RPI cases explode as national rates decline
In an email to the Rensselaer community today, Executive Director of the Health Center Dr. Leslie Lawrence reported that “We have had 15 cases in the past seven days. At this pace, we will soon reach Trigger Level 1, unless something changes dramatically.” Trigger Level 1 requires a two week lockdown and will be instituted when there are over 30 confirmed COVID-19 cases within a rolling two-week period, according to the University Pandemic Protocols.
In an email to the Rensselaer community today, Executive Director of the Health Center Dr. Leslie Lawrence reported that “We have had 15 cases in the past seven days. At this pace, we will soon reach Trigger Level 1, unless something changes dramatically.” Trigger Level 1 requires a two week lockdown and will be instituted when there are over 30 confirmed COVID-19 cases within a rolling two-week period, according to the University Pandemic Protocols.
RPI's policies are a recipe for burnout
With the ongoing pandemic and no Spring Break this semester, Senior Managing Editor Medhini Mankale ’23 suggests policies for the Institute to implement to prevent student burnout.
With the ongoing pandemic and no Spring Break this semester, Senior Managing Editor Medhini Mankale ’23 suggests policies for the Institute to implement to prevent student burnout.
Arch Away Union Membership
Last week, the Student Senate passed a resolution that recognized Arch students as Activity Fee-paying members of the Union provided that they pay the activity fee over the summer and the semester opposing their Away semester. Grand Marshal Advaith Narayan ’21 provides more details in this Top Hat.
Making the most of your time at RPI
President of the Union Anissa Choiniere ’21 encourages students to find and make a home at Rensselaer through campus clubs and organizations.
Improving mental health together
Grand Marshal Advaith Narayan ’21 explains an initiative to improve mental health on campus, emphasizing preventative and responsive measures.
Big shoes to fill
“The summer before I started at Rensselaer, I read as many Poly articles as I could. I was eager to start college, and knew that I wanted to continue my passion for journalism. Even though I wasn’t sure what the next three years would entail, The Poly would be part of them,” writes Editor-in-Chief Sarah Shiang ’23, reflecting on her experience writing for The Poly.
“The summer before I started at Rensselaer, I read as many Poly articles as I could. I was eager to start college, and knew that I wanted to continue my passion for journalism. Even though I wasn’t sure what the next three years would entail, The Poly would be part of them,” writes Editor-in-Chief Sarah Shiang ’23, reflecting on her experience writing for The Poly.
RPI clubs persist through the pandemic
As part of an ongoing attempt to maintain a semblance of the normal college experience, many clubs have adapted their activities to operate fully online. The Polytechnic interviewed club officers about forging friendships online, pursuing projects virtually, and planning for the future.
As part of an ongoing attempt to maintain a semblance of the normal college experience, many clubs have adapted their activities to operate fully online. The Polytechnic interviewed club officers about forging friendships online, pursuing projects virtually, and planning for the future.
Executive Board votes to reduce Union operating hours
The Rensselaer Union Executive Board voted to reduce Union building hours to ease the burden on staff until student building managers are approved by the Institute.
Explore RPI Clubs at Spring Open House
President of the Union Anissa Choiniere ’21 provides details about the upcoming Virtual Open House during which students can explore new clubs and organizations.
Embracing principles of shared governance
Grand Marshal Advaith Narayan '21 embraces principles of shared governance and collaborations that have led to positive changes for the Rensselaer community.
Senate confirms Rhea Banerjee as Undergraduate Council President
The Student Senate confirmed the appointment of Rhea Banerjee ’22 as the new Undergraduate Council President on January 27. Banerjee is succeeding Evan Lazaro, who graduated last semester. This follows from Scott Schwartz ’23 stepping down from his position as the Undergraduate Council Vice President.
New appointments to the E-Board, Mueller Center
During the Executive Board meeting on January 26, Siddhi Balamurali ’23 stepped down as Executive Board Secretary, and Mia Lin ’23 was unanimously appointed as Club Operations Committee Chair to replace Cassidy Schultz ’21. Dr. Potts stated that the Mueller Center will not be opening along with the Union.

Class of 2023 and Class of 2024 Councils share details, logistics on return to campus
In preparation for the upcoming Spring semester, the Class of 2023 and Class of 2024 Class Councils share academic resources, what to expect during move-in, and an overview of residential life and remote learning in the Spring.

Students share their concerns about returning to campus
Students returning to campus for the Spring semester face increased risk of COVID-19 by rejoining the Rensselaer community. Five students share their views on remote learning, the return to campus, and the COVID-19 vaccine, among other topics, with The Polytechnic.
What to binge before you get your vaccine; yes, this is a challenge
Though we’re glad 2020 is over, here are our favorite movies and shows released in the past year to get you through the quarantine and the rest of the semester.
Though we’re glad 2020 is over, here are our favorite movies and shows released in the past year to get you through the quarantine and the rest of the semester.
Academic Calendar updates: Less than two weeks break before Summer semester
After an announcement moving the start of the semester to January 25, the new Academic Calendar has updated Spring finals dates, with no change to the start of the Summer semester or Commencement.
Class of 2023 and Class of 2024 Councils announce joint town hall
Class of 2023 President Harshil Patel, Class of 2023 Vice President Kailey Swanson, Class of 2024 President Kamilia Nicolas, and Class of 2024 Vice President Ria Massoni provide details on the upcoming student-led town halls on January 17 and January 18.
Why The Polytechnic is needed more than ever
Former Editor in Chief John Stotz explains why The Polytechnic is necessary in today’s modern age of technology.

Rendering your imagination
Former Photography Editor August Gehrman ’22 shares his silver lining in the midst of the pandemic: 3D modeling, an extension of his passion for photography.
Institute delays start of Spring semester by a week
An email from Strategic Communications and External Relations announced that the start of the Spring semester will be delayed by a week to January 25, with no specification on the end date of the semester. The email explains that students will return to campus between January 22 and January 24, and that students who will be living on-campus will be contacted with specific arrival dates and times during the week of January 4.
In response to revoked approval for remote learning
A joint email from Grand Marshal Advaith Narayan ’21, President of the Union Anissa Choiniere ’21, President of the Interfraternity Council Chris Vanderloo ’21, and President of the Panhellenic Council Bryn Clarkson ’21 explains why they "condemn the actions of the Rensselaer administration to revoke previously granted remote learning approvals."
Institute retracts remote learning request approval, calling initial approval an “error”
On Tuesday night, students were notified that previous emails approving their remote learning requests for the upcoming Spring semester were sent “in error,” and that the actual decision regarding remote learning requests would be communicated by December 18, one week after the on-campus housing application deadline. This announcement sparked outrage in the student body and a joint email by student leaders condemning the action.
You don't need "underlying conditions" to suffer from COVID-19
Independent Senator Cait Bennett ’22 demonstrates the severe impact of COVID-19 by sharing the experiences of several people that got the virus, including herself, in an appeal to the Institute to revise their remote learning policy.
Senate motions for tuition freeze and Institute COVID-19 budget transparency
The Student Senate approved a motion to recommend the Institute to consider a tuition freeze for the fiscal year 2021-2022 and for the Rensselaer to make budget information regarding COVID-19 to become public during the Student Senate meeting held on October 27.
An open letter to Dean Apgar: Safeguard our hopes and dreams
Executive Board Vice President for Board Operations and New York State EMT Yaseen M. Mahmoud ’22 shares an open letter to Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students Travis Apgar, imploring the Institute to approve all remote learning requests, regardless of the requested reason.
Striving for the revival of student life during the Spring Semester
Grand Marshal Advaith Narayan ’21 and President of the Union ’21 Anissa Choiniere update the Rensselaer community with their goals and efforts to encourage some in-person activities during the Spring semester.
Math should be taught differently
Math performance in the United States is not up to par with many other countries. Associate Copy Editor Dylan Sheils ’24 argues and makes suggestions for change to the presentation of mathematics in America.
COVID-19 increases the weight of social interactions
Associate Editorial/Opinion Editor Maya Johnson reflects on how social interactions have changed for her during this socially-distanced semester.
HackRPI excels in spite of COVID-19
The 7th annual HackRPI hackathon was held virtually this year due to COVID-19. The free event ran as usual, with themes, events, and workshops. The most interesting aspect of the hackathon, though, was the diverse set of projects, ranging from a ride-sharing app called Carpool Coordinator to a modernized health care portal called Mediscope. The themes for this year were the following: artificial intelligence, climate change and environmental sustainability, and Public Health and Pandemic Response.
The 7th annual HackRPI hackathon was held virtually this year due to COVID-19. The free event ran as usual, with themes, events, and workshops. The most interesting aspect of the hackathon, though, was the diverse set of projects, ranging from a ride-sharing app called Carpool Coordinator to a modernized health care portal called Mediscope. The themes for this year were the following: artificial intelligence, climate change and environmental sustainability, and Public Health and Pandemic Response.
Undergraduate Council President appointment
Current Undergraduate President Evan Lazaro ’20 explains the procedure to appoint a new Undergraduate President. The position will be vacant after he graduates this December, so a joint meeting of the four class councils will be held to elect a new Undergraduate President.
How to cast doubt on an election you lost
During this year’s election, Alabama, Colorado, and Florida passed legislation to change the language in their respective constitutions from “every” citizen can vote to “only” citizens can vote. Although the bills have effectively changed nothing about who can vote in these states, the deceptive language these bills use is a tool for casting doubt on this election and future elections.
Post-Thanksgiving reflection and final push
Grand Marshal Advaith Narayan ’21 reflects on the successes of the Fall semester as it comes to a close.
Jackson announces plan for Spring semester
In an email to the Rensselaer community, President Shirley Ann Jackson announced plans for the Spring semester. Freshmen, sophomores, and seniors will return to campus, with freshmen and sophomores living in on-campus housing. According to Jackson, this will cause “some increase in on-campus housing density.” All seniors will live off-campus and still follow the Fall semester density standards which include having two people per bathroom. Students will also not be allowed to live in Greek houses. Additionally, all winter sports, including hockey, are cancelled.
On-campus students to move out of residence halls before Thanksgiving
The Office of Student Living and Learning shared instructions about moving out for the remainder of the semester before Thanksgiving break and information for students remaining on-campus.
Rensselaer updates Title IX policies to align with Trump administration guidelines
In May, the U.S. Department of Education enacted new Title IX regulations, changing the obligations for campuses across the United States. Rensselaer’s implementation of the new federal and NYS guidelines was emailed to RPI students on August 14. RPI’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures details cross-examination procedures, expands on the possibility of the removal of sexual misconduct from a student’s transcript, and extends the investigation time frame guideline from 60 to 90 days.
In May, the U.S. Department of Education enacted new Title IX regulations, changing the obligations for campuses across the United States. Rensselaer’s implementation of the new federal and NYS guidelines was emailed to RPI students on August 14. RPI’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures details cross-examination procedures, expands on the possibility of the removal of sexual misconduct from a student’s transcript, and extends the investigation time frame guideline from 60 to 90 days.
GM Week 2020 mug distribution plan in development
The Union Programs and Activities Committee and Election Commission have outlined a plan for students to receive their mugs for voting in the Grand Marshal Week 2020 elections. On-campus students can pick up their mugs in the Union Admin Office whenever the Rensselaer Union is open. Students who can not physically pick up the mugs are planned to have their mugs shipped to them.
How to build trust in a vulnerable climate
The student-administrator relationship at Rensselaer has been interesting, to say the least. When thinking of ways to build a mutually beneficial relationship between these two parties, trust is the first idea that jumped out at us. Trust is a two-way street and as such, there are actions that both sides need to take to fully develop that trust. This week, we’re coming together to discuss how we plan to develop trust in the current student-administrator climate.

Institute to announce plan for Spring semester after Thanksgiving break
Spring semester plans—including housing for sophomores and spring sports—will be announced after the Institute transitions to remote operations over the Thanksgiving break. President Shirley Ann Jackson explained that Rensselaer plans to assess what needs to be done for the Spring semester in context of the Fall semester and “the overall public health situation.”

Fall trigger levels for University Pandemic Protocol updated
President Shirley Ann Jackson revealed updates to the University Pandemic Protocol trigger levels during the Fall Town Meeting. Now, trigger level one will be enacted after there are more than 30 confirmed COVID cases in two weeks, resulting in an immediate switch to remote instruction. When the amount of confirmed cases exceed Rensselaer’s ability to isolate and quarantine students, the updated trigger level two will be implemented. With the activation of trigger level two, the semester will be extended by a week, and students must vacate campus within 72 hours and continue the semester online.

Narayan and Choiniere win GM, PU races
Advaith Narayan ’21 and Anissa Choiniere ’21 have been elected Grand Marshal and President of the Union, respectively. The announcement was made on a live stream through the Union’s Instagram account, and a rundown of the election results was sent out in an email shortly thereafter.

Our Arch concerns have gone unheard
Grand Marshal Meagan Lettko '20 and Vice Grand Marshal Advaith Narayan '21 voice their concerns with how the Arch program is being handled this summer and outline the Student Senate’s recent efforts in advocating for rising juniors.
How to socialize while practicing social distancing
After a few weeks of online courses and the absence of campus activities, here are suggestions on how to socialize while practicing social distancing.
After a few weeks of online courses and the absence of campus activities, here are suggestions on how to socialize while practicing social distancing.
Building the future of The Polytechnic
Journalism is in flux. The traditional newspaper is dead. Revenue from selling advertisements in a printed edition is shrinking. Across the country, smaller newspapers are being bought by national conglomerates, and the staffs that understand local issues better than anyone are being eviscerated to cut costs.
Journalism is in flux. The traditional newspaper is dead. Revenue from selling advertisements in a printed edition is shrinking. Across the country, smaller newspapers are being bought by national conglomerates, and the staffs that understand local issues better than anyone are being eviscerated to cut costs.