The Board of Trustees is undergoing some changes. The board, which is comprised of 25 members including legislators and self-perpetuating trustees, also includes two students that make most of the decisions concerning the University. Recently, a search has begun for a new student board of trustees member. “In 1977, students proposed to have two positions [on the Board of Trustees] for students to provide student perspective to the highest governing body,” said Jude Paul Dizon, a member of the committee conducting the search for the new student trustee. Responsibilities of the Board of Trustees can range from simple everyday tasks to electing a new University president. Though some members on the Board of Trustees are educated in making decisions in finances, business and even legalities, the student trustees represent what the other individuals cannot: the student voice. “Students are one of the main constituents of UVM,” said Dizon. “An issue like raising tuition makes sense, but the trustees aren’t UVM peers.” The search for the graduating trustees’ replacement is a process of applications, references, meetings and sometimes interviews. Even though the application process is lengthy and being a member of the board of trustees entails a heavy work load, Brian Sozansky said he looks back on his time as a student trustee fondly. “It was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had,” he said. “I learned so much about what happens behind the scenes at UVM and the decisions that need to be made just to keep the University running smoothly day to