Joining Jackson during her presentation to the Senate were Provost Robert E. Palazzo, Vice President for Administration Claude Rounds, Vice President for Strategic Communications and External Relations William Walker, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance Virginia Gregg, Chief Information Officer and Vice President for Information Services and Technology John Kolb ’79, and Chief of Staff and Associate Vice President for Policy and Planning Laban Coblentz.

After introductions from senators and visitors, Jackson began her presentation with a report of what has happened on campus in the past few months. She said that at Rensselaer, “there is a new reality taking hold—one that is attracting bright students, grants, and top research.”

Jackson recapped the top events that occurred this fall, such as the opening of the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center, the Baruch ‘60 Center for Biochemical Solar Energy Research, and the New York Center for Astrobiology. She also noted that the Tetherless World Constellation had been completed with the hiring of Peter Fox, and that the Institute has hired over 200 new faculty members in the past seven years.

The Clustered Learning, Advocacy, and Support for Students initiative was also discussed during the presentation. Jackson said that it will “transform the undergraduate experience and graduate life as well.”

Part of the transformation will be in the Sophomore-Year Experience, an extension of RPI’s current First-Year Experience which will require all sophomore students to live on campus or in certain greek houses. Jackson hopes that, in time, this new program will become as integral part of Rensselaer student life as FYE.

Jackson also reported that construction on Phase One of the East Campus Athletic Village is going as planned, noting that the most extensive athletic project in the Institute’s history has reached a state that will allow work to continue through the winter months.

Interest in Rensselaer continues to be strong, according to Jackson. Applications have increased 100 percent over the past three years, and this year appears to continue the trend. So far 88,000 inquiries have been received, and around 1,000 students have already submitted their applications under the first round of Early Decision. Jackson noted that more RPI undergraduates are choosing the Institute for their graduate studies as well.

Jackson concluded her presentation by urging senators to “use the unique opportunities to expand your horizons” during their time at RPI. “It is the Rensselaer tradition.”

Following the presentation, the meeting became a forum for discussion between Jackson and senators.

Graduate Senator Dan Horvath ’08 opened the discussion, asking Jackson what the intentions for the ’86 Field are now that the football season is finished. Rounds responded that there are no plans to build anything over the field, and that it will instead be turned into a green space. The bleachers will be moved to ECAV, and there will likely be a row of trees on the side of the road that runs alongside the field. Jackson also mentioned the hope of freezing over the field to bring back the RPI tradition of a winter carnival.

Senator William Jones ’11 asked how ECAV will affect the Mueller Center, Armory, and ’87 Gym. Nothing will happen to the buildings, according to Jackson; however, moving some teams up to ECAV will take some of the pressure off these centers so that they are available for more general recreation purposes.

The next topic that was brought up during the discussion was how the hiring freeze will affect the search for a research director of EMPAC, and what the role of that position would be. Jackson responded that this particular search is exempted from the hiring freeze, and that a steering committee has been created that to work with the director and research director and once appointed, on a schedule of events. The research director will oversee research education within EMPAC and will provide activities support.

On the topic of faculty hiring, Graduate Senator Christina Laskowski asked how smaller departments would be affected by the hiring freeze and whether it would put them in danger. Both Jackson and Palazzo anticipate the situation arising, but said that there were means to address it if needed.

Several members of the Student Sustainability Task Force were present at the meeting and, in light of the motion passed by the Senate last week asking for Jackson’s continued support with SSTF initiatives, the discussion turned toward campus sustainability. Jackson reported that much is being done on the administration’s end to help with sustainability, particularly in construction projects. For example, the construction on ECAV uses recycled materials and also doesn’t require an irrigation system, saving water. The Institute will be hearing from students that worked over the summer on a sustainability report and interested in ideas that can provide economic and sustainable procedures while being cost effective.