Executive Director Bill Ross has a long to-do list for Undergraduate Student Senate this summer.

In addition to the usual senate meetings and working on the senate’s operating budget, Ross plans to start an image improvement campaign and a new Web site, as well as improve the USS Book Exchange.

Ross estimates USS will spend $4,000 on advertising to “improve the existing image of USS and raise student awareness of it and its programs,” he said.

In addition to advertising, the senate will make promotional videos that are both entertaining and educational.

One of Ross’ goals for this term has already been revised. He said he realized his plan to run an undergraduate student in the 2007 city council election would be too difficult. This summer, he will look for a person to run who is a graduate or a community member sympathetic to students’ concerns.

The senate’s summer won’t be all work, however. As part of the new senators’ transitioning, the senate will spend some quality time together.

“We’re going to have a leadership retreat,” Sen. Karli Chaboudy said. “I’m so excited. They all keep telling me how much fun it is.”

Chaboudy will also be working with Ross to plan six plus/minus grading forums for the fall.

Students will be able to attend the open forums and ask questions about the new system.

Currently, teachers can implement the plus/minus system without alerting students, something with which Chaboudy disagrees.

This summer, she will work on a proposal to make it mandatory for teachers to include their grading method in their syllabi.

“I’m going to try and work on getting that mandated,” she said.

A policy Ross will attempt to change is the current death-in-the-family policy.

“Who is to say what is family and what isn’t?” Ross asked.

However, he is already running into roadblocks because of Issue 1, the legislation that defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

“That’s an unfortunate issue,” Ross said.

In addition, Ross will look into the possibility of implementing a graduation gown rental program and a New York Times readership program.

Contact student politics reporter Jessica Rothschuh at [email protected].