At Gonzaga, there are leadership opportunities available to students of all levels. Leadership is fostered through action, and the purpose of this listing is to demonstrate the breadth of opportunities for leadership involvement. This list is not exhaustive but representative of the roles available to students. Please contact each group individually or stop by the LRC for more information.
Gonzaga Student Body Association (GSBA)
The Gonzaga Student Body Association (GSBA) is Gonzaga's student government. Every undergraduate student is a member of GSBA. The purpose of GSBA is to present student concerns to the administration, to provide activities both on and off campus, to sponsor and financially support student clubs and organizations, to supply student services, to provide leadership development opportunities, and to assist in creating an environment which is conducive to students' needs. GSBA is made up of three branches: the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. There are four elected and 14 appointed positions in the executive branch, 24 elected legislative branch representatives, and 5 students appointed judicial branch representatives. GSBA's mission is to support the growth of the Gonzaga community through the sponsorship of clubs, activities, and forums for student participation. To learn more about becoming a leader in GSBA visit their office in Crosby 204 or their website, gogsba.com.
Student Clubs and Organizations
There are over ninety chartered clubs and organizations at Gonzaga. Currently, Gonzaga has such club sports as hockey, men and women's rugby, men and women's soccer and men's and women's lacrosse. These clubs compete with other schools in the region. Another large portion of clubs are service organizations that provide opportunities for students to serve the University and the Spokane community. The Knights, Setons, and Circle K, all allow students to use their talents in service. In addition, there are special-interest clubs including academic clubs, political clubs, cultural clubs, and honor societies. All of these groups sponsor and participate in activities on campus and in the community. Students are encouraged to form new clubs and organizations; however, they will not be officially registered with the University until they go through the proper procedures for emerging clubs. GSBA has a Clubs Office in Crosby that can assist students in creating a new club in virtually any interest area students may have. Further information on clubs, and the process to start a new club, can be obtained by contacting GSBA or the Student Activities Office which is located on the second level of the Crosby Student Center. To find contact information for specific clubs visit the community website at gonzaga.edu/community.
Center for Community Action and Service Learning (CCASL)
The Center for Community Action and Service-Learning (CCASL) has accumulated almost two decades of experience putting Gonzaga University's mission into action through a wide spectrum of volunteer and service-learning programs. CCASL seeks to develop student leaders with an ethic of service and lifelong thirst for social justice. Together with the campus community, CCASL endeavors to fulfill the University's mission of creating "women and men with others." CCASL provides connections to many local Spokane charities and non-profits that students can assist as volunteers. Additionally, CCASL runs multiple mentorship programs where students have the opportunity to work with local elementary school students.
Gonzaga Outdoors
The mission of Gonzaga Outdoors (GO) is to provide experiential educational opportunities for students to learn about themselves through the outdoors. GO tries to appeal to all types of outdoor enthusiasts by sponsoring ski trips, fall and spring rafting trips, backpacking trips, climbing classes, camping, environmental education and clean-up, bike tours, and more. These trips are meant for everyone, whether expert or beginner. Gonzaga Outdoors is the resource center for students who want to recreate in the outdoors. Resources are also available to help students plan their own trips. Educational programs on outdoor safety are offered throughout the year as well as movies and speakers on a series of outdoor related activities. A full service bike shop is also available to students. Leadership opportunities available include working in the Outdoors Office or guiding student trips. The Gonzaga Outdoors Office is located in the basement level of the Crosby Student Center.
Unity Multicultural Education Center (UMEC)
The primary purpose of the Unity Multicultural Education Center (UMEC) is to proactively assist and provide leadership that supports an inclusive campus community, enhances cultural competency, and increases diversity awareness through educational programs, relevant social justice initiatives, events, cultural celebrations and various workshops. The staff at UMEC assists Gonzaga University by integrally supporting and actively promoting the value of diversity in its many forms in the context of a larger commitment to the institutional commitment to social justice. UMEC provides a space for cultural clubs to meet and grow, as well as other leadership opportunities through the BRIDGE program and other initiatives.
Gonzaga Resident Assistants (RA)
Resident Assistants oversee and provide support to the various Residence Halls at Gonzaga. RA's can be in charge of entire buildings or a floor within a building. RA's are responsible for promoting community, facilitating hall programs, and upholding the standards of Gonzaga University. Applications and appointments for RA positions begin at the start of the spring semester for the following academic year. Please visit the office of Housing and Residence Life for more information.
Student Publications
Gonzaga University publishes the following student produced Publications: The Gonzaga Bulletin newspaper; Culture Shock, a journal of personal experiences at Gonzaga; Charter journal of scholarship & opinion; One World journal of social justice; Reflection journal of literary & visual arts; and Spires yearbook. These publications are run by students and showcase the writing of students. For more information please visit the Student Publications Office at College Hall 433.
University Ministry
University Ministry is responsible for creating and maintaining a strong catholic and Jesuit identity within the campus community. This is accomplished by holding various retreats, reflection programs, and weekly liturgies throughout the school year. Many of these activities are led and organized by students. For more information about how to get involved, visit the University Ministry office located on the first floor of the Crosby Student Center.