News


Executive Board

RMA approved for club fundraising

The Rensselaer Music Association was approved to begin fundraising for their upcoming Jazz Night. The African Student Association reallocated funds used to host their annual Africa Night. The Graduate Council has access to the McNeil room for an open conversation with RPI administration.

Student Senate

Student Senate has a Fireside Chat with the Provost

Senate had a Fireside Chat with the Provost, expressed concerns over anonymous reporting—ultimately passing a motion to clarify the Good Samaritan policy for greater transparency—and discussed the proposed Senate FY26 budget.

Executive Board

RUGP revision now partially in effect

In a brief meeting, the Executive Board declared the RUGP effective immediately as of that meeting and approved UPAC Comedy’s request for special McNeil room use before closing the room for administrative budgeting purposes.

Student Senate

Sign policy continues to delay updated version of RUGP

Student Senate referred motion to approve the Rensselaer Union Guidelines and Procedures sign policy back to the Student Life Committee to be reevaluated. The Common Organizational Terms Act of 2024 was approved.

Press Release

Senate addresses significant safety concerns on campus, urging the Institute to publicly respond and reassure the student body

In a press release, the Student Senate addresses recent communications to members of the Senate about significant safety concerns on campus.

Student Senate

Senate introduces Common Organizational Terms Act

A new act was put forward that could potentially standardize definitions of several terms used within the operation of the Student Union.

Executive Board

E-Board approved three reallocation requests

UPAC Cinema, Game Development, and Cycling clubs were granted reallocation requests. Admin budgeting also began.

Interview

Interview with Vice Provost Hradsky on drop deadline, the Arch, testing center, and more

Vice Provost for the Student Experience Robert Hradsky sat down with The Poly to discuss the drop deadline, Arch, the testing center, and more.

Student Senate

Senate addresses RUGP constitutional concerns

The Student Senate convened to address significant governance issues, referring amendments to the Rensselaer Union Guidelines and Procedures by the E-Board to the J-Board, appointing new members to the J-Board, and addressing communication issues and Title IX training.

Executive Board

E-Board approves additional subsidies

The Chinese Students and Scholars Association, Game Development Club, and Women’s Club Basketball all requested additional subsidies.

Breaking News

Car crash on 15th, no injuries reported

At approximately 8 pm Monday, a red car allegedly stolen drove recklessly through 15th Street, hitting parked cars in front of the Rensselaer Union.

Town Meeting

Schmidt announces slowdown in growth plans during Town Meeting

President Schmidt hosted his fifth town meeting where he discussed RPI’s bicentennial, enrollment, the state of higher education and more.

Executive Board

E–Board approves RUGP revision

The Executive Board approved the October 2024 revision of the Rensselaer Union Guidelines and Procedures, upon approval of signage policy by the Student Senate. Changes include a concrete Union signage policy, a clear, public link for new form interest, an increased reimbursement for gas, and various small items. Additionally, Google Developer Groups on Campus at RPI became Union Affiliated, and a few other clubs’ motions passed.

Student Senate

Senate pushes for sweeping changes to RPI’s sidewalks and crosswalks

A traffic report was presented by Dominick Celeste ’25 on needed civil improvements to the RPI campus, and a new committee was made to investigate the strangely small class size of the Class of ’28.

Executive Board

RPI League of Legends and Pickleball Club receive funding

RPI League of Legends receives a significantly reduced subsidy. Funding is approved for additional equipment and winter practice space for Pickleball Club.

Freshmen Elections

Class of 2028 elects its representatives

The Class of 2028 has elected its representatives. Alondra Correa Valderrain ’28 was elected class president and Lauren Antao ’28 was elected as class vice president.

Executive Board

E-Board reports on Mueller Center smoke and success of CMVP Program

Reports were presented about the Mueller Center smoke and the great success of the Course Materials Value Pack program for students.

Student Senate

Senate amends bylaws to add inquiry powers, passes new election policy

The Student Senate amended its bylaws to allow for formal inquiries into areas concerning the Union membership or Union affairs. They also passed a new election policy to improve the creation of opportunities for Student Workers to poll sit and clarify how the technology used for elections should be used.

Student Senate

Freshmen Elections Handbook receives major updates

The Elections Commission had their latest amendments to the Freshmen Elections Handbook approved three weeks before campaigning was set to begin.

Executive Board

RPI Cricket club becomes Union-recognized club

RPI Cricket club became a Union-recognized club. A motion to reserve the McNeil Room on Friday for a concert was approved.

News

RPI silent over new drop deadline

Despite numerous requests for an explanation, RPI has remained silent on why the drop deadline was moved up from being eight weeks into the semester to only two. The change was meant with almost universal disdain.

Student Senate

Senate revisits indictment of former Grand Marshal

Student Senate withdraws motion to take action on elections and revisits discussion on indictment of the formal Grand Marshal. Jacob Lorelli ’25 was elected for Elections Commission Chair. Senate confirmed Executive Board positions for Quinn Heskett ’28 as Member-at-Large Representative and James Baker ’28 as Club and Organization Representative.

Executive Board

E-Board establishes committee to determine feasibility of extended Union hours and 24-hour Union

The Executive Board has established a special committee to determine the feasibility of both extending the Union’s hours and implementing a 24-hour Union. RPI Model Aircraft Club received a starter budget. The Pakistani Students Association, Capoeira, and Red Zone clubs were sunset, the Students Veterans Association was set as Dormant, and Sole Survivors was placed on probation.

Student Senate

Senate pushes ongoing traffic safety initiative

In their Monday meeting, the Student Senate approved the confirmation of class of ’28 representative Gavin Finn and discussed various housekeeping motions, including the ongoing initiative for pedestrian safety on campus. During the Invitation to Speak period, a last-minute motion brought forward by Graduate Senator Ria Massoni to facilitate further discussion of last semester’s elections ignited extended debate.