In recent years, the breadth of representing students has been limited to the confines of Troy and little more, yet a tremendous responsibility of representing the voice of the students on a state and national level has been ignored. Too many of our students depend on state financial aid, such as TAP, or national aid in the form of Pell Grants and Perkins Loans, to leave this obligation unanswered. Especially when the cost of attendance at Rensselaer continues to rise, there must be a unified effort, not only on an Institute level, but on a state and national level, to offset the cost with greater relief. That is why the Student Senate prioritized the creation of an entirely student-led organization to address these concerns last spring. The Student Advocacy Corps was formed and today is being built through a five-step developmental plan that seeks to achieve that goal.
Last spring, I appointed a strong leader and respected friend, Mike Goldenberg, to guide the Corps in its inaugural year. I’ve never encountered a more passionate, professional, and dedicated individual than him, so I assure you the Student Advocacy Corps is in good hands. Goldenberg has a history of producing results and responding to student priorities as witnessed in 2004 when he led the student response to grade modifiers that helped secure critical concessions from the Faculty Senate. Today, our vision for the Student Advocacy Corps is being realized through his five-step plan, that recently secured its first victory in developing a solid partnership between Rensselaer’s Office of Government and Community Relations that allows for collaborative work on issues dually affecting the Institute and the student body. This was a critical move, even with his aim to maintain the Corps’ autonomy as one of the nation’s first completely student-initiated organizations of its type.
Now that the Student Advocacy Corps is in its second major phase of development, Goldenberg is seeking students with compelling stories about financial aid. While the exact congressional legislation and budgets have not yet been identified as a focus by the Corps, we perceive a number of issues on the horizon such as the Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act and budget proposals from Governor Pataki and President Bush that will demand a commitment from the Corps to preserve and expand student financial aid programs. As such, students interested in participating as student lobbyists that have powerful financial aid stories should contact Goldenberg immediately. If selected, you will likely visit legislators once or twice each semester. Proper training will take place, so no prior lobbying experience is necessary.
Goldenberg is also seeking individuals who have extensive experience and interest in politics that would be willing to help identify student priorities on the Student Advocacy Corps’ steering committee. While it is impossible to advocate on every issue affecting students at Rensselaer, the steering committee will be able to isolate the most critical issues with the help of higher education interest groups such as the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities.
In order to be effective, though, the Student Advocacy Corps will need to develop educational materials that go beyond face-to-face communications with legislators and beyond what these interest groups can provide. To accomplish this, the Student Advocacy Corps needs talented graphic designers and students experienced in film production that can help produce educational pamphlets and DVDs for legislators. For many students, this it is a great opportunity to gain high-level exposure for your work in a virtuous endeavor.
With over 70 percent of our students relying on over $40 million in financial aid, the reason becomes clear why we are focused on this issue. Sure, student government may control an $8.3 million budget for your activities, but I’m betting you’re a bit more concerned about the other millions involved in helping you afford a Rensselaer education.
If you are interested in serving on the Student Advocacy Corps, please contact Director Mike Goldenberg at goldem@rpi.edu.
