Happy New Year everyone. Welcome back to RPI. Already the semester is beginning to ramp up. I am going to lead off my first column of the New Year by sharing a few changes I plan to implement for the remainder of my term for this forum.
I have received ample feedback on the column thus far and a common observation is that students would like to see the column be more informative and also more focused on student body issues. I aim to please so expect to see some guest columnists, hard-hitting editorials and opinions, and informative breakdowns on key issues.
Many of you may be clamoring to hear me attack the administration and every policy and idea they present, and frankly that will not happen. I honestly believe that each involved party’s driving desire is truly what is best for RPI; the key is the communication and ultimately integration of these desires.
As students, we are the key constituency, but the Institute has demands and constraints that we cannot completely ignore. So therein lies one of the most difficult aspects of the Grand Marshal’s role. So many times in my administration I have been faced with this unique challenge: trying to point out to agitated students tired of over or under-heated classrooms that the same boiler plant they say is a waste of funds, will actually finally allow us to regulate classroom temperature. And, it is never an easy moment when an administrator asks for the students’ opinion and the GM has to consider each and everyone of you and your differing points of views, demands, quirks, issues, and hairstyles. Sounds fun, huh? The point of all this, to be blunt, is that within the current student government system at RPI, there is no guarantee that the necessary communication between students and the administration will occur.
Thankfully it is happening today due to a dedicated and active student government, but I am actively working very hard to come up with more creative and innovative methods to ensure that Institute policy is being thoroughly “socialized” with students, and that student feedback is systematically integrated into policy decisions. I have shared this goal with the vice president of student life, the President, and the Board of Trustees and they have been fully supportive. And now I call for you, the students to please give me your feedback on this important issue. Somewhere within our ranks there are wonderful solutions, and I hope that you feel inclined to share your ideas, and help to further empower the RPI student.
Next week I will be discussing, and more importantly, clarifying, the new commencement participation policy. I will be meeting this week with key players in the policy’s derivation and implementation.
Finally, the Senate will begin to advertise a little more. We are attempting to publicize our efforts, office hours, and the like more effectively. In addition we will be adding a new deliverable and project tracking tool to allow you to gauge our progress. As always, feedback is welcome and encouraged through e-mail at gm@rpi.edu. Good night.
