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Union FAQ

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Union Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General Questions

Student government, clubs, organizations, community service, religious organizations, and other important facts

  1. How do I sign up to join a club?

    2. Clubs can be reached through their webpages at the Union site. They can also be found by contacting the Union Activities Office (Room 3702). Many clubs recruit members at the Activities Fair, which is Thursday, September 3, from 6 to 9 pm in the Houston Field House.

  2. What are the Rensselaer Union and the Student Activity Fee?

    3. The Rensselaer Union is the center of student life at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. It provides students and their guests with a place to gather, to eat, to study, and to feel at home. The Student Activity Fee is a fee added to the tuition bill that allows student to conduct more activities than they would individually. Through their own programs and organizations, students have services, facilities, programs, sports groups, and competitions that the Institute itself might not be capable of providing on an ongoing basis. Some examples of services funded by the Activity Fees include free legal aid through a local law firm and over 175 distinct clubs and organizations providing hundreds of activities and events that are open to all.

    The Union Annual Report explains how every cent of the Activity Fees will be spent during the next Union Fiscal Year. It also provides a broad overview of the financial activities of the Union.

  3. Who are the Grand Marshal (GM) and the President of the Union (PU)?

    4. These two students are the highest elected student officials on campus.

    Michael Zwack '10, the Grand Marshal (GM), is the president of the student body and chair of the Student Senate. The Senate is made up of class representatives (4 from each undergraduate class, and up to 6 from the Graduate Council), as well as one representative from both the Greek leadership organizations (the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils), and the Independent Council. Senate committees ensure that issues important to the student body are carefully reviewed and that the student voice is heard.

    Alex Franz '10, the President of the Union (PU), is the chief financial officer for the Union, overseeing an Executive Board of 12 students. The E-Board, as it is known, makes fiscal and policy decisions pertaining to the distribution and use of those Student Activity Fee dollars that are collected. THe E-Board is responsible for the oversight of a budget of about $8.9 million USD. The Rensselaer Union is one of just a handful of student-directed Unions in the country, one of the many reasons why RPI is truly unique among modern universities.

  4. Can a freshman get involved in student government?

    5. The freshman class officers are elected each September in elections run by the Rules and Elections Committee of the Student Senate. Primary elections are the 21st, and final elections are the 24th. First-year students can find information on the Student Senate website. Members of the freshman class may also get involved as class representatives on a number of Senate and Executive Board committees. See the GM and PU at the Activities Fair on September 3 for more information, or visit them in their office on the third floor of the Union (Suite 3120).

  5. How can I start a club?

    6. The Union Executive Board ("E-Board") grants campus recognition to organizations which involve student participants and serve to improve the quality of life on campus in some unique way. To review the process of starting a new club, please see this page. The first step is to submit a purpose statement to the Union Administration Office on the third floor of the Union building. A member of the E-Board will soon contact you to ask for more specific information. That club purpose is then presented to the entire E-Board for approval and formal recognition. Once recognition is granted, the club is given a starter constitution to follow. The fledgling club has three years to develop a formal constitution. Club members can work on group development and goals with the Archer Center for Student Leadership Development. Once established, the club can ask the E-Board for funding if the club qualifies for funding under the fiscal policies of the Union.

  6. What kinds of community service opportunities are there?

    7. We have clubs like Habitat for Humanity, RPI Ambulance, Circle K, and the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity with which you may get involved. We also have a person on campus who coordinates programs and can match students with organizations. That person is Cynthia Smith in the Dean of Students office. She can be reached at (518) 276-3098, or by email at community-service-L@lists.rpi.edu. The annual Community Service Fair is Wednesday, September 2, 2009, in the Union from 11 am to 2 pm.

  7. How do I find a church in my faith?

    8. The Chaplains' Office is on the third floor of the Union and is open from 8:30 am to 5 pm. There is a Rabbi, Protestant and Catholic Chaplains, and an Imam on staff. There are also ten recognized religion-affiliated clubs that may be reached through that office or through the Union Administration Office. These organizations can also be found at the Activities Fair or by calling the Chaplains' Office at (518) 276-6518.

  8. What can be done in the event of a financial or legal emergency?

    9. The Rensselaer Union provides several emergency services for students on campus. The McNeil Emergency Loan Fund makes small, interest-free loans available to all students "in good standing." Bring a valid RPI student ID to the Union Administration Office during normal business hours for help.

    The purpose of the Student Legal Service is to assist students in identifying and resolving their legal problems so that they may make the most of their educational opportunities. The Martin Law Firm holds regularly scheduled consultation hours in the Union on a walk-in or appointment basis; they may also be reached for appointments at (518) 272-6565. Certain legal issues may have associated fees, but general legal advice is free.

    Contact the Union Administration Office during normal business hours for more information.

Union Programming and Activities Committee (UPAC)

  1. What is UPAC?

    2. The Union Programming and Activities Committee (UPAC) is a cluster of organizations designed to provide student activities programming for the campus. UPAC includes Cinema, Comedy, Concerts, and the technical operations clubs (Sound and Lights).

  2. Do we have concerts on campus?

    3. We often have large concerts in the Houston Field House produced by professional concert promoters. Last year's concert was Fall Out Boy. Students may get involved as volunteers to gain more experiences. UPAC Concerts promotes a variety of smaller campus shows for students. They learn about contract negotiations, production, and crowd control functions.

    WRPI, the campus radio station, produces live band shows on Wednesdays and has recording studios in-house (they're located in the basement of the DCC). Students can learn more about live production and recording, as well as meet other musicians to play with them.

  3. What if a student plays in a band or wants to start up a band?

    4. The UPAC Concert Board runs a student Battle of the Bands show three times each year. Registrations are advertised in the Polytechnic student newspaper. Students can usually find others to play with at the Union, the residence halls, and through fraternities and sororities.

  4. What kinds of tech programs do we have?

    5. The RPI Players have opportunities in theater tech work in the areas of sound reinforcement, stage lighting, and special effects. UPAC Sound and Lights work for all programming clubs on campus doing a variety of events. They get paid for the hours of service, along with receiving training from professionals periodically that help them to improve their own professional abilities. Additionally, members of WRPI learn and use a variety of broadcast and production equipment in their studio in the DCC. For those having an interest in video or television broadcasting, RPI TV offers opportunities in sports and creative productions.

Performing Arts

  1. What kinds of theater opportunities are there?

    2. The RPI Players, who utilize the RPI Playhouse, are the longstanding theater group at RPI.

    Sheer Idiocy and Experimental Error are comedy improv groups. Recently formed performance-based clubs include a spoken word group (Center Stage), a cabaret group (Spotlight), and an oratory club (Speak Up!).

  2. What kinds of musical performance groups do you have?

    3. We have a variety of performing groups, including a Pep Band, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Campus Serenaders Swing Band, Symphonic Orchestra, Symphonic Band, contemporary a capella groups, a Concert Choir, and smaller instrumental ensembles.

    All of these groups perform in some fashion. Larger groups tend to perform less (for example, the Symphonic Orchestra performs about four times each year). Smaller groups, such as the handful of a capella troupes and the Pep Band, perform more often. The Rensselaer Music Association also supports small groups that would like to perform within the others' concerts. In the past, there has been a Flute Quartet, a String Quartet, and a Clarinet Choir.

  3. Are there auditions for the performance groups?

    4. For a number of them, there are auditions. The goal there is to have student performers be comfortable in their performance roles. Pick up the Performing Arts brochure at the Activities Fair for more information.

  4. Do we give instrument lessons?

    5. There are no teachers affiliated with RPI or RMA, but there are local teachers who will give lessons on campus. This is currently being compiled; please see the RMA table at the Activities Fair for more details.

  5. Do we have instruments? If a student brings one, can it be stored somewhere?

    6. Yes. We have a student's instrument storage room with lockers and locks for you to use. The RMA is responsible for this process, email rma@union.rpi.edu.

  6. Are there areas to practice instruments or use pianos?

    7. Yes. We have several sound-proofed practice rooms in the West Hall music suite, each equipped with an upright piano. These rooms are available whenever the building is open. There is no sign-up for use. These is also a baby grand piano in the Student Union main lobby.

  7. What opportunities are available for students who sing?

    8. There are 2 contemporary a capella groups - Partial Credit, the Rensselyrics, and the Rusty Pipes. Each group has a particular personality and style that reflects the students in those groups. All three groups are student-directed and perform contemporary music with their own twists. The Rensselyrics also have a professional director who helps them with their repertory of RPI traditional songs. All three groups perform at Commencement and other college events while hosting invitational concerts each semester that bring other college groups to the campus.

    The Concert Choir is a vocal group which has been as large as 60 students. It performs traditional classical and original and is professionally directed. Vocalists in the Concert Choir can choose to receive one credit hour per semester in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences to fulfill requirements for graduation. There is not an audition program for participation in Concert Choir.

    Spotlight Cabaret is the newest vocally oriented group. It is an off-shoot of the RPI Players theater group and will be performing theatrical show music in a cabaret setting.

  8. Are there any auditions for the singing groups?

    9. No, not for the Concert Choir. But the a capella groups do have auditions. Schedules are available at the annual Activities Fair.

  9. Do you have a dance club, and what kinds of dance instruction are there? What do the dance programs cost?

    10. There are 2 dance clubs on campus: Ballroom Dance and Dance Club.

    Ballroom Dance offers lessons and also has a competitive team. There are usually over 50 students each semester who take lessons, while there are 20 students on the competitive team. They now offer Swing and Tango lessons as well. The cost is $40 per semester for each student, and $60 per semester for each non-student member. These fees include unlimited instruction.

    The Dance Club offers professional instruction in ballet (beginner, intermediate, and advanced), tap, modern, jazz, and hip-hop. There are about 100 students who participate. Lessons are offered 3 evenings a week. The dues of $50 per semester for students and $80 per semester for non-students entitle you to take as many lessons as you wish. So, if you have the time, you can dance 3 nights a week. Students who like to try out for the Dance Team can learn more at the Activities Fair. Dance Team membership is $32.50 per semester.

    The Dance Club performance recital is in late April; over 300 people usually attend.

Club Sports and Intramural Programs

  1. What types of intramural programs are there at the Rensselaer Union? How does one get on a team? What level of expertise is required to be on a team?

    2. As of now, we offer 15 different intramural sports, including baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, dodgeball, ping-pong, Run to Remember, gym hockey, ice hockey, racquetball, softball, touch football, walleyball, tennis, and kickball. The Redhawk open league is the main intramural program, in which any student faculty member, or staff member can participate. You can form a team by getting some friends together or signing up as a free agent to be placed on a team. Leagues are offered for all ranges of expertise (beginner, D-league to varsity, the very competitive A-league).

  2. Can I get personal training on equipment at the Mueller Fitness Center or for my own fitness program?

    3. Yes. The Mueller Center has trained professionals who can design a work-out program just for you, show you how to use the cardio equipment, and help you to improve your health throughout the year. The Mueller Center has two weight rooms also designed to be safe for all. Join Stride, the new fitness club, at the Activities Fair and meet other health conscious students!

  3. Can I store weapons for clubs like fencing, martial arts, rifle, etc.?

    4. Personal weapons are not allowed on campus unless needed for club or sports participation. You will need to speak with your resident assistant (RA) if you live on campus, along with the Club Sport Advisor, to make sure that your weapon is allowed and that the club has room to store the item before you bring it on campus.

  4. What kinds of martial arts clubs do you have? Do I need to be experienced to participate?

    5. Right now we have Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Olympic Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, Isshinryu Karate, Chung Do Kwon, Kendo, Capoeira, and Kung Fu. All of these clubs accommodate anyone within the RPI community - Black Belts all the way down to first-timers. All are welcome.

  5. Do you have any sports clubs that compete with other colleges?

    6. We have over 35 sports clubs on campus. Most do compete with outside competition. Most clubs that compete with other colleges also have a recreational part of the club that meets to play and have fun as a social activity.

Contacting Us With Other Questions

  1. If I have specific questions where do I go and who do I see?

    2. The Union Administration and Student Activities Office can be found in Room 3702 of the Union or reached by calling (518) 276-6505.

    Student Activities Staff

    For questions regarding International & Cultural Clubs, Technical Clubs, or Campus Special Events, contact Cameron McLean, Coordinator of Student Activities, at mcleac AT rpi DOT edu.

    For questions regarding Performing & Visual Arts or Publications, contact Erika Rau Lawson at raue AT rpi DOT edu.

    For questions regarding UPAC, Multicultural and Programming Clubs, or to start a new club, contact Melissa Termine-Goetz at termim AT rpi DOT edu.

    Union Administration Staff

    For general Union questions, contact Richard Hartt, Director of the Union, at harttr AT rpi DOT edu.

    For McNeil loans (emergency funds), contact Martha McElligott, Coordinator of Finance and Office Operations, at mcellm AT rpi DOT edu.

    Mueller Center Staff

    For information regarding club sports, martial arts groups, intramural programs, personal training, or fitness programs, visit the Mueller Center website or call (518) 276-2874.

    For club sports, contact Steve Allard at allars AT rpi DOT edu.

    For questions regarding intramural programs, personal training, and fitness, contact Joe Campo at campoj AT rpi DOT edu.