SA Senate Recognizes Clubs Amid Resignations and Transparency Concerns

By Lucienne Burns | September 29, 2025 

The Executive Board of Albany State Indian Alliance (ASIA) receiving its award from SA President Trevor Pettit. Pictured from left to right: Harinisri Conji, Prova Rahman, Mouma Hoque, Trevor Pettit, Allison Mitchell and Ethan Madappatt. 

Photo Credit: Ashleigh Rushford 

The University at Albany Student Association Senate convened for its fourth meeting last Wednesday (9/24), celebrating two organizations on campus as well as addressing issues of resignation and transparency and passing two bills. 

The meeting featured celebrations of clubs, Albany State Indian Alliance (ASIA) and Fuerza Latina, specifically its dance team Fuego Intenso, for its performances at this year’s Block Party. 

President Trevor Pettit announced the winners of two competitions held by Student Association to foster engagement with clubs leading up to and following Block Party. 

“These competitions were a way to engage student organizations who have traditionally not been engaged by the Student Association,” Pettit said. 

ASIA, a club celebrating South Asian heritage and culture, won the “best five competition,” an award that recognizes the organization that brought the most energy and spirit, which was held during and after Block Party.

ASIA is hosting its main event, a mock shaadi, a wedding-themed event in collaboration with SUNY Binghamton, this semester, according to the club’s treasurer Ethan Madappatt. The event will take place Nov. 15 in the Campus Center Ballroom. 

The second award was for the Block Party Countdown Contest, in which dance organizations were featured on the Student Association social media leading up to the event. According to Pettit, there was one group that distinguished themselves with the highest number of shares, likes  and views. 

This award was given to Fuerza Latina’s dance group, Fuego Intenso. Fuerza Latina is a Latin-based group on campus. And it additionally announced upcoming events in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. 

SA President Trevor Pettit giving Fuerza Latina executive board members and Fuego coordinators their award. Pictured from left to right: Ethan Zenteno, Natalie Peña, Angelina Sharpe, Calypso Henriquez, Trevor Pettit and Allison Mitchell. 

Photo Credit: Ashleigh Rushford 

Fuerza Latina is hosting a banquet on Oct. 2, along with a Latin dance competition in the Campus Center Auditorium on Nov. 15. 

In addition to the club celebrations, it was announced at this meeting that there were two senator resignations: one Indigenous Quad senator and one Business and Management senator.

Senate Chair Troy Serao said another senator attempted to resign but ultimately decided to remain in the position. 

“I do want to note that the senators that did resign noted that they felt uncomfortable and that some senators were aggressive or other things,” Chair Serao said, regarding the reasonings for resignations. “So I just encourage you all to be welcoming.” 

Interviews to fill the Board of Finance positions have concluded, but the nominations are set to be presented at the meeting on Oct. 1, according to Pettit. 

Pettit also announced that the Director of Intercultural Affairs resigned due to personal reasons, leaving the seat vacant and reopened. The seat will remain open until Oct 3. 

Senator Alana Borrero introduced a new living area complaint form in collaboration with Pettit. The form will give the students opportunities to voice issues within their living areas without having to involve Residential Life. 

Chief Justice James Cuddy addressed a limited motion to seal a petition that was settled on Sept. 10, emphasizing issues of privacy and transparency within the Supreme Court. The petition was filed regarding ethical complaints, according to Cuddy. 

Cuddy acknowledged and apologized for any lack of information on his behalf when discussing the petition at the previous Senate meeting (9/17). 

“We did pass that motion to seal, so that is officially an action on that petition that was handled a week prior,” Cuddy said. “But in explaining this decision at the court, I just want to keep us held high to the standards of integrity and transparency.” 

Regarding legislation, two bills were passed: one calling for a special election to fill vacant Senate seats and the other appointing Kelsey Classen to the Student Association Elections Commission.