As a senior, I have been giving a lot of thought as to how it will be once we graduate. Some of us have job offers, some plan to continue their education, and some prefer to take a little break after their years at Rensselaer. Whatever we decide, it will be our last time as undergraduates and a new period of independence. Commencement is scheduled for May 15, which is only three months away. If you would like more information on it, check out the “Commencement” link on RPInfo.
One event that you should be aware of is coming up next Tuesday. The 2004 Grad Fair will be held on February 24 from 10 am to 7 pm in the Rensselaer Bookstore. All seniors and graduate students participating in the May 2004 commencement ceremony can check out the selection of caps and gowns, announcements, ring orders, diploma frames, and more. If you miss this date, bachelors and masters candidates may still purchase regalia until April 15.
As far as the Union’s Executive Board business, we finally completed all budgeting as a group during last week’s meeting. The Athletic Board chair, Tom Reale, presented the complete budget for athletics that has been prepared during the last two weeks by the Athletic Board. This board consists of one representative from each varsity sports team as well as a representative from the E-Board and Senate. Overall, the athletics budget was approved for a less-than one-percent increase, taking into consideration a large fee amount that was absorbed by the Institute. Increases in next year’s budget allowed for a heavy travel season, as well as a longer pre-season for fall sports due to the change in the academic calendar.
As a reminder, the last two home games of men’s hockey, and men’s and women’s basketball will be this coming weekend. Men’s hockey will take on Cornell on Friday night, followed by a game against Colgate on Saturday night, both beginning at 7 pm in the Houston Field House. On Friday, Skidmore will compete against the women’s basketball team at 6 pm and men’s team at 8 pm, both in the Robison Gym. Saturday night brings the Union rival game at 2 pm for the women’s team and 4 pm for the men’s. These are the last games of their regular season, so make your best efforts to watch one of their games and support Rensselaer athletics.
