Riley S. Relfe: Transfer Senator

Progress Archives

Below you will find past progress reports in most recent order.

April 28, 2007

Thank you to all those who voted, even if it wasn’t for me, however, for those who did vote for me, thank you very much, your vote was truly appreciated. I plan to continue my work to get us new classroom seating and assist in the remodel of the Mortvedt Library.

I am looking forward to serving you for another year,

Riley S. Relfe

ASPLU Transfer Senator

April 16, 2007

My Fellow Lutes,

I am so proud of the way we have come together as a community to support and help one another deal with and try to understand the horrible tragedy that befell our fellow scholars at Virginia Tech. Unfortunately, there are many lessons that can be learned from this senseless tragedy.

One of the biggest, for me, is the one that could have prevented it all. Please don’t ignore the warning signs of those that desperately need our help. I want to encourage each of you to continue this support for one another, to continue to be kind and understanding, to continue being supportive and encouraging of each other. In doing so it is my hope, that those that need our help the most will know that they are surrounded by people who do truly care and want to help them heal and succeed.

If you do find yourself in need of someone to talk to, there are several resources available for you on campus. If you don't feel comfortable talking with your friend, roommate, RA, or professor the caring and competent staff at the Counseling Center are an excellent resource.

Please take care of each other and remember together we can make a difference,

April 10, 2007

Yes, it’s that time again, campaign season. Some of you may be confused as to why I am running for Transfer Senator and not Off-Campus Transfer Senator. Recently, ASPLU updated the current senate seats and added new senate seats. In doing so the Off-Campus Transfer position was eliminated and replaced with the Transfer Senator position. We also added a another Transfer Senator position that will become available in the Fall of this year.

However, I have to say that I honestly love this time of year, mostly because it gives me an opportunity to hear from you. Being a student senator can be tough work, but when I hear about your concerns, desires, wants and needs, I get inspired. As a student senator I have a unique opportunity to make your voice heard to those who need to hear it. When you take the time to communicate to me your concerns I can then do my part by utilizing my position to resolve those issues. This teamwork, gives us a very powerful voice, it allows for great things to happen.

For example, when I first began attending classes last fall I became a first hand witness to just how uncomfortable and annoying tablet chairs can be. So I did my research and found out I wasn't the only one annoyed by such uncomfortable classroom seating. Which is why I made it my goal to get new comfortable seating in the classrooms that need it.

Similarly having spent a few hours in the library, I became concerned. Having discussed my concerns with many others, I knew something had to be done. Our library is decades over due for a renovation, and it has become my goal to do all I can do to help transform the Mortvedt library from a place you need to go to study, to a place you want to go to and study. 

To accomplish these two big tasks I serve on the Institutional Resources Committee. This allows me to work with the faculty and understand the resources that are at our disposal, to accomplish these objectives. Because these are two very ambitious goals, they require a fair amount of time to work out all the logistics, however, I do feel confidant in saying that the chairs are on their way and I have been told that the remodel is on the books for next year.

I also serve on the Off-Campus Caucus, Student Outreach Committee and Student Success & Retention Task Force.

I have always held a great deal of respect for my position and the responsibility that comes along with it and I look forward to being able to serve you for another year. By working together we can make amazing things happen.

Sincerely,

Riley S. Relfe

ASPLU Off-Campus Transfer Senator

March 18, 2007

When I started out as a PLU Student Senator I thought big, no problem was to hard. "Bring it on" is what I challenged. So I made getting new chairs in the classrooms and remodeling the library my ultimate goals.

My first project as Off-Campus Transfer Senator was to aid in the transfer of knowledge from PLU Food Services to PLU Students in the remodel of the UC. So both ASPLU and Food Services held what were called Meal Plan Forums. These forums offered students an opportunity to gain information, straight from those directly responsible, about the changes to the UC and the campus meal plans; while also offering students a chance to voice their opinions to these changes. The forums were decently attended and all shared helpful information. This project also allowed me the opportunity to meet with those responsible and discuss the issues that are central to Off-Campus Students. It was my hope, and I am confidant this hope will be realized, that a flexible meal plan will be created around the needs of Off-Campus Students.

I am a member of the Off-Campus Caucus, Rank & Tenure Committee, Safety Committee, Institutional Resources Committee, Student Outreach Committee and Student Success & Retention Task Force. However, in light of recent events, it has become apparent that I have been over extending myself. Which means that that list will be much shorter in the near future.

It is still my goal to get new chairs in the classrooms and help with the remodel of the library, but I am learning my limits, especially this semester. So I ask for your patience. Your concerns are still my concerns, and I am doing my best to be your informed, understanding voice in the ASPLU leadership. I feel truly privileged to be your senator.

Thank you for all your support and understanding,

Riley S. Relfe

ASPLU Off-Campus Transfer Senator