Recently, with the exception of last week, I have written a lot about involvement on campus. This week, I’d love to give you all a little bit of a break from that monotony, and write about something a little different. Since my “inauguration” as Grand Marshal, I’ve spotted a trend within the student body that alarms me a bit. I have noticed that we have a real responsibility dilemma to sort out. I’m not just referring to the fraternities and their issues; I’m referring to the student body as a whole. Whether it’s acting responsibly or taking responsibility for one’s own actions, I think that our students don’t always act appropriately. We, as students, should be showing the world that we’re ready to take it on, ready for its every challenge. Instead I’ve observed students showing the world that we’re petty and unprofessional. Rather than relating President Shirley Ann Jackson’s cabinet to the Ku Klux Klan, as one student chose to do in this newspaper last week, we should be helping the cabinet fix what’s wrong. I guess the root of my issue is that we complain about a lot of things, but rarely take action to fix them. Instead of protesting the Red Army Stakeout, suggest ways to make it better. Instead of “fighting the man,” why not work with him to get more done? That’s where this article comes in.
I’m writing this article to inform every one of the incredible opportunities that we all have at this institute to voice our opinions and accomplish what we want. Too often our voices go unheard because we are uninformed as to how to get them heard. Let’s just say that you no longer have that excuse.
• Pizza with the President. Every month, the Student Senate hosts Pizza with the President. This is an event that Jackson attends and takes questions from the attendees. It is really an open forum to speak to Jackson about what’s on your mind. Don’t forget about the free pizza either! We provide the venue, the president, and the pizza—what could be better? This is probably the best way to get something changed here that you don’t like. Definitely attend these events. E-mail Sadra Azizi at azizis@rpi.edu for more information.
• The Grand Marshal and President of the Union. James Fisher ’07 and I are the only two students with a scheduled 2-on-1 meeting with President Jackson every month. Use that to your advantage. Don’t forget we also control the Union budget and represent you to the rest of the administration too! Our inboxes are always open and we’d love to arrange a meeting with you to get your voice heard where it counts. E-mail James at pu@rpi.edu or me at gm@rpi.edu.
• The Poly. This is a tricky forum to get your voice heard in because there’s no moderator. You have to be careful with what you write, because, as was the case with Ken Girardin’s article last week, you can really anger a lot of people and turn them off to listening to you. You could also portray yourself (and the club you belong to) as racist. Regardless, be very cautious not to just complain, but to offer suggestions as well. You can send letters to the editor at edop@poly.rpi.edu.
So there you go RPI, three perfectly good resources for getting your voice heard. Unfortunately, none of your voices matter unless you’re willing to take it a bit further and offer suggestions as to how to fix what’s wrong. Just remember that the next time you complain about how much Dr. Jackson makes.
