In addition to the myriad programs run through the First-Year Experience Office, we have a variety of support programs for incoming and first-year students.
Disability Student Services
Rensselaer welcomes students of all identities, abilities, and backgrounds, and aims to provide an equitable and inclusive experience in higher education both in our campus community, and within the classrooms.
Disability Student Services (DSS) assists students with disabilities in gaining equal access to academic programs, extracurricular activities, and physical facilities on campus. It serves as Rensselaer's designated office that refers students to off-campus centers for evaluation when needed, obtains and files disability-related documentation, assesses for eligibility of services, and determines reasonable accommodations in consultation with students.
Claire Mahoney
Director, Disability Student Services
Email: mahonc6@rpi.edu
Phone: (518) 276-8197
Fax: (518) 276-6421
Academic Support Programs
For more than 30 years, the Bridge Scholars Program has allowed entering students to participate in rigorous academic instruction in calculus and physics, and to develop the skills necessary for academic and personal success at Rensselaer. This program is invitation only through the Admissions Office. The six-week summer program is comprised of a two-week intensive on-campus program for participants to develop early academic and social success skills through academic mentoring, career development, access to academic support resources, and enrichment seminars that focus on excelling in the uniquely demanding Rensselaer environment. The two-week program is then followed by four weeks online in subject matter content. The summer culminates with students moving back to campus early to start their semester by participating in Navigating Rensselaer and Beyond overnight experiences and day trips.
I-PERSIST - Mentoring in Chemistry and Physics
The I-PERSIST (Integrative - Program for Education, Research, and Support Involving Science and Technology) Mentor program is an initiative of the School of Science and the Division of Student Life. As part of the program, many first-year students who are registered for Chemistry I or Physics I during the fall semester of their first year at RPI are assigned into small groups, which meet weekly throughout the semester. These sessions are run by an undergraduate student mentor and focus on skill-building and subject-specific academic support. Mentors have demonstrated mastery of academic content and undergo special training to provide support in transitioning to college and academic life at Rensselaer.
For more information, contact the Office of First Year Experience.
ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces)
ALEKS is an AI online program to help students prepare for Rensselaer’s Calculus 1. ALEKS develops an individualized program based the student’s math skills. Due to the loss in math skills nationally over the pandemic years, Rensselaer has noticed an impact on our students’ knowledge level and recall of preparatory material for Calculus 1. Since math classes do not allow calculators or any other aids when taking a quiz or exams, it is extremely important students can recall and use concepts from pre-calculus. Rensselaer wants to help students strengthen those skills by giving them an opportunity to practice and review topics. It is designed to help students regain that knowledge and succeed academically in the long run.
The Undergraduate Education Office will work with Admissions to select the students who would most benefit to participate in the program.
Food Allergies & Special Dietary Needs
Rensselaer dining takes great pride in providing delicious, nutritious, and satisfying meals that fit your needs. We work carefully to address food allergies, celiac disease, and other medical diets. We want to meet one-one one with anyone who has individual dining needs to ensure that your dining experience is safe, delicious, and social. We strongly encourage setting up a meeting with our Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Kimberly Mayer. For more detailed information about dining on campus with food allergies, please visit our Nutrition Page.
Gender-Inclusive Housing
Gender-inclusive housing is available. Information regarding gender-inclusive housing is available here or by contacting the Office of Student Living & Learning. Gender-neutral/single occupancy restrooms may be found across campus.