Tufts is, by most accounts, a statistically sound institution. This year, we rejected three of every four applicants from a record-setting pool, extending acceptances to an elite group with a mean SAT well into the 1400s. And while we often criticize Tufts for its stinginess, our endowment has recently benefited from historically large gifts and will soon reach a robust $2 billion. Surely there is no denying that Tufts has done well for itself lately - to unprecedented extents.
There is, however, one statistic which hasn't quite caught on. Tufts' alumni-giving rate consistently disappoints; at 28 percent, it is among the lowest of our peers. This should trouble us, as this important statistic is by far the most indicative of the Tufts student experience.
Giving rates can be viewed as reflective of the level of connection alumni feel to their alma mater, so a poor percentage implies estrangement. It is a common phenomenon to indict the administration for this shortcoming - as have the members of Tufts Students for the Improvement of Residential Life, who believe better on-campus housing would foster a strong sense of community. They may be right, though I can't help but think that relying on the administration is hopeless and disheartening, as productivity isn't exactly a ResLife trademark.
Instead, I'm led to believe that current students - the future donors themselves - must play an active role in cultivating community. Chris Giliberti, a candidate in the race for sophomore class president, has articulated in his campaign exactly how Class Council can play a pivotal role in developing
campus community.
We typically describe community as a university-wide experience and discuss spirit in terms of our school. Chris, however, contends - wisely, I think - that community and spirit should start intra-class.
A walk through the bookstore confirms how little class pride we possess. While Senate is working hard to get Tufts gear to Boston vendors, class apparel isn't even available for us to purchase in our own bookstore! When at home during breaks, I see my friends from other schools sporting their class shirts and sweats, and I wish I could do the same. I, for one, do not own a single Tufts Class of 2010 T-shirt, and haven't since I lost the only one I ever received (at freshman orientation).
If elected, Chris' main priority is to set up a system for selling class gear so we may all show our class (and school) pride at prices unmatched by the bookstore. It is his hope that other classes will imitate this idea so that we may all sport our Tufts pride. This is a responsibility assumed by class governments at other universities (i.e., Princeton) which should not be overlooked here at Tufts. It is easy to see how this seemingly small measure could go a long way in fostering school spirit.
Another community-building initiative is Chris' commitment to confront the dichotomizing effects of study abroad during junior year. While Class Councils at Tufts have historically maintained status quo operations during junior year, it is Chris' belief that juniors abroad should benefit equally from Class Council dollars. Selling class gear certainly includes the abroad contingency; more directly, however, our class unity could benefit from facilitated communications.
With over 40 percent of our class gone, we'll likely be racking up some large phone bills. Our friends are important to us, after all, and we cannot go without talking to them. It seems as though Tufts - an institution that both encourages study abroad and highly values campus community - should make efforts to ease the stressful ramifications of such juxtaposition. To respond to these concerns, Chris has suggested that Class Council purchase calling cards in bulk and offer them to students both on campus and abroad at low rates. This inclusive idea bears great potential to ease the heavy financial burden of keeping in touch with our close friends.
Having served on the Tufts Community Union Senate this past year, I can say with certainty that Chris' ideas are financially and logistically feasible. It is not only as Chris' friend that I write this endorsement, but also as an active member of the Tufts community who wishes to see our Class Council meet the expansive efforts of our administration and mirror their success.
I feel particularly strongly about campus community, which is why I have chosen it as the centerpiece of my discussion; let it be noted, however, that Chris' ideas extend beyond those I have detailed here. He also advocates for a different approach to class events, as described in his group on Facebook.com, and for more frequent class study breaks with free food from local establishments.
As the only candidate running for president for the entire year, Chris' commitment to our class is unmatched by his competitors, and his innovative ideas are worth your consideration. If you are excited by the ideas I have discussed and share my view that they are valuable to build community, without further ado, report to TuftsLife.com for instructions on how to vote Chris Giliberti for 2010 Class Council today.
Elizabeth Komar is a sophomore who has not yet declared a major.
