2025-2026 Elections
President Candidates
Joseph Kornblum
Endorsements: Bake Back America at Binghamton, Financial Literacy for the Youth, Hindu Student Council, Ice Skating Club, Management Consulting Group, MEOR, Mountainview College Council, OC3, Olami JHealth, Pre-Law Education Organization, Quiz Bowl, Video Game Association and Women in Business
As President of the Off-Campus College Council (OC3), former member of SA Congress, and the BU Council Committee, I have worked to strengthen student connections and expand resources for both on- and off-campus students. My experience in SOM, along with founding Binghamton’s Geoguessr Club, has allowed me to foster a spirit of exploration, collaboration, and advocacy.
Key Initiatives:
Strengthen Professional Development – Work alongside professional clubs to connect students with industry leaders, and push for more career-building workshops, case competitions, and guest speaker events. Having been deeply involved in SOM clubs, I know the importance of providing hands-on experience to students preparing for internships and job opportunities.
Empower Students Through Mental Health Advocacy – Prioritize mental health by launching de-stigmatization campaigns, promoting awareness through social media, and encouraging open conversations with check-in workshops and student perspectives.
Enhance Campus Well-Being – Establish a Campus Safety Board within the Student Association to address security concerns and ensure all students feel safe and supported.
I am committed to ensuring all student communities have a voice in shaping campus policies: promoting equity and inclusivity. By fostering collaboration and representation, we can build a safer, stronger, and more supportive campus for everyone. I look forward to serving you.
McKenzie Skrastins
Endorsements: American Parliamentary Debate Association, Association of Latin Professionals for America, Binghamton Association for Mixed Students, College Democrats, Disabled Student Union, Environmental CHANGE, Hillside Village Council, Latin American Student Union, Pipe Dream, Rainbow Pride Union, and SHADES
As the 2025-2026 SA President, I will continue:
- Shaping initiatives based on student input to ensure they reflect the community’s needs and interests.
- Meeting with students and organization leaders regularly
- Holding “Own The Night,” an immersive party experience to teach students how to be safe in various social settings
- Putting on “Org Mixer,” which brought together 25+ organizations from around the Binghamton campus to meet and collaborate with one another
- Revitalizing the Regalia Project, which collects gently used graduation regalia for donation to the Trio Office
- Organizing a Student Leaders panel for prospective students from underserved high schools
- Collaborating with representatives at the Bartle library to create an archive for student organizations.
- Collaborating with the Faculty Senate to amend syllabi, requiring professors to accommodate students celebrating non-university-recognized holidays.
- Ensuring all students’ voices are heard and their autonomy upheld
- Ensuring timely and accurate communication on university policy updates
Additionally, as the 2025-2026 SA President, I will start:
- Working with the VPMA to improve the calendar for large-scale club events
- Adding a feature to the OCCT website that updates students on when a bus is full and won’t be making anymore stops
- Increasing off-campus participation by expanding SA’s presence downtown
- Growing our social media presence by increasing engagement and creating meaningful content that disseminates important information
Executive Vice President Candidates
Nicholas Ginsberg
Endorsements: Binghamton Association for Mixed Students, Binghamton University Marketing Association, Binghamton University Mock Trial, College Democrats, Hindu Student Council, Management Consulting Group, Note to Self, Pipe Dream, OC3, Video Game Association, and Women in Business
My platform is constructed through two main pillars to bring about change within the EVP office and the Student Association as a whole.
I. Organizational Support:
- Revamping Storage Allocation – Maximize available space by revising current storage allocation rules by permitting a rotational storage cage for provisionally chartered organizations.
- Enhancing Communication – Create an FAQ page on the website to address common questions. Allow students to submit questions directly on the website for quick responses.
- UFest and Club Carnival Tabling – Create a form to be filled out by all organizations attending events, so their table is in sections that they prefer to be in with organizations they align themselves with. Allow groups to self-categorize themselves rather than putting them in categories designated to them by the SA.
II. Organizational Efficiency
- Expanding SA Rentables – Implement a system for SA equipment rentals through B-Engaged and the SA reception tablet, as well as expanding the amount of equipment available through SA Rentables. Create a section of the website to track rentables, to see if they are available or when they should be returned by other organizations.
- Automating Event Approvals – Create a workflow on B-Engaged for automated approval for recurring events to streamline the process.
- Reorganizing the Leadership Conferences – Shorten the length of both the fall and spring leadership conferences to ensure that material covered is essential to organizations.
Batia Rabin
Endorsements: American Parliamentary Debate Association, Disabled Student Union, Environmental CHANGE, Latin American Student Union, and Rainbow Pride Union
As the current EVP I have experience doing this role, and I plan to continue to efficiently do this job and provide the support the clubs need in the following ways:
- Storage – I am currently in the process of getting more storage space for the clubs. I will continue to work on this project and ensure that more clubs can receive the storage space they need.
- SA Events – This year I moved Club Carnival (the Spring version of UFEST) to a Sunday in order for observant Jews to be able to attend. I plan on working with the SA E-Board to move as many SA events off of religious holidays as possible.
- Loanable Equipment – I plan to buy more equipment that clubs can borrow such as foldable mirrors and B-Engaged ID scanners.
I plan to continue these initiatives:
- I created a storage grant for clubs with storage to get boxes and shelves from my office in order to organize their space.
- I moved Club Carnival to a Sunday and expanded the event to include 50 more clubs and some student vendors.
- I connected clubs with resources on campus.
Vice President For Finance Candidates
Gabriela Meza
Endorsements: Association of Latin Professionals, Economics Club, Environmental CHANGE, Latin American Student Union, and Pipe Dream
My platform is upheld by four pillars to maintain the credibility of the Student Association and promote meaningful change to enhance the experiences of all Binghamton Students.
- Communication – I intend to keep full transparency with student groups through optimizing communication by implementing a student feedback system to ask questions or give constructive feedback on operations. Continuing with assistant positions will also allow for a seamless flow of communication where no question is a dumb question.
- Innovation – The treasurer exam is crucial for student groups, so I will work to create an online training that treasurers can take at their leisure while also maintaining in person training. The content will be improved to tackle the most common questions and create a clear workflow for students.
- Reliability – Trust is key. I strive to be a dependable source for organizations to resolve conflict, maintain ethical responsibility, and offer support. All concerns will be handled with discretion and kindness.
- Efficiency – As a user of OCCT, I aim to increase bus lines to underserved areas to ensure safety and simplicity to students traveling to and from campus.
Vice President for Student Success Candidates
Kristina Donders
Endorsements: American Parliamentary Debate Association, Dickinson Town Council, College Democrats, Hillside Village Council, Hindu Student Council, Latin American Student Union, Mountainview College Council, Pipe Dream, Rainbow Pride Union and SHADES
I want to be your VPSS because I want to help YOU reach your full potential. With three years of experience in the Student Association – as a 2x SA Congress Representative, Secretary to the VPSS, and now Speaker of Congress – I bring the insight needed to effectively advocate for your success. No idea for the betterment of the student body is too big – let’s make it happen.
Mental Health
- I will help students find and get the support they need by providing a confidential resource to help students identify on-campus resources that best fit their needs.
- I want to help students help students: I will collaborate with on-campus wellness programs to host more Opioid Overdose Prevention Trainings & Mental Health First Aid trainings.
Civic Engagement
- I will empower students by working with the Speaker to host an SA Congress GIM to encourage diverse students to get involved and take leadership roles in the SA.
- 4th Annual Multicultural Voting Fair & Chalk the Vote: I will continue offering free food and drinks to excite students about civic engagement and help them to advocate for themselves through voting.
Increased Student Outreach
- I want to increase direct SA collaboration with student groups.
- Complain To Us Initiative: I want to actively engage with students where they are, building trust and promoting the SA as a reliable resource for addressing concerns.
Lauren Wilner
Endorsements: Association of Latin Professionals for America, Binghamton Association for Mixed Students, Binghamton University Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Environmental CHANGE, Food Recovery Network, NeST, Pre-Veterinary Society, Ukrainian Cultural Association, and Video Game Association
I am the right candidate for Vice President for Student Success because my passions draw me to try to improve our campus everyday. As the Director of Policy for the current VPSS I have helped campus in areas of civic engagement and voting, sustainability, affordability, and advocacy for Documented Dreamers.
Sustainability
- 10% to 20% off rent by promoting community solar
- Increasing efficiency for food recovery process in dining halls
- Permanent bus line to farmer’s market
- Raising money environmental nonprofits
Support for Disabled Students
- Ghost credits for SSD registered students with mental disabilities
- Increased marketing SSD to current and incoming students
- More curated services for students with disabilities
Civil Dialogue
- Promoting the importance of civil dialogue
- Facilitating discussion between disagreeing groups
- Partnering with on campus organization with similar goals
Support for Underclassmen
- Student chat service divided by major
- Easy and accessible way for underclassmen to ask upperclassmen questions
- Upperclassmen give advice utilizing experiences from taking classes
Food Insecurity
- Building a stronger partnership with Food Recovery Network and local nonprofits
- Spotlighting food pantry and the services they provide
- Holding large scale food drives so people can donate to the food pantry
Mental Health
- Comedy Destress Event full of laughing and void of stressing
- Stand up comedy, sketch comedy, live game shows
- Promoting mental health resources on campus
Vice President for Multicultural Affairs Candidates
Rome Maliha
Endorsements: Hindu Student Council and Pipe Dream
Hey everyone!! My name is Mahzuba Rome Maliha, & I’m a junior majoring in Financial Economics minoring in Education. I was the Programming & Projects Coordinator of the VPMA’s office, where I planned our Multicultural Extravaganza with 40+ cultural orgs, and our first ever Multicultural Professional Development Summit.
In the heart of it all, I love empowering people through the work I do. Previously, I was the treasurer of JUMP, PGS events coordinator. Due to my advocacy, the MRC partnered with SUNY Broome to launch the first ever Women of Color Summit.
As VPMA, I will strengthen our multicultural community by enhancing communication, fostering connections, and facilitating collaborations—centered on the 4 C’s: Communication, Collaboration, Connection, and Community.
- Continue Alumni of Color Networking Dinner w/ Fleishman, MRC & Alumni Association giving students direct opportunities
- Create collaborative events between orgs through grants and sponsorships
- Host monthly workshops for students in multicultural orgs teaching them transferable interpersonal and leadership skills to ensure continued org success.
- Introduce monthly fireside chats with MRC + QCenter creating a safe space for students to voice their concerns and building bonds.
- Advocate for Student Holiday Exemption form so students can observe religious or cultural holidays without penalties.
As VPMA, I want to ensure that BU is a place where we embrace everybody so we can #BUnited@BU.
Jestina Tam
Endorsements: American Parliamentary Debate Association, Bangali Student Association, Binghamton Association for Mixed Students, BU Bouncers, College Democrats, Emerging Leaders Program, Environmental CHANGE, Hillside Village Council, Latin American Student Union, Rainbow Pride Union, SHADES, Video Game Association
Hi! My name is Jestina Tam. I am a junior majoring in biology and throughout my time at Binghamton, I have had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the multicultural community. I have learned many leadership and large-scale event management skills from my positions as a Program Assistant in the Emerging Leaders Program, a dancer for both the Bengali Student Association and Philippine-American League, a receptionist in SA, and the Chief-of-Staff in the President’s Cabinet.
As the VPMA, I will “A.C.T. NOW!”
Advocacy
- I want to advocate and acknowledge the diversity of Binghamton by continuing the “Multicultural Networking” event. By bringing faculty and professionals of different races and backgrounds, I want students to feel heard and seen.
- I want to continue the “Party Safe” initiative I started this year in collaboration with B-Healthy’s Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs department to better inform students about potential dangers that can occur during social settings.
Collaboration – I want to increase communication between multicultural organizations and the student body by making my main priority to increase the VPMA Co-Sponsorship Grant Budget. I will also attempt to create more collaborations between multicultural organizations through grants.
Tributes – I want a space for culture to be displayed on campus. The multicultural organizations are rich in culture and I want more paintings or photos on campus to reflect this for incoming students.
Vice President for Programming Candidates
Atticus Fauci
Endorsements: College Democrats, Environmental CHANGE and Pipe Dream
SAPB is the most important organization I have been lucky enough to be a part of. I promise continued success for the next school year. I am lucky enough to be running unopposed which allows us to start planning for next year right now! With your continued support of the work we day, we will deliver on our promise of premier public programming for the students of this university.
I plan to not only run on my achievements –
- Continued popular programming
- Digital Media platforms such
- “Professors read “Rate your Professor””
- A Tiny Desk Concert with Last Year’s Spring Fling Opener, a pillar of my promises from last election
- Most Profitable fall events since the start of the pandemic, while simultaneously lowering the cost of Fall Concert tickets for students
But also my goals for SAPB’s future –
- Increase transparency with act allocation
- More unique and notable marketing campaigns
- Continue SAPB’s Growth with budget increases, higher revenues, more money making events
- Increased opportunities for students to engage with digital media
- Keeping fall concert ticket prices low
- Moving more events to Fridays and more accessible locations
I urge my peers to contact me if you have any questions about my platform at:
VPP@binghamtonsa.org
Afauci2@binghamton.edu
Atticus.fauci (instagram handle)
Binghamton University Council Representative Candidates
Mackenzie Cooper
Endorsements: OC3 and Pipe Dream
Amplifying All Voices – I believe every student should have a platform to express their concerns, ideas, and perspectives. I will expand my BU Council committee and hold regular open forums to ensure student voices are included in reports to the university president and council.
Fostering Civil Dialogue – Open, respectful conversations are essential to a thriving campus, especially in our politically polarized environment. I will organize structured discussions on key issues, promoting solution-driven dialogue. To further encourage engagement, I will establish a semesterly “Civic Engagement Roundtable” where students from different backgrounds can discuss challenges and collaborate on solutions.
Mentorship for Incoming Students – University life can be overwhelming, so I will develop a peer mentorship program connecting first-year students with upperclassmen for guidance and support, which I am already in the process of designing with administration. I will also work with faculty and student organizations to provide academic and career mentorship opportunities, ensuring students have the resources to succeed.
Leadership & Experience – My experience in university policies and student advocacy makes me uniquely qualified. With a new university president next year, my relationships and institutional knowledge will ensure a smooth transition and continued advocacy for student needs.
Irene Cui
Endorsements: American Parliamentary Debate Association, Association of Latin Professionals of America, Bangali Student Association, Binghamton Association for Mixed Students, College Democrats, Disabled Student Union, Environmental CHANGE, Latin American Student Union, Rainbow Pride Union, and SHADES
Diversity – With DEI initiatives diminishing and the trust in U.S. administration decreasing, students—especially marginalized communities—face increased discrimination without proper support. As BU Council Representative, I will create a fully student-run committee to document, address, and report instances of racial bias and discrimination, ensuring transparency and accountability while working with administration. A student-led committee ensures we hold each other accountable, provide real protection for all of the student body, and advocate for meaningful change.
Accessibility – Accessibility should not just be about creating alternatives—it’s about dismantling the systemic barriers that prevent disabled students from being immersed in university life. I will advocate for real, structural change, including better automatic doors, accessible classrooms, and better transportation options among stronger policies that ensure accommodations to improve student life.
Dining – Campus dining should reflect the needs of all students. I will push for healthier ingredients, improved meal quality, and more Kosher, Halal, vegetarian, and culturally diverse options, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have access to meals that align with their dietary and religious needs. Dining halls should reflect students’ variable schedules. I will advocate for extended and flexible dining hall hours to better serve students with evening classes, work schedules or whatever might restrict their access to the dining halls at regular hours.
Transparency – I will meet regularly with student organizations and campus groups to gather feedback, address concerns, and ensure that my advocacy remains driven by the real needs and experiences of students.
View the Candidate Debate Video Recorded on March 20, 2025.
2024 – 2025 Election Timeline:
- December 6, 2024: Election Advertising Begins
- February 2, 2025: Letter of Intent Period Begins
- February 2, 2025: Petition Period Begins
- February 16, 2025: Letter of Intent Period Closes
- February 23, 2025: Petition Period Closes
- February 24, 2025: Candidate Platforms Due
- February 25, 2025: Candidates Meeting
- February 26, 2025: Campaigning Begins
- March 20, 2025: Candidate Debate
- March 27, 2025: Election Day
- April 1, 2025: Election Certification Date
Position Descriptions and Requirements:
In order to run for any position on the SA E-Board, you must have spent at least 75 semester class days (roughly one semester) as at least one of the following:
- A voting SA Congress member
- A voting SA E-Board Officer
- A justice on the SA Judicial Board
- An official E-Board member of any SA-chartered student group, including community councils
- Someone who performs continual services that entitle them to compensation in Student Association funds (such as an SA business employee or stipended E-Board office assistant)
In addition, certain positions have additional prerequisites:
- Vice President for Finance
- You must have at least 75 semester class days of experience in one of the following:
- A paid assistant to the Vice President for Finance
- A member of the SA Congress Finance Committee (FinCo)
- A position in which you have authority to access a Student Association financial account (a student organization’s President or Treasurer who has passed the Treasurer’s exam).
- You must have at least 75 semester class days of experience in one of the following:
- Vice President for Programming
- You must have at least 75 semester class days of experience as a member of the Student Association Programming Board (SAPB).
Expectations and Position Descriptions:
Each officer is expected to spend an average of at least 25 hours per week on their job while classes are in session and spend reduced hours while classes are out of session. There is also a 3.0 GPA requirement. The following is a list of the constitutional responsibilities of each E-Board position, in order of rank.
- President, president@binghamtonsa.org
- Coordinates, oversees, and chairs the Executive Board.
- Acts as the spokesperson of the Student Association and represents the student body by sitting on university wide committees.
- Leads initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall student experience.
- Executive Vice President, evp@binghamtonsa.org
- Coordinates, facilitates, and promotes the establishment or accession of new subsidiary organizations.
- Coordinates, supports, and works with subsidiary organizations.
- Vice President for Finance, vpf@binghamtonsa.org
- Trains, assists, and coordinates all who deal with the Student Association’s finances.
- Implements the financial procedures and recommends necessary changes in the financial policies to Congress.
- Vice President for Student Success, vpss@binghamtonsa.org
- Coordinates and oversees Advocates, which counsels and represents any student requesting such representation when accused of violating Binghamton University policy.
- Coordinates and oversees the Student Association’s advocacy relating to academic matters.
- Responsible for advocacy on behalf of general student success.
- Vice President for Multicultural Affairs, vpma@binghamtonsa.org
- Coordinates, oversees, and chairs the Intercultural Awareness Committee.
- Promotes and facilitates a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and multicultural University community.
- Vice President for Programming, vpp@binghamtonsa.org
- Coordinates and assists the programming efforts of Student Association entities as appropriate.
- Coordinates, oversees, and chairs the Programming Board which produces and facilitates large-scale programming.
BU Council Representative
Furthermore, although it is not a position on the SA E-Board, the student representative to the Binghamton University Council will be elected using the same timeline as above. However, since the BU Council Representative represents both graduate and undergraduate students and is not a member of the SA E-Board, there are a number of differences:
- 300 signatures required, but may be any combination of undergraduate and graduate students.
- There are no prerequisites (i.e. 75 semester class days of experience doing…)
- There is no GPA requirement
The following is a short description of the BU Council Representative position (bucrep@binghamton.edu):
The BU Council Representative is a full voting member of the Binghamton University Council in accordance with Article 8 §356 of the NY Education Law and is accountable to both the Student Association (SA) and the Graduate Student Organization (GSO).
For more details about the specific responsibilities of each position and rules about campaigning, please read the SA’s Management Policies. Further questions can be directed to the respective office holder.
Candidate Resources
All candidates should be familiar with the Student Association’s Constitution and Management Policies, which are located under “Governing Documents” here: https://www.binghamtonsa.org/resources/
In addition to general familiarity with our governing documents, all candidates are expected to know their rights and responsibilities within the Elections process: Section IV of the Management Policies, the SA Elections Code, and the SA Elections Penalty Document.
Letters of Intent Packet:
- Candidate Affiliation Disclosure Form
- Letter of Intent
- Cover letter informing committee of your name, contact information, election cycle in which you’re running, and position you intend to run for. E-mail this information to elections@binghamtonsa.org
Candidate Signature/Petition Form:
- SA E-Board Requirement: 250 unique signatures
- BU Council Rep Requirement: 300 unique signatures required
- Individuals may only sign for one candidate in a given race.
- Historically, signors for multiple candidates in the same race would have their signatures on all sheets in question invalidated, potentially reducing the total signature count below the threshold needed to be on the ballot for one or more candidates. With the shift to an online petition form, candidates are still only allowed to sign for one candidate but they may change their selection at any point during the petition period. Due to the possibility of shifting signatures, we still encourage all candidates to obtain a number of signatures greater than the requirement for their position. Candidates are given the ability to monitor their signature count throughout the petition period in order to ensure they obtain enough signatures to reach and remain above the threshold.
Questions about the Student Association elections? Please contact elections@binghamtonsa.org or visit the SA Office, UUW 203 (past Visions).