The last few weeks of the semester are extremely busy for the Senate. By tradition and as dictated in our governing by-laws and constitution, there are over thirty appointments the Senate must make by the end of the spring semester. These appointments generally fall under three categories:
• Senate Committees are remnants of our old committee structure, before the Senate embraced a project-centered system. This year, committee chairs will again be named, but will serve in an advisory role to the Grand Marshal to ensure that the projects the Senate tackles cover the right mix of student concerns.
• Trustees Committees are advisory committees to the Board of Trustees. Student representatives join faculty and staff representatives in giving insight to the Trustees in areas that include Institute Finances, Academic Affairs, and Student Life. These committees generally meet four times a year.
• Campus Committees, such as the Faculty Senate Curriculum Committee and the Parking Review Board, are advisory committees to the administration on specific topic areas. These are among the most influential appointments we make, as campus committees are chartered with providing strong recommendations directly to the responsible administrators.
In addition, Suzanne will be bringing a full slate of Union Executive Board members before the Senate for approval.
Preparations are being made for the fall freshman elections. The Rules and Elections Committee has prepared the Fall Election Handbook, which was brought before the Senate for review this week.
Next week, we will begin our spring feedback blitz. Look for Senators to visit your dining halls, residence halls, and greek chapters to get your perspective on the student experience at RPI. Also next week, I will be meeting with top administrators to advocate for your interests as members of the RPI community.
There are still many opportunities for you to become involved. Simply contact me at gm@rpi.edu for more information.
