Everyone at RPI has heard the phrase: “Why not change the world?” I think another phrase we should all be acquainted with is: “Why not change our campus?” There are so many things on our campus that could use some change, and to foster that change we need participation. The Executive Board’s committees are hard at work trying to make RPI a better place for all students. We have several committees this year: Advancement, Marketing, Constitution, and Rensselaer Union Business Operations Committee. As vice-chairman of the Executive Board, I urge you to consider joining the one that fits you best.
The Advancement Committee, chaired by Brian Farrell ’08, is an exciting opportunity to develop the physical character of the Student Union. This year, the committee is hard at work on planning the Game Room’s renovation. Changes will be implemented ranging from how the space will be used to the color scheme that will occupy the walls. The committee is responsible for every decision. If you have an interest in architecture and would like to see your theoretical work implemented physically, this is the committee for you. If you like playing pool, video games, or have an idea that you would like to be heard, I recommend you join.
The Marketing Committee, chaired by Steven Malinski ’09, is focused on the marketing of the Rensselaer Union and its constituency. The main project that is being presented to this committee for the following year is to develop the Union webpage. Many of you have probably never even seen it, but I assure you there is one. The committee is creating an area that students might use as a home page, displaying the weekly and daily events along with club spotlights and how to join said clubs. The weekends are always full of activities, and as students, we should be aware of them all. If you are a management, marketing, or EMAC major, or just a creative student, this would be an outlet to put your skills to work.
The Constitution Committee, a collaborative committee, is responsible for the creation and fruition of new clubs. This committee is the first contact for creating a new club and will help support the club once it starts. This is a committee for people who like to live by the book, and it will ensure proper procedure for any club seeking purpose approvals or funding.
RUBOC is in charge of the finances of the Union. Chaired by Waleed Mohamed ’08, the committee looks at all of the revenue and expenses associated with running the Union, like the Bookstore, Fathers, the Games Room, and the HSBC branch. The committee then finds new ways to improve profitability for the Union. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in business finances and management who wants to help change the Union.
You may not think you have the time to join a committee, but I know you will find it more enjoyable than time consuming. If you want to change our campus, contact PU James Fisher at pu@rpi.edu, a committee chair, or myself at swanse@rpi.edu. Get involved and make a difference that improves your daily life.
