Saturday, November 22, 2008

pre-Thanksgiving Senate update!

Since every course seems to require a major project or test right before Thanksgiving break (to ensure that if nothing else, we will be thankful for a chance to catch-up on sleep), Student Senate is taking next Tuesday (11/25) off. However, in the previous weeks, we have enjoyed some enlightening guests.

Last week (11/18) we reveled in the Pause Main Stage as our meeting locale. Representatives of Ole Spring Relief 4 (OSR4) stopped by to explain the motivation for returning to the Gulf Coast on a rebuilding spring break trip. Informational meetings and sign-ups will be forthcoming. Contact Emily Segar (segar@stolaf.edu) for more details.

On Tuesday, Nov. 11, College Treasurer and VP Alan Norton discussed the state of college finances, particularly the endowment, and the way in which the current market might impact building projects and tuition. Although the endowment has dropped by millions of dollars, Mr. Norton informed us that St. Olaf is actually in better financial shape than some institutions with larger endowments who depend more heavily upon those earnings. Tuition decisions will be made by the Board of Regents in February and shared with the student body soon after. 

If you have any questions regarding Senate happenings or speakers, please contact me or your individual constituent senator - they're eager to hear and represent your concerns (see the Senate roster on Oleville.com). 

Have a restful break and consider stopping by our meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2 when you get back!