With a new year comes opportunities to become involved in a variety of things. If you’ve ever been interested in joining a club or trying something new, now is the time. On Thursday, the Union will be sponsoring their annual Activity Fair at the Houston Field House from 6-9 pm. I would like to personally invite everyone to attend. Whether you are looking to continue something you enjoy, or want to try something new, this is the time to see everything the Union has to offer. With over 130 clubs and organizations there is something to draw everyone’s interest, and if you don’t see a club you are interested in, start one! Whether it’s to meet friends or to take a study break, being a member of a club can be a fun and rewarding experience. So make sure to mark your calendars and check it out.

For the students who are unaware of how the Union works I would like to give you a quick description of my position and the operations of the Executive Board. As President of the Union, I am the chairman of the E- Board, which is composed of 12 students (four class representatives, a graduate student, three club/ICA (inter-collegiate athletics) representatives, a member-at-large, an appointment from the Undergraduate and Graduate Council, and the Senate-Executive Board liaison). The E-Board oversees the operations of clubs, organizations, activities, varsity athletics, as well as the physical facility and operations of the Union. The E-board manages a yearly budget of approximately $8.5 million. The money to fund these clubs and organizations is financed through the activity fee that all students pay. There are still positions open on this year’s E-Board and I encourage interested students to apply. This is a great opportunity to get involved and directly impact the environment around you. To get an application just stop in the Student Government Suite in the Union or send me an e-mail at pu@rpi.edu.