College Council Approves 2026-27 Advocacy Agenda
The University of Chicago's College Council adopted an eight-goal advocacy agenda covering laundry access, food pantries, and sexual assault prevention.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in College Applications
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The College Council approved its 2026-27 advocacy agenda by unanimous consent, after the agenda was reinstated as past due under the constitutional standard. The council also confirmed Grace Page as RLDC chair and removed Nefeli Abutahoun as Health and Wellness Committee chair.
Why it matters
The agenda formalizes student priorities on basic campus needs and safety, and the council notes that achieving its goals will require more work and collaboration from others across the University. Past agendas had been omitted, making this approval a return to a regular governance practice.
The agenda's Laundry Assistance Program gives students a card with $15 in credit, and the Black student population has decreased by half since the Black House Campaign launched in 2022. The agenda does not specify how these initiatives will be funded or implemented.
The players
University of Chicago College Council
The student governance body of the University of Chicago's undergraduate college, which holds weekly public meetings in Stuart Hall 104 and oversees student advocacy priorities.
UChicago CARES
The University of Chicago's sexual misconduct prevention and response program, which runs bystander prevention education for students and Greek organizations.
The details
The agenda expands laundry access, increases menstrual product availability, supports on-campus food pantries stocked with non-perishable items, and backs the Black House Campaign. It also includes sexual assault awareness and prevention initiatives, including institutionalized trainings, increased communication with Greek organizations, and systematized CARES prevention education in residence halls.
Timeline
2022: OBS launched its campaign to establish on-campus Black student houses.
November 8: 110 fraternity members are scheduled to attend a bystander prevention workshop run by the USG Sexual Assault Prevention Committee and UChicago CARES.
Campus Governance
The agenda's sexual assault prevention push builds on the existing UChicago CARES program by moving its education into residence halls and Greek life. Prior student agendas were omitted in past years, so this approval marks a return to formal yearly advocacy planning.
Students at the University of Chicago can use the Laundry Assistance Program, which offers a card with $15 in credit, as the agenda expands laundry access. Campus food pantries stocked with non-perishable items are also part of the agenda's plans.
The takeaway
Prospective and current students can track College Council meetings in Stuart Hall 104 to follow how the agenda's eight goals move forward. Engaging with these public meetings is a practical way to influence campus priorities.
Further reading
Explore more on College Applications for context on student life at selective campuses.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Chicago Maroon.
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