Alumni Student Federation Board of Governors

There are over 100,000 SUNY Empire alumni worldwide representing all 50 states and 96 countries. Through the Office for Advancement, former students can stay connected to the university and fellow graduates. The Director of Alumni Engagement collaborates with the board and the university community to plan social, networking, and educational events. Alumni are invited to share their stories in university publications and online, and volunteer at commencement ceremonies and events. Many alumni participate in career programs and mentoring activities and provide philanthropic support to the university and its students.  

The Alumni Student Federation Board of Governors is dedicated to promoting a lifelong connection between the university, students and its alumni. The board is made up of alumni and students including a student representative from the University Council and the president of the Student Government Association.

If you are interested in learning about more ways to stay connected, contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@sunyempire.edu or visit www.sunyempire.edu/alumni for a list of events and resources.

Student Activity Fee Committee

The Student Government Association meets regularly to review requests for usage of funds from the Student Activity Fee. Annually, the SGA reviews requests of all student activity fee proposals and recommends allocations for the following fiscal year. The Office of Student Engagement oversees the committee. 

Student GovernMENT Association

The mission of the SUNY Empire Student Government Association (SGA) is to ensure that the student experience at SUNY Empire is excellent. The Student Senate is the legislative body of the SUNY Empire Student Government, comprised of students elected to represent their school of study and the student body at large. As student leaders and advocates, they are tasked with making decisions about important topics that directly impact students.

The SUNY Empire Student Government Association (SGA) Executive Board consists of the SGA president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary.  In addition, the SGA Executive Board has established office hours to better serve students and answer their questions.

More information about SGA and how students can participate, along with links to the SGA Executive Board office hours, can be found on the SUNY Empire Connects SGA Group page. 

Student Representation in University Governance

The SGA President is a member of the University Senate. Additionally, students may be added to Senate standing committees.  A student must be enrolled during the term of service. 

SUNY Student Assembly

Each SUNY campus has elected student representatives to the SUNY Student Assembly. This governance body represents the interests of SUNY students statewide. Per the current bylaws, the Student Government Association selects the Empire State University student representative to the SUNY Student Assembly.

Student Awards

Each year the Office of Community Standards and Engagement oversees the application and nomination process for the Chancellor’s Awards, the Bluebird Award, and others as needed. Information on these awards can be found on the Awards and Fellowship website.

Graduation and Commencement

The university holds annual commencement activities across the state where all who have completed their degree requirements during that year are honored. Check the commencement website for more details. Empire State University takes great pride in its graduates and their accomplishments. Our staff dedicates themselves to ensuring that our ceremonies are memorable occasions for our graduates and their families. The ceremony is a formal event with speakers, regalia, and an academic procession and is a wonderful opportunity for our students to celebrate earning their degrees.

UNIVERSITY Council

The University Council:

1. Provides advice to the president and administration.
2. Represents the State of New York and its taxpayers in affirming that the university is fulfilling its public mission.
3. Receives information about university programs, budgets, enrollments, facilities, and student learning.

One member of the College Council is an Empire State University student recommended by faculty and staff and serves on a rotating basis.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Empire State University recognizes that co-curricular activities greatly enhance students' academic experience. To that end, we have a growing group of clubs and organizations at the university open to all students; you can find a listing of these on the SUNY Empire Connects. Current clubs promote academic, social, and cultural activities for students throughout the university.

All student clubs and organizations are designed to be open to any and all students, faculty and staff regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex, and is consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination law.

Students are encouraged to join existing clubs or explore the creation of a new club. Please contact the Office of Student Engagement with questions by email. Below are the recognition policies that give you an overview of starting a new club. For more information about student clubs, including a current list of active clubs, please visit the SUNY Empire Connects and review the university's Student Clubs and Organizations Procedures.