Palaeopitus, a group of senior leaders who advise the College President and the Dean of the College on a regular basis, is currently working on its constitution to ensure that its members are more interested and more involved in the group.
"Palaeopitus' only downside is a lack of a fully active membership," said Candice Jimerson '95, who will chair the group next term.
Current Palaeopitus Chair Rebecca Slisz '95 said, "Some people have been tapped and may not be interested or able to involve themselves in Palaeopitus."
"We want to try and insure we have a group of interested students participating," Slisz said. "The revised constitution will give Palaeopitus more direction."
There are currently nine ex-officio Palaeopitus members based on campus leadership positions. The group votes on the other new members, which are chosen every spring term.
The group has presented statements regarding the Report on the First Year Experience and the alcohol policy to several administrators this term.
"We looked for ways to discourage the abuse of alcohol and encourage alternatives," Palaeopitus member Claire Unis '95 said.
Jimerson said, "We want there to be a change in the focus of campus social life."
"We don't want to eradicate drinking, but try to make real options to the frat scene," she said.
But, Slisz said "Palaeopitus's major role is as an advisory group."
"We're not a policy-making body. We can make suggestions and recommendations based on four years of experience and leadership."
Dean of the College Lee Pelton said, "These are students who know the College well. Their advice is always quite wonderful."
"They are not there to represent any special interest group," he said. "That makes them a very strong advisory group."
Slisz expressed concern about thelow attendance at the group's weekly meeting. Only about 10 of the group's 21 members usually show up at meetings
Current ex-officio Palaeopitus members include former Dartmouth Outing Club President Amy Barnhorst '95, former Editor in Chief of The Dartmouth Yvonne Chiu '95, President's Office intern and senior class Vice-President Hosea Harvey, Afro-American Society President James Hunter '95.
Senior class President Alyse Kornfeld, Student Assembly President Rukmini Sichitiu '95, former Interfraternity Council President Scott Swenson '95, and former Panhellenic Council President Melissa Trumbull '95 also hold ex-officio seats.
Chris Carson '95, Candice Chao '95, David Gonzalez '95, Brian Greenberg '95, Natalie Herring '95, Ann Marshall '95, Danielle Moore '95, Ray Sosa '95 and Earl Plante '94 are also members.
Palaeopitus "brings together leaders from various campus organizations," Unis said. "One of the great things about Palaeopitus is that it's a very informed group of students involved in various aspects of student life."
Slisz said because Palaeopitus is not well known and does not directly represent the student body, it is very different from the Student Assembly.
She said Palaeopitus members usually refrain from heated arguments or politicking.
She said similar opinions among the members contributes to this congeniality.
"I suppose that currently the group has a lot of more liberal leaders," Slisz said. "But that may change."
