SA Passes Budget, New Leadership Is Sworn In

By Mattie Fitzpatrick | May 5, 2025

President Trevor Pettit and Vice President Allison Mitchell are sworn in by former Chief Justice Steven Jimenez as Caleb Sapp stands in between them.

Photo Credit: Mattie Fitzpatrick / The ASP

The University at Albany Student Association Senate passed the 2025-2026 Internal and External Budget for the upcoming academic year. President Trevor Pettit’s administration saved $75,983 in the External Budget and $102,188.28 in the Internal Budget.

“I am very pleased to see a budget that puts the constituents first passed! I look forward to working with next year’s Student Association leadership to produce tangible benefits for the students, but until that point, there is much work to be done,” President Pettit said in a statement over email on the budget passing. 

Cuts in the External Budget focused on coming from clubs such as Pan Caribbean Association ($27,413 to $20,000), Hillel ($32,350 to $20,000), Albany State University Black Alliance ($32,573 to $20,000), and Serendipity whose budget was completely cut. 

In the Internal Budget the notable budget cuts include contraceptives which were completely cut in the Health and Disability Services and $50,000 from the Concert Budget from the Programming and Marketing Office.

Renovations and EMT Payments for Club Sports as well as Sexual Assault training were completely cut from the Student Association Operating Budget. 

Vice President of Student Affairs Michael Christakis said on the budget, “I appreciate the Student Association Senate’s efforts in passing next year’s budget. Their deliberations made clear their commitment to supporting student life and advancing priorities that they believe enhance the student experience on campus.”

President Pettit and Vice President Allison Mitchell were officially sworn in to their positions as well during this meeting. 

Senator Troy Serao was voted in as the new Senate Chair for the 2025-2026 Academic Year as well, taking over from Senator Ethan Madapatt. Chair Serao was previously chair of the First Year Experience Committee.

Associate Justices James Cuddy and Milexy Campos were confirmed to be Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice respectively of the Student Association Supreme Court for the following academic year.