Howard University · Undergraduate Student Assembly

We are the student experience.

UGSA is Howard's premier programming body. Since 1973 we've put on the events that bring the Mecca together, from Bison Week to Bison Ball to Springfest.

UGSA 53 logo: the number 53 over a red bison, with UGSA beneath
The 53rd Assembly
1973Year UGSA was founded
53rdAssembly, 2026–27
7Executive board members
@howardugsaFollow on Instagram
Our history

Five decades of bringing Howard together

Founded in 1973, the Undergraduate Student Assembly proudly serves as the premier programming body at Howard University. For over five decades, UGSA has curated vibrant, innovative, and inclusive events that bring the student body together.

Through these experiences, students get countless chances to connect, build community, and form lifelong friendships.

We are the student experience!

Program

Staple events every semester: Pop-Up Shops, First Fridays, holiday weeks and more, each run by its own committee.

Activate

Special projects with sponsors and outside partners, like the Bison Blvd Block Parties, Bison Ball and Springfest.

Tell it

A full PR team of designers, photographers, videographers, creators and student influencers keeps campus in the loop.

Build

General Body Meetings, workshops and staff recognition that grow the next class of Howard leaders.

Photos by the UGSA photo & video team, including @liljoe.shotit and @shotbymngo.

2026–27 leadership

Meet the executive board

Janiyah Carter

Janiyah Carter

Executive Coordinator
Nana Anti

Nana Anti

Vice Coordinator
Rebecca Potts

Rebecca Potts

Programming Director
Raven Audevert

Raven Audevert

Public Relations Director
Alannah Taylor

Alannah Taylor

Special Projects Manager
Journey Dixie

Journey Dixie

Executive Secretary
Kiara Blecher

Kiara Blecher

Financial Advisor
Academic advisorMr. JaQuwan Ward
Stay connected

Never miss a UGSA moment

Join our Remind

@4c32kaText this code to 81010

Follow along

See every date on our calendar, and catch drops and recaps on Instagram.

UGSA calendar @howardugsa

Reach us

For more information, email us:

hu.ugsa@gmail.com

Want to bring UGSA to your org or brand? Partner with us.

For members

Member handbook

General Body Meetings

Every GBM covers:

  • UGSA internal updates
  • Committee reports
  • Event suggestions
  • UGSA workshops
  • Staff member of the month
  • Announcements and birthday recognitions
  • Event sign-up

General body members get the GroupMe link at their first GBM.

Conduct expectations

All UGSA members are expected to:

  • Act professionally and respectfully at all UGSA-sponsored events
  • Treat all members with respect, fairness and inclusivity
  • Communicate respectfully and resolve disagreements constructively
  • Act with honesty, integrity and accountability
  • Follow university policies and UGSA procedures
  • Represent UGSA positively at all times
  • Attend all required UGSA events, emailing 24 hours in advance if a conflict comes up
3 strike policy
1First warning. A formal written warning by email outlining the concern, expectations for improvement, and a timeline for corrective action. 2Second warning. A final written warning. The Executive Board may hold a mediation meeting to clarify expectations and plan a path forward. 3Final action. If expectations still aren't met, the individual may be removed from their position.
Our constitution

UGSA is established under Article V of the Howard University Student Association Constitution, which sets out our representatives, executive board, annual strategic plan, accountability and leadership transition.

Read Article V

Events

What's next & what we've done

Upcoming UGSA events, plus an archive of the moments that made past years.

Show

Spring 2027 dates are coming soon. Follow @howardugsa for the latest.

Springfest sponsorship

Put your brand in front of the Mecca.

Springfest is UGSA's biggest spring activation for Howard undergrads. Sponsors help make it happen, and get a real presence on the yard in return.

Ways to sponsor

Find the right fit

Presenting sponsor

Top billing on Springfest graphics, stage mentions from our hosts, and a featured spot at the event.

Activation booth

Your own space at Springfest for sampling, giveaways, games or sign-ups with students face to face.

In-kind partner

Provide product, food, drinks, swag or services in place of funding, with recognition at the event.

Media partner

Co-branded content with the UGSA PR team: promo posts, recaps and behind-the-scenes on @howardugsa.

Every package is tailored to the partner. Send an inquiry and our Special Projects team will put together options for you.

Partnerships

Better together on the yard.

Student orgs, councils, Greek organizations and campus departments: UGSA collaborates with groups across Howard to reach more students.

Ways to collaborate

What we can do together

Co-host an event

Plan an event together, pooling your org's audience and ideas with UGSA's programming team.

Join a staple event

Table, perform or run an activity at Pop-Up Shop, First Friday, a holiday week or another UGSA staple.

Special project collab

Partner on a larger activation like Bison Blvd Block Parties, Bison Ball or Springfest.

Cross-promotion

Share each other's events with our PR team, from Instagram posts to stories and announcements at GBMs.

The process

From idea to event

  1. Send a requestTell us who you are and what you have in mind. Reach out early so there's time to plan.
  2. Meet with ProgrammingOur Programming Director follows up to talk fit, timing and roles.
  3. Plan togetherA UGSA event chair and committee work with your team on logistics.
  4. Execute and recapWe run it together, and our PR team helps capture the moment.
Partnership contactRebecca Potts

Partnership request

HUSA Constitution · Article V

The Undergraduate Student Assembly

How UGSA is structured: our representatives, executive board, strategic plan, accountability and leadership transition.

Fall 2026 referendum

We, the undergraduate students of Howard University, establish the Undergraduate Student Assembly to represent and serve the interests of the undergraduate student body; to develop, coordinate, and execute programming responsive to the needs of the undergraduate schools and colleges; to foster collaboration among undergraduate constituencies; and to advance the undergraduate student experience.

Section 1Name, Purpose, and General Function

Clause A. Name

The organization established under this Article shall be known as the Undergraduate Student Assembly, hereafter referred to as "UGSA" or "the Assembly."

Clause B. Purpose

The Undergraduate Student Assembly shall serve as a representative, programming, and coordinating body for the undergraduate schools and colleges of Howard University.

Clause C. General Function

The Assembly shall develop, coordinate, and implement programs, initiatives, and affairs serving the undergraduate student body and shall facilitate collaboration among the undergraduate schools and colleges.

Clause D. Term of Operation

The Assembly shall function on a twelve (12) month basis, with each administration serving from noon on Commencement Day until noon on Commencement Day of the following year.

Section 2Structure, Membership, and Selection

Clause A. Elected Representatives

  1. Each undergraduate school and college shall be represented by three (3) elected Representatives, regardless of enrollment.
  2. Representatives shall be elected in accordance with the HUSA Constitution and applicable election rules.

Clause B. Executive Board

  1. The Executive Board shall consist of the Executive Coordinator, Vice Coordinator, Programming Director, Financial Advisor, Executive Secretary, Special Projects Manager, and Public Relations Director.
  2. During the initial selection process, all Executive Board members must be duly elected Representatives of the incoming Undergraduate Student Assembly.
  3. The Executive Board shall be selected no later than thirty (30) calendar days following certification of the election of UGSA Representatives by the Elections Commission.

Clause C. Nominating and Appointment Committee

  1. The incoming Executive Board shall be selected by a Nominating and Appointment Committee.
  2. The Committee shall consist of current members of the UGSA Executive Board who are outgoing seniors and are expected to graduate within the coming months, together with the UGSA Faculty Advisor.
  3. At the discretion of the Faculty Advisor, members of the Office of Student Life may additionally serve on the Committee.
  4. Except where otherwise provided by this Constitution, the Committee shall possess sole authority and discretion to establish the procedures by which candidates are nominated, evaluated, and appointed.
  5. The Committee shall establish and utilize a standardized selection rubric in evaluating candidates.

Clause D. Subsequent Appointment Rounds

  1. Initial Round. Only duly elected Representatives of the incoming Assembly shall initially be eligible for Executive Board appointment.
  2. Second Round. If an Executive Board position remains vacant following the initial process, the Committee may consider current Howard University students who previously served as UGSA Representatives or Executive Board members.
  3. Third Round. If the position remains vacant following the second process, the Committee may consider current Howard University students possessing qualifying prior UGSA experience.
  4. Qualifying UGSA experience may include, but is not limited to, prior service as a staffer, assistant, chairperson, or other appointed member of UGSA.
  5. Determination of sufficient qualifying UGSA experience shall rest solely with the Nominating and Appointment Committee.

Section 3Elected Representatives

Clause A. Representative Function

  1. Elected Representatives shall serve as the primary liaisons between UGSA and their respective undergraduate school or college.
  2. Representatives shall communicate the interests, needs, concerns, and programming priorities of their respective constituencies to the Assembly.
  3. Representatives shall communicate relevant Assembly programs, initiatives, opportunities, and information to their respective constituencies.

Clause B. Service Within the Assembly

  1. Elected Representatives shall actively participate in the operations and programming of the Assembly throughout their term.
  2. Elected Representatives, particularly those who do not serve on the Executive Board, shall serve in substantive programming or leadership capacities within the Assembly.
  3. Such service shall primarily include appointment as event chairpersons, committee members, or other significant programming roles.
  4. Representatives may fulfill this responsibility through service with SpringFest, Bison Ball, recurring programming, special programming, or other initiatives of the Assembly.
  5. The Executive Board shall ensure that Representatives are provided meaningful opportunities to fulfill these responsibilities.

Clause C. School and College Programming

  1. The Representatives of each undergraduate school or college shall collectively develop and execute no fewer than two (2) programs or events per academic semester specifically serving their respective constituency.
  2. Representatives from the same school or college may jointly satisfy this requirement.
  3. Such programming shall respond to the interests, needs, and priorities of the respective school or college and remain consistent with the mission and Annual Strategic Plan of the Assembly.
  4. Representatives may collaborate with School and College Councils, student organizations, University departments, or other appropriate entities to fulfill this requirement.

Clause D. Representative Code and Good Standing

  1. All elected Representatives shall abide by the provisions of this Article, which shall serve as the governing code for their service within the Undergraduate Student Assembly.
  2. A Representative who fails to fulfill the duties, responsibilities, standards, or requirements established by this Article may be deemed out of good standing with the Assembly.
  3. A Representative who is out of good standing shall be provided notice of the basis for such status and a reasonable opportunity to correct the deficiency, where correction is possible.
  4. Continued or substantial failure to return to good standing shall constitute grounds for removal from the Representative's elected seat, subject to the removal procedures established by the HUSA Constitution, Bylaws, or other applicable governing provisions.

Section 4Assembly of Representatives

Clause A. Composition

The Assembly of Representatives shall consist of all duly elected UGSA Representatives, including Representatives appointed to the Executive Board.

Clause B. Meetings

  1. The Assembly of Representatives shall convene no fewer than three (3) times during each academic semester.
  2. Such meetings shall provide a formal forum for the Executive Board and elected Representatives to review the status, operations, programming, and strategic direction of UGSA.
  3. The Executive Board shall provide updates concerning implementation of the approved Annual Strategic Plan and significant matters affecting the Assembly.
  4. Representatives shall provide updates concerning school- and college-specific programming, constituent concerns, and their respective responsibilities within the Assembly.
  5. At least one (1) of the three required meetings each semester shall be designated as the Semester State of the Assembly Meeting and shall occur within the final two (2) months of the academic semester.

Clause C. Semester State of the Assembly

  1. The Semester State of the Assembly Meeting shall serve as a comprehensive review of the Assembly's performance and progress during the respective semester.
  2. The Executive Board shall report to the Assembly of Representatives on, at minimum:
    1. Progress toward the goals and priorities established within the Annual Strategic Plan
    2. The status and outcomes of Assembly programming and initiatives
    3. The financial condition of the Assembly
    4. Progress of school- and college-specific programming
    5. Significant organizational matters, challenges, and priorities requiring the attention of the Assembly
  3. Elected Representatives shall be afforded the opportunity to question the Executive Board regarding the administration, implementation, and performance of the Annual Strategic Plan.
  4. The Semester State of the Assembly Meeting shall provide an opportunity for Representatives to raise matters concerning their respective schools and colleges and the overall direction of the Assembly.

Clause D. Executive Accountability

  1. Meetings of the Assembly of Representatives shall provide Representatives an opportunity to raise questions and concerns regarding the Executive Board's implementation of the approved Annual Strategic Plan.
  2. The Executive Board shall respond to reasonable inquiries concerning implementation of the Annual Strategic Plan and the operational status of the Assembly.
  3. Nothing herein shall transfer the day-to-day executive authority of the Assembly from the Executive Board to the Assembly of Representatives.

Section 5Executive Board

Clause A. General Authority

  1. The Executive Board shall be responsible for the executive administration of the Undergraduate Student Assembly and implementation of its approved strategic direction.
  2. Members of the Executive Board shall exercise the duties assigned to their respective offices and other responsibilities authorized under this Article.

Clause B. Executive Coordinator

  1. The Executive Coordinator shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Undergraduate Student Assembly and President of the Executive Board.
  2. The Executive Coordinator shall exercise general executive oversight of the Assembly and shall be responsible for ensuring the orderly, effective, and proper administration of its affairs.
  3. The Executive Coordinator shall oversee the implementation and execution of the approved Annual Strategic Plan and shall ensure that the activities, programs, and priorities of the Assembly remain consistent with the direction established therein.
  4. All members of the Executive Board shall report directly to the Executive Coordinator unless otherwise established by this Constitution.
  5. The Executive Coordinator shall coordinate and supervise the Executive Board and shall ensure that its members fulfill the responsibilities of their respective offices.
  6. The Executive Coordinator shall serve as the principal executive representative and spokesperson of the Undergraduate Student Assembly.
  7. The Executive Coordinator shall perform such other executive responsibilities necessary to ensure the effective administration and continued operation of the Assembly.

Clause C. Vice Coordinator

  1. The Vice Coordinator shall serve as the second-ranking executive officer of the Undergraduate Student Assembly and shall support the Executive Coordinator in the administration and execution of the affairs of the Assembly.
  2. The Vice Coordinator shall assume the duties and responsibilities of the Executive Coordinator in the event of the Executive Coordinator's absence, incapacity, vacancy, or removal, as applicable.
  3. The Vice Coordinator shall support coordination across the Executive Board and the Assembly and may assist in advancing organizational priorities, initiatives, and responsibilities requiring cross-functional executive support.
  4. The Vice Coordinator shall perform such additional duties as may be assigned by the Executive Coordinator or otherwise established by this Constitution.

Clause D. Programming Director

  1. The Programming Director shall serve as the principal officer responsible for all recurring and staple programming of UGSA.
  2. The Programming Director shall lead the planning, coordination, management, and execution of recurring and staple programs under their jurisdiction.
  3. The Programming Director shall oversee and manage staff assigned to the Programming Department.
  4. The Programming Director may establish assignments and responsibilities for such staff necessary to execute programming under their jurisdiction.

Clause E. Financial Advisor

  1. The Financial Advisor shall serve as the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Undergraduate Student Assembly and shall be the principal officer responsible for the financial affairs of the Assembly.
  2. The Financial Advisor shall maintain accurate and complete financial records of the Assembly and oversee the administration of its funds in accordance with applicable HUSA and University financial policies.
  3. The Financial Advisor shall lead the development of the Assembly's annual budget and shall work with the Executive Board in preparing the draft budget required as part of the Annual Strategic Plan.
  4. The Financial Advisor shall work with Executive Board members, Representatives, event chairpersons, and other authorized members of the Assembly to ensure that programs and initiatives are appropriately budgeted and adequately funded.
  5. The Financial Advisor shall monitor the financial position, expenditures, commitments, and available resources of the Assembly throughout the administrative year and provide financial guidance necessary to maintain the fiscal health of the Assembly.
  6. The Financial Advisor shall provide regular financial reports to the Executive Board and Assembly of Representatives regarding the financial condition of UGSA.
  7. The Financial Advisor shall promote responsible fiscal management and ensure that each administration exercises sound stewardship of the funds entrusted to the Undergraduate Student Assembly.

Clause F. Executive Secretary

  1. The Executive Secretary shall oversee the day-to-day administrative operations and internal communications of UGSA.
  2. The Executive Secretary shall manage official correspondence and administrative communications on behalf of the Assembly and Executive Board.
  3. The Executive Secretary shall coordinate the preparation and maintenance of meeting agendas, minutes, administrative materials, and official organizational records.
  4. The Executive Secretary shall maintain organizational records and support the preservation of institutional knowledge.
  5. The Executive Secretary shall facilitate administrative communication and coordination among members of the Executive Board and broader Assembly.
  6. The Executive Secretary shall assist in tracking administrative deadlines, deliverables, and follow-up items as directed by the Executive Coordinator.
  7. The Executive Secretary shall perform other administrative and operational responsibilities necessary for the effective day-to-day functioning of the Assembly.

Clause G. Special Projects Manager

  1. At the direction of the Executive Coordinator, the Special Projects Manager shall serve as the Executive Producer of SpringFest.
  2. The Special Projects Manager shall lead the planning, coordination, management, and execution of special and non-recurring programs and events of UGSA.
  3. Notwithstanding its recurring annual occurrence, SpringFest shall remain within the jurisdiction of the Special Projects Manager.
  4. The Special Projects Manager may maintain and manage staff assigned to Special Projects where deemed necessary for the execution of their responsibilities.
  5. Staff assigned to Special Projects shall operate under the direction of the Special Projects Manager.

Clause H. Public Relations Director

  1. The Public Relations Director shall oversee all promotion, public relations, media, branding, graphic design, and visual communications of UGSA.
  2. The Public Relations Director shall oversee the promotion and public communication of Assembly programs, initiatives, events, and activities.
  3. The Public Relations Director shall oversee the creation and distribution of official promotional, graphic, visual, and media materials.
  4. The Public Relations Director shall oversee and manage staff assigned to the Public Relations Department.

Section 6Annual Strategic Plan

Clause A. Requirement and Deadline

  1. The Executive Board shall develop a comprehensive Annual Strategic Plan establishing the mission, priorities, programming objectives, and anticipated financial direction of UGSA for the forthcoming academic year.
  2. The Annual Strategic Plan must receive all approvals required under this Section no later than fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the commencement of Bison Week.
  3. The Executive Board shall begin the development and approval process sufficiently in advance to allow for Representative review and any necessary amendment or resubmission.

Clause B. Required Components

  1. A mission statement establishing the overarching direction of the administration.
  2. An annual outlook identifying the principal goals, objectives, and priorities of the Assembly.
  3. A draft annual budget identifying anticipated allocations, expenditures, and financial priorities.
  4. Key initiatives and programming priorities serving each undergraduate school and college represented within UGSA.
  5. Other Assembly-wide priorities deemed appropriate by the Executive Board.

Clause C. Special Projects

  1. Special projects and non-recurring programs may, but shall not be required to, appear within the Annual Strategic Plan.
  2. The absence of a special project from the Annual Strategic Plan shall not prohibit the subsequent development or execution of such a project.

Clause D. Approval

  1. The Executive Board shall present the proposed Annual Strategic Plan to the elected Representatives of the Undergraduate Student Assembly.
  2. Approval of the Annual Strategic Plan shall require the affirmative approval of sixty percent (60%) of elected Representatives.
  3. If the proposed Annual Strategic Plan fails to receive the required approval, the Executive Board shall consider Representative feedback, amend the plan, and resubmit it for consideration.
  4. The Annual Strategic Plan may undergo no more than three (3) rounds of consideration by the elected Representatives.
  5. If the Annual Strategic Plan fails to receive the required sixty percent (60%) approval following the third round, the Executive Board may approve the Annual Strategic Plan by unanimous consent of the Executive Board.
  6. Following approval by the elected Representatives, or approval by unanimous consent of the Executive Board pursuant to Item 5, the Annual Strategic Plan shall be presented to the UGSA Faculty Advisor for final review and approval.
  7. The Annual Strategic Plan shall not be considered adopted or take effect until approval of the Faculty Advisor has been obtained.

Section 7Departments and Staff

Clause A. Departmental Structure

  1. The Assembly may establish departments and staff positions necessary to execute its responsibilities and Annual Strategic Plan.
  2. Executive Board members responsible for departments or programmatic portfolios may be assigned staff necessary to support their responsibilities.
  3. Department heads shall be responsible for the management, assignment, and direction of staff serving within their respective departments.
  4. The number, titles, and specific responsibilities of departmental staff may be established by each administration consistent with the needs and available resources of the Assembly.

Section 8Accountability and Removal

Clause A. Vote of No Confidence

  1. Any member of the Executive Board may be subject to a Vote of No Confidence initiated by elected Representatives.
  2. A Vote of No Confidence shall be considered valid only when supported by at least one (1) elected Representative from each undergraduate school and college represented within UGSA.
  3. A valid Vote of No Confidence shall constitute a request for formal removal proceedings and shall not itself remove, suspend, or otherwise deprive the Executive Board member of the authority of their office.

Clause B. Referral

  1. Upon satisfaction of the requirements established under Clause A, the matter shall be referred to the HUSA Senate for independent review and formal removal proceedings pursuant to the HUSA Constitution and Bylaws.
  2. The officer subject to proceedings shall receive reasonable notice of the allegations and an opportunity to respond.
  3. The officer shall remain in office during the pendency of the proceedings unless otherwise provided by the HUSA Constitution or an authorized action of the appropriate HUSA governing body.

Section 9Transition and Institutional Continuity

Clause A. General Transition Requirement

  1. The outgoing and incoming Undergraduate Student Assemblies shall participate in an orderly and documented transition of authority, responsibilities, records, and institutional knowledge.
  2. All outgoing officers and Representatives shall make a good-faith effort to provide their successors with the information, records, materials, and guidance reasonably necessary to assume their responsibilities.

Clause B. Executive Board Transition

  1. The outgoing and incoming Executive Boards shall hold at least one (1) formal transition meeting no later than fourteen (14) calendar days following the selection and announcement of the incoming Executive Board.
  2. All incoming Executive Board members shall attend the formal Executive Board transition meeting unless excused by the Faculty Advisor for good cause.
  3. Outgoing Executive Board members shall transfer relevant records, documents, account information, program materials, financial information, timelines, outstanding obligations, and other institutional knowledge associated with their respective offices.
  4. Additional transition meetings may be required by the Executive Coordinator, incoming Executive Coordinator, or Faculty Advisor when reasonably necessary to ensure continuity of the Assembly.

Clause C. Representative Transition

  1. A formal transition meeting between the outgoing and incoming Representatives shall be held following certification of the incoming Representative election and before the conclusion of the outgoing Assembly's term.
  2. All newly elected Representatives shall be required to attend the Representative transition meeting unless excused by the Faculty Advisor for good cause.
  3. At least one (1) outgoing Representative from each undergraduate school and college represented within UGSA shall be required to attend the Representative transition meeting.
  4. Outgoing Representatives shall provide incoming Representatives with relevant information concerning their school or college, prior programming, constituent concerns, ongoing initiatives, partnerships, and other information reasonably necessary to support continuity of representation.
  5. The Executive Board shall coordinate the Representative transition process and ensure that incoming Representatives receive appropriate orientation regarding the requirements of this Article, the Annual Strategic Plan process, Assembly operations, and the responsibilities of elected Representatives.

Clause D. Records and Institutional Continuity

  1. Official records, planning documents, budgets, program materials, reports, and other institutional documents produced on behalf of UGSA shall be preserved and transferred in a manner reasonably accessible to the succeeding administration.
  2. No outgoing officer, Representative, staff member, or other member of the Assembly shall intentionally withhold official UGSA records or materials necessary for the continued operation of the Assembly.

Article V of the HUSA Constitution as set out in the Fall 2026 referendum authored by the Executive Board of the 53rd Undergraduate Student Assembly.