed a new AI major and other “emerging academic programs” at Monday’s SGA meeting. Association leaders also presented about a recent conference in Washington, D.C., where SGA spoke with politicians. Charlie Hynes | Staff Photographer
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Associate Provost for Academic Programs Julie Hasenwinkel announced the implementation of a new artificial intelligence major within Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science at Monday’s Student Government Association meeting.
Hasenwinkel’s announcement was part of a presentation on SU’s Office of Academic Affairs. She introduced five “new and emerging academic programs.” This includes a Bachelor and Master’s of Science in AI, a B.S. and M.S. in AI science and engineering, an AI and emerging media minor and a creator economy minor.
“I want to emphasize that it’s our responsibility as faculty and as leaders at the university to really make sure that we are ensuring the future of academic excellence here at SU,” Hasenwinkel said. “It’s really important for us to be able to adapt and change to the changing landscape in higher education.”
Before the university can “formally” begin offering the new programs, Hasenwinkel said it must go before the Board of Trustees for review in March, ultimately obtaining approval from the New York State Department of Education. The university hopes to make the programs available to students in fall 2026.
Hasenwinkel also introduced the new Center for Student Excellence. The CSE aims to combine all central student-facing resources including academic success, student development, experiential learning and community engagement into a single location at 100 Sims Drive. The CSE is expected to open later this semester.
Monday’s meeting also included a presentation from SGA’s Atlantic Coast Conference Advocacy Team on a recent conference they attended in Washington, D.C., where they spoke with politicians at the nation’s capital.
Engagement and Outreach Committee Chair Sadie Brown said the team met with U.S. Rep. John Mannion, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to discuss current issues.
ACC Advocacy Team members discussed immigration enforcement on college campuses, expanding access to higher education and federal college athletic policies with representatives, Director of Student Athlete Affairs Ruben Rojas Betanzos said.
The assembly also approved one bill in the open forum segment, which supports an indoor farmer’s market in Miron Victory Court.
Before the meeting ended, Robert D’Orso, a representative for the College of Arts and Sciences, referenced the assembly’s failure to meet quorum — the assembly’s minimum number of voting members required to pass resolutions — two weeks ago.
D’Orso said if assembly members continue to be absent, “going to impeachment” could be a possible consequence.
