Recent updates have been made to the Rensselaer Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities, and your rights and responsibilities as a Rensselaer student. The Handbook conveys the policies, values, beliefs, standards, and expectations we share as a community of scholars.
Updates to the Rensselaer Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities, revised January 25, 2021, include:
Article VII: Procedural Standards in Disciplinary Proceedings: Section E
The title “Emergency Suspension” has been changed to “Interim Suspension.” Additionally, wording has been added to provide clarity to the scope of application of an interim suspension, an action of immediate suspension of a student from the Institute when that student’s presence or participation in instruction or activities could constitute a danger to the security, health, or safety of members of the Rensselaer community, or of a person or property on the premises of the Institute.
Community Health Emergencies Statement
Additional wording has been included to this section to clarify types of actions and behaviors, and locations which are applicable to Institute policy. The update also adds details explaining the consequences for violations of policies specific to managing community health emergencies or pandemics, and additional requirements or safety measures that may be implemented to accomplish community safety and wellness.
Jurisdiction within the Rensselaer Student Judicial System
Descriptive wording has been included in this section in order to provide the community with a better understanding of the scope of jurisdiction within the Rensselaer student judicial system as it applies on and off campus, to individuals and student organizations, and to types of behaviors which can be construed to constitute a danger to the security, health, or safety of members of the Rensselaer community, person, or property.
Student Policy on Acts of Bias, Discriminatory Behavior, and Harassment
Directly applicable to Grounds for Disciplinary Action #18: Discriminatory Harassment and Behavior, the addition of this section provides clear standards and expectations of behavior for all students in our community. Additionally, this section provides details on reporting incidents of bias and discrimination, the process the Institute uses to address all student reports, and available resources for those impacted by such acts.
It is the responsibility of each Rensselaer student to understand and comply with the policies and regulations set forth in the Handbook, and requirements set forth in all other Institute policies.
Notice of Updates to the Rensselaer Health Emergencies Policies and Requirements, revised January 25, 2021
To make possible a campus-based student learning experience during a viral pandemic, the Institute has developed and implemented policies, protocols, and requirements designed to decrease the presence and possible spread of the COVID-19 virus within our community, as detailed in the plan to return to campus-based operations. As prominent members of the Rensselaer community, students play an integral role in the successful completion of the academic semester. Therefore, it is the responsibility of each student to comply with all Rensselaer policies, protocols, and requirements, especially those focused on community health and safety during the pandemic.
The policies, protocols, and requirements related to health emergencies are located on the Dean of Students Office website.
It is the responsibility of each Rensselaer student to understand and comply with these policies, protocols, and requirements, and all other health-related requirements set forth in Institute policies.