To begin the session, Jackson provided an overview of recent developments happening around the RPI campus. Jackson stated that the Institute was working on the budget for Fiscal Year 2009, and spoke about some of the capital projects that have already started at the Institute. Also currently underway is a major hiring plan, which thus far has brought over 200 new faces to RPI over the course of Jackson’s Rensselaer Plan.

One of the main focuses of the event was sustainability at RPI. This issue has received a lot of attention on campus in recent months, particularly given the C- grade given to the campus by the Sustainable Endowments Institute. According to estimates given at the event, approximately $125,000 per year is lost due to not recycling, and several students present noted a desire for recycling and sustainability to become a “main thrust at Rensselaer.” Jackson responded by pointing out the many, often innovative, ways in which RPI already works to conserve energy; she emphasized that one reason for the poor publicity is that the university simply does not advertise its existing efforts well enough. With that said, however, she went on and suggested forming a task force with the new Chief of Staff and Associate Vice President for Policy and Planning Laban Coblentz, in addition to the Student Sustainability Task Force that currently exists.

Another issue that was a focus of discussion was the recent news that the Best Western Rensselaer Inn located on Sixth Street at the bottom of the Approach was going to be converted into a new residence hall.

“It’s a great way to connect the Approach, Eighth Street, and downtown Troy,” said Vice President for Student Life Eddie Ade Knowles. “It opens us up into having much more reach into downtown.” Jackson said that the shuttles would be rerouted to service the Sixth Street location, and that it was practically next door to the Troy Police Department, in terms of the safety of students living there.

Another topic that brought up much discussion was the fact that RPI will require all sophomores to live on campus. Although it will not be effective for the 2008 school year, the policy will be implemented in the near future as an extension of the First -Year Experience program to encompass the sophomore year as well. Concerns were brought up regarding costs, but Jackson assured the attendees that those requiring financial aid would not be penalized for the requirement to live on campus.

While there are no plans to renovate the Quad because, according to Jackson, it is difficult to add to existing residences without taking rooms offline, there will be renovations to Sharp Hall. Knowles said that the Institute is also looking for opportunities not just to improve, but also to expand its residential offering.

A concern voiced by a student was whether RPI was losing focus of its engineering core with the construction of the East Campus Athletic Village and the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center. Jackson said that a large number of the engineering students are interested in the arts as well, and that “employers want students who are not stuck into one intellectual channel.” Jackson continued, “If you wish to be a success—even if you’re an engineering student—you need to broaden your aperture a little.”