Monthly Archives: March 2014

Safety questions follow assault

RPI student mugged, beaten at Bleeker Avenue off-campus residence

On Saturday, March 22, at approximately 10:30 pm, officers of the Troy Police Department responded to an incident of robbery and assault at 21 Bleeker Avenue. Read more...

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Staff Editorial: Lack of club enthusiasm

Members of The Poly attended UPAC Showcase on March 22, which was full of fun and interesting events; however, many of Poly members were more infatuated by the fact that no one was there, than the event itself. This seems to be common trend that occurs at many RPI events, such as performances or athletic events. Read more...

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Divergent doesn’t live up to expectations

Divergent trilogy is off to a slow start, but with a dedicated following, it has the potential to be a successful series

Olivia’s View

I was wary about going to see Divergent, I was extremely wary. I haven’t read the books, so I had no idea what the quality of the film would be. I had really low expectations of the film because I had read some pretty bad reviews. However, I was pleasantly surprised. While I don’t think Divergent is worthy of any awards, it wasn’t as bad as I was expecting and had some strong points to it. Although Divergent is based off a book, I felt as though the filmmakers should have taken some more risks by altering the minute plot points, allowing for more excitement. Read more...

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Men’s lacrosse coach considers season

Interview includes thoughts on hot start along with future plans

On March 24, I was given the gracious opportunity to sit down with men’s lacrosse coach, Jim Townsend. Coach Townsend has coached at RPI for 16 seasons, taking a brief hiatus from 2002 to 2007. Overall, RPI’s Coach Townsend has produced 131 wins and 91 losses over his career at RPI, a winning percentage of 59 percent. Read more...

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Senate recommends excuse policy changes

New excuse policy might allow flexibility for ill students, promotes dialogue with faculty

On Monday, March 24, the Student Senate met to discuss potential excuse policy changes. Several small pieces of legislation were passed. A new vice chairman for the Judicial Board was elected. Read more...

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Editorial Notebook

Bottled water, go away

Ads coordinator talks about the harm of bottled water

There have been too many times when I have been deceived by bottled water. It looks so innocent with curved sides for best grip, a smaller cap for eco lovers, and a paper label saying that it is nature’s best; but when I go for a sip, the most disgusting flavor of plastic tasting water fills my mouth. There have been times when I have taken one sip and then immediately recycled the bottle. But, I am caught in quite the dilemma because many of the places I visit, the only drinkable water is bottled water. It is a never ending cycle. Bottled water is here to stay. I am here to say that there are both positives and negatives to drinking bottled water because of environmental impacts, health concerns, and convenience. Read more...

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Titanfall: non-stop action and excitment

Immerses players in an action-packed world full of adrenaline and entertainment

Hearing the words, “Pilot, your titan is ready,” evokes an empowering response. An overwhelming sense of power and security embraces you as you desperately lunge into the arms of the 40-foot beast that is “your titan.” Read more...

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Lacrosse dominates in Liberty League opener

On Saturday, March 22, RPI men’s lacrosse took on Vassar College at the ECAV Stadium for their Liberty League opener. RPI, with four wins and two losses, is coming off a three game winning streak, and had all of the momentum going into the game. Vassar College came into the game with three wins and two losses. In their last game, they beat Western Connecticut State, impressively, 23-8. Read more...

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STS professor stresses social justice issues

Ron Eglash’s research brings STEM to minorities; creativity, culture part of mathematics

This June, Renssealer Polytechnic Institute will be hosting a unique conference called “Generative Justice: Value from the Bottom-Up,” and this will be the first of its kind. Talking with Professor Ron Eglash from the department of science and technology studies at RPI gave insight into the focus of the conference and how his research ties into the idea of combining social justice and technology. Read more...

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Top Hat

Several important senate motions pass

Grand Marshal talks about new excuse note policies, and changes to officer requirements

Hello, RPI! The Student Senate voted on several motions this week. The most prominent one focused on revisions to RPI’s Class Attendance and Examinations Policy. The Student Life Committee, chaired by Kyle Keraga ’15, has been hard at work for more than a semester meeting with the administration and other staff and faculty on updating the policy. I would like to thank everyone that was involved in the process for their collaborative efforts. Read more...

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UPAC Showcase

On Saturday, March 22, I attended the UPAC Showcase in the Rensselaer Union. Overall, the event was done very well; from lighting to sound, it was apparent that countless hours went into the planning of this event. Read more...

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Athlete of the Week

This week’s pick: Zach Moro

This week’s Athlete of the Week is junior defenseman Zach Moro of the men’s lacrosse team. Moro lead the Engineers to an impressive 17-3 win over Vassar College. Moro and the RPI defense held Vassar College scoreless through the first quarter of play and 10 minutes into the second quarter. Moro was able to bring in three ground balls, and force one turnover in what was a spectacle of a defensive performance. Moro also contributed to the scoring attack of RPI’s offense, bringing in one assist. Read more...

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City Council president explains political involvement

Rodney Wiltshire talks about Troy environmental, economic iniatives; former RPI students active in politics

On Wednesday, March 19, the Vasudha Living and Learning Community brought in Troy City Council President Rodney Wiltshire. Wiltshire explained how he got into local politics, what he does for Troy, and his background (an electrical engineering degree at Cornell University). Around 30 people, including undergraduate and graduate RPI students, faculty members, and community members filled the seats of Nason 130. Read more...

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Derby

PU on variety of issues from elections to meetings

Student government campaigning, volunteering for GM week, new Union logo, meeting at EMPAC

Hello RPI, and happy spring! Although it may not feel like it with the snow flurries we have been receiving, spring has technically arrived, and as you may have noticed, so has campaign season. So far I have been impressed with the student government posters and campaigns that I have seen, and I look forward to watching it all unfold. Make sure that you take the time to talk to the candidates. Most of them have put their faces on their posters, but even if they have not, all candidates can be reached via their RPI email or their contact information at the bottom of their posters. As this year has a contested race in many elections, it is definitely worth the time to learn about the candidates and how they can improve upon their predecessor’s work. Read more...

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Entrepreneurship

Tumalaw energy ingenuity proves big

Wednesday, March 5 marked the date of previous meeting of last StartUp Tech Valley, a networking event for entrepreneurs of all stripes at Brown’s Brewing Co. in Troy. After enjoying appetizers and a complimentary drink, attendees were seated to listen to four local startup owners discuss their companies, their stories, and their future plans. Last to take the stage was Will Gathright, PhD ‘11, founder of Tumalow Energy Ingenuity. Read more...

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Constitution Committee

Amendments include IC Senators, terms of office

Constitution chairman discusses alterations to Articles of the Union Constitution, Senate Authority

Hello, everyone. This week for amendments to the Union Constitution, I will explain changes to Article III: Officers, Article IV: Student Senate, and Article V: Executive Board. Read more...

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Sustainability

Program for RPI green housing group

RPI students can live together in order to promote the ideals of green living

Vasudha members and alumni are actively working on environmental projects both for Vasudha and for other RPI clubs. Currently, Vasudha first-year students are fundraising for Heifer International, an international non-profit that provides goats to subsistent farmers in developing countries. Over the past two years, Vasudha members and alumni have organized and planted a garden, led by Kenny Campbell ’16, Jessica Onion ’16, and Jennifer de Souza ’16. Planning was coordinated with relevant RPI divisions. Several workdays, where Vasudha members and alumni alike were invited, made this event a truly community-based project. Read more...

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Muppet movie feeds a childhood need

With the release of the new Muppet movie, 70s childern everywhere rush to see the next installment to the muppets

It’s time to get things started on the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational … This is what we call Muppets Most Wanted. Read more...

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This week’s front page

March 19, 2014

front

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High schoolers build robots, teams

New York Tech Valley Regionals bring high school students from around region

On Friday, March 14, FIRST Robotics Competition arrived at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for the 2014 New York Tech Valley Regional. Taking place in the East Campus Athletic Village, this was the first time that this competition was hosted at RPI. High school students from New York, Virginia, Michigan, and even Turkey and Canada participated with their club team to compete for the chance to go to Nationals in St. Louis, Missouri. Read more...

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