First, I’d like to congratulate you, the student body, on taking advantage of the programs and activities the Union sponsors on campus. After completing the budgeting process and making every effort to ensure club memberships are as up to date as possible, we took a census of club members. Across the campus we found that 6,341 individuals participate in our clubs and organizations (note that this does not include our varsity athletic teams). Of those results, we found that approximately 3,450 of them are unique. This means that the majority of undergraduates and a fair number of graduates are actively involved in at least one, and most likely two or more Union organizations.

Despite the doubts voiced in The Polytechnic last week the first round of the Union Challenge went terrifically. We learned quite a bit about the wants and needs of you and your fellow students from the 81 responses. Though our graduate peers took a large lead early in the week, the Class of 2007 turned in over a third of the ideas presented for the first challenge. We were presented with ideas ranging from eccentric programs, from building a ski jump on campus to a complete renovation of downtown Troy, global initiatives, from intercollegiate pen-pals to Darfur awareness, and campus excitement movements, from Slope Day clones to several variations on week-long events complete with no-class days. But the question was squarely aimed at rejuvenating all of your hopes and dreams in the form of new clubs and organizations. The responses did not disappoint. We had numerous suggestions for a debate club, several new sporting organizations, and a variety of other interests. I highly encourage anyone who wants to start an organization to fit their interests to contact the Union Administration Office for more information on how you can begin the club approval process. You should also explore http://clubs.union.rpi.edu/ for a list of clubs and organizations.

I truly believe that within our student body, there is a persistent desire, if not genuine need, to explore new interests and ensure support of one another. We are truly fortunate in that we have been given the privilege and responsibility of managing our ability to make those kinds of commitments to our peers. The Board of Trustees and the Institute’s administration give unprecedented authority to the student body to pass and enforce legislation tied to students’ rights and responsibilities, to recognize and fund student organizations, to provide financial assistance to our sports programs and athletes—and when necessary—to decide the fate of our peers involving judicial matters . You entrust this authority through your votes to your Class Councils and the Student Senate, and indirectly to the Executive Board and the Judicial Board. Students serving within these groups are constantly reminded that they have a tangible impact upon your life while you are here at Rensselaer and take that responsibility seriously. But these leaders come and go each year; some graduate, some go on co-op, and some decide to get more directly involved in one particular project or organization. As such, each year during Grand Marshal Week, elections are held to give students an opportunity to stand up and contribute to the lives of their friends through a variety of positions. I strongly encourage each of you to consider getting involved in student government here. Yes, it is a fairly significant commitment, but it is definitely a rewarding experience and can be incredibly fun. Election season began this past Monday, so the time is ripe for you to get involved. Please visit http://elections.union.rpi.edu/ for more information.