News

The Student Senate approved only four members of the Executive Board out of a planned sixteen after Ria Massoni ’24G called for more transparent operations within student government. The remaining members still await confirmation before the end of the semester if the E-Board is to remain functional this summer.

The 55th Student Senate meets for the first time under Grand Marshal Vivian Rost-Nasshan '26. The Elections Commission reveals an ongoing investigation.

The Executive Board has approved a reallocation of funds for The Polytechnic to purchase a new camera.

President of the Union Catherine Philipps ’24, ’25G hosted the penultimate Executive Board meeting of her first term last Thursday. The RMA reallocated funds to purchase a Mac mini, Chess Club received a $500 subsidy to purchase chess sets, and RPI Dance Team and Women’s Club Volleyball both received subsidies to attend national competitions. Director of the Union Charlie Potts also gave a presentation on upcoming Union renovations.

Vivian Rost-Nasshan ’26 has been elected Grand Marshal, beating Ria Massoni ’25G in a historic runoff election.

The Executive Board gave a formal denouncement to the actions of the Union’s administrative staff regarding the unconstitutional hiring of Cait Bennett as an administrative specialist. Society of Plastics Engineers approved for club affiliation, RPI Club Field Hockey achieves Union recognition, and the Director of the Union Dr. Charlie Potts presents the Union’s upcoming construction and renovation projects to the Executive Board. Additionally, the E-Board approves the hiring of William Weinert for the position of Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs.

After the first tie for Grand Marshal in GM Week history, the Elections Commission is eager to improve the voting process. Also, controversy surrounding the endorsement of GM candidate Vivian Rost-Nasshan ’26 by current Grand Marshal Ben Viner ’24 was discussed.

As a result of the recent historic tie for Grand Marshal, candidates Ria Massoni ’24, ’25G and Vivian Rost-Nasshan ’26 took the stage again for a second debate. The questioning built upon statements made in the previous debate and included more candidate-specific questions. The debate was moderated once again by Elections Commission Chairperson Timothy Miles ’24.

Previous Grand Marshal Cait Bennett ’23G was hired as an Administrative Specialist for the Rensselaer Union. However, she was hired under the discretion of the Director of the Union Dr. Charlie Potts without the knowledge and approval of the Union Executive Board. As per the Union Constitution, the E-Board “shall approve the hiring and continuance of all administrative personnel of the Union.”

The Elections Commission has announced a second debate for Monday, April 1 between Grand Marshal candidates Ria Massoni ’24, ’25G and Vivian Rost-Nasshan ’26. The Commission has also set Wednesday, April 3 for the runoff election.

In the last Student Senate meeting before Grand Marshal Week, Provost Rebecca Doerge meets with members to discuss her first year at Rensselaer.

The McNeil room was approved for use for multiple events related to Grand Marshal Week. Subsidies were approved for the Indian Students Association and Badminton Club, a financial reallocation was approved for Bhangra, and the Rensselaer Pride Alliance received permission to hold a club formal.

Catherine Philipps ’24, ’25G has been elected President of the Union. Paul Khoury ’26 has elected as Undergraduate President. A runoff election between Ria Massoni ’24, ’25G and Vivian Rost-Nasshan ’26 will be held to elect the Grand Marshal.

Five candidates took the stage for the Grand Marshal Week debate moderated by Elections Committee Chairperson Timothy Miles ’24. The debate offered one last chance for the candidates to present themselves to the student body and share their opinions on various topics and issues.

RPI Math Club approached the Executive Board for Union affiliation, RPI Code Red, Union Show Techs, RPI Quadball presented their need for additional subsidies

The Senate passed a motion urging the administration to reduce parking fees until May 26, 2024.

Senate discussed the motion to recognize the Undergraduate President as the spokesperson for the undergraduate population. Timothy Miles ’24 kicks off the election season with updates and approval of the handbook.

RPI Rounak secured a subsidy to attend a national competition. The Black Students' Alliance also had a subsidy approved for their annual Ebony Ball, while the Rensselaer Economics Club gained unanimous Union affiliation.

An interview with President Schmidt on his goals for the year, RPI at 200, campus safety, mental health, the Arch and more.

The RPI Film club approached the Executive Board for Union Recognition and was rejected, the Flying Pigs Society applied for a starter budget, and the RPI Men’s Lacrosse Club petitioned for Union funds to help cover practice space for their upcoming season. Additionally, Executive Board member Emryn Philogene ‘25 was confirmed to fill the empty Business Operations Committee seat.

The Student Senate approved new motion involving safety in an effort to urge the administration to make campus safer for students. Additionally, a new representative was confirmed and an amendment to the Union Constitution was discussed.

A new motion to alter the Constitution to use more gender inclusive language was added to the ballot for Grand Marshal Week. Also, discussion began for a new Student Senate project focusing on pedestrian safety on campus.

The RPI Warhammer and RPI Quantum Computing Clubs were approved for Union recognition while the RPI Pickleball Club was approved to receive a starter budget.