Howard University Student Association (HUSA) and the Howard University Royal Court gave their biannual State of the University Address last Wednesday evening in Douglass Hall. The Springfest timeline, new student advocacy initiatives, and election week were just a few of the updates announced by student leaders. 

C2C sat through the lengthy address so you didn’t have to.

THE DREAM KEEPS ON DREAMING: 

HUSA Executive President Jordyn Allen began the address. According to the reigning president, “The Dream” has already fulfilled 70% of its platform since being elected last fall. 

Over the course of the fall 2022 semester, the senate worked with President Wayne A.I. Federick to combat the housing crisis and identify new dormitories to house the student body. 

HUSA plans to continue to work with the Howard University Department of Public Safety to encourage students and employees to enroll in compact Peace of Mind Smart Devices for emergency help. 

The policy team is working on a proposal for a student center and a homecoming policy that includes more students in the planning process. 

Allen also proposed a White House policy that outlines how the United States government can support Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Opportunities to socialize with fellow bison, boost student morale, overcome homesickness during the holiday season, and discover internships, continue to be a top priority for The Dream.

HUSA hosted the first Pridefest at an HBCU last semster. “It is fulfilling to know that other HBCUs were inspired by our work and created their own Pridefest a month later at Virginia State University,” declared President Allen. 

The dreamer seems to be satisfied with the student association's diligence this year.

“I hope and pray that at the very least, the 62nd administration has shifted the question from not ‘What does student government do for me?’ but ‘What does student government have the capabilities to do?’”  President Allen reflected.

SPRINGTIME AT HOWARD PUT ON BY UGSA: 

Undergraduate Executive Coordinator Stephen Spence announced dates for the much anticipated Howard University’s Springfest which is slated for Apr. 10 through Apr. 16. 

The Undergraduate Assembly will hold Springtime Howard staples including Bison Ball, Student Choice Awards, De-Stress Fest 2, and continuation of First Friday.

A WORD FROM THE ROYALS:

Mr. Howard, Rashan Schoffner, and Miss. Freshman, Trinity Colbert (standing in place of Ms. Howard, Cecily Davis), announced new mentorship programs in partnership with Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science, scholarship awards and opportunities, and the annual bus trip to Mecca hosted by Howard University Alumni Club of Atlanta.

ELECTION SEASON:

Elections Commissioner Sarah Slaughter notified attendees that election week will kickstart Monday, Feb. 6. Applications will open Friday, Feb. 10.

STUDENT ADVOCACY BOARDS: 

Judiciary Chairwoman, Yasmine Greer made it a point to introduce students to the judiciary board, seven appointed members who interpret the constitution and serve as peer advisors for students facing disciplinary hearings for any violation of the university’s code of conduct. 

GRADUATE STUDENTS’ RETURN TO STUDENT GOVERNMENT:

Graduate Student Association Executive Coordinator Xavier Richie concluded the State of the University Address with the duties and goals of the Graduate Student Association. The pandemic caused the presence of GSA to gradually diminish as they were not able to develop meaningful relationships with its members. 

“Although we were not active last semester, a dream deferred is not a dream denied,” reassures Executive Coordinator Richie. 

The graduate student association has several events lined up for February, solidifying relationships with graduate and professional students, and allowing them to feel connected to Howard and its community. 

The 62nd administration of student government doesn’t seem to be letting up. This semester will be pertinent to the administration’s legacy on campus.

The full address can be found here.