These programs were planned to provide you an opportunity to learn about the campus, as well as the support systems in place for all Rensselaer students. A full schedule will be provided to students and families at check-in at ECAV on move-in day.
Friday, August 23
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Check in/Move in
For those who have not already settled in for early-arrival programs, this is the time to pick up residence hall room keys, student ID, and other important information. A detailed schedule of programs will be provided.
Location: Start at East Campus Athletic Village (ECAV)
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Food Stations
Enjoy some food provided at one of the many food stations around campus. Retail dining locations will also be open in the Rensselaer Union.
8:00 p.m.
RA Floor Meeting
Students should return to their residence halls for the night for a required introduction and safety briefing from their RA.
Location: Residence Halls
Saturday, August 24
8:30 a.m. OR 10:00 a.m.
Welcome to Rensselaer
Get your day started with a formal welcome and opening session by our Student Life and Academic Leadership, as well as student leaders. Please come at your assigned time based on your school.
8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | EMPAC Concert Hall
School of Engineering
10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. | EMPAC Concert Hall
School of Science, School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, School of Architecture, Lally School of Management
Location: EMPAC Concert Hall
*10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Resource Fair and Campus Tours
Visit 45 different campus resource tables to meet staff from across campus who support our students.
Campus Tours will depart every 10-15 minutes from the stage area.
*10 a.m. - 11 a.m. is reserved for those students and families who may benefit from a quieter resource fair experience.
Location: '86 Field
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Lunch
Box lunches will be available at the Resource Fair. Rensselaer dining staff will be available to assist with allergen and dietary safe meals.
Location: '86 Field
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Breakout Sessions (see below for descriptions)
This is an opportunity to hear more detail about resource areas on campus that are available to help students in and out of the classroom. Multiple sessions are offered each hour so you can attend those in which you are most interested. Many of the sessions will be held more than one time for your convenience.
See below for descriptions of participating offices and when the sessions will take place.
Location: Darrin Communications Center (DCC), Russell Sage Laboratory, and EMPAC
4:30 p.m.
Floor Meetings for Students
Come together with the other residents on your floor to meet the student staff and learn important safety protocol information.
Location: Residence Halls as posted by staff
6:00 p.m.
Class Photo Assembly
Students: Be sure to wear the RPI t-shirt you received at check in. If you don't have your RPI shirt please wear any red or black shirt. Your RA will lead you up to ECAV.
Families: You are encouraged to watch this tradition from the stadium seating.
Location: Football Field (ECAV)
6:30 p.m.
Welcome Remarks by President Martin Schmidt '81, Ph.D.
Location: Football Field (ECAV)
7:00 p.m.
Reception and Goodbyes
Mingle with Institute staff and other new RPI students and families at this casual event following the Class Photo and Welcome Remarks. Now's the time to part ways so students can get further acquainted with their classmates. This event is weather dependent.
Location: ECAV Terrace
Our student-only program: Navigating Rensselaer & Beyond (NRB) continues.
Breakout Sessions
A printed schedule and campus map will be provided at check in.
These 50-minute sessions will take place in the Darrin Communications Center (DCC), Russell Sage Laboratory, or the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC).
The Advising & Learning Assistance Center (ALAC) staff will go over some of the basic academic expectations and available resources. They'll also discuss what it takes to do well at Rensselaer.
Location: DCC 308
Learn about Army ROTC opportunities and how to balance academics, scholarships, military service obligations, and career opportunities after graduation.
Location: DCC 232
Want to get involved? Campus Recreation (Mueller Center, Club and Intramural Sports, and Wellness and Outdoor programs) staff will provide information on the different levels of competition available on campus.
Location: DCC 324
Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD) staff provide information about the career services available, including resume reviews, semester-away experiences, job searches, and interview prep.
Location: DCC 318
This session offers the opportunity to meet the Chaplains and learn about the campus religious community.
Location: DCC 337
Learn about the accommodations we provide, registration process, and the types of documentation needed.
Location: DCC 330
First-generation students are individuals whose parents have not obtained a four-year degree. Join us for a panel discussion with first-generation faculty and staff to learn how they thrived throughout their academic journey. Rensselaer support services will be discussed.
Location: DCC 337
Learn about the innovative Music program at RPI. Faculty will share information about courses in music technology, music theory, history and culture, composition, production and much more. Learn about performance and creative opportunities such as the Rensselaer Orchestra, Composition Seminar, Chamber Music Ensemble, Songwriting Seminar, Concert Choir, Wind Symphony, and others. Whether pursuing a BS in Music as a single or dual major, a music minor, or simply wishing to take an elective, our diverse offerings engage a wide variety of interests.
Location: EMPAC Concert Hall
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.
Location: DCC 232
Study abroad is an important part of a well-rounded undergraduate education and a means of cultivating a global view. Learn about the worldwide semester and short-term academic opportunities we offer.
Location: Russell Sage Laboratory 3303
Learn how to maximize your well-being through our health, counseling, and disability services to support your academic and personal goals.
Location: DCC 308
Learn about on-campus living and how you can adjust to your new living space.
Location: DCC 337
Balancing life as a first-year, student-athlete can be challenging. Learn about the support services we have available to keep your grades up.
Location: DCC 318
Hear how student leaders found success navigating their first days, weeks, and semester on campus.
Location: Russell Sage Laboratory 3303
Student leaders and alumni from our fraternity and sorority community will share their experiences. Fraternity and Sorority Commons (FSC) staff will also be present to discuss deferred recruitment, the difference between councils, and general membership requirements.
Location: DCC 330
All RPI graduates will work for some organization or another, and management courses, dual majors, minors, clubs, and accelerated graduate programs can position students for greater career success. Learn from Lally School of Management faculty and staff how RPI students use business and management curriculum to position themselves for future leadership roles in organizations, regardless of their chosen majors.
Location: DCC 324
The practical application of theory (aka translation) can take many forms. Join the Severino Center for Technological Entrepreneurship staff to learn more about the activities that can build your resume and differentiate you from your peers.
Location: DCC 330
As you embark on your Rensselaer journey, you may be wondering about making new friends, selecting the “right” major, or how you’ll handle your new independence. This session will provide practical suggestions and tips on how to manage the transition to college.
Location: DCC 308
All Rensselaer students are required to complete an experiential learning degree requirement. During your second year of study, you will prepare for summer classes on campus and an away semester during your junior year. This session provides a timeline for when students should start planning your experiential learning graduation requirement. Meet The Arch team and get your questions answered. We look forward to seeing you there!
Location: Russell Sage Laboratory 3303
Incorporate the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences into your RPI Achievements! During this session, we will provide you with the steps to incorporate HASS curriculum into your Plan of Study. We will be prepared for you to declare duals, or minors within our session, help you adjust your schedule, assign you to a HASS Advisor, and answer any questions you may have!
Location: DCC 318
Enhancing student wellbeing through a one-stop, integrated campus-wide approach to clinical and holistic wellness resources.
Location: DCC 330
Join John Kolb, Vice President for Information Services and Technology and Rensselaer Alumnus, as he discusses the history and traditions of Rensselaer.
Location: EMPAC Theater
