Welcome back! I hope you’ve enjoyed your summer vacation and are ready to hit the books again. The campus was a quiet place without you this summer. Those of us who were here are very glad to see the rest of you return.
I had the privilege to meet many members of the class of 2007 during Navigating Rensselaer and Beyond last week. This class sets records for size, qualifications, and as we discovered this week, enthusiasm. Remember the connections you’ve made this week, freshmen. Keep those friendships alive, and draw on them for strength as you transition into this new phase in your lives. Never lose the excitement you’ve shown the rest of us as you begin your college careers.
As the semester begins, remember to find that critical level of balance in your lives. While it is critical that you excel academically, do not neglect the extracurricular experiences that make college memorable. Allow me to join our President of the Union in encouraging you to attend the Activities Fair, tomorrow night at 6 pm in the Field House. Over 130 student clubs and organizations will be exhibiting, anxious to welcome your involvement.
In addition, the fall intramural sports season begins soon. Any group of students can register as a team for most sports, or an individual can declare free agency and be matched with a team. Registration materials are available in the Intramural Sports Office in the lobby of the ’87 Gym.
Allow me to also encourage the incoming class to consider the greek system of fraternities and sororities on our campus. Members of the system have developed exciting fall rush event schedules to welcome our new students to campus. This is an excellent opportunity to discover a potential match between you and one of our chapters.
Also, do not forget that campaigning for freshman elections will begin on Friday. Before you campaign you must file the appropriate paperwork with the Rules and Elections Committee. I would also strongly encourage you to attend an information session to learn about the process. A session will be held tomorrow at 9 pm in Union Room 3502, and Monday at 9 pm in Union Room 3602. See http://elections.union.rpi.edu/ for more details.
Regardless of what you decide to do this year, make sure you stay involved in the community around you. College offers a unique opportunity to partake in a wide diversity of cultures, activities, and experiences. What you get out of the experience will depend heavily on how often you leave your room and try new things. Don’t waste this opportunity.
As you settle in, if you discover anything we can do, or bring before the administration, to make your time here more enjoyable and valuable, do not hesitate to contact us. I can be reached at gm@rpi.edu, while the entire Student Senate is available at senate-listens@rpi.edu. Also feel free to visit any of the offices in the Student Government Suite, on the third floor of the Union. We’re always here to help.
