SERVING THE ON-LINE RPI COMMUNITY SINCE 1994
SEARCH ARCHIVES
Current Issue: Volume 130, Number 1 July 14, 2009
Ed/Op


Derby
Celebrate student-run government

Posted 03-18-2009 at 5:15AM

Rob Odell
President of the Union

Student government: It’s one of the many quirky things that is unique to RPI. When I say unique, I do not mean that RPI is the only school to have a student government, for many schools do, but that we are unique in the way that we implement it. I have said many times that we are very lucky to have one of the only student-run unions in the country. “What does that mean?” you might ask. The Rensselaer Union is managed completely by students. There is staff on hand to assist; however, all decisions are made by students. At most schools the student union is managed by a staff leader, without the level of student input afforded to us here at RPI. We are lucky to have such a student-oriented system here.

Why do I talk about this? By the time this article is published, you will probably already have been bombarded for a nomination signature or seen political party posters on campus in preparation for RPI’s week of celebration of our student government, Grand Marshal Week. I highly encourage everyone to consider running for something. Being involved with student government is something that I have greatly enjoyed here, and is an experience that I would recommend to everyone. Campaigning, collecting signatures, and then finally running for your position is an exciting experience that you may never be able to do again. Therefore I would like to emphasize: Run for a student government office—you won’t regret it.

Lastly, as I am sure it is on everyone’s mind, next week is Spring Break. I hope that everyone has a great time with whatever their plans may be, whether it be a ski trip, tropical vacation, or even going home for some much needed R-and-R. However, take care to make sure that you are not only having a fun time, but a safe time also. Every year there are stories from other campuses of tragedy during Spring Break. I would hate to have to come back to hear bad news from spring break. But if nothing else, have fun and get rested. After Spring Break, there are just a few more weeks left in the year. Like the old saying goes: “Have fun in the sun, get mutual aid in the shade,”………….err, I may be a little off on the wording.



Posted 03-18-2009 at 5:15AM
Copyright 2000-2006 The Polytechnic
Comments, questions? E-mail the Webmaster. Site design by Jason Golieb.