News

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.

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.

The African Student Association motion to reduce membership dues from $15 to $10 failed. The Medlife Movement became a Union-affiliated club and RPI Quadball, Alpha Phi Omega, and Chinese American Student Association received additional subsidies. A motion to keep the Union open for 24 hours was tabled for the second week in a row.

The Student Union building acquired a subsidy for new outdoor lighting. Moreover, Jordan Krishnayah ’28 was confirmed as the new chair of the Student Government Communications Committee.

In its first meeting of the semester, the Student Senate heard a motion to reinstate Title IX and Bystander Intervention Training for all RPI Student Union-affiliated clubs and organizations leaders, putting the Union back in accordance with New York State law. The Senate also confirmed nominations for three vacant positions.

In a press release, the Elections Commission announces the conclusion of its investigation into a former Grand Marshal concerning his public endorsement and attempted interference in the GM Week 2024 election.

The Executive Board on Thursday overwhelmingly rejected a motion to place Rensselaer Voices for Palestine on probation. RMA and UPAC came for reallocation requests and Ultimate Frisbee asked for a subsidy for a tournament, which all passed. Science Ambassador’s Union Recognition got tabled indefinitely. Four E-Board members were confirmed for chairperson positions.

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.