New Student & Family Orientation Breakout Sessions

August 23, 2026 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | EMPAC and DCC

For your convivence, a variety of 50-minute sessions are offered every hour.

10 a.m. Sessions

  • 24/7 Safety: A Shared Responsibility | DCC 337
  • Access and Neurodiverse Student Success | DCC 318

11 a.m. Sessions

  • Plan Your Leadership Journey at RPI | DCC 308
  • Air Force ROTC | DCC 232
  • Career and Professional Development at RPI and The RPI Experience | DCC 324

12 p.m. Sessions

  • Plan Your Leadership Journey at RPI | DCC 308
  • Been There, Done That - Parent Panel | EMPAC Theater
  • We Mean Business… and You Can, Too | DCC 324
  • Music at RPI | EMPAC Concert Hall

1 p.m. Sessions

  • It's a Great Time to Be a Student/Innovator at RPI DCC 318
  • There's No Place Like Home: Living in a New Community | EMPAC Theater
  • Been There, Done That - Student Panel | Sage 3303
  • Add HASS to your RPI Achievements | DCC 330
  • Music at RPI | EMPAC Concert Hall

2 p.m. Sessions

  • 24/7 Safety: A Shared Responsibility | DCC 337
  • Exploring Parent and Family Link | EMPAC Theater
  • How to be a Healthy First-Year Student | DCC 308
  • First-Gen Forward: A Guide to Success at RPI | DCC 330
  • Access and Neurodiverse Student Success | DCC 318

3 p.m. Sessions

  • Rensselaer History & Traditions with John Kolb '79 | EMPAC Theater
  • Navy ROTC Opportunities | DCC 232
  • Been There, Done That - Student Panel | Sage 3303

This schedule is subject to change. Students and families will be provided a final printed schedule when checking in for move in. 

Breakout Session Descriptions

This session provides an overview of the campus safety structure in place to support the entire campus population. 

Hosted by: Campus Safety

Join us for an overview of the accommodations and support services available to help students succeed from day one. This session introduces the academic, physical, housing, and testing accommodations that can be requested, as well as resources designed to support neurodiverse learners. Students and parents will learn how to navigate the accommodation process, connect with the office of Access and Neurodiverse Student Support, and make the most of the tools and services that promote a smooth and supported transition into college life. This presentation is a great opportunity to understand what’s available, and feel confident about the road ahead.

Hosted by: Access and Neurodiverse Student Success

A HASS minor or dual degree can further compliment your studies in engineering, science, business, or architecture (minors only) and help you bring fresh perspective to your chosen field. Join the HASS advising team to learn about minors and dual majors in the humanities, and how to align your HASS Pathway with these options. We will also go over our Pre-Law Advising opportunities for those interested in Law School! 

Hosted by: School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Advising Hub

Looking for something more from your college experience? AFROTC focuses on your leadership potential while investing only a few hours per week during school. Upon graduation, you will commission into a full-time career as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air or Space Force.

Hosted by: Air Force ROTC

Join us for a candid, conversational panel featuring experienced members of the RPI Parents Council who will share their insights, lessons learned, and practical advice for navigating the RPI experience and your evolving relationship with your student. This session includes time for open Q&A with panelists from a variety of backgrounds.

Hosted by: RPI Parents Council

Hear how student leaders found success navigating their first days, weeks, and semester on campus.

Walk through RPI’s Parent Portal – RPI Parent and Family Link! In this session you’ll learn how to sign up for and navigate the portal, explore how you can stay in the loop with what's going on on campus, and foster connections with other RPI Families!

Host by: Parent and Family Programs, the Dean of Students Office

This interactive session introduces new students to the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) and The RPI Experience, highlighting how career development begins well before graduation.

Students will learn about the wide range of resources available through the CCPD, including career coaching, résumé and cover letter support, internship and job search strategies, employer engagement opportunities, career fairs, networking events, and experiential learning guidance. The session will also introduce The RPI Experience, including its purpose, how it fits into a student's academic journey, and the support available as students prepare for future experiential learning opportunities.

Hosted by: The Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD)

Starting college as a first-generation student is an exciting milestone. This interactive session brings students and families together to explore common college scenarios, learn about academic and wellness resources, and build confidence in navigating the campus environment. Connect with the Office of Inclusive Excellence to discuss the tools and knowledge needed for a successful first year and beyond.

Hosted by: Office of Inclusive Excellence

Learn how to maximize your well-being through our health, counseling, and campus recreation services to support your academic and personal goals. 

Hosted by: Student Health & Counseling

Interested in being an innovator? Want to develop your own technology or start your own venture? Wanna see pigs fly? Join the Severino Center for Technological Entrepreneurship staff to learn more about the resources that RPI provides to support innovation and entrepreneurship.

Hosted by: Severino Center for Technological Entrepreneurship

Whether performing on stage, exploring composition and electronic music, learning recording and production, or simply curious about music at a tech university, RPI's Music program has something for everyone. Come learn about our courses, ensembles, and opportunities as a major, minor, or elective.

Hosted by: Music Program and Ensembles

Do you want to serve your country, fly jets, or drive nuclear submarines?  Join us for a discussion and Q&A on the Navy ROTC College Program.  Successful participants can earn a full tuition scholarship and commission as an Officer in the Navy or Marine Corps upon graduation.

Hosted by: Navy ROTC

What is your leadership plan for your RPI adventure? Join the Archer Center for Student Leadership Development to learn more about programming designed to support your individual leadership goals throughout your college career. 

Hosted by: The Archer Center for Student Leadership Development

Join John Kolb, Vice President for Information Services and Technology and Rensselaer Alumnus, as he discusses the history and traditions of Rensselaer. (90-minute session)

Hosted by: John Kolb, Vice President for Information Services and Technology

Learn about on-campus living and how students can adjust to your new space. 

Hosted by: Student Living and Learning

Learn from Lally School of Management’s Director of Undergraduate Programs how you can use the business and management curriculum, clubs, and events to position yourself for future leadership roles in organizations, regardless of your chosen major. 

Hosted by: Lally School of Management

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