News

The Center for Career Professional Development and Panhellenic Council were approved to use three rooms in the Union for company info sessions and a “Meet the Chapters” event, respectively. Also, Ramesis Munoz-Valverde ’24 was appointed Club Ops Chair.

The Student Senate requested a funding reallocation for new shuttle tracker technology, the Outing Club requested an additional subsidy as well as a funding reallocations, and the Union ShowTechs requested permission to fundraise for equipment repairs. Moreover, Director of Student Activities Cameron McLean reported that rules on cooking in the Union are being rewritten.

Grand Marshal Cait Bennett ‘23G opened the meeting with an update on the recent investigation into the Interfraternity Council. Shortly into the meeting, a motion to close the meeting was seconded.

Student Senate increased Class Council dues by one dollar. Treasurer Ibrahim Ali ’24 was also asked to step down after missing a budgeting deadline. Additionally, Philip Paterson ’25 presented the Resident Life Report on campus housing.

The Polytechnic interviewed Martin Schmidt ’81 to discuss goals for the future.

Vice President of Student Life Peter Konwerski presented a draft of the Student Life Performance Plan, outlining goals to improve student retention, make investments in housing, and “enhance the Arch.”

RPI Rounak was given approval to fundraise for costumes and props.

Women’s Club Basketball was approved for the start of their season, and clubs under the Rensselaer Music Association were consolidated into one.

The Student Senate conducted a Q&A session with President Schmidt, asking questions that ranged from mental health, Greek life, and Schmidt’s day-to-day.

The Student Senate held a discussion led by Philip Paterson ’25 on the recent flooding of Colonie B. Jacob Fuhr was appointed as Class of 2025 Representative, and the Senate approved a motion to urge the Campus Card Office and Student Life to allow students to use their preferred names on their IDs.

The Executive Board approved funding reallocations for the Senate’s annual survey, the Chinese Students and Scholars Association’s Lunar New Year Celebrations, the Dance Dance Revolution’s game pad repairs, and approved the starter budget for the Caribbean Student Association.

President Martin Schmidt ’81 held his first Town Hall where he discussed shuttles, the Arch, and his three-step plan for the future.

The Executive Board sought to create a new position called the assistant director of wellness. Administrators insisted on closing the meeting; however, which led to a standstill.

The Student Senate rejected a proposal to increase class dues by one dollar. Undergraduate President Ria Massoni ’24 submitted the proposal so that the class councils and Undergraduate Council could have more funds available for events and to send two students to the National Association for Campus Activities Conference. Also, Class of 2024 Senator Gabriel Tambalini was impeached.

The Executive Board unanimously passed a motion to remove the club mailboxes from the Student Government Suite club library.

Global Medical Brigades, Meitokukan Kendo, Gajjdge Sher Bhangra, and Chess Club receive extra funding, Sanay Tralshawala ’26 Appointed Marketing and Strategy Committee Chair.

Miles Thomas was elected Class of 2026 President and Addison Mulder was elected Class of 2026 Vice President. Class senators and representatives were also elected.

The Student Senate unanimously voted to remove Class of 2024 Senator Michael Mendez from his position. The motion to remove Class of 2024 senator Gabriel Tambellini was delayed until October 26.

Student Senate voted to impeach two Class of 2024 senators. The meeting of impeachment will be held October 19.

Women in the class of 2026 were offered a $20,000 grant in hopes of increasing women enrollment. The class of 2026 has the most women in a single class, although the class itself is made up of 30% women.

The Ultimate Frisbee team was approved for a new coach and the Rensselaer Pride Alliance were given the go-ahead for restoration.

The Student Senate unanimously approved a change to the Undergraduate Council Budget Policy clarifying how class dues are distributed to class councils.

While most students enjoyed a block party on the ’86 Field, others sat in the EMPAC Concert Hall as notable figures welcomed Schmidt to Rensselaer.

The Rensselaer community grieves over the unexpected passing of 19-year-old sophomore Alana Tow.