At Rensselaer, there is a community for everyone! With over 200 clubs and organizations, we have a vibrant atmosphere on our campus. Multicultural and Identity-based student organizations are some of the first places students go to find a sense of community and belonging. Learn more about our organizations that are specifically designed to support our underrepresented student communities.
Professional Organizations
The mission of RPI’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers is to "increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community."
SHPE changes lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize their fullest potential and impacts the world through STEM awareness, access, support and development. The RPI chapter of SHPE works to develop their members professionally through leadership and community outreach by creating a friendly atmosphere among members.
Student Organizations
The BSA exists to allow the participation of all people in the promotion of black cultural, intellectual, and social interests at RPI and in the surrounding community. Above all, the alliance serves to uplift the conscious awareness of the black student, politically, culturally, and intellectually; to champion and ensure the rights of black students and our community; and to be a guiding and uniting force for the black student on campus and the surrounding community.
The purpose of BGSA is to address the underrepresentation of individuals of African descent in graduate education by increasing awareness of professional and financial resources, creating a support structure for such individuals, and holding programming that fosters an inclusive social atmosphere.
Greek Organizations
The Omicron Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha was founded on February 19, 1983. With the help of Brother Dr. Paul Zuber, RPI's first black tenured professor, seven men known as Minijewels brought Alpha Phi Alpha to the campus community. Since then, the Omicron Upsilon Chapter has grown to more than 68 lifelong brothers. Brothers have made great personal achievements, as many of them have become lawyers, doctors and successful businessmen.
APA prides itself on accomplishing the goals stated in the fraternity motto, “First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All,” and does this by providing a wide range of programs to students and residents of the Capital District. Programs include generous donations to homeless shelters, bringing distinguished speakers to campus like Roscoe Brown (a Tuskegee Airman) and Ossie Davis, registering people to vote with the national "A Voteless People is a Hopeless People" event, creating awareness through "Roundtable Discussion" forums, enlightening students on the many other black Greek organizations through joint events and providing a whole lot of fun to the campus with parties and the Black and Gold Ball.
Phi Iota Alpha is the oldest Latino fraternity in existence. The Alpha Chapter was founded at RPI on December 26, 1931. The history of Phi Iota Alpha is the history of all Latino college students and professionals who strive to keep their intellectual heritage alive. Since its inception, when the legendary "Union Hispano Americana" (UHA) was first organized in 1898, the fraternity has upheld its sublime and unique ideological foundation of Pan-Americanism. The ideology of Pan-Americanism can be summarized as the "unification of all the Latin American nations and all Latin American people." The fraternity has served as an "Ideological University" through the study and interpretation of Pan-Americanism inspired by the accomplishments of its Five Pillars.
La Sociedad de Damas, Sigma Delta is the only local sorority recognized by the Panhellenic Association. A Latin-based sorority founded in 1996, their purpose is to promote basic values such as honesty, compassion, self-pride, professionalism, and hard work among women. Women who share their values are strongly encouraged to join, regardless of their background.
Faith-Based Organizations
The mission of the Rensselaer Catholic community is to serve the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, its students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.
- The parish of Christ Sun of Justice provides a Catholic home for spiritual and service opportunities.
- The Chapel + Cultural Center is a center for arts, humanities, and worship.
- The Newman Catholic Fellowship and Knights of Columbus council support and nurture the faith of Catholic RPI students.
- The Chaplain’s Office serves the spiritual needs of the whole RPI community in an environment of ecumenical and interfaith respect and collaboration.
The mission of the Muslim Students Association (MSA) at RPI is to realize Islam through words, actions, and intentions to Muslims and non-Muslims on campus and in the society at large for the love of God.
Declared by the National Hillel Organization as Small and Mighty, we aim to help students find a balance in being distinctively Jewish and universally human by encouraging them to pursue tzedek (social justice), tikkun olam (repairing the world), and Jewish learning while fostering Jewish identity.
Rensselaer Christian Association is a chapter of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship serving Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. There are no membership restrictions and anyone is welcome to join us at any of our events. We are not affiliated with any particular denomination, but hold a common love for Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and a desire for spiritual growth.
Start Your Own Organization
Interested in starting a student organization that honors your identity?
Contact:
Rensselaer Student Union
(518) 276-6505
Email: activities@rpi.edu