About Us

What is GUSA?

The Georgetown University Student Association (GUSA) is the official undergraduate student government and union — an advocacy organization aimed at improving the student experience at Georgetown.

We believe that students have a right to play a clearly defined and significant role in the formation and application of institutional policy affecting both academic and student affairs. A democratic student government is the best means by which this role may be fulfilled. Since 1984, we have been serving as tireless advocates for undergraduate students on the Hilltop. As a diverse group of student representatives, we are recognized by the University and community partners as the official voice of undergraduates. 

Our Mission

The Mission of the Georgetown University Student Association is to empower students by giving them control over resources; improve the student quality of life; safeguard students’ rights; advocate for marginalized communities; involve students in the governance of Georgetown University; and ensure that administration conducts itself in an ethical and responsible manner.

This mission statement manifests itself through a spirit of cooperation and professionalism between the Executive and the Senate, and serves as an ideal foundation for any work done through committees or student commissions.

Executive

The Executive Branch is led by a President and Vice President, elected each November by the undergraduate student body to serve for the following calendar year. They work with a team of executive, cabinet, and general staff members whose size and structure are set by the President and Vice President. Since 2023, this team has grown and been reorganized to tackle issues raised by students. All staff positions are open to any undergraduate through an application process. In addition to running their own team, the President and Vice President appoint student representatives to serve on various external boards and committees. Every executive staff position and external appointment is reviewed and confirmed by the Senate.

Senate

The Senate serves as the student body’s lawmaking team. Senators update GUSA’s rules, approve executive and judicial appointments, and speak up for student interests through resolutions and special committees. Led year-round by a Speaker and Vice Speaker, the Senate also plays a big role in campus life by deciding how more than $1 million in student activity funds are spent. That funding, collected through the Student Activities Fee ($164 per student in 2018), is distributed by the Senate’s Finance and Appropriations Committee to club advisory boards, the Lecture Fund, the Georgetown Programming Board, and many other student groups that bring events, speakers, and opportunities to campus.