Marley Pinsky
PITTSBURGH, PA (PTTP) — Student Government Board at the University of Pittsburgh has elected
new leadership for the 2024-2025 academic year, with both incoming officials pledging to focus
on greater student advocacy and accessibility.
Marley Pinsky, the current community and government relations chair, will serve as president,
while Olivia Budike, who currently oversees facilities, transportation and technology, will step
into the vice president role.
Pinsky aims to shift university priorities toward supporting current students rather than focusing
primarily on recruitment efforts. Among her key initiatives is advocating for affordable
on-campus housing and reduced costs for food and tuition. She has also expressed commitment
to defending student activism and promoting campus inclusivity amid what she describes as
challenges from the current presidential administration regarding diversity in higher education.
The incoming president plans to make student government more accessible by establishing
tabling office hours for SGB representatives, bringing leadership directly to students rather than
requiring them to visit the William Pitt Union’s eighth floor.
Budike’s agenda focuses on improving student engagement with SGB and making the allocations
process more accessible. She intends to strengthen communication between the board and
student body by ensuring students are aware of available resources and feel comfortable
approaching SGB with concerns. A significant challenge she anticipates is managing the
allocations budget to ensure equitable distribution of funds without increasing tuition costs.
Both leaders have emphasized transparency and student representation as core values. Pinsky
highlighted that students should be aware of SGB resources, including free legal consultations
available for reviewing off-campus housing leases. Budike similarly pointed to resources such as
lockers, counseling services, and grants that many students may not know about.
The newly elected officials will take office following the conclusion of the current academic
term.