Georgetown University Student Association, better known as GUSA, is Georgetown's elected student government. GUSA currently consists of an elected student senate with both at-large and class representatives as well as an executive branch consisting of an elected president and vice president and appointed staffers.
History
Before GUSA, the Yard, organized in 1891, was the name for the first student government at Georgetown College. In 1940, the student body voted to restructure the Student Council constitution to incorporate the heads of campus clubs.1 During the 50s, student governments for specific schools were formed and replaced a large part of the Yard's functions. Student activists during the 60s and 70s expressed discontent with the university establishment. In response, a revised constitution led to creation of "The SG." Georgetown's student governments' constitutions were renewed in 1969, amended in 1977. In the final overhaul, the 1983 reforms over student government established today's GUSA. The Yard was struck from GUSA's structure in 1991.
GUSA was created in 1984 with the ratification of a new student government constitution2.
In 1977, Deborah Canty (C'78) became the first female student government president in the history of Georgetown.3
GUSA has experienced various reforms and challenges throughout its history. Students have attempted to reinstate the Yard on several occasions.
Structure
The GUSA senate features representatives elected from each class, as well as at-large representatives elected by the entire student body. Senators are involved in various policy committees, including Policy and Advocacy. The Senate is led by a speaker and vice speaker, both of whom are elected by fellow senators.
The GUSA executive consists of the president, vice president, and staffers. The president and vice president are elected annually on the same ticket, while staffers apply or are appointed to executive jobs. Executive positions include those on the Election Commission, which administrates GUSA elections, and (find another one).
Due to frequent student criticism over its supposed ineffectiveness, GUSA has tried to restructure itself on several occasions. A 2021 restructuring referendum would have abolished the Senate and executive and replaced them with a new Assembly divided into advocacy-focused policy committees. The Hoya's editorial board did not take a position on the referendum, while the Georgetown Voice's editorial board urged students to vote no4. The referendum received 72% of the vote but did not pass because of low student turnout5. GUSA was unable to abolish itself.
Activities
GUSA plays a critical role in social life at Georgetown by allocating club funding each semester, which is raised by a student activities fee6. GUSA's Financial Appropriations Commission, better known as FinApp, is responsible for allocating funding to various boards and councils that oversee student activities6. Those organizations then distribute funding to specific clubs; for instance, Media Board distributes funding to campus media outlets6.
GUSA also engages in a variety of advocacy efforts on behalf of students. A 2021 referendum to improve Metro access for students passed with over 84% of the vote and received unanimous support within GUSA7. In fall 2022, GUSA successfully lobbied the university to remove several unpopular white tents, originally put up during the COVID-19 pandemic, from various outdoor gathering spaces on campus8.
Controversies
In 2006, an article published in The Hoya raised concerns over the Executive election, between Khalil Hibri and Twister Murchison. Hibri won 45.9 percent of the popular vote, beating Murchison, who had only received 38.7 percent of the vote. However, the GUSA accused Hibri of violating election bylaws by setting up laptops for students to vote. Hibri's ticket was disqualified, which effectively handed the victory to Murchison. The Hoya, in response, called GUSA's decision to confirm Hibri "a sham" and noted that GUSA's legitimacy "has now dwindled to next to nothing."9
In the 2022 GUSA executive election, an anonymous email account and a rival campaign both submitted allegations that the winning campaign traded alcohol for votes10. GUSA's Electoral Commission then recommended against certifying the election, but the Senate ultimately certified the results in a 21-3 vote10.
- 1Levin, Lizzy. "The never-ending reformation." The Georgetown Voice, Mar 1 2001.
- 2Ballinghoff, John. "Student Government Okays Revised Constitution." The Hoya. 3 February 1984.
- 3LoLordo, Ann. "A Woman Whose Time Has Come," GU Today, Jul 1977.
- 4Editorial Board. "Vote no on 'Abolish GUSA' - the rushed referendum creates an even more dysfunctional student government." The Georgetown Voice. 3 November 2021.
- 5Yoo, Samuel. "GUSA Restructuring Referendum Fails Following Lack of Student Turnout." The Hoya. 11 November 2021.
- 6a6b6cCuccia, Annemarie. "FinApp Appeals sees increased funding for SAC, other advisory boards." The Georgetown Voice. 25 March 2020.
- 7Zheng, Adora. "Select Students to Receive $100 Metro Credit in New Transportation Pilot Program." The Hoya. 9 September 2022.
- 8Ehrenreich, Aiden. "Petition To Remove Tents on Campus Collects Over 280 Signatures." The Hoya. 17 November 2022.
- 9Austermuhle, Martin. "Florida Electoral Fever Hits Georgetown University." DCist, Mar 21 2006. https://web.archive.org/web/20060901225539/http://www.dcist.com/archives/2006/03/20/florida_elector.php
- 10a10bKrewinghaus, Graham et al. "GUSA Senate declines to overturn executive election results, certifies Wolfe and Ume-Ukeje despite campaign allegations." The Georgetown Voice. 13 February 2022.
