News
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ASA motion to change member dues fails
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.
Union receives lighting subsidy, Jordan Krishnayah appointed
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.
Senate reinstates Title IX and Bystander Intervention Training Policy for RPI club leaders
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.
Former Grand Marshal investigated & Duties of office Clarified
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.
E-Board overwhelming rejects motion to place Rensselaer Voices for Palestine on probation
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.
Conflict among Senators puts Executive Board operations in jeopardy
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.
55th Student Senate starts new term with uncertainty
The 55th Student Senate meets for the first time under Grand Marshal Vivian Rost-Nasshan '26. The Elections Commission reveals an ongoing investigation.
Executive Board approves reallocation for The Polytechnic
The Executive Board has approved a reallocation of funds for The Polytechnic to purchase a new camera.
Philipps hosts penultimate E-Board meeting of first term
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 elected Grand Marshal in runoff election
Vivian Rost-Nasshan ’26 has been elected Grand Marshal, beating Ria Massoni ’25G in a historic runoff election.
E-Board denounces actions of Dr. Charlie Potts over Bennett hiring, plans to shut down Rathskeller over summer for renovations
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.
Elections Commission addresses GM Week election
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.
Massoni, Rost-Nasshan take the stage for Grand Marshal runoff
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.
Union hires Cait Bennett ’23G without Executive Board approval
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.”