Freshmen can get involved in GUSA in their first few months on the Hilltop either by running for the Senate or applying for the Freshman Committee. Check out the descriptions below and feel free to reach out to Co-Directors of Freshman Outreach Harry Clow and Erin Luck with any questions!
Running for the GUSA Senate
Freshmen have an opportunity to join GUSA through elections to the GUSA Senate. Many former GUSA Presidents, including 2013-2014 President Nate Tisa, were elected to the Senate as representatives of their freshman dorm. Running for GUSA Senate is a great opportunity to make an immediate impact on campus; for example, the Senate Budget Committee allocates around $1 million to student groups. Last school year the Senate took action on a variety of issues such as campus sexual assault, extending bus access on weekends, promoting a ZipCar program, and improving food quality. Many of these initiatives were sponsored by freshmen. Got a great idea? Run for Senate!
There are 7 Senators from freshman districts: 3 Senators for Freshman North (Darnall & Harbin), 3 Senators for Freshman South (New South & VCW), and 1 Senator for VCE. Anyone on campus, including freshman, may also run "At-Large" outside of their district. Check out the Election Commission for more information.
APPLYING FOR THE FRESHMAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
FEC is a group of incoming freshmen that serve a one-year term and work to plan events, organize initiatives, promote advocacy issues, and create a welcoming environment for new students. Past events include tailgates before basketball games, the annual freshmen talent show, workshops on student rights, surveys/petitions on smoking, suggestion boxes in residence halls, and much more. Members of FEC have access to key student leaders, resources, and administrators, providing them with the opportunity to make meaningful change on the Hilltop. Check out FEC's page for more information.