New Student & Family Orientation | August 22 - 23, 2026
Welcome to RPI! This full-day, in-person program gives you and your family the opportunity to explore RPI together. Throughout the day, you’ll meet faculty, staff, and fellow students while learning more about campus resources, academic expectations, and the support systems designed to help you succeed. We encourage you to try something new, get a feel for campus, and most importantly, have fun!
Saturday, August 22, 2026
8 a.m.–4 p.m. | Move-In | ECAV
Students not participating in an NRB Overnight Trip will move in on August 22, 2026. Check your RPI email for more information, including your assigned move in time.
11:45 a.m.–4 p.m. | International Student Orientation | Rensselaer Union, Ballroom
Incoming international exchange and degree-seeking students will have lunch with ISSS staff, learn about U.S. cultural topics, review immigration requirements, and get to meet other new international students. Learn more at the New F-1 Students webpage.
4–8 p.m. | Free Time
We encourage you to explore Troy and the surrounding area for dinner.
8 p.m. | Floor Meeting (Students Only) | Residence Hall with RA
Students should return to their residence hall for the night for a required introduction and safety briefing.
Sunday, August 23, 2026
8:30–9:45 a.m. | School of Engineering Welcome | EMPAC, Concert Hall
10–11:15 a.m. | School of Science, School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, School of Architecture, and Lally School of Management Welcome | EMPAC, Concert Hall
Start your day with an opening session from Provost Rebecca Doerge. Please attend during your assigned time based on your declared school.
10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Resource Fair | '86 Field
Visit campus resource tables to meet staff from across the Institute that support the needs of our students. Note: 10–11 a.m. is reserved for our students and families who may benefit from a quieter resource fair experience.
Throughout the Resource Fair, campus tours will depart every 10-15 minutes from the stage area.
10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Breakout Sessions | EMPAC and DCC
For your convenience, a variety of 50-minute sessions are offered every hour. View the Breakout Session schedule and session descriptions here.
4:15 p.m. | Goodbyes for Students and Families
At this time, students and families will go to their respective programs. For families, this includes attending the First-Year Parents Reception (on campus, 6 - 8 p.m.). The RSVP for this event will be mailed to you.
4:30 p.m. | Floor Meeting (Students Only) | Residence Hall with RA
Wear your RPI T-shirt! If you haven’t received one yet, wear a black or red shirt.
6 p.m. | Class Photo (Students Only) | ECAV
Take part in this annual tradition – the first-year class photo!
6:30 p.m. | Class of 2030/31 Welcome Remarks (Students Only) | ECAV
6-8 p.m. | First-Year Parent Reception (Parents Only) | EMPAC
7:30-9:30 p.m. | Dinner
Dining halls open late for dinner.
9 p.m. | Adventure Block Reminder | RPI Email
Check your RPI email for details on your meet-up location for Monday's Adventure Block(s),
After New Student and Family Orientation concludes, our Navigating Rensselaer & Beyond (NRB) program will begin. Participation in NRB is required for all new students.
This schedule is subject to change. Students and families will be provided a final printed schedule when checking in for move in.
