The 2003-2004 Tufts Community Union Senate met for the last time on Sunday with a lot to look back on. In September the Senate sat down for its first meeting with president Chike Aguh, and Senator Randy Newsom told the Daily that this senate "truly wants to be inclusive and not the pompous and elitist administrative puppets I think people have seen in the past." The Senate tried, but it didn't succeed.
The creation of a Progress Tracker on the website was promising, but poor promotion meant that most students have never heard of it. And those who do check it out will come across entries such as this one from October 27, 2003 about the Light on the Hill Award: "In Progress -- Chike Aguh." As for the rest of the Senate's endeavors:
On the positive side:
- The free student shuttle into Boston on weekends that started in February has been popular and provided students with another social outlet.
- The NQR Winter Carnival was well planned, but foiled by a snowstorm.
- Fall Ball, held in the Gantcher Center to replace Fall Fest, was a success.
- Senate dialogue with administrators, TUPD, and Somerville Police Department has been vital in protecting student's right to socialize.
- Following student survey data, the senate helped push the administration to implement electronic add/drop procedures for next school year.
- The additional bike rack installed at the Police Station was desperately needed.
- Debitek machines do need to be improved, and constant Senate oversight is pushing Dining Services to install better functioning machines.
On the negative side:
- The Outreach and Constituency bylaws passed in October were scarcely implemented. How many students were actually aware that their class senator held meetings?
- Survey data indicated that students wanted an email station in Brown & Brew, and the Senate said that it would be installed by the end of February. Where is it?
- The Brown and Blue initiative.
- The Shuttle Tracker proposal is a waste of money that will not make the shuttle faster.
- The permanent candlelight vigil. Did they forget that we already have the very permanent Memorial Steps?
The failures show that the Senate, despite its best intentions, is still insulated from the wishes of the student body and self-absorbed in its own pet projects. Candidates for next year's senate, and especially for senate president, should better implement the outreach efforts started by this year's senate.
