Peter Baldwin ’06, the President of the Union, gave the presentation about the “ambiance upgrade” in the works for the Rathskellar. He explained that this renovation is a number one priority on Sodexho’s list; they want to make it a “destination point” for students. Sodexho sees potential in the Rathskellar; they believe it is presently underused and they are hoping the upgrade will increase the numbers of people who use the area.

The only changes that will take place in the Union’s first floor will be the carpeted eating area; the halls and their adjoining rooms, such as the games room and bookstore will be left alone.

The eating area, however, will provide more seating capacity with a variety of seating styles; bars, tables and booths. In addition, added wireless, electrical outlets, a change in lighting, and the possible addition of flat screen display televisions will be part of this ambiance upgrade. This work is feasible to be done over the winter because no demolition needs to be taken place.

This project, however, like many others, is contingent on several approvals such as from President Shirley Ann Jackson and Vice President for Administration Claude Rounds. The Student Senate asked for Baldwin to seek their approval of the final plan as well. The semi-final designs for the Rathskellar have been decided and are to be posted around campus by the E-board and the Finance, Facilities, and Advancement Committee of the Senate so that student feedback can be received and taken into account in the plans.

In addition to Rathskellar discussion, Nick Wood ’07, the Senate E-Board liaison, and Senator Daniel Horvath ’08 made a presentation on behalf of the Trustee Committee on Finance to the Senate. Wood and Horvath are the two student representatives to the committee, which meets quarterly.

According to the presentation, RPI had a balanced budget during 2005 for the sixth straight year, and total assets grew to $1.3 billion. In addition, there was no new debt, and growth was shown in both research and full-time graduate programs. Other strengths that the committeee identified include the new faculty hires and major construction projects. Some challenges, however, which could limit future options, include the variety in class size as the market for students gets more competitive.

New goals for the committee include a shifted focus to the Undergraduate Plan. More specifically, two goals are to increase transfer enrollment and enhance research and other summer programs.

Over the course of the 2005 fiscal year, undergraduate tuition revenue went down $4.2 million. This was in part due to 121 fewer freshman enrolling than initially anticipated and a “Higher Discount Rate of 48.8 [percent].”

The second half of the presentation focused on the committee’s plans in achieving and working toward the goals of The Rensselaer Plan. According to the presentation, their first draw from the endowment of $20 million will be spent on initiatives to increase purchases for land, buildings, and equipment. Some examples of those initiatives include $27 million for Biotechnology, $33 million for EMPAC, $8 million for student-related projects, $5 million for maintenance upgrades, and $1 million for academic facilities.

Finally, the outlook for 2006 from the committee’s goals and concerns cover a multifaceted area. The quality of the freshman class is strong, and the class size goal of 1250 students was met. In addition to that, the committee noted that the undergraduate graduation rate is accelerating.

In addition to the two major presentations, committee chairs gave updates on their work. Project Hope is one of the more visible Senate initiatives and as of October 20, $20,836.29 has been raised. There are still, however, plenty of events scheduled. One such is event is the Community Advocates presenting the Hurricane Katrina Reflection Wall in the Union through November.

Another event being planned is a Dance Dance Revolution Tournament in support of Project Hope. It will be held on Sunday, November 6, in the Union’s Games Room. A New Orleans-style Thanksgiving Benefit Dinner is also planned; it is scheduled for November 11 and will be sponsored by the Community Service Committee.