The Student Association’s $109 student activity fee will remain mandatory for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years following a student referendum, the SA announced in an Instagram post. The fee was approved by 72.52% of voters.
The SA uses the mandatory fee to fund club budgets, host events like Fall Fest, pay its staff and provide legal counsel to students, among other services. The organization’s budget totals approximately $4.6 million.
Four SA Senate candidates were also up for election in an uncontested race for 12 open seats, meaning all four candidates automatically joined the senate. The SA Senate will elect nominees to fill the remaining eight seats, according to the SA Bylaws.
Amelia Kelly received 1,114 votes (30.84% of the vote), Tangeniqua Washington earned 900 (24.91%), Cameron Kiner got 870 (24.08%) and Barakat Sahi garnered 728 (20.15%). Students had the option of voting for multiple candidates.
One thousand eight hundred twenty students voted in the referendum, giving the election an 8.82% turnout rate among students. This year’s election also represents a 24% decline in turnout as compared to the last student activity fee referendum, where 2,390 students voted. SA e-board members were also up for election at the time.
The SA Senate is responsible for overseeing the organization’s budget, recognizing and derecognizing clubs and advocating for students.
Grant Ashley is the managing editor and can be reached at grant.ashley@ubspectrum.com
Grant Ashley is the editor in chief of The Spectrum. He's also reported for NPR, WBFO, WIVB and The Buffalo News. He enjoys taking long bike rides, baking with his parents’ ingredients and recreating Bob Ross paintings in crayon. He can be found on the platform formerly known as Twitter at @Grantrashley.
