RUSA Report January 29: Committee leaders announce resignations, impact report released

At a meeting Thursday, two former e-board members said they believe RUSA was limiting their ability to change the university for the better, which led to their recent resignations over break.

Following the presentation, 10 new assembly members were sworn in, and RUSA president Christopher Godoy presented the assembly’s Fall 2025 Impact Report, outlining the assembly’s progress and next steps into the spring semester.

During public sector, former Sexual Violence Education Chair Zuhayr Thange and former Academic Affairs Chair Tariq Fahumy spoke to the assembly about their recent resignations.

Thange told the assembly he no longer feels RUSA is suited to change the University for the better and that he feels he can not serve in his position given those beliefs.

Fahumy cited similar difficulties making meaningful change in his resignation, as well as expressing general frustration in the assembly’s lack of productivity. He warned anyone considering taking his position that they will have to work with a system that he believes rejects progress and does not support students.

“If you do [take the position], and if you are extremely passionate about what you do, you will probably fall victim to the same thing that I did,” Fahumy said told the assembly.

Fahumy continued that he intends to continue working to advocate for student needs without being “held back” by RUSA.

Under Thange’s leadership the Sexual Violence Education Committee funded and organized and initiative to distribute “Birdie” personal safety devices to students to make students feel safer when traveling alone. The devices are expected to be distributed this semester and was highlighted as a successful initiative in the impact report presented at the same meeting.

During Fahumy’s time as Academic Affairs Chair, his committee successfully extended open hours at Alexander Library during finals week.

Thange and Fahumy’s resignations leave the positions of Sexual Violence Education Chair and Academic Affairs Chair vacant. Thange ended his remarks by nominating RUSA member Destiny Rosales to take his place. Rosales has run for the position of Sexual Violence Education Chair in the past.

During officer updates, RUSA Secretary Isabella Esposito outlined the process to fill those vacancies, which will culminate in an internal election. Whichever assembly member is elected to either position will serve until the end of the semester.

The impact report notes key successes, such as reaching the highest average meeting attendance in recent years, a 34% increase from fall of last year.

Godoy also discussed the expansion of community projects, including over 1,000 meal swipes donated through Swipe Out Hunger and the distribution of “Birdie” personal safety devices coming this semester.

The report also outlines the assembly’s budget. According to the report, 34% of the assembly’s funds for the 2025-2026 academic year were spent in the fall.

In a section on goals for this semester, the report reaffirms the assembly’s commitment to transparency, community engagement, and collaboration. The report also notes RUSA is currently reevaluating the assembly’s governing documents, with any changes to take place sometime this semester.

Student Affairs Chair Ang Dinall told the assembly that RUSA’s “What’s On Your Mind” student surveys will not be distributed this year. RUSA will instead work with University administration on a university-wide survey being distributed this semester that will measure many of the same metrics as the assembly’s annual survey

The assembly also swore in 10 appointees to vacant voting seats after hearing no objections. 

No new legislation was heard.

The full meeting minutes for the January 29 meeting and Fall 2025 Impact Report can be found here.