We have now crossed the midpoint in our semester. I personally cannot believe we are now in week seven. It seems like August 28 was just two or three weeks ago. But as I step back through my calendar, flip back through my notebooks, and sort through my old task lists, it is clear where the days have gone. Everyone has been busy around campus, and the Union has been no exception! Our clubs and teams have been busy this year, and the Executive Board has already considered a large number of program and funding requests in order to strengthen our existing programs and expand into new areas. I'd like to go over some of the highlights from the last few weeks and give you a sense of what new events and programs you can expect.
On our very first week back from summer vacation, the Executive Board carefully examined the agreements held with Ruckus, and evaluated student usage of the service and the overall quality of the program. The E-Board conducted this review because Ruckus changed its business model to rely on advertising revenue instead of fees. With this new model came new contract terms that were incredibly favorable to the Union. After agreeing that Ruckus provides a quality service to the campus, the Executive Board voted to endorse a new three-year contract with Ruckus, thereby ensuring that Ruckus will be available to our entire student population through 2009.
At our September 12 meeting, the Executive Board considered a number of proposals. The first, and largest, was by RPI Ambulance. Having weathered 10 long years, the old ambulance was in the shop more often than it was being used by the club, and maintenance costs were becoming a burden. For these reasons, the officers of RPI Ambulance met with their advisors and Institute officials over the past summer to identify their needs and locate a new ambulance. Having done so, RPI Ambulance came to the E-Board to present detailed inspections and reviews of their old ambulance versus those of the selected new vehicle. The Executive Board then approved the purchase of the new ambulance from the club's reserve account. The vehicle is now being assembled; you should see it around campus before we depart for winter break.
On September 19, the E-Board entertained a proposal from the Sailing Club to purchase two boats to add to the club's collection. The club officers did some excellent scouting and found two "420s" for sale in the region. As the Sailing Club was able to hold all of its programs and events last year and come in under budget, the club had a healthy amount of money carried over from the previous year to put toward the boats. With an active set of officers and an enthusiastic club membership, the Sailing Club was able to double the size of its club early this year after the Activities Fair. For this reason, the additional costs for the boats were provided by the Union to enable more students to be on the water at one time.
At the same meeting, the Executive Board readdressed an early proposal by the recently-renamed Chinese Students and Scholars Association to hold an Inauguration event for the newly-formed Advisory Board and Mentor Program. This Advisory Board helps students develop and understand culture, social norms, and how to analyze and solve problems. After extensive work and revision, the officers of CSSA met with E-Board representatives, Union Staff, and Institute advisors to present a well-planned and impressive event. Held on September 25, the event proved to be a huge success, with the attendance of the Consulate General of China coming from New York for the festivities.
Those are just some of the larger proposals the E-Board has considered thus far this year. We have heard from numerous clubs who have come to us this year with new ideas and new enthusiasm as they hope to provide their peers with a diverse set of activities and support for their interests. Thank you to the Student Senate, the Red Army, Ultimate Frisbee, the Rensselyrics, Ballroom Dance, The Polytechnic, The Transit, and the Nigerian Students Association.
