To the editor,

The Student Association at Binghamton University this year has been better and more active than ever. From an unheard-of three major programing events in the fall semester to a record-breaking FAST conference attendance, it looks like the SA is moving in a direction to benefit the students it serves in ways never before achieved. It’s taken the work of hundreds of student groups, weeks of planning, a fresh assembly with fresh perspectives and one of the most honest executive boards with which I could ever have the privilege of working. I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of these dedicated individuals and pleased to see their efforts pay off so wonderfully. And keep in mind, we are just getting started.

My position in the SA Executive Board is certainly anything but boring. Tucked in the back corner of the SA office, my assistants and I work through the week processing every expenditure for all the SA-chartered organizations, several thousand vouchers per semester. Nearly 70 percent of what I do on a day-to-day basis is completing paper work, reviewing vouchers and working with treasurers to ensure they have the right documents for every upcoming event. Over the summer, I purchased general and multimedia liability insurance, workers comp and created a new treasurer’s handbook to reflect the changes in the association. Some of you might have even attended one of the exam review sessions I lead at the beginning of the year. However, it’s the other 30 percent of what I do that really gets to the core of what my position is set up to accomplish.

Most weeks I have meetings with University administrators, accountants and insurance representatives, all to ensure that the policy and position of the SA are at their best for helping students get the experience they need from college. The most pressing issue at the moment is that of incorporation. President Mark Soriano and I have been in meetings with the University to draft up a contract between these two separate entities. The objective of incorporation is simple: remove liability from our student population so they don’t have to worry about being sued in the event of a troubling incident. We are working hard to improve the relationship we have currently with the University while simultaneously changing the way New York state legally recognizes our association.

I had three overarching goals when I came into office: reduce inefficiencies present in our internal controls, increase the amount of feedback the student body receives from their assembly and E-Board and set a strong precedent for those that come after us. In order for the SA to improve each year, new student leaders need to lead by example, to act responsibly and help foster a sense of community through our shared interests. From what I have seen, we as the Student Association are moving away from a past marred with scandal toward a professional institution with the students at the center. If you have any questions or concerns, I am available at vpf@binghamtonsa.org.

Eric Larson
Student Association Vice President for Finance