This last week has been very eventful within both the Independent Council and the Student Senate. Monday evening we witnessed the Senate finally obtain quorum, for the first time in a few weeks, and vote on the pressing IC issue. The pending motion asked senators whether or not they saw a value in the existence of the Independent Council and if its elimination should be sent to referendum. The motion failed 4-12-4, with all senators attending.
As argued in the past, the IC presents a unique opportunity to help those independent students that attend RPI. Two weeks ago, several complaints regarding the on-campus laundry facilities were mailed to the IC, followed by yet another, mailed to the Senate. In brief, on-campus students living in both the Quad and the RAHPs were upset by the poor laundry facility maintenance. Specifically, the ratio of working machines to damaged machines in the Quad is particularly high. In the case of the RAHPs, the total number of machines allotted to the housing facility is grossly inadequate when compared to the number of residents who live there. After a short discussion in the Senate, it was determined that the IC will endeavor to eliminate this problem.
As of last Thursday, the Independent Council met to edit and approve a letter to be officially sent to the Office of Student Life and the RHA, requesting to open a dialogue in order to resolve this pressing issue. Be assured the Independent Council will not rest on this issue until matters regarding these problems have been resolved.
The Independent Council strongly urges every independent student here at RPI, whether you live on or off campus, to voice your issues and concerns to us. From this point forward, we hope to build a strong reputation as a body of action and representation for our constituents, but we need your involvement in order to do so accurately. Come and speak with your representatives, every Thursday at 9 pm in the Student Government Suite in the Union, or become a representative yourself. As always, you can e-mail me, huntj@rpi.edu, with any questions or concerns you may have, and I will gladly distribute copies to all IC members.
