A Year in Review from the Student Bar Association President: Commitment to Community, Advocacy, and Progress

By: Charlie Volz

As the academic year comes to a close, I have had the opportunity to reflect on a year defined by engagement, advocacy, and meaningful progress for the Student Bar Association (SBA) and the entire CSU|Law community. From large-scale events to behind-the-scenes policy work, SBA has remained committed to its core mission: serving the student body and strengthening the law school community.  

   This year began with SBA welcoming incoming students during orientation, setting the tone for what would become an incredibly active and collaborative year. Throughout both semesters, SBA focused on creating opportunities for students to connect outside the classroom. In the fall, events like the Halloween celebration, organized by the Director of JDOs Anita Poole and the programming committee, brought students together in a relaxed and engaging social environment.  

   In the spring, SBA continued that momentum with events like the JDO Happy Hour and the Cross-Cultural Potluck, the latter organized by Senator Sean Yeats. These gatherings brought together students, faculty, and administrators, reinforcing SBA’s commitment to inclusion and community-building across all programs and student populations.  

   SBA also continued to prioritize student wellness. The student lounge was transformed into an exam relaxation movie room during finals, offering students coffee, snacks, and a much-needed space to decompress; these efforts will return again this spring, reflecting SBA’s ongoing focus on student well-being during the most demanding times of the academic year.  

   Looking ahead, SBA is preparing for one of its most anticipated events: the 2026 Barrister’s Ball. As the largest and most complex undertaking of the year, the event requires months of planning and coordination. Under the leadership of Vice President Sam Santavicca, and with early groundwork laid by Dhara Patel, the programming committee has dedicated significant time and effort to ensure a memorable experience for the student body.  

   SBA additionally facilitated meaningful programming beyond social events. One such example was “My Story Ain’t Over: A Conversation with Innocence Project Exoneree Ru-El Sailor,” brought forward by Secretary Morgan Malone and Senator Jad Oglesby in collaboration with the Wrongful Conviction Clinic. Events like this highlight SBA’s role in fostering important conversations within the legal community.  

   Beyond events, SBA made significant strides in improving student resources and institutional practices. The organization oversaw multiple merchandise initiatives, led by Director of Development Emma Prusha and the fundraising committee. These efforts included restocking items for orientation, introducing new merchandise, and launching; for the first time; a pre-order system that delivered products directly to students and alumni across the country. These initiatives not only increased access to school merchandise but also raised funds that directly support student programming and organizations.  

   SBA also made targeted improvements to the SBA store itself, including the addition of mannequins to better display merchandise and enhance the overall presentation of the space. SBA has also begun a process that will result in more changes to come.   

   Institutionally, SBA worked to create lasting structural improvements. A new executive board position, Director of JDOs, was established as part of a broader effort to better engage and support JDO students. In line with that effort, the Part-time, Dual Degree, and Non-Traditional Students Committee was renamed to more fully reflect the students it serves, adding “JDO” to the beginning of the committee’s name.  

   SBA also updated its constitution and by-laws, with Ombudsman Andrei Sasu leading efforts to strengthen the organization’s structure and ensure its continued effectiveness in the years ahead. Meanwhile, the Finance Committee, led by Treasurer Joseph Dempsey, oversaw the distribution of more than $60,000 to student organizations. This process was detailed and meticulous, involved meeting with organizations across campus and working through funding requests to support a wide range of student-led programming throughout the year.  

   Advocacy remained a central pillar of SBA’s work. Throughout the year, SBA representatives engaged directly with administration on key academic and student-life issues, including the number of academic credits received for law review, moot court, journals, and mock trial; the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom; textbook affordability; library security; and access to necessary resources like feminine hygiene products. These conversations ensured that student concerns were consistently raised and addressed through the appropriate channels. In addition, SBA served as a trusted resource for students facing more sensitive or complex concerns, working to connect those students with the appropriate channels and individuals to ensure their issues were addressed with care and discretion.  

   In addition to advocacy, SBA worked on tangible improvements within the law school. These efforts included initiating changes to the law school café, collaborating with library staff on layout adjustments, revitalizing the school’s trophy case and ground-floor shadow box displays to better showcase student achievements, and working with the administration to improve the Euclid entrance by adding additional furniture that make better use of a long-underutilized space.  

   SBA’s role extended beyond the student body into broader institutional collaboration. Members participated in faculty hiring processes, served on faculty committees, and attended alumni board meetings where they provided updates and advocated on behalf of students. SBA also helped revive a tradition of involving students directly in alumni engagement, inviting student organizations directly to alumni board meetings to advocate on their own behalf, strengthening the connection between current students and graduates.  

   Behind the scenes, SBA maintained a consistent and active presence throughout the year. The organization operated with a full officer pool, held regular bi-weekly meetings, and led numerous subcommittees spanning fundraising, finance, academics, elections, programming, wellness, and more. This internal structure allowed SBA to effectively manage its responsibilities while continuing to respond to the evolving needs of the student body.  

   At its core, SBA is a service organization. This year alone, its members contributed over 800 hours of office hours, volunteered extensively, organized textbook exchanges to reduce costs, and maintained consistent communication with students, faculty, and administrators. Whether through daily meetings, monthly updates, or individual conversations, SBA remained accessible and responsive to student needs.  

   None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the continued support of the faculty, staff, and administration. Their willingness to collaborate, listen, and act has been essential to every success outlined above. In many ways, their fingerprints can be found across nearly every initiative, event, and improvement highlighted here, and their contributions have not gone unnoticed. SBA’s work is, and always will be, a collective effort.  

   It is also worth noting that this year’s SBA is uniquely positioned for continuity and future success. With only four graduating members, the vast majority of the organization will be returning in the fall, providing stability and experience that will carry these efforts forward.  

   Finally, I would like to recognize the individuals who dedicated their time and energy to making this year a success:  

   Executive Board: Vice President Sam Santavicca; Treasurer Joseph Dempsey; Secretary Morgan Malone; Director of Development Emma Prusha; Director of JDOs Anita Poole; and Ombudsman Andrei Sasu.  

   Senators: Sean Yeats; Ayomide Olusanya; Jack Martin; Hayden Melnick; Jad Oglesby; Mia Glassco; Owen Southerworth; Rileyanna Kerić; Weilin Feng; Stephanie Schmudlach; Erin Donovan; Stephen Tripp; Daniel Wise; Jacob Mitchell; and Halima Thorson.  

   Their collective efforts, along with the contributions of countless students, faculty, and staff, made this year one of meaningful progress and lasting impact. As SBA looks ahead, it does so with a strong foundation and a continued commitment to serving the student body. It has been a privilege to serve alongside this group and to represent a student body that continues to make this law school better, and I am confident that the work done this year will continue to build in the years ahead.  

Photos Provided by SBA: Students enjoying the SBA Halloween celebration