To the Editor:
As the new vice president for Enrollment, I have been at RPI for a bit over 3 months now—I was at Yale before coming to RPI—and wanted to share with you some general observations about my RPI experience so far. My comments will focus on the student body, our faculty, and also the administration.
First, to all the members of the Rensselaer community—you folks are amazing and should start realizing it. I will admit that when I accepted the position, I imagined a fair amount of pocket protectors would permeate the campus. What a wonderful surprise to arrive and find a group of bright, friendly, outgoing, and intellectually engaged students. Parents and counselors consistently tell us that it is the students that impressed them most about their visit to campus. You are every bit as impressive as your peers in Cambridge, New Haven, Philadelphia, or Pittsburgh (and you work harder too), so take pride in your accomplishments and where you go to school. On a side note, don’t be afraid to join a club and attend some sports games. All work and no play…
Our faculty is incredibly engaged and they truly care about the students. Every day in the admissions office, I hear how a visiting high school student stopped in a lab, office, or classroom and was welcomed by the professor. In my meetings with the school deans, the provost, and individual faculty members, students always come first. The new Early Warning System is in place to make sure that every student who matriculates is successful at Rensselaer. The research that goes on here is mind-boggling and incredibly important for the future. I understand there are over 170 new professors on campus, which has driven down our student/faculty ratio, and we are one of the few institutions of our caliber where all classes are taught by faculty.
Many of my colleagues from other schools and I are in awe of how much RPI has changed and accomplished in a short period of time. The Institute is leading the way in every field of engineering, biotechnology, electronic arts, and so much more. The campus is beautiful and amazing research facilities have sprung up overnight. I can tell you that the vice presidents work from dawn to dawn to provide you the best physical, fiscal, and intellectual resources. Dr. Jackson inspires and guides these efforts, and brings national and international notoriety to Rensselaer (she also garners the resources to make them happen). Students have more opportunities to meet with the president and all of the administrators than any other top-tier school in the country. Take advantage of it! Even if you don’t like pizza, stop in and chat with Dr. Jackson. If you have ideas for improving admissions, recruiting, or financial aid, stop in and see me. We’re here to help you and to listen.
Is RPI perfect? No. Neither are any other universities. Are we going places? Yes! After three months on the job, I could not be more excited to be here. When I am out on the road giving talks about admissions, I am proud to be representing RPI!
For those of you I have met, thank you for your warm welcome to campus. For those I have not met, I look forward to seeing you in the Union or at a game.
P.S.—Where is Puckman?
James Nondorf
Vice President for Enrollment
