Two weeks into the term and I am elated at the progress we are making. Last Wednesday the Senate met for the first time. I felt a great energy in the room. I feel very strongly that we have a great group of senators that are truly devoted to the students.
If you are wondering what the Senate does in the last few weeks of the spring semester, you may be surprised to find out that some of the most important work of the year is accomplished at this juncture.
In the coming weeks I will bring before the Senate various appointments to boards and committees that will directly affect the weight of the student voice on our campus.
So, with that said, I expect to receive a barrage of e-mails inquiring about appointments and ways to get involved from all of you. I will highlight a few appointments that many of you may find of interest.
For everyone that has uttered a complaint about our current state of automobile incubation, I offer you a chance to be heard: On my long list of appointments is a slot on the Parking Review Board, which addresses the needs of campus parking and related requirements.
In the coming year, DOSO and the Office of the Provost will be examining academic integrity. To ensure student input, a joint faculty-student commission was created. The committee will produce amendments or a new policy all together. I am seeking a total of seven students to sit on the committee—two graduate students, and one undergraduate from each of the five schools. E-mail me at gm@rpi.edu if you are interested.
Finally, this week I would like to unveil a little feature that I will include from time to time in the column. I call it "Tip of the Hat." These will go to anyone going above and beyond for the RPI community.
This week a very special "Tip of the Hat" goes to one of our graduate students: RenSAT Chair Andrea Barreiro. RenSAT stands for the Rensselaer Sexual Awareness Team, and last week was Sexual Assault Awareness Week.
You may have noticed a lot of blue ribbons around campus last week (including on Ariana and I on the cover of last week’s Poly) that were used to bring support and attention to this extremely important issue.
The weeks’ events included films and forums and culminated in a "Take Back the Night" march last Wednesday. I applaud Andrea and all of those involved for showing how much can be accomplished with a little student initiative. I tip my hat to you all.
As always call me at 276-8597 or e-mail me at gm@rpi.edu. Come see the Senate meeting Sunday, April 22, at 9:30 pm on the top floor of the Union. Good night.
