DePaul Students Approved New Investment Referendum
The Student Government Association moved to hold a vote on university financial transparency this fall.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Financial Aid
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The Student Government Association at DePaul University has approved a ballot referendum regarding financial transparency in university investments. This new vote follows a previous attempt in May 2024 that was rejected by the administration despite widespread student support.
Why it matters
Student leaders are seeking to align the campaign with the university's Vincentian mission to secure greater oversight. They are now pursuing an official endorsement from the Chicago Archdiocese to bolster the resolution's standing.
In a May 2024 vote, 94% of participating students voted in favor of the university publicizing its investment portfolio. The newly approved Resolution Calling for Financial Transparency and Accountability in University Investments does not directly change policy.
The players
DePaul University
A private Catholic research university in Chicago that was founded by the Vincentians.
Student Government Association
The official representative body for the student population responsible for organizing the upcoming referendum.
Chicago Archdiocese
The regional Catholic Church administrative body that student leaders are seeking an endorsement from regarding university investment practices.
Layth Awadallah
The treasurer of the Student Government Association who is currently leading outreach to the Chicago Archdiocese.
The details
The Student Government Association approved the referendum at a general body meeting to push for increased accountability in how the institution manages its funds. Treasurer Layth Awadallah is coordinating efforts to meet with the Chicago Archdiocese to advocate for the measure.
Timeline
In May 2024, students previously voted in favor of investment disclosure.
The Student Government Association approved the new referendum on September 30, 2026.
Culture Shift
This effort by the student body reflects an increasing trend of campus activism aimed at aligning institutional investment portfolios with specific ethical missions. This push marks a departure from traditional administrative control over university endowments toward greater student involvement.
While the referendum does not automatically change university policy, its passage would place significant pressure on administrators to open the investment portfolio to public scrutiny. Students and staff should expect increased dialogue regarding institutional priorities in the coming months.
The takeaway
Student efforts to secure investment transparency rely on building external coalitions with influential community partners to pressure institutional leadership. Implementing such changes requires navigating both the student governing process and the underlying ethical mission of the university.
Further reading
For additional context on how institutional funding impacts the campus environment, visit the Financial Aid section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The DePaulia.
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