All three proposals to allocate the $3.4 million generated by the Student Activities Fee Endowment reform were passed in a student body-wide referendum Thursday night.
Voting on the three proposals opened Monday evening and closed at midnight Thursday. The Georgetown University Student Association Election Commission released the final results shortly after polls closed.
The New South Student Center proposal, which adds $2.04 million to expand plans for a student space renovation project in the lower levels of New South, was approved by 86 percent of voters. Eighty-seven percent of students voted in favor of the $1.25 million Student Innovation and Public Service Fund, and 90 percent approved Georgetown Energy’s proposed $250,000 allocation to install solar panels on about 43 university townhouses and establish a fund to finance sustainability projects.
The three proposals were each required to reach a 2,000-vote minimum for the election to be considered valid. All three received enough votes to cross the threshold Tuesday and had garnered over 2,500 votes by the time polls closed.
“I think it’s really exciting to see more students participating in an election,” GUSA Vice President GregLaverriere (COL ’12) said. “I think it’s a testament to the fact that it was a great proposal that students were excited to have passed.”
The implementation of each of the proposals was guaranteed through an agreement letter that GUSAsigned with the administration Monday.
Colton Malkerson (COL ’13), chair of GUSA’s Finance and Appropriations Committee, which helped finalize the proposals, said he was excited about the opportunities the proposed funding will bring.
“Three full years ago, GUSA wasn’t seen as an effective organization. I think SAFE reform has really righted the ship, essentially,” he said. “We have three really excellent proposals that will benefit student life for many years to come.”
Members of GUSA’s executive branch and senate launched a campaign last week to raise student awareness about the proposals, spreading the message through a door-knocking and social media campaign.
“Like every election, what really counts was knocking on doors, educating students about the proposals and having a strong presence on Facebook and Twitter,” Malkerson said.
