Ethan Stein: I graduated the Ramaz School in 2010 where I was extremely active on the student government, holding the highest position each year that was possibly attainable.  I was active on many committees thereby winning the “18 Under 18 Award.” My being very active in high school was because I wanted to make my school the best place it could possibly be, and that is exactly what I want to do and bring here to Brandeis. If elected I will be here to hear your needs and concerns, while fighting for what YOU -- the students want! Politics is a love of mine and I will never give up a fight until we accomplish the mission at hand. All of my ideas are plausible.  I am not a candidate who promises unrealistic things.  If elected I will make minutes of senate meetings open to the public so that you the people can know what is being done (or not being done) by your government! I will put the shows you want on the TV’s in Sherman and Usdan, I will make sure that the pool has better hours, it is new and we should be able to actually use it! I will make sure that there are less and more concise emails; more Kosher options at Usdan, Einsteins and at student union programs, just to name a few. If you want these things, someone who is ready to listen to you, and want an even better Brandeis then you know who to vote for…  

Many of you mentioned having vacuums available and being able to clean up after ourselves. I decided not to wait for some position, and called Facilities, and when I hit a wall I called the CA office, and when that did nothing I emailed the CDC, and now we have one vacuum. But one vacuum locked in an office no one uses is not sufficient. My point is not how important vacuums are, but that the job does not start when you are elected, it is apart of you, a natural inclination to help make life easier for others.

If I have not met you, please call/text me at 914-772-1276, or email me at komard@brandeis.edu, or do not hesitate to visit me at B323.  I have been listening to you, I am listening to you, and I will always listen to you. This is what student government is supposed to be- a resource that enables you with all the tools that you might need to live better. I am not asking for just some position, I am asking you all to grant me access to some of these resources, so I can put them towards the things we need.

The Ethics Center and the Student Union are proud to present the first weeklong "festival of social justice" at Brandeis, taking place from Sunday, February 5th to Friday, February 10th. This is a milestone in the history of Brandeis University's commitment to healing the world. ‘DEIS Impact will include dozens of events planned by departments and clubs - day and night! Talks, performances, exhibits, discussions addressing topics from global health to climate change, from women's rights to ancient texts.

'DEIS Impact! is made possible in part by the generous support of The Louis D. Brandeis Legacy Fund for Social Justice. Link to a full list of organizers and cosponsors and more information about The Louis D. Brandeis Legacy Fund.

For more info, please visit http://go.brandeis.edu/DEISimpact

See the full schedule of events: http://www.brandeis.edu/ethics/atbrandeis/DEIS_Impact/DetailedSchedule.html

Here are a couple of key events to watch out for!

Keynote -- Local is Global: Bridging Domestic Action and Global Impact

Ruth Messinger, President, American Jewish World Service

Date/Time: Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 7:00 p.m.

Location: Sherman Function Hall, Hassenfeld Conference Center

For 25 years, American Jewish World Service (AJWS) has worked to empower marginalized people around the world. But with problems so vast, it can be hard to imagine how individuals can help. Join AJWS President Ruth Messinger for a dynamic discussion about how AJWS approaches development abroad and at home. From far-flung grassroots NGOs working in the field, to Jewish advocates for food justice lobbying on Capitol Hill, she will describe the transformative impact of education, volunteering and advocacy, and will propose new ways you can support movements for change around the world.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Giving Tree

Date/Time: All week, 4-6 p.m.

Location: Shapiro Campus Center Atrium

Come paint your leaf on the Giving Tree, located on the windows of the Shapiro Campus Center  Atrium. Donate to a great cause, and see how your gift can grow. It’s your chance to paint something beautiful and to spread the act of giving on campus! All donations from the Giving Tree will benefit Care International, an organization working for the economic and social empowerment of all women.

Sponsored by Positive Foundations

For more information: Kate Alexander

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Social Groovements

Date/Time: Friday, February 10, 4-6 p.m. 

Location: Shapiro Campus Center Atrium

Come out to the Shapiro Campus Center Atrium to celebrate student social justice achievements and activism with pizza and live musical performances at the 2nd Annual "Social Groovements"!

Sponsored by Brandeis Undergraduate Student Union and ‘DEIS Impacters

For more information: Herbie Rosen

Many of you might remember some announcements for Strategic Planning. For those new here, or for those who just plain forgot - here is a little review:

President Lawrence has asked Provost Steve Goldstein to lead Brandeis University in a comprehensive Strategic Planning effort. This exercise will discuss the trajectory of Brandeis University, and its recommendations will help shape how our University develops ten years into the future. This is a chance for the University to reconstruct its framework, goals, and priorities and all aspects of the community will have a stay in this process!

This is an important time for Brandeis University as we work to redefine the school's goals and development strategy. There will be big changes, and we want to make sure they are for our benefit as students. 

As your undergraduate representative to the Strategic Planning Committee, I have worked with Senior Vice President for Students and Enrollment Andrew Flagel to construct a Student Advisory Committee. Working with the Provost and Andrew Flagel, we will begin to engage students in "Strategic Planning Sessions." 

There will be more to come, and you may see members of the advisory committee roaming about campus asking students questions. We need a ton of student participation to be successful! Please if you are asked for your thoughts onStrategic Planning - SHARE YOUR OPINION! If students are going to be positively represented in the changes Brandeis makes, we are going to need a lot of you now to come and discuss what Brandeis' future goals should be. Please take advantage of this crucial time, and help us change Brandeis for the better.

The Student Advisory Committee is comprised of the names listed below. 

Jeremy Fineberg '12

Andy Hyde '12

Abby Kulawitz '12

Esther Ostro '12

Simone Wornum '12

Elly Kalfus '13

Todd Kirkland '13

Ben Setel '13

Imani Williams '13

Maura Boughter-Dornfeld '14

Naomi Volk '14

Alyssa Green '15

Alex Thomson '15

AJ Varon '15

Jess Young '15

Over the next few days they may stop you to ask for your opinion - please take a moment and listen to what they have to say. If you have any questions about Strategic Planning, please contact me (herbz24@brandeis.edu) or a member of the Advisory Committee.

Thank you for your time and please help us make some great changes.

Do you ever want to take a break from schoolwork and enjoy a cold ice cream treat? Or enjoy a cup of coffee with some friends while listening to live performances? If so, check out Chums today. The inspiration for the Central Perk Coffeehouse in the favorite sitcom Friends, Chums is a vibrant place serving a variety of food, drinks, and treats (including Lizzie's ice cream). Chums is open every night from 9 PM to 1 AM. With many live performances and events, Chums is sure to keep you entertained for weeks to come!

SEA's FREE LOCAL FOOD BANQUET is FINALLY HERE!

Do you wonder what classes to take during registration period? Do you ask your friends for suggestions? It is time to pay it forward. It is course evaluation time. Through course evaluations you can share what worked well and what could be improved with each class. Your professors and TAs will carefully the thoughts gathered through the Course Evaluations. The administration will consider your thoughts as well. The information from the course evaluations is used each year to make the Course Evaluation Guide, which is a very helpful tool for current and future students.

The course evaluation period opens November 30, and will run until 5 pm on December 23.

To access your course evaluations:

1. Log in to Sage: https://sage.brandeis.edu

2. From the Student Center tab, click on the link to Academics

3. Click on the link to Course Evaluations

Please note that when you have filled out all your course evaluations, you can have early access to your grades.