As the summer comes to a close and students return to RPI, normal school business continues once again—and the IC is here, poised for immediate action.
For those new students just coming to RPI for their first year, allow me to introduce the Independent Council. We are the governmental body of the RPI student union directly responsible for independent issues and concerns arising on campus. "What exactly is an independent concern?" a few have asked. The best possible response is to say that independent concerns are matters on campus that directly affect students not affiliated with a social fraternity or sorority. This does not mean that the IC will work on issues which will only benefit independents, but rather will work on topics which will largely benefit independent students, regardless of other groups.
Currently, the IC has room for three freshman representatives in the upcoming elections. This presents independent students with an opportunity to represent their peers in a very dynamic, focused environment. The IC meets once a week for about an hour, more as necessary, and is currently gathering this week on Thursday at 9 pm in the Student Government Suite of the Union. Current action items include campus lighting, laundry, and parking.
As for students already acclimated to the RPI community, the IC has already begun work on campus lighting this semester with a walkabout survey performed by council members. The council has also been informed that laundry facilities are scheduled to be upgraded during the semester break, so expect new machines in key areas when you get back from your winter vacation.
Please contact huntj@rpi.edu (soon to be ic@union.rpi.edu) with any questions or concerns or if you have an interest in joining the council. Remember, we can only serve you better with your input, so please stay involved.
