News

Construction on Rensselaer’s quantum computer is finishing up, with an unveiling set for April 5.

Senate approves Union constitution changes that will allow any member of the Union to run for Grand Marshal and President of the Union in the event of a vacancy. Additionally, two candidates can run together on the general ballot election if one knows they won’t be able to complete a full term. The board also discussed changing all pronouns in the constitution to be gender-neutral, but was tabled at the next meeting.

Several clubs including the Rensselyrics, UPAC Cinema and Chess Club all received reallocations. In addition, many Executive board members were confirmed to their chair positions.

Students with Families was approved to become a Union-funded club, and RPI TV was granted an additional subsidy for new headsets.

The Student Senate discussed a new amendment to the Union Constitution that would alter the election process for Student Government positions.

RPI is looking to invest $25 million in a new AI initiative, the Empire AI consortium. The $400 million initiative will be funded by several private institutions along with a $275 million grant from New York state.

The Undergraduate Council will now oversee bussing to the Mayor’s Cup Game. RPI Red Zone had traditionally overseen the program, but since the club has become inactive the UC will now be in charge of the $750 program.

The Student Senate met virtually this past Thursday to approve Catherine Philipps ’24 as the 135th President of the Union.

The Union will be left without a permanent president when Ava Gallagher ’23G steps down to graduate. The E-Board appointed Catherine Philipps ’24 to replace Gallagher but the Senate failed to confirm Philipps.

President of the Union Ava Gallagher '23 resigned from her position, leading current Club Operations Chair Catherine Philipps '24 to be appointed as the 135th President of the Union by a majority vote.

The Executive Board held their penultimate meeting of the semester last Thursday as they were approached by seven clubs, most of which were seeking union affiliation or union recognition. The Board also appointed Jake Herman ’23G and Abigail Golden ’24 as Advisor to the President and Archduchess to the President, respectively, approved a room reallocation and renamed a fund.

The Heffner Alumni House will be open for finals week studying on December 11. The Student Senate discusses morning mail improvements.

The Student Senate hosted Provost Dr. Rebecca Doerge for a discussion on the future of Rensselaer on Monday, November 6.

The Executive Board prepared for the release of Fiscal Year 2025 budgets.

The Executive Board discussed the couches, tables, and chairs they received from Jon Kessler ’79 ’82G and continued administrative budgeting.

The Senate passed a motion to begin work on several Facilities and Services Committee projects. In addition, Vivian Rost-Nasshan ’26 was appointed an Independent Senator.

Julie Barringer ‘23G discussed RPI’s recent decision to change their health insurance plan from CDPHP to MVP. She intends to increase transparency on healthcare decisions between the Student Health Center and the student body. The Senate passed a motion to solidify their ownership of the Supplemental Course Materials project.

Small subsidies were given to Women's Club Volleyball and Table Tennis Club. The board continued administrative budgeting for the next fiscal year.

During the Fall Town Meeting, Dr. Martin A. Schmidt '81 highlighted the unveiling of Rensselaer’s Quantum Computational Center, his plan to transform RPI into one of the nation’s leaders in semiconductor-related research, and gave his update on the planning process for RPI’s bicentennial.

The Executive Board approved an additional subsidy of $975 for the Humans vs Zombies club to travel to invitationals.

News10 ABC evening anchor Lydia Kulbida hosted the 2023 Troy Mayoral debate between Republican candidate Carmella Mantello and Democrat Nina Nichols. Debate questions covered various topics, primarily focusing on the current lead pipe issue, improving overall Troy economy and livability, plans for decreasing crime, and main priorities in candidates’ first budget.

The Executive Board discussed future construction projects, such as the renovation of the RPI Playhouse and the construction of two pavilions on campus. In addition, several clubs were granted additional funding.

Vice President for Student Life Peter Konwerski is stepping down at the end of this academic year. The Student Life office is moving into the Provost office and various changes are in motion to improve academic and student life.

In a jam-packed meeting, the Executive Board honored Union donor Jon Kessler ’79, ’82G, who pledged to donate $1 million to the Union over the next five years. Additionally, The E-Board granted a subsidy request to ACHA Hockey, approved fundraising and tabling motions for RPI Dance Team, and approved the affiliations for Young Democratic Socialists of America and the Rensselaer Philosophy Society. Four clubs were sunset, Conversation Corner and Mandarin Club, Isshinryu Karate, Juggling Club, and Kung Fu Club.