The Buffalo State United Students Government (USG) held its Spring 2026 Organization Representative Meeting on Feb. 23 at 7:15 p.m.

This meeting serves as a mandatory congregation of representatives from all of the organizations here on campus. Attendance has the utmost importance as failure to attend without a 48-hour notice results in a seven-day frozen budget and a five percent cut from the absent organization’s funds.

The meeting was held at the Bulger Communication Center in room 214. Light chatter was drawn to a halt by the USG president, Nick Smith, around 7:20 p.m. The meeting began with a roll call to ensure all present senators received credit.

Smith began the meeting by talking about his main priority this semester: collaboration. Not only through planned events, but Smith’s mission is to attend meetings of all of the organizations on campus.

There will be USG student elections coming next month for the 2026-2027 school year. March 16-19, students can vote on Bengal Connect. The applications to run for a position closed on Feb. 13.

Smith highlighted some recent happenings on campus with pride. Bingo, Orgapalooza, Winterfest, and a Black History Month showcase were all noted as successes. Over 300 people attended this year’s Winterfest.

Denisson Jose-Sanchez, the executive vice president, was next to speak. Jose-Sanchez is involved with the day-to-day work for USG, deals with payroll for USG members, as well as communication with the business staff. The business staff is three non-students involved with USG.

The Bengals Vote Coalition was allotted time to make a brief presentation. It is an organization on campus that works towards getting students informed and registered to vote. The group has encountered a dilemma where both representatives are graduating and are looking to continue the Bengals Vote Coalition through individual organizations. For more information, the Bengals Vote Coalition is based in Cleveland 519.

The USG treasurer, Yash Patel, was absent, but Smith filled in, stating that Patel is in the midst of the budget process. The treasurer’s agenda is as follows:

• March 2, 2026, the budget committee begins the budget review.
• March 17, 2026, the proposed budgets are returned to organizations.
• March 19-20, 2026, the budget hearings will take place.
• April 6, 2026, the budgets will be presented to the USG Senate.
• April 13, 2026, at 6 p.m., the USG Senate will vote on budget approvals.

Rowan Roy, the rules and regulations chair, spoke, reminding organizations that are up for re-recognition. Amanuel Tsegai, administrative vice president for organization relations, then made a point that organizations must sign the standards of excellence.

Desiree Guilford, the administrative vice president for public relations, noted how she is responsible for the media surrounding USG and is a resource for promotion. Lucas Anzalone, chief justice, followed up, stating that he is the person to talk to with any grievances.

Timothy Losson, the administrative vice president for campus programming, was the final speaker at the meeting. He made note of the many upcoming events on campus, which can all be found on Bengal Connect.

To conclude the meeting, Smith awarded Harsh Patel with the Senator Of The Month Award, and the meeting ended with applause around 7:50 p.m.