GM recommends student government

In the spirit of information sharing I am going to answer a question I have heard quite a lot in the last few weeks. "How does an RPI student get involved in student government?"

This is geared to the class of 2005, but also a refresher for everyone else. First of all, any activity-fee-paying student can participate in student government. Graduate, undergraduate—the entire prism of the student body is able to participate.

Student government at RPI has a very unique format. Each class has its eight class representatives, four senators, three Independent Council representatives, a president, and a vice-president all elected during GM Week in the spring. In addition, the Grand Marshal and the President of the Union are also elected during GM Week. That means if you want one of the above positions you can run for a position in the spring or for the class of 2005 in a few weeks.

That is not, by any means, the only way in which one can get involved. Each class has a council anyone can join. You can attend meetings and become an active member of the council. At this level decisions such as the class gift, yearbook, senior trip, and fundraisers take form for each class. Together these councils make up the Undergraduate Council.

There is, of course, the Graduate Council for graduate students. Non-greek students can join the Independent Council as well.

Ariana, as the President of the Union, is in charge of interviewing and appointing the Union Executive Board that is charged with maintaining the budgets and sound operations of the Union-funded clubs, activities, and athletics. Currently, there are still some openings so please stop by the Union to learn more or pick up an application.

The Grand Marshal is the president of the Senate. The Senate is the pinnacle of student voice on this campus. Your elected leaders represent your issues and concerns as a body.

There are a plethora of ways to get involved. You can run for Senate or be appointed by the IC or IFC. In addition you can attend meetings, or join one of the various committees. See the "Student Senate" link off RPInfo for more information.

Another way you can get involved that I will keep stressing is to simply voice your concerns. If one of your senators or I receives a call or e-mail or is approached on an issue that matters to students, we will act. Get out and get involved, and if you would like to sound off on an issue, please e-mail me at gm@rpi.edu. Good night.