The Student Association is full funded by the undergraduate Mandatory Student Activity Fee. This is the only fee on campus that is voted on, approved, managed, and spent by undergraduate students, for undergraduate students. The SA receives no money from tuition or broad-based fees. 100% of the Mandatory Student Activity Fee goes to the SA budget, which funds events, clubs, services, advocacy, and student government.

The mandatory fee ensures that all undergraduate students can continue to enjoy events like Fest, Homecoming Carnival, and International Fiesta; it also gives students access to free AMC movie tickets, kayaking on Lake Lasalle, as well as some otherwise expensive events and activities, like Bills and Sabres games, at a discounted rate. Additionally, the mandatory fee allows students to take advantage of other free services like legal consultations, tutoring, menstrual products around the Student Union, and the Blue Table Food Pantry. Plus, the mandatory fee provides over 150 clubs with budgeting to host events, participate in competitions, and more. You can check out our clubs here!

The Referendum is a vote that occurs every two years and ultimately decides whether to fund the SA's budget or not for the next two years. During the Referendum, undergraduates can vote for a Mandatory Fee or a Voluntary Fee. Unfortunately, the wording of the question, which is required by SUNY, presents a confusing choice because there is no mechanism to collect voluntary fees with tuition bills. The real choice is to fund the SA and SA clubs (with a Mandatory Fee) or defund the SA and SA clubs (with a voluntary fee).

The next Referendum will be in the Fall of 2026.