Maya Johnson

Assistant Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Travis Apgar presented rules in place for unvaccinated students on campus in front of the Student Senate. Restrictions include more frequent testing, wearing a mask at outdoor events, and following special dining hours.

The Student Senate voted to create the position of Multicultural Sorority and Fraternity Council Liaison, allowing the appointed liaison, Karina Sandoval ’22, to give her report during Senate meetings.

The Student Senate approved changes to the Class of 2025 Freshman Elections Handbook, adding new nomination eligibility clauses and reverting to in-person campaigning and election procedures.

The 52nd Student Senate confirmed the appointments of the new Executive Board representatives, Senate cabinet members, and Vice Grand Marshal over meetings from April 14 to May 5.

Public health officials warn of possible side effects, but what if they weren't all negative? The Poly is bringing back comics with graphic artist Habib Nahouta at the helm.

Why should you, a college student, worry about the lives of sex workers? Your attitude can help them reclaim the dignity and respect they deserve, while their lives have become even more challenging due to the pandemic, writes Associate Editorial/Opinion Editor Maya Johnson ’22.

The Union Executive Board passed a motion to approve RPI Fire Emblem as a Union-recognized club.

The Union Executive Board passed motions on February 23 to allow the RPI Pep Band to purchase new sheet music and to keep the outer Union doors open during shuttle hours. They also approved the appointment of Joe Mampilil ’22 to Club Operations Chairperson.

The Union Executive Board approved a proposal February 23 that will allow students qualifying for multiple cohorts to choose which cohort to vote in. This fixes an issue that prevented students from voting in their preferred cohort last year.

Students returning to campus for the Spring semester face increased risk of COVID-19 by rejoining the Rensselaer community. Five students share their views on remote learning, the return to campus, and the COVID-19 vaccine, among other topics, with The Polytechnic.

Associate Editorial/Opinion Editor Maya Johnson reflects on how social interactions have changed for her during this socially-distanced semester.

The Executive Board has passed a blanket approval on a list of virtual activities for clubs this fall. Activities included under the blanket approval are virtual events, including trivia nights, escape rooms, lectures, training, cooking events, crafting, and movie nights.

Over 4,200 members of the Rensselaer community were tested for COVID-19 prior to the return to campus this fall in an impressive feat of organization. While the process has gone remarkably smoothly, we hope that improvement in communication can make it even better.

Rensselaer is on the 2020 Pi Theta Kappa honor roll for transfer friendly colleges, but their communication with transfer students falls short. RPI must do more to live up to its honor roll status by treating transfer students with equal regard as the rest of the student body, even with the extenuating circumstances caused by COVID-19.