Campus is fully operational and Howard student leaders are getting prepared for an exciting semester as they came together for the Spring State of the University Address. With over six student groups represented, the address confirmed 2024 Spring Fest dates, provided student activity fee updates, reflected on the impacts made last semester, and shared details of upcoming programming. Cover 2 Cover has compiled a rundown of the highlights! Here’s everything you need to know:

UGSA

First to take the stage was Undergraduate Student Assembly (UGSA) Executive Coordinator, Ose Esene, who shared UGSA highlights from last semester including a successful Bison Week, Homecoming, and Halloween Ball. Esene confirmed that Spring Fest will tentatively be taking place during the week of April 14-20. He also highlighted that the organization will be doing halftime takeovers during this year’s basketball season and started its first takeover at Thursday’s game against Norfolk State University.

UGSA will also be spreading the love this semester with a Valentine’s Day week. The week will include a matchmaking event, movie night, and Polaroids on The Yard. 

Esene ended with updates on a campus hot topic of increasing the student activity fee. “If we could change the student activity fee that’s going to drastically change the events we have at Howard,” said Esene.

He shared that he will be collaborating with HUSA and HUSA Senate to advocate for the increase. According to Esene, sponsorships and extra funds are mostly allocated through the organization and a small increase potentially doubles the funds available for events.

HUSA 

Howard University Student Association (HUSA) President, Nia Naylor, was next to present an update for the student body as she opened with the positive report of her cabinet completing 90 percent of platform points. The HUSA initiatives that we can expect to see this upcoming semester include advocating for free laundry services, conducting a retreat with graduate students, and fostering partnerships with other HBCUs to broaden Howard’s perspective. 

ROYAL COURT

Following President Naylor, Mister & Miss Howard University, Mahlon West and Armani Washington, represented the Royal Court by bringing new campaign updates and positive reflections on their initiatives carried out last semester. Washington was the first to share that The Royal Court put on 40 events of their “platforms combined”.

The two faces of Howard University also celebrated Washington capturing the title of Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame last semester and shared plans for West to run this semester for the 20th Mister HBCU title. 

ELECTIONS 

Elections Commission Associate Commissioner, Hassana Balde gave insight into the process of this year's election season to decrease the “ambiguity” of new and returning candidates. Balde shared that there will be restrictions of campaigning off campus or during class time as well as other modifications that are now public in their updated code of conduct. This semester students can expect candidate mixers to continue as well as another election day party with food, music, and, potentially, a student pop-up shop. They left students with information that the Spring 2024 election calendar has also been posted.

HUSA JUDICIARY AND SENATE

HUSA’s Judiciary branch is being recognized as a functioning branch as their Vice Chairwoman, Julianna Boye, made an appearance sharing that they too will be preparing for the election season as they also had a hand in modifying the code of conduct.

HUSA Senate Chairwoman, Joline Fuller, closed out the address with a message stating “As we embark on the second semester let us reflect on the first one”. According to Fuller, this is the “largest senate to date”. Lastly, the Chairwoman shared the senate’s belief and focus on “collaboration” leaving a spirit of encouragement and connectivity.