E-mail Roundup

Author: Tess Russell

Subject: 2009 Wage Scale Increase

As you may have gleaned, there are very few emails that I actually look forward to receiving, though the mass notification of a "Snow Day" (or "Snow Week," while we are dreaming) is certainly a recurring fantasy, particularly during that brief icy stretch between New Year's and Memorial Day. Still, I have to say that I was pretty psyched to hear about the forthcoming boost in student employee wages across the board, a move which comes concurrent with Governor Douglas' general increase in Vermont's minimum wage (this announcement is tied to the rate of change in the Consumer Price Index on a yearly basis). The base rate for General Level A jobs - the majority of positions on campus - will increase by 35 cents. Skilled Level B workers and Specialist Level C workers will gain an extra 20 and five cents an hour, respectively. Mo' money, mo' problems? In this economy, I will take my chances.

Subject: Winter Parking Ban Notice Nov. 1 - April 1

It is that time of the year again, when Public Safety and the Town of Middlebury take a desperate student parking situation and turn it into a hopeless one. When in doubt about the ins and outs of the policy, I suggest you simply refrain from driving after midnight. In fact, since "winter" apparently starts in November according to both the ban and last week's flurries, you might as well just go into hibernation until spring thaw.

Subject: 2009-10 Projects for Peace (Corrected Version)

Nearly as embarrassing as sending someone the wrong email entirely (fear not, your boss probably found that Riskay video hilarious) is forwarding on important documents ... minus the documents. Sure, most of us have forgotten a crucial attachment in the midst of a diet soda comedown - we are human, after all - but if you were humiliated when you had to write that "oops" follow-up to a single Lit professor, imagine how the folks at Old Chapel must feel in the wake of their recent Projects for Peace snafu. Still, it is nice to know that President Liebowitz, who goes by the email alias "Ron," continues to send his "regards" (and sometimes his "best) even when faced with embarrassment. And speaking of Liebowitzes and online identities, can someone explain to me how Middlebury's First Lady landed the address jessica@middlebury.edu? I think I am going to petititon to change mine, too - it is not like anyone else at the College shares my first name. Feel free to send tips, love letters and hate mail to tess@middlebury.edu.