News
RPI Ambulance flashes lights towards new ambulance
RPI ambulance was approved to obtain quotes for a new ambulance, and RPI Club Softball was granted a stopgap request.
Shuttle Tracker 2.0 to begin rollout
Web Technologies Group chairperson Gabriel Jacoby-Cooper ’24 has announced that Shuttle Tracker 2.0, a complete revamp of the service, will begin to hand out tracking devices to shuttles.
Viner holds first meeting of the semester
Grand Marshal Ben Viner ’24 proposed future Senate changes. Isabele Lieber ’25 and Michelle Li ’26 were appointed to Club and Organization Representative and Class of 2026 Representative, respectively, both of which are voting positions for the Executive Board.
RPI TV gets funding for hockey broadcasting
RPI TV got $12,827.05 for a graphics and replay server, as well as general infrastructure to perform to ESPN+ standards for hockey broadcasting. RPI Brazilian Jiu Jitsu became Union affiliated.
Union to spend $27k to furnish Student Government Suite
The Executive Board approved the allocation of $27,268 to purchase new furniture for the Student Government Suite, two-thirds of which came from a donation by Jon Kessler ’79. The Board also approved a motion to fund four parking passes for members of RPI Ambulance.
Renovations of Russell Sage Dining Hall completed
Summer break renovations of Russell Sage Dining Hall were completed. Changes include a new entrance and updated Simple Zone.
Changes to Union, Mueller Center, and ’87 Gym hours approved
The Executive Board voted to alter the hours of operation for the Rensselaer Union, Mueller Center, and ’87 Gym. They also approved the appointment of Michelle Martinez ’26 as the new Multicultural Leadership Council chairperson.
RPI settles COVID-19 tuition lawsuit for $6.5 million
President Martin A. Schmidt ’81 announced that Rensselaer has settled a class action lawsuit related to tuition payments during the pandemic for $6.5 million.
E-Board confirms the closure of Ben and Jerry’s on campus
The Executive Board proposed a flurry of changes in the upcoming Fall semester including Ben and Jerry’s closure on September 1, 2023, Student Government Suite renovations, and Union Hair Salon plans.
E-Board approves installation of new security cameras in the Union
The first Executive Board meeting of the Fiscal Year 2024 started with an additional subsidy approval for RPI Rugby. The Board also approved the installation of new security cameras in the Union which will be funded by the Institute.
E-Board caps off semester granting starter budget to Club Softball
The Executive Board held its final business meeting of the year last Thursday. In contrast to the prior two meetings, the E-Board did not have issues reaching quorum as the Senate appointed 17 new voting members to the E-Board the night before.
Senate approves Executive Board, Judicial Board appointments
Talulah Patch ’24 won the run-off for Class of 2024 President. Moreover, the Student Senate approved six Judicial Board appointments and 17 Executive Board appointments.
Senate debates micromobility device concerns
The Student Senate debated over possible future handbook changes regarding micromobility devices on campus.
E-Board approves funding reallocation for UPAC to host Field Day
UPAC General was approved for a funding reallocation to host a Field day on April 23. For the last day of classes on April 26, UPAC comedy has invited two comedians to perform in the McNeil Room. RPI Wrestling received an additional subsidy to cover a portion of the cost for the team to travel to their national tournament in Puerto Rico.
Viner holds first meeting as Grand Marshal
Grand Marshal Ben Viner ’24 runs his first Senate meeting as Grand Marshal. The Senate held basic introductions.
UAR 2024 approved, Dance Team receives subsidy
President of the Union Ava Gallagher ’23G has announced that the Union Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024 was approved by the Institute. RPI’s Dance Team received a subsidy to attend the National Dance Alliance competition in Daytona Beach, Florida.
RPI Rugby receives tournament funds in first Gallagher-run Executive Board
RPI Rugby gains funding for upcoming Beast of the East tournament, while Dance Team’s additional subsidy for National competition gets tabled for next meeting. The board discusses marketing and solidifying one shade of red for the Union.
Introducing Puckman, RPI’s new experimental chatbot
Rensselaer has begun testing a new chatbot named Puckman, an initiative being led by the Department of Undergraduate Education. The chatbot sent out text messages to most of the freshmen cohort on March 30. An email from Keith Moo-Young, Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education, explained that the goal of the initiative is to boost student success.
RA Union approved in 55-9 majority
Resident assistants voted overwhelmingly 55-9 to approve the RA Union. The election, administered by the National Labor Relations Board, took place last Tuesday and Wednesday in the Union. Rensselaer will now be required by law to bargain collectively with the union in relation to RA compensation, benefits, and working conditions.
Faculty applauds updates at Spring Town Meeting
President Martin A. Schmidt ’81 gave an update on what future finances will look like, as well as a few institution changes that many faculty appreciated. Some changes include no charge on paid time off when the school is closed for holiday break and adding Juneteenth to the faculty holiday calendar.
Colleen Corrigan hosts her final E-Board meeting as President of the Union
Former President of the Union Colleen Corrigan ’23G held her final E-Board meeting as President last week. She will be succeeded by Ava Gallagher ’23G.
GM Week election results: Viner, Gallagher elected GM, PU, Massoni reelected UP
Ben Viner ’24 has been elected Grand Marshal and Ava Gallagher ’23G has been elected President of the Union. Ria Massoni '24 was reelected as Undergraduate President.
Cognitive Science Graduate Students Association becomes Union-affiliated, Rensselaer TV fails funding for news program
UPAC Grand Marshal Week is allowed to use the McNeil room for Grand Marshal Week, the Rensselyrics received a funding reallocation for microphones, the Cognitive Science Graduate Students Association becomes Union-affiliated, and the badminton club gained funding for tournaments while RPI TV was rejected for funding for a news show.
Senate approves changes to Good Samaritan Policy
The Senate approved changes to the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy along with changes to the Judicial Process. Both sets of changes were aimed at providing more clarity to students about when certain policies apply.