The Undergraduate Council of Students unanimously passed a resolution asking faculty members to post their office hours online on the Brown Directory at its weekly meeting Wednesday night. The resolution is a response to a recent UCS WebCT poll in which respondents said professors' office hours were not publicized enough.
Also at Wednesday's meeting, Academic and Administrative Affairs Committee Chair David Beckoff '08 said that slips would soon go out soliciting student nominations of outstanding faculty members for the UCS Award for Teaching Excellence. After students nominate professors, they can vote for their favorites online through a WebCT poll. Winning professors will be invited to an awards ceremony this December.
"I think this is one of the best things we can do to honor our faculty and affirm our commitment to excellence in undergraduate education," Beckoff said.
Zachary Townsend '08, chair of the Admission and Student Services Committee, reported on the progress of the UCS initiative to grant students universal key card access. The University will soon allow regional card access to residents of select dormitories, including Hegeman and New Pembroke 1 and 2. "This is a test to see how well the system works," Townsend said.
UCS is also partnering with the Environmental Task Force to promote the Cold Turkey Campaign, which encourages energy awareness by urging students to unplug appliances and turn off their lights before they leave for Thanksgiving break. Corporation Liaison Kate Brandt '07 said that the program was successful last year and that she anticipates further energy reductions this November. To advertise the campaign, door hangers will be placed on doors to remind students to unplug electrical equipment.
In other developments, Student Worker Appreciation Week is approaching and the Campus Life Committee Chair Deanna Chaukos '08 is planning new ideas to reinvigorate the event. Chaukos proposed an open mic night at the Gate, as well as recruiting a cappella groups to sing at other venues.
In addition, Chaukos is working on a proposal for safeRIDE to make stops at local grocery stores on the weekends.
UCS also confirmed three undergraduate students to serve on University committees.
Michael Williams '08 was appointed to serve on the Brown University Community Council, a University-wide forum that allows for deans, faculty and students to discuss a wide range of issues relating to the University.
Manuel Possolo '09 was appointed as the second student representative on the Honorary Degrees Committee. Joshua Finn '07 will serve on the ETF, a committee that investigates environmental and energy policies on campus.
UCS will continue to hold office hours at the Sharpe Refectory this week, which members said offer students a chance to find out more about what UCS has done in the past and what initiatives are currently underway. Communications Chair Tristan Freeman '07 also said he is working to improve the UCS Web site. Freeman said greater accessibility to the Web site will allow students to be able to say, "Hey, this is what UCS is doing for me."
