Opinion

Associate Business Manager Gemma Beatty ’26 discusses the recent popularity of film photography and whether this vintage trend is worthwhile for both the industry and its customers.

RAs at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) have been fighting for fair pay, better work distribution, and improved communication with RPI administration for around 3 years. After significant effort and organizing, the RA union at RPI is poised to win their labor union election, which will take place next week on March 28th and March 29th.

The Polytechnic asked the President of the Union candidate to discuss her goals and to reflect on her experiences in Student Government. Here is her response.

The Polytechnic endorses Ben Viner ’24 for Grand Marshal. With goals to improve campus resources, expand the work of senate committees and increase communication between the student government, student body, and administration, Viner outlined several key ideas he had for the Student Senate.

The Polytechnic endorses Ava Gallagher ’23G for President of the Union. Along with improving communication, Gallagher plans to ensure all clubs are well-represented, rebuild the E-Boards’ relationship with the student-athlete population, and establish new spaces around campus and within the Union for different organizations.

The Polytechnic endorses Ria Massoni ’24 for undergraduate president. Massoni’s goals to further improve the Arch Task Force and establish communication between the class councils can create a stronger Undergraduate Council for the year to come.

The Polytechnic asked undergraduate president candidates to discuss her goals and leadership experience and to reflect on Student Government as a whole. Here are her responses.

The Polytechnic asked the Grand Marshal candidate to discuss his goals and to reflect on his experiences in Student Government. Here is his response.

Associate News Editor Alex Boyko '26 writes about his experience with piping plovers and a recent opportunity to support them with help from the Audubon Youth Advocacy Program.

Efforts to make synthetic breastmilk are underway, with companies such as Biomilq, TurtleTree Labs, and Helaina seeking to create artificial human breastmilk. Why artificially create breastmilk is there any benefit?

An individual by the name of Tyriek McGraw was arrested for criminal trespass on campus on February 9. Posters issued by Public Safety were placed around on campus, warning students about the individual.

The idea of HelloFresh makes sense but it doesn’t always work for everyone. Associate Composing Editor Marissa Ho '26 explains why.

After spotting multiple bats on campus, students grow more concerned. Associate Composing Editor Rachelle Luo ’26 describes her experience and thoughts after witnessing a bat in class.

Associate News Editor Alex Boyko ’26 explains the importance of mindfulness and why he struggled to understand it.

Looking for some new beverage recommendations? Here are The Poly’s current favorites!

Managing Editor Gavin MacKenzie ’25 writes about the toxic environment Formula 1 fans have created.

Features Editor Anna Zuniga ’26 reflects on EMPAC, encouraging more students to use the space and attend events.

Copy Editor Mattaya Gibbs ’24 recounts all that she learned while going about her day.

Oftentimes there is pressure to make New Year’s resolutions, but hardly anyone sticks to them. Contributing Editor Anna Stubbs ’26 explains why she stopped making them altogether.

Editor in Chief Alexander Orr ’25 argues about the importance of proper communication and how an email from Martin A. Schmidt ’81 did it wrong.

Looking for some fun new movie and TV show recommendations? Here is what The Polytechnic staff have been watching recently.

Are finals really that beneficial for learning? Editorial/Opinion Editor Soma Patra ’26 argues that the cons outweigh the pros.

The annual Dutchman Shoes game is always a highlight of the Rensselaer football season. The RPI Engineers and the Union Dutchmen have a historic rivalry which is the fifth oldest in NCAA Division III and the oldest in the state of New York. Yet, despite each meeting between the Dutchmen and Engineers adding to the legacy of this rivalry, no one can agree on who won the first game in 1886.