The Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senate invited members from the administration and the Tufts Community Union Judiciary (TCUJ) to a New Year reception last Friday in the Cabot Center.
"The idea behind the event was to bridge the gap in the student administration relationship," said senator and junior Alexei Wagner. Wagner was also the chief organizer for the event.
The long list of guests from the University administration included President Lawrence Bacow, Dean of Undergraduate Education James Glaser, Director of Student Activities Jodie Nealley, Provost Jamshed Bharucha, and Dean of Students Bruce Reitman
"I was impressed with the turnout of administrators. It really says something about their willingness to reach out to students," Wagner said.
Refreshments were served while the attendees mingled with one another. TCU Senate president Dave Baumwoll kicked off the reception by introducing himself and welcoming the guests.
"I thought it was a great event. It was terrific to get together in such a relaxed setting," said President Bacow.
Baumwoll agreed that the informal atmosphere of the reception provided the TCU senators with an opportunity to put names with faces and get to know administrators in a more relaxed setting. "As a result, we were able to open up lines of communication and further our progress on many initiatives," he said.
Wagner also appreciated the strengthened connections between the parties that were formed at the event. "I observed friendly interaction between students and administrators who previously had only met through impersonal e-mails and business oriented meetings," he said.
The TCUJ members also appreciated the opportunity to interact with the administration in this more personal manner.
"If there is a similar event in the future I would definitely attend," said TCUJ member and sophomore Shiva Bhashyam.
The faculty was just as pleased with the event as the students were.
"The spirit in the room was so positive. Students and administrators all want to make Tufts a better place," Glaser said. "I think this event made everyone feel like they were part of the same team, the same community, and that was great."
Director of Student Activities Jodie Nealley agreed. "The reception showed what a proactive, energetic Senate we have. The reception was a wonderful indicator of how this Senate approaches its relationship with the University," she said.
"I am familiar with many schools around New England. The level of involvement and enthusiasm regularly displayed by so many students in the Tufts community is truly unique," Reitman said.
According to Wagner, the Senate hopes to make this an annual event and hold a similar farewell party in April or May.
"I think the reception was an amazing success. This event will certainly be an annual tradition so students and administrators can better work together to improve Tufts," said Baumwoll.
"If the Senate decides to do it regularly, I will do my best to attend," Bacow said.
