The Student Union just sent out an official press release concerning the State of the Union, which will be this Thursday from 5:30-7:30 in the Mandel Atrium.
The State of the Union, which has typically consisted of the SU President, and sometimes members of the President's Executive Board, delivering speeches, including reflections on the past term and predictions or unveiling of plans for the upcoming semester.
However, in an effort to make the event "more transparent and interactive," this year the State of the Union will consist of a short speech from SU President Rosen and then an open floor for questions from anyone in the audience, and featuring a "panel of Student Union representatives."
In a reception to follow the address, Rosen, Provost Steve Goldstein and Senior Vice President of Students and Enrollment Andrew Flagel will jointly "lead one of the first student Strategic Planning sessions."
This sounds like a great initiative. Rosen's administration has talked a lot about reforming the Student Union to place more focus on open communication, transparency, and increase student input, but events like these are necessary to put those lofty ideals into practice.
Having attended the past 2 spring State of the Unions, I can say that the crowd is usually made up of more "adults" than students. Hopefully, this effort will increase student participation and attendance.
Anyone want to liveblog the event for us here at IMP?
The full text of the press release follows below:
The Student Union invites you to the State of the Union on Thursday, December 8th from 5:30-7:30 PM in the Mandel Humanities Center Atrium. Union President Herbie Rosen will be reflecting on the semester, explaining Union initiatives and highlighting the accomplishments of the Union, student body and Brandeis as a whole. In addition, Herbie will be discussing the upcoming goals and strategies of the Student Union on issues ranging from the Strategic PlanningProcess to 'Deis Impact.
We are making changes in an effort to make the State of the Union more transparent and interactive. This kind of event should be open to student voices and opinions, and we have made changes to this event to ensure just that. Students should not have to sit through a 30 minute speech and then be expected to politely applaud. Instead, after a brief address, we should have an open conversation and discussion among students. Following the speech, the floor will be open for questions and comments by the student body, featuring a panel of Student Union Representatives.
Afterwards, Provost Steve Goldstein and Senior Vice President of Students and Enrollment Andrew Flagel cordially invite you to join us afterwards for a reception where, in collaboration with Herbie who is the undergraduate representative to the Strategic Planning Process, we will lead one of the first student Strategic Planning sessions. This is your first chance to hear more details about this exciting process, and provide your input on the future of Brandeis.