The Student Association's Student Affairs Department has one main goal: to advocate for the interests of undergraduate students and foster representation of undergraduate students within the university setting. Student Affairs will investigate concerns or issues that arise within the university system, and work to alleviate problems that occur because of these incidents. Our department works closely with SA Senate, university administration, and SUNY Delegates to assess student concerns, provide informational material, facilitate discussion, and develop action plans to improve the on-campus student experience. We are responsible for fostering positive relations with other entities in the university community, while ensuring the needs of undergraduate students who comprise these bodies are addressed by the Student Association. Student Affairs also regularly monitors and responds to developments in university policies, New York State and SUNY legislation, the surrounding community, and other relevant topics. Our Department is made up of five employees:
Director of Student Affairs
The Director serves on the Senate as the Executive Board’s voice for the students by contributing to advocacy resolutions and assisting Senators with their own advocacy initiatives. They also act as a liaison between SA and university officers or organizations to communicate student needs across all areas. The Director also supports the Assistant Directors in their portfolios and ensures that all steps taken are in line with SA’s broader mission.
Assistant Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The Assistant Director of EDI within the Student Affairs department, focuses on advocating for accessibility and inclusivity across campus. Their role involves identifying shortcomings and collaborating with campus staff to address them and meeting with key departments to increase student support. Additionally, the Assistant Director of EDI develops key proposals and partners with various Student Affairs team members to help achieve their objectives
Assistant Director of Health and Wellness
The Assistant Director of Health and Wellness is responsible for advocating student interests in areas pertaining to physical, mental, and reproductive health services. As a part of the Student Affairs department, their role is to address the needs of the student body by implementing necessary infrastructure and/or policy to hold the university accountable for relevant agreements and legislation within the sphere of public health.
Assistant Director of Environmental Affairs
The Assistant Director of Environmental Affairs in Student Affairs is dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility at the University at Buffalo and beyond. They work to push student advocacy around issues surrounding environmental justice, campus beautification, resource conservation, and much more. Our blueprint for these actions is the UB Climate Action Plan, which outlines UB’s goal for climate resilience by the year 2030. Through action-oriented initiatives, environmental education, and advocacy, they strive to create a greener, more sustainable UB.
Assistant Director of Advocacy
The Assistant Director of Advocacy at Student Affairs handles anything that doesn’t fall squarely within the other departments, such as concerns with UBIT, Campus Dining and Shops, campus maintenance, etc. They listen to concerns of students across the campuses and conduct investigations into these concerns, then meet with the appropriate faculty, staff, and administrators to try to solve these concerns as quickly and completely as possible. This position also frequently collaborates with the other departments within Student Affairs on shared concerns.
