GUSA unanimously passed a resolution proposing the creation of an interfaith student advisory board that would consist of representatives from various campus faith organizations in a meeting held before the winter break on Dec. 4. The purpose of the proposed advisory board would be to provide students from various faiths, including those from Jewish, Muslim, Catholic and Protestant groups, with a forum to express their concerns with administration, according to GUSA representative Luis Torres (COL ’05), who sponsored the resolution.

“I decided to sponsor this resolution because I saw that there was a need to organize some type of forum in which students representing the different faiths on campus could discuss issues about Campus Ministry,” Torres said.

The proposal was prompted in part by students’ recent concerns regarding the function and efficacy of Campus Ministry, according to the resolution.

University Chaplain Father Adam Bunnell, O.F.M., Conv., and Vice President for Student Affairs Juan Gonzalez have been open to the idea of creating and organizing the group and have expressed their support by contributing suggestions and comments, Torres said.

“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Gonzalez said. “I believe this type of board will help bring groups together.”

GUSA President Ryan DuBose (COL ’02) also voiced his support for the creation of the board. “GUSA is here to provide support for faith groups that are trying to start up,” he said. “A board like this is very much needed, especially at a university like Georgetown, to open dialogue between different faiths.”

According to the university’s Student Handbook, Georgetown commits itself to “raise awareness and foster dialogue on issues related to race, class, gender, sexual orientation and religion.”

The Diversity and Religious Affairs Committee is hoping to implement the plans outlined in the resolution as early as next semester, Torres said. The Committee works with Georgetown’s Diversity Working Group, the Unity Coalition, Campus Ministry, the Jesuit community and LEAD to promote diversity awareness.