Archives
February 2018
Rensselaer Union
Director of the Union candidate given questions prior to interview
February 28, 2018
“These instances not only demonstrate a failure to communicate, but outright deceit on the part of the administration,” wrote Interim Chairperson of Human Resources Interview Committee Michael Cuozzo ’18 in an email to the Student Senate on February 28.
Executive Board
Redesign of proposed Union logo approved in closed Board meeting
February 28, 2018
On Wednesday, the Executive Board passed a motion to approve the proposed redesign of the Union’s logo pending approval of Strategic Communications.
Men'S Lacrosse
Renewed hopes for upcoming season
February 28, 2018
Following the men’s lacrosse team’s successful preseason and fourth place ranking in the 2018 Liberty League Men’s Lacrosse Preseason Poll, Head Coach Jim Townsend is excited and enthusiastic for the season to begin.
On-Campus Event
Discussion challenges thoughts on faith
February 28, 2018
A conversation centered around faith, humanity, and the intersection between identity and work sprouted at the Veritas Forum last Friday.
Editorial Notebook
Labeling, detrimental to problem solving
February 28, 2018
In the wake of the recent mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, and all of the subsequent debate that has risen about gun control and our justice system, I’ve been stuck on a thought that I’ve had for as long as I can remember: why do we have to pick sides? From being told on the playground by a friend, “Well you can’t keep switching back and forth.
Letter To The Editor
Governmental oversight in recent changes
February 28, 2018
Two weeks ago, the Rensselaer Union Executive Board adopted the following changes to the Rensselaer Union Executive Board Special Rules of Order, limiting the rights of individual people: “Any party who intends on doing so must make it known to everyone present at the start of the recording and must immediately stop recording when asked to by the President.
Restaurant Review
The Placid Baker offers tasteful pastries, cheerful customer service, wide variety
February 28, 2018
In Troy, there are many small, niche shops with unique and appealing features. One of my personal favorite spots to go to in Downtown Troy is a little artisan bakery called The Placid Baker.
Softball
Team, coach eager to beat future challenges
February 28, 2018
Women’s softball Head Coach Amber Maisonet returns for her 10th season at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, with this year being her eight as head coach, and she is looking for another winning season. Last season, the team made it to the National Collegiate Athletic Association championships, and her women are hungry for another exceptional time on the diamond.
On-Campus Event
Poets, performers share experiences at BSA’s open mic
February 28, 2018
Resilience, dignity, and self-worth dominated the Night of Free Expression on Friday. Poets, singers, and dancers of different backgrounds performed in the McNeil Room to a supportive and enthusiastic audience.
Club Spotlight
UPAC Cinema highlights student interests through recent, classic film selections
February 28, 2018
Two weeks ago, I went to see Thor: Ragnarok at the Union Programs and Activities Committee Cinema on campus.
Student Senate
Constitution changes hotly debated
February 28, 2018
The Student Senate opened one of its final meetings with a motion to appoint Deepika Senthilnathan ’21 as a Club/ICA representative.
Off-Campus Event
Excursion to D.C. fosters connections
February 28, 2018
As we stepped into the lobby of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, I was struck with awe by all of the attention to detail in every inch of the room.
Off-Campus Event
Les Mis production falls short in acting
February 28, 2018
Since its Broadway debut in 1987, Les Misérables continues to be culturally significant both in and out of the musical theater industry.
Top Hat
Grand marshal encourages participation
February 28, 2018
RPI, I want you to run for student government. When I tell people this, I have those who are quick to say yes or no, but the vast majority seem undecided, perplexed, or shy.
Album Review
Timberlake is bringin’ country, flannel back
February 21, 2018
Amidst his ever-encompassing performance at the Super Bowl LII halftime show, Justin Timberlake released his fifth studio album, Man of the Woods—listed first in the Billboard Top 200 this week.
Club Spotlight
SWE Outreach rewarding, educational
February 21, 2018
Earlier this semester, I attended my first Society of Women Engineers’ Outreach Committee. As a member of SWE, I wanted to check out what this committee was about.
Executive Board
Flying Club budget balanced, new representative approved
February 21, 2018
On Thursday, the Executive Board had a busy meeting; it approved the motions for several clubs, along with a new ICA/club representative.
Editorial Notebook
Editor inconvenienced by Canadian tendencies
February 21, 2018
When I was in Canada over Spring Break, some friends and I decided to take advantage of the 18+ drinking age and go on a pub crawl.
Editor’s Corner
Union E-Board should prioritize transparency
February 21, 2018
Since resigning from the Rensselaer Union Executive Board, I have had a bunch of people ask me why. In the Board’s most recent meeting, President of the Union Matt Rand ’19 said that it was because of The Poly.
Derby
PU shares Executive Board’s justification for banning recordings: privacy, comfort
February 21, 2018
Hello everyone! I apologize for my recent lapse in writing Derby articles for you all, but I wanted to check in and catch you all up to date.
Editorial Notebook
Glass blowing checked off bucket list, studio added
February 21, 2018
I like glass. I started glass science research during my freshman year at Rensselaer, eager to learn something new and foreign.
Movie Review
Black Panther’s successes: political commentary, talented cast, characters
February 21, 2018
As the newest instillation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Panther is a true work of art and a gold standard of what superhero movies should be.
Student Senate
Senate overrides E-Board policy on livestreaming
February 15, 2018
On Wednesday, the Student Senate passed a resolution regarding the recording and livestreaming of open student government body meetings, approved the Grand Marshal Week 2018 Handbook, and failed to approve the appointment of an Executive Board representative.
Top Hat
Take a look at the UAR
February 14, 2018
Hello, RPI! On Sunday, the Senate approved the Union Annual Report for fiscal year 2019. This document—comparable to a public firm’s annual financial disclosure—outlines where and how your Activity Fee is spent.
Album Review
Black Panther anticipated for soundtrack
February 14, 2018
Let me start this off by saying this isn’t your average album review. Black Panther The Album Music from and Inspired By, also known as Black Panther: The Album, is no ordinary soundtrack.
Executive Board
Policy prohibiting recording passed
February 14, 2018
The Executive Board meeting on Thursday saw the RPI Students for the Exploration and Development of Space seek Union recognition, the adoption of an amended Rensselaer Union Executive Board Special Rules of Order, and a review and approval of the Rensselaer Union Room Reservation and Events Policy.
Editorial Notebook
Cement: material of past, present, future
February 14, 2018
There have been many important inventions and engineering breakthroughs throughout the years. But, what comes to mind as one of the most important to humanity? Cement is probably one of your top answers.
Empac Event
Porn industry’s implicit design explored
February 14, 2018
“They’re part of a $97 billion industry, whose revenues in the [United States] alone exceeds baseball, basketball, and football combined,” said Patrick Keilty, referencing the pornography industry in his talk, “Pornography’s Graphical Interface,” at the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center on Thursday.
Letter To The Editor
Transformation?
February 14, 2018
Dr. Jackson, I received your letter requesting a donation to the Rensselaer Annual Fund. In it, you indicate that you have “transformed” the Institute and wish to carry this transformation through into broader society.
Letter To The Editor
Student action needed
February 14, 2018
My name is Adam Cleri, and I love Rensselaer. I attended RPI some nine years ago, from 2008–09. This was one of the—if not the—most pivotal years in my maturing as an adult, and I am sorry I did not stay all four years.
Editor's Corner
Lack of discussion around UAR concerning
February 14, 2018
I was initially going to write a short piece about our recent lack of a sports section—stay tuned or skip to the end of the article for that—but then I went to the emergency meeting of the Student Senate on Sunday.
Student Senate
UAR approved in special meeting
February 14, 2018
The Student Senate held an emergency meeting last Sunday to vote on the Union Annual Report for fiscal year 2019, a document detailing the Rensselaer Union’s budget and the Activity Fee the Union will charge students.
Letter To The Editor
You can’t assume that everyone has Facebook
February 7, 2018
Imagine wanting to go to an event, only to find that the tickets sold out before you even knew they were on sale.
Administration
Jackson thanks Bystroff for email
February 7, 2018
“That was a very brave thing you did, and I deeply appreciate it. These things are hard, and I just wanted to thank you for being willing to speak up on my behalf,” wrote President Shirley Ann Jackson in an email to Professor and Director of the Bioinformatics Program Chris Bystroff.
Transportation
Projected cost of SafeRide: $120k
February 7, 2018
SafeRide is the newest addition to Rensselaer’s Student Living and Learning arsenal of student resources, chosen “in response to students’ requests for another transportation option.” The door-to-door service has been designed with the safety of student users in mind, and acts within a similar boundary to the RPI Campus Shuttle.
Executive Board
Outing Club now off probation
February 7, 2018
During the Executive Board meeting on Thursday, money for Big Red Freakout shirts and facepaint was approved, the Outing Club was taken off probation, the Domino Toppling Club was approved for Union recognition, and a motion regarding the Gaming Club was tabled.
Sports
Philadelphia Eagles soar to first Super Bowl victory
February 7, 2018
On Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles went head-to-head with the New England Patriots in Minneapolis. They defeated the Patriots 41-33, securing their first ever Super Bowl win.
On-Campus Event
ZuZu acrobats flip, jump, limbo
February 7, 2018
On Saturday afternoon, the center of the McNeil Room was empty. Rows of chairs were set up around three sides of the clearing.
Album Review
Fall Out Boy renewed
February 7, 2018
As a junior in high school, I was introduced to Fall Out Boy through their Save Rock and Roll album, which was considered their newer music at the time.
Book Review
Dystopian series has compelling world
February 7, 2018
Do you like Game of Thrones? Ancient Roman history? Dystopian fiction? How about The Hunger Games? Well, if any of these things interest you, then I strongly suggest that you give Pierce Brown’s Red Rising saga a try.
Staff Editorial
Jackson, Eastin, Bystroff out of touch
February 7, 2018
President Shirley Ann Jackson and Vice President for Institute Advancement Graig Eastin recently endorsed an email attributing a decrease in alumni donations to racism, sexism, and heightism.
Editorial Notebook
Theorizing about Apple’s business strategies
February 7, 2018
Apple is a company which seemingly draws controversy like no other. Some use their products religiously, often swearing off alternatives, while others wonder how people can justify spending obscene amounts of money on products which often stray so far from the norm.
Letter To The Editor
Discussion appropriate
February 7, 2018
On January 29, 2018, Graig Eastin, vice president for institute advancement, forwarded to all alumni an email authored by Chris Bystroff, Ph.D, addressed to faculty.
Letter To The Editor
Faculty Senate issues response
February 7, 2018
To Rensselaer Faculty and Community, We, the faculty of Rensselaer, are proud of our alumni. As President of the Faculty Senate, I am thankful to have the honor to communicate this message.
Letter To The Editor
Bystroff has a point
February 7, 2018
Let’s put aside the distractions, the specific wording of the Bystroff email, the talk of heightism—which according to the Journal of Applied Psychology is real, by the way—or the appropriateness of sending it to the alums.
Rensselaer Union
Director of the Union candidate given questions prior to interview
February 28, 2018
“These instances not only demonstrate a failure to communicate, but outright deceit on the part of the administration,” wrote Interim Chairperson of Human Resources Interview Committee Michael Cuozzo ’18 in an email to the Student Senate on February 28.
Executive Board
Redesign of proposed Union logo approved in closed Board meeting
February 28, 2018
On Wednesday, the Executive Board passed a motion to approve the proposed redesign of the Union’s logo pending approval of Strategic Communications.
Men'S Lacrosse
Renewed hopes for upcoming season
February 28, 2018
Following the men’s lacrosse team’s successful preseason and fourth place ranking in the 2018 Liberty League Men’s Lacrosse Preseason Poll, Head Coach Jim Townsend is excited and enthusiastic for the season to begin.
On-Campus Event
Discussion challenges thoughts on faith
February 28, 2018
A conversation centered around faith, humanity, and the intersection between identity and work sprouted at the Veritas Forum last Friday.
Editorial Notebook
Labeling, detrimental to problem solving
February 28, 2018
In the wake of the recent mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, and all of the subsequent debate that has risen about gun control and our justice system, I’ve been stuck on a thought that I’ve had for as long as I can remember: why do we have to pick sides? From being told on the playground by a friend, “Well you can’t keep switching back and forth.
Letter To The Editor
Governmental oversight in recent changes
February 28, 2018
Two weeks ago, the Rensselaer Union Executive Board adopted the following changes to the Rensselaer Union Executive Board Special Rules of Order, limiting the rights of individual people: “Any party who intends on doing so must make it known to everyone present at the start of the recording and must immediately stop recording when asked to by the President.
Restaurant Review
The Placid Baker offers tasteful pastries, cheerful customer service, wide variety
February 28, 2018
In Troy, there are many small, niche shops with unique and appealing features. One of my personal favorite spots to go to in Downtown Troy is a little artisan bakery called The Placid Baker.
Softball
Team, coach eager to beat future challenges
February 28, 2018
Women’s softball Head Coach Amber Maisonet returns for her 10th season at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, with this year being her eight as head coach, and she is looking for another winning season. Last season, the team made it to the National Collegiate Athletic Association championships, and her women are hungry for another exceptional time on the diamond.
On-Campus Event
Poets, performers share experiences at BSA’s open mic
February 28, 2018
Resilience, dignity, and self-worth dominated the Night of Free Expression on Friday. Poets, singers, and dancers of different backgrounds performed in the McNeil Room to a supportive and enthusiastic audience.
Club Spotlight
UPAC Cinema highlights student interests through recent, classic film selections
February 28, 2018
Two weeks ago, I went to see Thor: Ragnarok at the Union Programs and Activities Committee Cinema on campus.
Student Senate
Constitution changes hotly debated
February 28, 2018
The Student Senate opened one of its final meetings with a motion to appoint Deepika Senthilnathan ’21 as a Club/ICA representative.
Off-Campus Event
Excursion to D.C. fosters connections
February 28, 2018
As we stepped into the lobby of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, I was struck with awe by all of the attention to detail in every inch of the room.
Off-Campus Event
Les Mis production falls short in acting
February 28, 2018
Since its Broadway debut in 1987, Les Misérables continues to be culturally significant both in and out of the musical theater industry.
Top Hat
Grand marshal encourages participation
February 28, 2018
RPI, I want you to run for student government. When I tell people this, I have those who are quick to say yes or no, but the vast majority seem undecided, perplexed, or shy.
Album Review
Timberlake is bringin’ country, flannel back
February 21, 2018
Amidst his ever-encompassing performance at the Super Bowl LII halftime show, Justin Timberlake released his fifth studio album, Man of the Woods—listed first in the Billboard Top 200 this week.
Club Spotlight
SWE Outreach rewarding, educational
February 21, 2018
Earlier this semester, I attended my first Society of Women Engineers’ Outreach Committee. As a member of SWE, I wanted to check out what this committee was about.
Executive Board
Flying Club budget balanced, new representative approved
February 21, 2018
On Thursday, the Executive Board had a busy meeting; it approved the motions for several clubs, along with a new ICA/club representative.
Editorial Notebook
Editor inconvenienced by Canadian tendencies
February 21, 2018
When I was in Canada over Spring Break, some friends and I decided to take advantage of the 18+ drinking age and go on a pub crawl.
Editor’s Corner
Union E-Board should prioritize transparency
February 21, 2018
Since resigning from the Rensselaer Union Executive Board, I have had a bunch of people ask me why. In the Board’s most recent meeting, President of the Union Matt Rand ’19 said that it was because of The Poly.
Derby
PU shares Executive Board’s justification for banning recordings: privacy, comfort
February 21, 2018
Hello everyone! I apologize for my recent lapse in writing Derby articles for you all, but I wanted to check in and catch you all up to date.
Editorial Notebook
Glass blowing checked off bucket list, studio added
February 21, 2018
I like glass. I started glass science research during my freshman year at Rensselaer, eager to learn something new and foreign.
Movie Review
Black Panther’s successes: political commentary, talented cast, characters
February 21, 2018
As the newest instillation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Panther is a true work of art and a gold standard of what superhero movies should be.
Student Senate
Senate overrides E-Board policy on livestreaming
February 15, 2018
On Wednesday, the Student Senate passed a resolution regarding the recording and livestreaming of open student government body meetings, approved the Grand Marshal Week 2018 Handbook, and failed to approve the appointment of an Executive Board representative.
Top Hat
Take a look at the UAR
February 14, 2018
Hello, RPI! On Sunday, the Senate approved the Union Annual Report for fiscal year 2019. This document—comparable to a public firm’s annual financial disclosure—outlines where and how your Activity Fee is spent.
Album Review
Black Panther anticipated for soundtrack
February 14, 2018
Let me start this off by saying this isn’t your average album review. Black Panther The Album Music from and Inspired By, also known as Black Panther: The Album, is no ordinary soundtrack.
Executive Board
Policy prohibiting recording passed
February 14, 2018
The Executive Board meeting on Thursday saw the RPI Students for the Exploration and Development of Space seek Union recognition, the adoption of an amended Rensselaer Union Executive Board Special Rules of Order, and a review and approval of the Rensselaer Union Room Reservation and Events Policy.
Editorial Notebook
Cement: material of past, present, future
February 14, 2018
There have been many important inventions and engineering breakthroughs throughout the years. But, what comes to mind as one of the most important to humanity? Cement is probably one of your top answers.
Empac Event
Porn industry’s implicit design explored
February 14, 2018
“They’re part of a $97 billion industry, whose revenues in the [United States] alone exceeds baseball, basketball, and football combined,” said Patrick Keilty, referencing the pornography industry in his talk, “Pornography’s Graphical Interface,” at the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center on Thursday.
Letter To The Editor
Transformation?
February 14, 2018
Dr. Jackson, I received your letter requesting a donation to the Rensselaer Annual Fund. In it, you indicate that you have “transformed” the Institute and wish to carry this transformation through into broader society.
Letter To The Editor
Student action needed
February 14, 2018
My name is Adam Cleri, and I love Rensselaer. I attended RPI some nine years ago, from 2008–09. This was one of the—if not the—most pivotal years in my maturing as an adult, and I am sorry I did not stay all four years.
Editor's Corner
Lack of discussion around UAR concerning
February 14, 2018
I was initially going to write a short piece about our recent lack of a sports section—stay tuned or skip to the end of the article for that—but then I went to the emergency meeting of the Student Senate on Sunday.
Student Senate
UAR approved in special meeting
February 14, 2018
The Student Senate held an emergency meeting last Sunday to vote on the Union Annual Report for fiscal year 2019, a document detailing the Rensselaer Union’s budget and the Activity Fee the Union will charge students.
Letter To The Editor
You can’t assume that everyone has Facebook
February 7, 2018
Imagine wanting to go to an event, only to find that the tickets sold out before you even knew they were on sale.
Administration
Jackson thanks Bystroff for email
February 7, 2018
“That was a very brave thing you did, and I deeply appreciate it. These things are hard, and I just wanted to thank you for being willing to speak up on my behalf,” wrote President Shirley Ann Jackson in an email to Professor and Director of the Bioinformatics Program Chris Bystroff.
Transportation
Projected cost of SafeRide: $120k
February 7, 2018
SafeRide is the newest addition to Rensselaer’s Student Living and Learning arsenal of student resources, chosen “in response to students’ requests for another transportation option.” The door-to-door service has been designed with the safety of student users in mind, and acts within a similar boundary to the RPI Campus Shuttle.
Executive Board
Outing Club now off probation
February 7, 2018
During the Executive Board meeting on Thursday, money for Big Red Freakout shirts and facepaint was approved, the Outing Club was taken off probation, the Domino Toppling Club was approved for Union recognition, and a motion regarding the Gaming Club was tabled.
Sports
Philadelphia Eagles soar to first Super Bowl victory
February 7, 2018
On Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles went head-to-head with the New England Patriots in Minneapolis. They defeated the Patriots 41-33, securing their first ever Super Bowl win.
On-Campus Event
ZuZu acrobats flip, jump, limbo
February 7, 2018
On Saturday afternoon, the center of the McNeil Room was empty. Rows of chairs were set up around three sides of the clearing.
Album Review
Fall Out Boy renewed
February 7, 2018
As a junior in high school, I was introduced to Fall Out Boy through their Save Rock and Roll album, which was considered their newer music at the time.
Book Review
Dystopian series has compelling world
February 7, 2018
Do you like Game of Thrones? Ancient Roman history? Dystopian fiction? How about The Hunger Games? Well, if any of these things interest you, then I strongly suggest that you give Pierce Brown’s Red Rising saga a try.
Staff Editorial
Jackson, Eastin, Bystroff out of touch
February 7, 2018
President Shirley Ann Jackson and Vice President for Institute Advancement Graig Eastin recently endorsed an email attributing a decrease in alumni donations to racism, sexism, and heightism.
Editorial Notebook
Theorizing about Apple’s business strategies
February 7, 2018
Apple is a company which seemingly draws controversy like no other. Some use their products religiously, often swearing off alternatives, while others wonder how people can justify spending obscene amounts of money on products which often stray so far from the norm.
Letter To The Editor
Discussion appropriate
February 7, 2018
On January 29, 2018, Graig Eastin, vice president for institute advancement, forwarded to all alumni an email authored by Chris Bystroff, Ph.D, addressed to faculty.
Letter To The Editor
Faculty Senate issues response
February 7, 2018
To Rensselaer Faculty and Community, We, the faculty of Rensselaer, are proud of our alumni. As President of the Faculty Senate, I am thankful to have the honor to communicate this message.
Letter To The Editor
Bystroff has a point
February 7, 2018
Let’s put aside the distractions, the specific wording of the Bystroff email, the talk of heightism—which according to the Journal of Applied Psychology is real, by the way—or the appropriateness of sending it to the alums.