Blogging the State of the Union, a time-honored tradition here at Innermostparts.
Herbie is talking about the difficulties that are involved in serving on the Student Union.
-"The Student Union is a group of volunteers….Just the fact that we are volunteering, that is what really counts." -H
-Many students don't care about the S.U. or feel it's not doing enough. That's OK. Student life shouldn't revolve around S.U.
-More Hoops for Haiti jokes, reflecting on his Emma Watson e-mail, April Fools Day e-mail, "free beer" in e-mail subject lines, penchant for sending out e-mails (and youtube links)
S.U. Achievements
-Hiatt Career center fashion show
-Student Union senate BBQs, mixers, etc
-Influential People series
-Talks, presentations, forums
-SEA Earth/Food Dau
-2 Midnight Buffets (fed over 1000 students at each)
-Pool Opening
-DeisImpact
-Student Advisory Committee got input from over 500 students at start of semester (online @ http://www.brandeis.edu/strategicplanning/)
Kate's Social Justice Center proposal- getting snaps. Herbie urges student to check it out/get involved.
Dan Lee (Treasurer) is one of the "most hard-working SU members"
F-Board and Treasurer should be more transparent, create student-friendly guide
New Amendements Passed Yesterday
- New constitutional amendement (passed yesterday) will have a Student Activities non-voting rep on F-Board.
- Elected Alumni position no longer elected- FAB will decide
- Judiciary responsible for changes to constitution, easier to amend
- Campus Operation Work Group passed- student group to deal with facilities
-Tuition- need more accountability, students talking with administrators
-Improve SU institutional memory
- Herbie and other graduating seniors creating student union manual to be passed on through generations
Changes for Next Year
-SU still advocating for Riverside trial shuttles to be a stop of Crystal Shuttle Service
-Working on getting more classrooms to remain open for study spaces at end of year
-Shuttle times will be changed for next year to reflect new class schedules!!! (YAY)
-Herbie and Gloria represented Brandeis @ MBTA forums
- Commuter rail service will remain accessible for students (prices may go up)
-Dining Hours for C-Store expanded (2 am on Saturdays)
-Einsteins will be opening at noon on Sundays next year (People clapping)
-Student Strategic Planning Committee will create task forces
- Imani Williams and Todd Kirkland (both on Student Advisory Committee) will be serving on Strategic Planning Committee in Herbie's stead
-Flagel approved committee to have input on budget (put together by SU and SDS)
-Pachanga will hopefully be brought back
-Lawrences moving into Watch Factory
-Ricky new executive senator
Closing Remarks
-Herbie is wrapping up, thanking administrators, SU Executive Board, Senate, other SU members, friends who put up with him, list of SU seniors (most not present).
-"Don't say we didn't do anything this year, at least we tried."- H
-Hopes SU will respond to students
-Hopes students will voice concerns, work with SU more collaboratively
-"I'm not going to cry." -H (and he didn't)
-Shoutout to his dad, who is in audience
-Touching personal story
-"Thanks for letting me be me, and viva la Brandeis!"- H
(Standing ovation)
Swearing in of Todd Lee Kirkland
-Herbie made him state his middle name
(Hug)
-Both Herbie and Todd were waitlisted here, both were secretary before becoming president
-Todd speaking off the cuff, thanking Herbie for training him
(Drops cell phone)
-Todd's going to be here this summer, will be prepping
-New officers sworn in (standing, raising right hands, ominous)
