The “town and gown” relations between Rensselaer students and our Troy neighbors have been the topic of much discussion on campus and in the news in recent weeks. In late October, the Student Senate passed a resolution calling for an end to what it termed “the continued harassment of RPI students by the City of Troy.” This was in response to the arrest of two Rensselaer students by Troy Police for alleged violations of the city’s noise ordinance. Subsequently, Dean of Students Mark Smith called a meeting November 4 with student leaders, Troy officials, and representatives of the Institute administration to discuss the quality of life issues underlying the concerns of Rensselaer students and the city.
In light of these events and the continued discussion of the related issues, I want you to know that your safety and security are of paramount importance to me, to the Rensselaer administration, and to the Office of Public Safety. We are here to make your university experience as rewarding and as full as possible while enabling you to gain independence and maturity. While we focus on academic excellence at Rensselaer and, as you know, the Institute offers a rigorous educational experience, we also are here to nurture you as people.
Of course, college students have been known for their moments of over-exuberance and very late hours for as long as there have been young people away at school. Having fun certainly is a significant part of the college experience. The good times you have with friends today will form many of the cherished memories of Rensselaer that you will take with you through life. Fun, however, need not be disruptive or destructive.
Rensselaer offers a myriad of cultural, social, and athletic events for your enjoyment as well as clubs and organizations in which you can explore your special interests. I urge you to take advantage of these offerings—as well as those throughout the Capital Region. Keeping busy, engaged, and entertained will make your time at Rensselaer more memorable and enriching.
In turn, part of maturing as individuals is learning to be good neighbors. The Rensselaer campus borders and is intertwined with several residential communities in Troy. Rensselaer maintains a strong presence in these areas with fraternity and sorority houses as well as numerous off-campus houses and apartments.
Rensselaer students are a vital part of the Troy community. You add life and vibrancy to the neighborhoods where you reside. As members of these communities it is important to remember that your neighbors have a right to the quiet, peaceful enjoyment of their homes, as do you. That means respecting their property, as well as the homes you inhabit, and abiding by the city’s quality of life ordinances.
But I challenge you to go a step further. Why not introduce yourselves to your neighbors and talk about what you can do to make your block or neighborhood a better place? Perhaps you will discover you have concerns in common or that you share ideas about how to improve where you live. Although as students of Rensselaer, you are temporary residents of the city, you will leave a lasting impression with your fellow citizens of Troy. Work hard to make those impressions positive ones.
I also encourage you to continue to bring your concerns to the attention of student life administrators and public safety office staff. They are here to help you.
As we approach the Thanksgiving break, I wish you a happy and healthy holiday. As you enjoy the time with family and friends, remember to get plenty of rest in anticipation of the end of the semester and the upcoming examination period.
Happy Thanksgiving.
