Student Experience

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Student Experience at RPI helps educate the leaders of tomorrow by providing a robust set of programs and services designed to:

• facilitate academic success
• offer education and practice in leadership
• encourage fitness for a lifetime of growth
• connect students to opportunities for expertential learning and professional development

Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students: Ryan Keytack

The Dean of Students Office (DOSO) supports and assists students in the achievement of personal and academic success with an emphasis on student development, advocacy, rights and responsibilities, safety, and liability. Sitting at the intersection of student support and decision making, DOSO is home to the Dean’s List; student conduct programs; off-campus services; basic needs programs; parent and family programs; education efforts related to alcohol and other drugs, violence prevention, and hazing; and the student support dean system. The services and initiatives of this office include counseling, advising, referral information, programming, and policy development and implementation.

The RPI Handbook of Students Rights & Responsibilities governs undergraduate and graduate student conduct (see appendix for the RPI Graduate Student Supplement). These policies are intended to help maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning and personal growth and to make the process of education positive and successful for all members of the community. Each student is expected to obtain a copy of the current handbook and supplement and to know its contents. For more information click here.

Associate Vice Provost: Lisa Trahan

The Student Success office provides students with resources and programming designed to help them achieve their goals during their college experience. Student Success includes the First-Year Experience, Sophomore Experience, Transfer Experience, the dean of the graduate experience, success programs and processes, inclusive excellence programming and the Advising and Learning Assistance Center. Our area focuses on student orientation and transitions, academic and personal success, time-based developmental programming, support services for ALANA students, and experiential programming.

Retention and Transitions Team

The Retention and Transisitions Team focuses on all transitions into RPI. This focus looks to reduce confusion and remove barriers to success for all new students entering RPI. This office supports the First-Year Experience, Sophomore Year Experience and Transfer Support.

Office of the First-Year Experience

The Office of First-Year Experience delivers a comprehensive First-Year Experience program including Student Orientation (SO) and Navigating Rensselaer & Beyond (NRB). Both programs are designed to facilitate a smooth transition to life at RPI. The onboarding process gives new students a strong foundation to start their first semester on campus. Programs continue throughout the first year to address academic and transitional needs.

All entering first-year and transfer students will be charged an Orientation Fee for the opportunity to attend programs held during the summer and/or before fall or spring semester for overall orientation, academic advisement, and course registration. Fees are $175 for first-year, fall-admitted students, and $100 for spring-admitted first-year students, and all transfer students. This fee is non-refundable except where withdrawal is made prior to the fall final registration date for fall-admitted students, or prior to spring final registration for spring-admitted students.

Sophomore Year Experience

Sophomore Year Experience is designed to build on the foundation established during the First-Year Experience by strengthening students’ connections to their academic school and equipping them with the skills and resources needed to prepare for The Arch and future career opportunities.

Graduate Student Experience

The Graduate Student Experience office promotes academic, professional, and personal development of graduate students. In support of successful degree completion, the dean of the graduate experience provides leadership and oversight of graduate student life and activities in collaboration with the Office of Graduate Education, graduate program faculty and staff, graduate student groups, Student Experience colleagues, and other campus departments. In partnership with these areas, the graduate student experience office supports programs and initiatives that create opportunities for graduate students to connect with a network of faculty, staff, students, and alumni to enhance their overall involvement and engagement, affinity group development, and social integration across disciplines.

Transfer Student Services 

Transfer Student Services supports students transitioning from other institutions by offering resources to ensure a smooth academic and social adjustment. Services include transfer credit evaluation, tailored orientation, academic advising, and opportunities for peer connection through the sophomore Learning Assistant program. These programs help students integrate into campus life, stay on track for graduation, and prepare for career success. 

International Services for Students and Scholars 

International Services for Students and Scholars (ISSS) provides thoughtful and timely immigration counseling for F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars.   The ISSS serves as liaison to US Government agencies and sponsors in an effort to ensure immigration compliance for the Institute and our students.  Additionally, the office offers orientation programs, counseling and advising, and outreach for RPI’s international community. All RPI students and scholars who are not United States citizens or permanent residents must check-in with ISSS.

Disability Services for Students 

Disability Services for Students (DSS) provides support services and referral information to current or potential Rensselaer students with disabilities. This service assists students in achieving access to the academic, social, and cultural programs offered on campus. Services are available to students whose disabilities may be physical/orthopedic, psychiatric, sensory (hearing, vision), or learning-related (including dyslexia, attention deficit, and traumatic brain injury).

The Advising and Learning Assistance Center

The Advising and Learning Assistance Center (ALAC) provides support and training for students to become independent learners. The center trains faculty, staff, undergraduate, and graduate students as advisers, peer mentors, learning assistants, teaching learning assistants, and tutors.  Advising events, academic workshops, tutoring sessions, and office hours are offered to all registered students and are coordinated by the staff.  ALAC coordinates programs for students at academic risk, including collaboration with faculty, staff, and the Office of the First-Year Experience on programs for students at academic risk after their first semester.  This formal program, the First Year Intervention Program, assists those entering students who have been unsuccessful in establishing proper habits needed for academic success.  Students in later years on Academic Probation work with individual staff members to facilitate skills development and to establish a path toward graduation.

Members of the professional staff are available to consult with students individually or in groups where they discuss such topics as academic performance, exam anxieties, stress management, time management, note taking, and general improvement of learning skills. The staff also works with students previously diagnosed with learning disabilities. Additional responsibilities include advising Undeclared/General Studies students and coordinating English as a Second Language programs.  

The center provides information, makes referrals, interprets, administers, and makes, with the approval of the Academic Standing Committee, exceptions to Institute registration policies and procedures.  ALAC processes all academic issues regarding student academic awards, dismissals, and probation. Additionally, the center facilitates a First Year Seminar for Undeclared General Studies Students and training sessions for all new advisers, and updates experienced advisers on changes to Institute policies and procedures.

Student Success provides leadership and direction for ALANA students through programming and services. Student Success collaborates with other areas throughout Student Life and across the Institute to advance efforts to foster the academic success for underrepresented students. In addition to providing one-on-on support, signature programs include the Bridge Scholars Program, The Garnet Baltimore Research and Entrepreneurial Scholars, and mentor opportunities.

Assistant Vice Provost: Philip Bruce

The Center for Career and Professional Development and The Arch provides students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels a variety of career related resources, Career development planning, sourced employment positions, and experiential learning preparation.

Cooperative Education Program

The Cooperative Education Program is an optional co-op program open to both undergraduate and graduate students.  The co-op program provides an excellent vehicle for students to gain critically needed work experience while still in college.  Top co-op employers include: Hasbro, Edgewell, American Airlines, United Technologies, IBM, NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory, General Dynamics, CMA Consulting, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Amazon, Cisco, Johnson & Johnson, and Honda.  The vast majority of students find their co-op positions through the Center for Career and Professional Development. Undergraduate students are required to work a summer and a semester, and usually work January through August or June through December. Graduate students may work during one of the same time periods or during summer only.

Director: Dr. Charlie Potts

The Rensselaer Union was established in 1890 and is now a 135-year-old student organization with a proud history and traditions. Every enrolled activity-fee-paying RPI student is a member of the Rensselaer Union.  It is a self­-supporting and a self-governing student organization that oversees student organizations, facilities, finances, and student activities on campus in partnership with dedicated staff advisors.

The Rensselaer Student Union is located on the corner of 15th Street and Sage Avenue.  It offers a welcoming environment for all students in support of building campus community and school spirit.  It contains many student club and staff advisor offices, meeting spaces, and business operations including the RPI Collegiate Store, multiple food service outlets, a full-service credit union, and a hair salon.

Student leaders at RPI are elected each spring during a traditional all-campus celebration event known as GM WEEK.    The offices of Grand Marshal (G.M.), established in 1866, and President of the Union (P.U.), established in 1891, are the two highest-ranking student positions. The GM oversees the Student Senate which is the chief legislative body of the student government and the voice of the student body.  The PU oversees the Executive Board of students who makes major budget, facility, and policy decisions for the Rensselaer Union.

Student Clubs and Leadership Development

The Union registers and supports more than 200 student clubs and organizations each year across an extremely wide range of interests including the arts, leisure, sports, and academic clubs.  The Rensselaer Union, which founded the Archer Center for Student Leadership Development, continues to fund leadership programs that support club and student development outside the classroom

Campus Recreation and RecWell

The Union recreation, fitness, and wellness program is located in the Mueller Center adjacent to the Union.  It offers students opportunities to participate in multiple intramural sports, more than 50 club sports, and open gym opportunities in general fitness, dance, martial arts, swimming, and more.

In addition, the Mueller Center has developed a strategic partnership with the Student Health and Counseling Centers called RecWell combining recreational, holistic, and clinical support for students. 

Fraternities and Sororities

The Union supports over 30 fraternities and sororities and their individual governance groups consisting of the Inter-Fraternity Council, Pan-Hellenic Council, and Multi-Cultural Fraternity/Sorority Council.

Archer Center for Student Leadership

The Union houses the Archer Center for Student Leadership, which works collaboratively with multiple academic departments and student clubs and campus offices to provide leadership development programs, organizational consultations, and perspectives on integrated best practices.

Chaplain: Rev. J. Jordan Lenaghan, OP

The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life is a key resource at RPI, focusing on religion, ethics, purpose, and spirituality. Key offerings include tradition-specific and interfaith programming, chaplain involvement in formal events, fostering connections among students from diverse backgrounds, promoting respectful dialogue to explore shared values and navigate differences, and helping students understand how their worldviews shape responses to local, national, and global events. 

Aligned with RPI’s mission of holistic education, we encourage reflection and compassion, empowering students to navigate the complexities of the 21st century. We cultivate a welcoming, respectful space for everyone, regardless of faith or belief.

Dean: John A. Lawler

Living in the Residential Commons with Student Living and Learning is a distinctive and meaningful part of the RPI student experience. More than just a place to live, the Commons are designed to foster a strong sense of community, support academic achievement, and encourage personal and professional growth. Through intentional programming, accessible staff, and a supportive atmosphere, students are encouraged to engage fully in campus life and develop a lasting connection to the institute.

The Student Living and Learning team is committed to supporting students as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of life at RPI. Whether facing academic stress, personal transitions, or questions about campus resources, students can rely on knowledgeable staff who are focused on their well-being and success, as well as each other. The Residence Hall Association within the halls offer leadership and involvement opportunities open to all residential students, while upper-level students may apply to serve as Resident Assistants or Learning Assistants - roles that support peers and contribute to a positive living and learning environment.

Student Living and Learning is grounded in the belief that a strong residential experience enhances every student’s time at RPI as they deepen their connections and understanding within the RPI community.

Executive Director: Leslie Lawrence, M.D.

The Student Health Center is a comprehensive, nationally accredited, physician-directed program providing outpatient health care, mental health counseling, health promotion services, disability support services, and sports medicine. Health care services include primary and urgent care, psychiatric care, referrals to specialists, gynecological services, and sports medicine for varsity athletes. Counseling services include individual counseling sessions and group workshops for personal and academic adjustment problems. Confidentiality is strictly maintained except when a student’s behavior presents a clear and present danger to the student or to others.

The Student Health Center is fully certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). The AAAHC is an independent national organization that evaluates the quality of care at ambulatory centers such as outpatient surgery centers, clinics, and college health centers. RPI’s commitment to seek and maintain AAAHC certification provides assurance of the quality of patient care and the appropriate organizational framework for providing care.

Located on the Troy campus, the Gallagher Student Health Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. summer session and vacation hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A 160-bed community hospital with a 24-hour emergency department is located two blocks from the campus.

All matriculated students pay a Health Center Fee that provides access to the Student Health Center during each regular semester (see Tuition and Fees section). This is a mandatory fee that cannot be waived.

RPI students are required to have adequate health insurance. The Rensselaer Student Health Insurance Plan provides nationwide year-round coverage at a reasonable cost (see Tuition and Fees section). This insurance plan, together with the services of the Student Health Center, provides seamless coverage for students while at school. The plan also meets J-1 visa requirements. A student, who has equivalent health insurance that provides non-urgent coverage in Troy, may request a waiver of the insurance fee. Please note: Travel Insurance Plans do not meet campus health insurance requirements and will not be accepted for a waiver of the student health insurance plan.