To further advance our mission to create an environment where all students can thrive among a strong community of learners, we continue our proactive approach to safety by making our students aware of the part they play in ensuring that each individual can contribute to an inclusive environment and atmosphere.
Notice of Rights & Responsibilities
The Rensselaer Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities (“the Handbook”) reflects the values, beliefs, and expectations we have as a community of scholars. The Handbook is the centralized document which lays out both the rights and the responsibilities of students at Rensselaer to help ensure mutual respect, integrity, and an environment free from personal infringement, harm to others, or the campus. It is the responsibility of each Rensselaer student to understand and comply with the rules and regulations set forth in the Handbook, as well as with the requirements set forth in other Institute policies and rules. Compliance with the requirements of the Handbook is also a condition of occupancy for all residents in campus housing, in addition to the contractual terms set forth in the room and board contracts and the policies of the Office of Student Living and Learning.
In this current virtual environment, it is critical that you are fully familiar with the Handbook and other applicable Institute policies. Below are a few relevant policies highlighted for your convenience:
Cyber Citizenship Policy
View the policy online
Excerpt:
Cyber citizenship refers to what it means to be a participant in the online or cyber community, or to be a user of information networks and their resources. The privilege to access and use Rensselaer's information resources, systems, and networks includes certain responsibilities and obligations. It is subject to Institute policy and to local, state, and federal laws and regulations. It is also subject to a set of core Institute values that honor principals of ethics, academic integrity, academic freedom, and other community standards.
The tenets of cyber citizenship are founded in the tenets of ordinary citizenship. Standards of behavior for the Rensselaer community apply both to real-world actions and to those committed in a cyber context.
No individual may use Rensselaer information systems to violate Rensselaer policy or the law. Cyber bullying is still bullying. Online snooping is still invasion of privacy. Neither the unique abilities nor the sense of anonymity possible online empower individuals to misbehave.
Academic Integrity
View the policy online (page 16)
Excerpt:
Intellectual integrity and credibility are the foundation of all academic work. A violation of the Academic Integrity policy is, by definition, considered a flagrant offense to the educational process. It is taken seriously by students, faculty, and Rensselaer and will be addressed in an effective manner.
If found responsible for committing academic dishonesty, a student may be subject to one or both types of penalties: an academic (grade) penalty administered by the professor and/or disciplinary action through the Rensselaer judicial process described in this handbook.
Non-Discrimination/Harassment Prevention/Equal Opportunity Policy
View the policy online
Excerpt:
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute complies with all federal, state, and local non-discrimination laws and is committed to providing a working, living, and learning environment free from discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, military status, veteran status, genetic information, genetic predisposition, domestic violence victim status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is also committed to providing equal opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, military status, veteran status, genetic information, genetic predisposition, domestic violence victim status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Equal opportunity extends to all aspects of the academic and student life relationship.
COVID-19 Update - Campus Operations Status
In our continuing efforts to safeguard the health and safety of our community, under the guidance of the State of New York, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, and the World Health Organization, Rensselaer continues to adhere to strict social distancing protocols which include wearing a face covering when in public, and remaining at least six feet from others. We ask that all respect our request to do the same.
At this time the campus, including buildings, and other facilities, are closed. Only those with expressed permission from the Institute may be present. For official communications from the Institute regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, visit covid19.rpi.edu.
Support and Advocacy
To support students engaged in virtual courses during the summer semester, student and academic services will be fully operational. Available resources include:
Department of Public Safety
(518) 276-6611
publicsafety.rpi.edu
Dean-on Duty or Counselor-on-Call
(518) 276-6611
Student Health Center
(518) 276-6287
studenthealth.rpi.edu
Student Counseling Services
(518) 276-6479
studenthealth.rpi.edu/counseling
Disability Services
(518) 276-2231
studenthealth.rpi.edu/disabilityservices
Student Success/Class Deans
(518) 276-8022
success.studentlife.rpi.edu
Dean of Students Office
(518) 276-6266
info.rpi.edu/dean-of-students
Advising & Learning Assistance Center
(518) 276-6269
info.rpi.edu/advising-learning-assistance
International Services for Students and Scholars
(518) 276-4966
info.rpi.edu/isss
Bias Assessment and Response Team
(518) 276-6266
https://info.rpi.edu/bart
Title IX
(518) 276-6611 or 911
https://sexualviolence.rpi.edu/
At Rensselaer, we are committed to creating a campus that is safe, supportive, and conducive to the growth and development of all members of our community. You are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the Handbook as the rights and responsibilities it contains apply to you. Should you have questions, please contact the Dean of Students Office.