Welcome back everyone! I hope you all got plenty of rest and relaxation in over spring break. More importantly, I trust that we were properly represented in Cancun and all of the other break locations. With classes starting back up, you’re going to need it. Along with the end of spring break comes the beginning of the school’s fun and exciting election season.
GM Week, as I am sure that you have heard, is coming soon and I feel that is important RPI students know what it is all about. The Grand Marshal, or GM, is the highest elected student official in the student government at RPI. He is responsible for managing the Student Senate and also acts as the liaison between the student body and the administration of the school—I like equating it to “The CEO of the Union.” Back in 1866 when the first GM was elected, he was merely presented with a sword. As time progressed, election night turned into a school-wide celebration. Further progression turned that single day celebration into a week-long tradition. As it stands today, GM Week kicks off on Friday, March 23, and ends the following Friday. Classes are cancelled that Wednesday, and professors are instructed to not give homework or exams during that week. It really has become quite the tradition. The elections take place on Thursday during GM Week and it’s imperative that you vote in them. You get a cool mug just for voting, but you also get to determine whom the GM, President of the Union, your senators, and your other representatives are. It’s your chance to make a difference.
GM Week is about more than just an election though. GM Week is a chance for all of us to let loose a little and enjoy our campus. Spring is beginning, the Union is booming with activity, and classes are in a lull. What could be a better occasion for students to have a little bit more fun? Go outside and lay down in the grass for a while. Go downtown on Tuesday night. Attend the Mr. and Miss RPI competitions, sporting events, intramural events, and everything else that goes on. Vote! Meet new people that aren’t in your classes. Break your routine. Get out there and have a good, safe time.
Good luck with the midterm workload!
