This week, Student Union President Herbie Rosen '12 will deliver his State of the Union address to the community. While Rosen will update the student body about any upcoming Union initiatives and discuss the process of forming the strategic plan, the Union has decided to operate the address like a town hall meeting, where students will be allowed to ask the president questions. We encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity and let their voices be heard on issues that are important to them.

The format of the event is a welcome departure from previous Union addresses. While past addresses have featured the president's speech, this new style will allow Mr. Rosen to relay any pertinent information to students first in his speech and then open the floor for questions. Mr. Rosen will be then be joined by a panel of other Union representatives who will answer questions from the audience.

Following the question-and-answer session, the Union president, along with Provost Steve Goldstein '78 and Andrew Flagel, the senior vice president for Students and Enrollment, will examine the strategic planning process with students. Through this new system, students are able to communicate directly with the Union and administration in an unprecedented way.

We applaud Mr. Rosen's attempt to incorporate the strategic planning initiative into the town hall meeting. As the strategic plan is currently being assembled, allowing students to be part of the discussion on the future of the University will only help the strategic planning committee during this process. Students can lend their voices and help shape the plan that will undoubtedly affect their time at Brandeis. Further, this format creates transparency between the administration and the student body, encouraging a healthy relationship between the two communities.

This editorial board acknowledges Mr. Rosen's dedication to creatively gathering student opinion through this new town hall format. His genuine concern for feedback from the student body is refreshing and we support him to continue his efforts.

Creating a forum for students to feel comfortable questioning the Union and administration's initiatives will facilitate a productive conversation, that is beneficial to the entire Brandeis community. This editorial board encourages students to attend the town hall meeting with their questions and ideas. Students should take this opportunity to help steer the University toward a cohesive vision.