Regis University Student Government Association (RUSGA)
As an enrolled undergraduate student at Regis you become a member of the Regis University Student Government Association (RUSGA). Led by the Student Body President, RUSGA’s mission is to listen to students, advocate on their behalf, and make the student experience a memorable one.
Regis University Student Government Association (RUSGA) is the student-led organization that encompasses all undergraduate students in Regis College and the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions. RUSGA aims to provide programming and activities for students with the goal of improving the Regis experience for every member of our community.
Composed of every member of the undergraduate student body, and financed by student fees, the association includes all clubs and organizations on campus, appointed directors and their committees and class representatives elected by Regis College students. RUSGA was created in the spirit of empowering students to take the lead in creating programming and organizations that are of the most interest to them. The leadership of RUSGA, headed by the three elected officers, seeks constant student input to ensure that campus life at Regis is safe and that every student adapts and succeeds academically, spiritually and socially during their time at Regis University.
RUSGA Initiatives
Enterprise Car Share
Rolled out in the fall of 2011, Regis has contracted with Enterprise Holdings to establish a car share program. Subsidized by RUSGA, the program provides students and families with a short-term car rental solution for students without cars. Students 18 years or older can enroll in the car share program and can rent one of the vehicles on an hourly or daily basis. (Hourly rates include the vehicle rental, auto insurance, and gas.) The program provides students with an excellent solution for getting to dentist appointments, running errands, going to the mountains for a day, etc. Not only is a great service to students and families, it reduces the number of cars on campus and our carbon footprint.
Community Garden
Initiated in 2008 in collaboration with Denver Urban Gardens (DUG), and funded with $12,000 of RUSGA money, the Regis University Community Garden was established to encourage student, faculty, staff and community interaction. In the ensuing years, the garden has also proven invaluable as an educational tool for faculty – particularly around carbon footprint issues around food transportation - and has developed into a common ground for university and community members. Learn more about the garden at dug.org.
Trust the Tap
Created and funded by the RUSGA Sustainability committee and implemented by the Regis University Physical Plant, the “Trust the Tap” initiative has resulted in the installation of twenty water filtration systems in buildings across campus. A concurrent “Trust the Tap” campaign provides information about tap water cleanliness, environmental stewardship, and economic efficiency while encouraging community members to discontinue the use of plastic water bottles. Fun fact: “The recommended eight glasses of water a day, at U.S. tap rates equals about $.49 per year; that same amount of bottled water is about $1,400.” - Ban the Bottle.
Recycling Program
RUSGA also worked to place five recycling dumpsters around campus. They are located behind O'Connell and Desmet, north of the Residence Village, west of Main Hall, behind the Student Center and south east of ALC. RUSGA continues to educate the Regis community on recyclable, non-recyclable and compostable materials and waste.
Composting Program
RUSGA is working toward reducing the amount of organic matter that ends up in the local landfill. Compostable materials produced in the Main Cafe are redirected, and discarded items and excess food are taken to a local farm co-op for composting.
Sweatshop Policy
Adopted by RUSGA in April of 2011, the Sweatshop Free declaration recognizes that much of the world’s clothing continues to be manufactured under sweatshop conditions. Informed by the university’s Jesuit ideals, RUSGA is committed to purchasing ethically made attire with the desire to encourage clothing manufactures to pay their labor force living wages, reasonable hours and improved working conditions.
RTD Bus Passes
As a Regis student, you now have the privilege of using the RTD bus and Light Rail system, free of charge with your new bus pass. This is a great way to get around Denver and the surrounding areas. This service is included in your Student Activities Fee for Regis University undergraduate students. Only Regis College or Rueckert-Hartman College undergraduate students who pay a Student Activities fee are eligible to receive a packet of ten RTD bus passes. Stop by the Information Desk in the Student Center. Please bring your ID with you.
The Pledge
Initiated by the RUSGA Social Justice and Sustainability committees in 2012, the pledge challenges Regis students to be good stewards of our environmental resources. New and returning students have the opportunity to sign the pledge during our annual Welcome Week. I pledge that during my years at Regis University I will explore and be mindful of the social, economic and environmental consequences of my behavior and that of my institution. I will incorporate into my daily life social justice, economic integrity and environmental stewardship with the intention of promoting a sustainable and just society both in my community and the wider world.
Walker's Pub
Named after John Brisben Walker – the land developer who donated the property that the University resides on – the Pub was proposed in 2009 and finished in the Spring of 2011 as an initiative established and financed by RUSGA. In 2018, as part of the renovation of the Student Center, Walker’s was relocated within the Student Center and was renovated to create a modern pub look and feel that offers food and beverage options, a selection of local beer and wine, music, several televisions, a pool table, shuffleboard and comfy places to sit and relax with friends. The grand opening of the newly renovated Walker's Pub was held in the spring of 2019.
RUSGA Constitution
We, the Regis University Student Government Association (RUSGA), informed by our commitment to be men and women in the service of others, strive to uphold the principles of knowledge, ingenuity and devotion. We aspire to be engaged leaders who are knowledgeable about what is happening on campus in order to better serve the student body; promote effective communication between students and university administrators; encourage inclusive community on campus through innovative programming; and act humbly, respectfully and with purpose to accomplish goals that benefit Regis students.
