Student government leaders may promise you the world, but we are powerless without action from fellow students. I have said it before, and I will say it again—your undergraduate experience is formed not by the classes you take, but by the experiences outside of the classroom.
Many of you may not know it, but the Undergraduate Council is a potentially powerful platform for those who wish to get something done on campus. The UC can take up any concern students may have about any facet of undergraduate life.
Are you interested in seeing more all-campus events? I know I sure am. Last year, at Relay for Life, I realized that RPI really does not have many events where the entire undergraduate community can come together, hang out, and maybe even enjoy some music and food. That’s why I am committed to holding at least one such event this year. Interested in helping the UC see this vision come to pass? You can! At our last meeting, the UC decided to form a set of committees to focus on important aspects of undergraduate life. One of these was the Events Committee, determined to work on planning, and ultimately holding, all-campus events.
Just this past week, I met with Provost Robert E. Palazzo about working together on UC initiatives, and he jumped at the chance to improve undergraduate life. Many students may think that the administration is just out to give the ’Tute screw another turn, but in fact, many of them are just as enthusiastic as the students when it comes to making RPI the best place possible.
Improving campus life at RPI doesn’t require a big time commitment; it can be as simple as a single e-mail. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any ideas about things you would like to change, new ideas you would like to see happen, anything. You can reach me either via AIM at TheUCPresident or via e-mail at uc@rpi.edu. Unlike some leaders who say they are listening, I will respond to your e-mails—I am just as determined as you are to improve the quality of student life here at RPI. If we work together, I am convinced we can make Rensselaer a better place.
