Currently, we have a unique, fully functioning and staffed reactor critical facility (RCF). Previously, the RCF was used for education, research and outreach. In the last several years, it has been administratively restricted from conducting these activities. Click here to read more
Until recently, alumni had access to their RPI emails and to SIS, and this was taken away for no clear reason.
My RPI email is on my resume and I'd prefer it to not die when I graduate. In addition, this even affects professors, many of whom use non-RPI emails because once they retire their RPI emails will stop working.
As for SIS, it is often very useful to have an unofficial transcript, and without access to SIS this is a pain to deal with. SIS access also has been removed for students on leave; it should not be.
We should have an assessment of areas where students currently study/sit between classes to ensure they are well set up for productivity. There should be enough sockets for laptops and phones to charge (perhaps a few USB charging spaces). We should also assess unused spaces across campus (corners, etc). where students currently sit to study and make them more inviting with lighting, seating, and charging options (fresh coat of paint). Click here to read more
Most faculty probably have a small number lectures or presentations that are a favorite of theirs and/or the students ... something that illuminates some important concept, some new idea or innovation, something they feel really, really passionate about, or something that is just really funny and engaging. Click here to read more
We should provide free feminine hygiene products in the bathrooms across campus. This would provide students with products integral to their daily lives and leave one less thing for students to stress about. Many schools and colleges already do this, and numerous studies have shown the benefits of having easy access to feminine hygiene products in education spaces.
Arch can be hard on students. Whether it’s the four semesters straight of academics, the lack of ability to work full time and save over the summer, or even something as simple as scheduling challenges, many students feel like arch is more of an obstacle than an opportunity. However, for some the opportunity for a semester long away experience is invaluable and worth working for. However most will agree that it seems the program was made more with the intention to profit than to help students. Click here to read more
RPI is the only university in New York State lacking a testing center. This is a standard in even the most disadvantaged areas. Lacking this resource puts a strain on students, professors, and TAs to find alternative testing locations. This often leads to frustration for everyone involved and creates increased difficulties for students who are already navigating an environment designed for non-disabled people.
We know SODEXO isn't interested because it's not a profitable cafe. But that's never been it's purpose. The cafe needs to be open and alive to foster casual interactions between staff, students, faculty, and community. Lots of work is done during business hours, but the actual face to face communication that takes place at lunch does more to boost technical innovations and morale than any "off site" or "team building" exercise could ever hope to achieve. Click here to read more
Our library is so out dated. We live in the age of technology, and many other schools have beautiful, modern, technology focused libraries that allow students the comfort of sitting at one desk for five hours straight.
Revive RPI Reactor
Currently, we have a unique, fully functioning and staffed reactor critical facility (RCF). Previously, the RCF was used for education, research and outreach. In the last several years, it has been administratively restricted from conducting these activities.
Click here to read more
Alumni access to email and SIS
Until recently, alumni had access to their RPI emails and to SIS, and this was taken away for no clear reason.
My RPI email is on my resume and I'd prefer it to not die when I graduate. In addition, this even affects professors, many of whom use non-RPI emails because once they retire their RPI emails will stop working.
As for SIS, it is often very useful to have an unofficial transcript, and without access to SIS this is a pain to deal with. SIS access also has been removed for students on leave; it should not be.
Updating Student Study Areas
We should have an assessment of areas where students currently study/sit between classes to ensure they are well set up for productivity. There should be enough sockets for laptops and phones to charge (perhaps a few USB charging spaces). We should also assess unused spaces across campus (corners, etc). where students currently sit to study and make them more inviting with lighting, seating, and charging options (fresh coat of paint).
Click here to read more
Awesome Lectures/Presentations
Most faculty probably have a small number lectures or presentations that are a favorite of theirs and/or the students ... something that illuminates some important concept, some new idea or innovation, something they feel really, really passionate about, or something that is just really funny and engaging.
Click here to read more
Providing feminine hygiene products in bathrooms
We should provide free feminine hygiene products in the bathrooms across campus. This would provide students with products integral to their daily lives and leave one less thing for students to stress about. Many schools and colleges already do this, and numerous studies have shown the benefits of having easy access to feminine hygiene products in education spaces.
Make Arch Optional
Arch can be hard on students. Whether it’s the four semesters straight of academics, the lack of ability to work full time and save over the summer, or even something as simple as scheduling challenges, many students feel like arch is more of an obstacle than an opportunity. However, for some the opportunity for a semester long away experience is invaluable and worth working for. However most will agree that it seems the program was made more with the intention to profit than to help students.
Click here to read more
Testing Center for Students with Disabilities
RPI is the only university in New York State lacking a testing center. This is a standard in even the most disadvantaged areas. Lacking this resource puts a strain on students, professors, and TAs to find alternative testing locations. This often leads to frustration for everyone involved and creates increased difficulties for students who are already navigating an environment designed for non-disabled people.
Bring back the EMPAC cafe
We know SODEXO isn't interested because it's not a profitable cafe. But that's never been it's purpose. The cafe needs to be open and alive to foster casual interactions between staff, students, faculty, and community. Lots of work is done during business hours, but the actual face to face communication that takes place at lunch does more to boost technical innovations and morale than any "off site" or "team building" exercise could ever hope to achieve.
Click here to read more
Library
Our library is so out dated. We live in the age of technology, and many other schools have beautiful, modern, technology focused libraries that allow students the comfort of sitting at one desk for five hours straight.
Sustainability across Campus