RPI secures 1700 Johnson & Johnson vaccines for distribution
President Shirley Ann Jackson announced that 1700 Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses have been allocated for RPI students.
Wellness day woes
“While well-intentioned, a wellness day is not a replacement for Spring Break,” write staff writers Jack Zhu ’21 and William Hawkins ’23.
Austerity measures could leave graduating seniors mugless
The Rensselaer Union plans to purchase 1800 mugs for the 1755 students who voted in this year's Grand Marshal Week elections. Union Programs and Activities Committee Chair Eddie Weisser ’21 presented four options to distribute GM week mugs to students during last week’s Executive Board Meeting. GM week mugs will be produced by Broadway Marketing, and will come at a cost of $3.75 per mug. As always, mugs will be free to all students who voted in GM week elections.
The Rensselaer Union plans to purchase 1800 mugs for the 1755 students who voted in this year's Grand Marshal Week elections. Union Programs and Activities Committee Chair Eddie Weisser ’21 presented four options to distribute GM week mugs to students during last week’s Executive Board Meeting. GM week mugs will be produced by Broadway Marketing, and will come at a cost of $3.75 per mug. As always, mugs will be free to all students who voted in GM week elections.

Bennett, Mahmoud, elected as GM, PU
Cait Bennett ’22 and Yaseen Mahmoud ’22 have been elected to the positions of Grand Marshal and president of the Union, respectively, and Rhea Banerjee ’22 was elected as the next Undergraduate President.

Jackson discusses support for underrepresented students during Town Meeting
Rensselaer students and faculty members asked Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson and other administrators about plans for the Fall semester, advocacy for underrepresented students, and condemnation of the recent spike in anti-Asian hate crimes during the Spring Town Meeting on March 25. Dr. Jackson also announced intentions to hold commencement in-person and have the campus operate almost normally by the Fall semester.
Becoming the women that change the world
Women’s History Month is a time for everyone to reflect on the many women who have changed our world. At a school whose slogan is “Why not change the world?” Alumnae Cara Riverso ’10 writes that Rensselaer women should reflect in an additional way.
Why you need to change the way you look at sex work
Why should you, a college student, worry about the lives of sex workers? Your attitude can help them reclaim the dignity and respect they deserve, while their lives have become even more challenging due to the pandemic, writes Associate Editorial/Opinion Editor Maya Johnson ’22.
Mueller Center reopens for students
For the first time this year, the Mueller Center will be open to students. Here’s what you need to know.
For the first time this year, the Mueller Center will be open to students. Here’s what you need to know.
Residential students speak out against unsatisfactory quarantine living conditions
The 51st Senate concluded its term with the passing of the ‘Quarantine Communications' motion prompted by the extension of the Trigger Level One quarantine on March 17. In a meeting attended by over 180 people, students discussed a potential refund for the quarantine food, the quality and nutritional value of meals, and outdoor time.
The 51st Senate concluded its term with the passing of the ‘Quarantine Communications' motion prompted by the extension of the Trigger Level One quarantine on March 17. In a meeting attended by over 180 people, students discussed a potential refund for the quarantine food, the quality and nutritional value of meals, and outdoor time.

President of the Union: Yaseen Mahmoud
The Polytechnic endorses Yaseen Mahmoud ’22 for president of the Union. Although he is running uncontested, his work in Student Government over the past three years reflects the dedication to student advocacy that we believe is required of the president of the Union.

Grand Marshal: Cait Bennett
The Polytechnic endorses Cait Bennett ’22 for Grand Marshal. Bennett currently serves as the chairperson of the Facilities and Services Committee and as an independent senator. Her goals for the next year demonstrate her commitment to supporting the student body and advocating for student well-being.

Undergraduate President: Rhea Banerjee
The Polytechnic endorses Rhea Banerjee ’22 for Undergraduate President. Her time in Student Government over the past three years has given her the experience to serve as undergraduate president.
Rensselaer Black & LatinX Student Coalition for Bennett, Mahmoud
After the GM Week Q&A Forum of the Rensselaer Black & LatinX Student Coalition on March 19, RBLX voted to endorse Cait Bennett for Grand Marshal, and Yaseen Mahmoud for president of the Union.
Panhellenic Council for Corrigan, Mahmoud
After the general body meeting of the Panhellenic Council on March 10, the council delegates have voted to endorse Colleen Corrigan for grand marshal, and Yaseen Mahmoud for president of the Union.
Class of 2022 candidate profile
The Polytechnic asked the Class of 2022 candidates for class president, class vice president, class senators, and class representatives to discuss their goals and leadership experience and to reflect on their experiences in Student Government as a whole. Here are the responses we received.
Class of 2023 candidate profiles
The Polytechnic asked the Class of 2023 candidates for class president, class vice president, class senators, and class representatives to discuss their goals and leadership experience and to reflect on their experiences in Student Government as a whole. Here are the responses we received.
Class of 2024 candidate profiles
The Polytechnic asked the Class of 2024 candidates for class president, class vice president, class senators, and class representatives to discuss their goals and leadership experience and to reflect on their experiences in Student Government as a whole. Here are the responses we received.
Trigger Level 1 Quarantine extended through March 21
In an email to the Rensselaer community on Wednesday afternoon, President Shirley Ann Jackson announced that the two-week mandatory quarantine-in-place will end at midnight on March 21 instead of March 17 as previously scheduled.
In an email to the Rensselaer community on Wednesday afternoon, President Shirley Ann Jackson announced that the two-week mandatory quarantine-in-place will end at midnight on March 21 instead of March 17 as previously scheduled.
Grand Marshal candidate profiles
The Polytechnic asked Grand Marshal candidates to discuss their goals and to reflect on their experiences in Student Government. Here are their responses.
President of the Union candidate profile
The Polytechnic asked President of the Union candidate Yaseen Mahmoud ’22 to discuss his goals and to reflect on his experiences in Student Government. Here are his responses.
Undergraduate President candidate profile
The Polytechnic asked the candidates for Undergraduate President to discuss their goals and to reflect on their experiences in Student Government. Here are the responses we received.
Representing graduate students in a virtual world
As their term comes to a close, the Graduate Council reflects on their work in the past year. They urge more graduate students to take part in the upcoming Grand Marshal week and join the Graduate Council to help improve graduate life at Rensselaer.
As their term comes to a close, the Graduate Council reflects on their work in the past year. They urge more graduate students to take part in the upcoming Grand Marshal week and join the Graduate Council to help improve graduate life at Rensselaer.
RPI hits Trigger Level 1, Institute to quarantine
Rensselaer begins quarantine on Thursday, March 4, having reached the over 30 case threshold outlined in the University Pandemic Protocols.
Rensselaer begins quarantine on Thursday, March 4, having reached the over 30 case threshold outlined in the University Pandemic Protocols.
Baba’s Pizza replaces Cusato’s Pizzeria
After six years of operation, Cusato’s Pizzeria closed in December 2020. Baba’s Pizza made its Rensselaer Union debut in February 2021 with the start of the Spring semester.
After six years of operation, Cusato’s Pizzeria closed in December 2020. Baba’s Pizza made its Rensselaer Union debut in February 2021 with the start of the Spring semester.

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.

RPI Ambulance awarded EMS Ready Campus
Rensselaer has been officially recognized as an EMS Ready Campus by the National Collegiate Medical Services Foundation. This award recognizes excellence in emergency management among collegiate medical organizations and was awarded for the preparedness of RPI’s student-run EMT service, RPI Ambulance.
Fifteenth Street Housing disregards RPI quarantine policies, continues room tours
Though the Institute enacted a campus quarantine on Wednesday, Fifteenth Street Housing proceeded to give housing tours yesterday, after acknowledging RPI’s quarantine policies in an email to residents prior to house tours.
Though the Institute enacted a campus quarantine on Wednesday, Fifteenth Street Housing proceeded to give housing tours yesterday, after acknowledging RPI’s quarantine policies in an email to residents prior to house tours.
Simply Voting update allows students to vote in preferred cohort this year
The Union Executive Board approved a proposal February 23 that will allow students qualifying for multiple cohorts to choose which cohort to vote in. This fixes an issue that prevented students from voting in their preferred cohort last year.
RPI Pep Band reallocates travel funds for new music
The Union Executive Board passed motions on February 23 to allow the RPI Pep Band to purchase new sheet music and to keep the outer Union doors open during shuttle hours. They also approved the appointment of Joe Mampilil ’22 to Club Operations Chairperson.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.