On April 29, the council also passed its "Financial Aid for Student Tickets Resolution," which will provide some financial aid students with vouchers to attend campus events that would otherwise be too expensive.

Members of the council, most notably Rohit Chopra `04, then procured the $20,000 necessary to begin the project in the fall. Next year, the administration will donate the money, but future voucher funds will be made available through an endowment that council members are working to establish.

Finally, to enhance students' academic experiences while in Cambridge, the council designed a plan for a "CUE Guide to Concentrations"--a web-based guide designed to help students choose a course of study.

The council also negotiated with the administration to increase the number of freshman seminars available to first-years.

Gusmorino credits the council's meetings with Dean of Undergraduate Education Susan G. Pedersen `81-`82 with the College's May announcement that it will almost double the number of freshman seminars next year--from 33 to 62.

In addition, the council selected the winners of its Levenson Awards for teaching from a record number of applicants.

Credit Where Credit Is Due

Dozens of other council members have played seminal roles in the council's collective accomplishments. Lee, for example, was a co-founder of HCC and Smith took on the party-hours initiative.

But by most accounts, Gusmorino's personability, knowledge and organizational skills are at least partially responsible for the success of most projects, even those with which he was not directly involved.

Council members say it is easy to work hard for an president who has their respects and also exerts a great deal of effort.

"Everyone likes Paul," says long-time council member and SAC Chair Todd E. Plants `01. "He's working hard and doing a great job."

Council Treasurer Justin A. Barkley `02, who ran against Gusmorino for president in the fall, says he too has been pleasantly surprised by the job Gusmorino has done.

"I ran against him because I was worried that the political aspect of the UC would become too large a part of our activities. I think student services are our main responsibility," Barkley says. "But despite a few progressive bills, I'm really happy with a lot of other things we have done."

Council members commend Gusmorino for having clear plans for his administration--laid out in his "UC Roadmap"--and running meetings quickly and efficiently.