Welcome back! It is wonderful to think that in the summer we go back to countries around the world, many different states, to research, intern, study, and relax; then, after final presentations are given and last margaritas sipped, we reunite as one big student family. I hope everyone had time to recharge and I am looking forward to an excellent school year.
This year the Senate has a very aggressive agenda. I have a lot of confidence in your senators. We will have our share of challenges and all that I am requesting from you, the students, is that you be vocal about your concerns. We will get your issues across to the administration, but it is pertinent that you use your pipelines of communication. Rest assured, we, as a body, will be about pounding the pavement seeking out you and your opinions.
Over the summer we managed to stay busy. I want to thank Chris Gill and Chris Mather, yet again, for their dedication and hard work to make our new webpage a reality. The link is available off of RPInfo, and will soon be http://senate.union.rpi.edu/. Browse the site. We will have agendas for forthcoming meetings, news and notes, senators’ stances on issues, and a profile of all of your senators. And another "thanks" to Chris Gill who took the lead on a very successful student government information table at last week’s "Navigating Rensselaer and Beyond" "Night in the Union."
Speaking of which, I can remember when I was a freshman at the University of Delaware. I had barely gotten my stereo out of the box when I found myself in my first class. The weeklong student orientation was a huge success and a great idea. Whether you liked the scheduled activities and events or not, just the fact that the students could come, get situated, and make lots of friends will help them to have a much easier transition to the rigors of life at RPI. So, to all of the committee members and support and to Dean Trahan for all of her efforts, I tip my hat to you all on a very successful week.
To the Class of 2005 I had a lot of fun with you all this week. Convocation was a blast and I am really excited about your energy level. So keep it up and look for information on freshmen elections soon. I look forward to a successful academic year for all.
The first Senate meeting will be today, Wednesday, at 8 pm in the Union Room 3202. Please plan on attending. We will be discussing our plans for the fall and tying up any loose ends from last year. All the best, and as always call 276-8957 or write or gm@rpi.edu. Good night.
