About

Mission

The Wesleyan Student Assembly (WSA), an annually elected assembly of students as per required by the Student Body Constitution, represents the entire student body and functions as an advocate for the interests of Wesleyan students in its dealings with college faculty, staff and administration. Funds collected through the Student Activities Fees provide the WSA with financial opportunities for campus clubs and organizations as wells as activities, events and programs for students. Members of WSA serve on the various committees held at the university that enhance the campus experience. All interested students are encouraged to visit the WSA Office located on the first floor of the Usdan University Center or email us at wsa@wesleyan.edu for more information.

Any and all Wesleyan undergraduate students are encouraged to consider running for election to the WSA. A recently written document, Efficacy as a Member, serves as a guide for current members and interested students alike.

History

Student government originated as the College Body Senate in 1903. “The College Body of Wesleyan University” was formed in 1963 in response to a desire for better organization and was directed by the College Body Committee, comprised of five elected undergraduates. In 1975, the Wesleyan Students’ Union was to fill the need for an organization to lobby specifically on behalf of student interests. A $1 membership was required. In 1978, 89% of the voting population approved a campus-wide referendum and the Wesleyan Student Assembly was formed. The Assembly was comprised of seven standing committees with 45 members serving during the fall term and 38 members during the spring term. Membership was distributed across the geographic boundaries of the campus stretching from In-Town to Butterfield.

The WSA has undergone a number of changes in composition throughout its history, varying in size from 27 members to 45 members. The WSA currently stands at 38 members. The leadership was shifted from the Coordinator position to a President, Vice-President format during the 1990s. The standing committees of the Assembly have undergone similar changes over the years.

The WSA enjoys a storied history of successes, reforms and restructurings as well as dramatic resignations and heated debate. Today, work of the Assembly touches nearly every aspect of Wesleyan life and operation, ranging University financial planning to campus events, from sexual conduct policies to curricular reform, and everything in between. And central to all of the Assembly’s work is an enduring dedication to serving the interests and rights of the College Body — the students.