Monday was a great day for RPI athletics. As you’ve probably already heard, an amended proposal with the effect of reaffirming the NCAA membership’s support of our Division I hockey program was passed. The passage of this proposal, and the defeat of the original negative wording, are a triumph of cooperation among many groups.
Consistently at the forefront were Athletic Director Ken Ralph, President Shirley Ann Jackson, and Vice President for Student Life Eddie Knowles. For months, advocacy efforts have been under way to educate other D-III school presidents and athletic directors on the truth we have always known: our D-I hockey athletes achieve academically at a level comparable with the rest of the student body. Additionally, our D-III programs receive no substantial benefit from the status of the hockey program.
Also to thank are the thousands of fans who showed support for our team. In particular, the Rensselaer Alumni Association offered a strongly worded statement to NCAA officials expressing the support of the alumni, which was echoed in a statement passed by your Student Senate last semester.
Furthermore, long speculation is now over as to which women’s sports program will be elevated to D-I status. It is with pride and excitement that I join Dr. Jackson in efforts to allow our excellent women’s hockey team to compete at the highest level possible, potentially against the same prestigious schools as the men’s team.
On the Troy campus, the Spring semester also began on Monday. Welcome back to ice cold winter in Troy! I assure you, your professors will not consider extreme cold a valid excuse for skipping class. So buy a hat, and make sure you go to class.
There are 51 days until spring break, 78 days until GM Week when the next student government is elected, and 121 days until commencement. Enjoy every day of it.
Your Student Senate is back in session. At the top of our agenda is analysis of plus/minus modifiers for class grades. We welcome your opinions. Contact us at senate-listens@rpi.edu. There are also positions available at most levels of student government, including Senate. If you are at all interested, please contact me directly to discuss the options available.
I hope your break was refreshing and exciting. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at gm@rpi.edu or 276-8597.
