Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When and how will I register for classes?A: Freshmen register on campus during Student Orientation (SO) in July. Sessions for Student Orientation for Summer 2004 are scheduled as follows:
- SO 1 - July 14 & 15
- SO 2 - July 16 & 17
- SO 3 - July 21 & 22
- SO 4 - July 23 & 24
Q: When will I receive my orientation date?
A: Early to mid June. Assignments are usually made on the day we receive the student's Reply Form - then the confirmation mailing goes out the next day. From mid-June on, confirmation mailings go out daily as reservations come in.
Q: How are Student Orientation sessions assigned?
A: Students must return their request form ranking all sessions in order of preference. The date you most want is your 1st choice, and so on. Your request is prioritized according to the date we received it in the mail. We assign on first come, first serve basis. Sessions will fill up, therefore please plan accordingly.
Q: What does the Freshmen Orientation/Student Orientation involve?
A: The Orientation program at Rensselaer consists of a two-day on campus orientation session for both students and families in July; on-line access to information and campus-based assistance throughout the summer; and a five day welcome program (Navigating Renselaer & Beyond) geared toward familiarizing students with the campus and surrounding area just before the start of classes in the Fall.
The purposes of Student Orientation are to get advised and registered, and to learn as much about your new environment, policies, and procedures, etc. as possible in a more relaxed situation and with the help of a fully trained staff. Students will have their Student ID card photo taken and the opportunity to address numerous other administrative tasks. Research shows that students who attend and fully participate in a structured orientation program are more satisfied with their college experience and have a greater success rate. The welcome program in the Fall allows students to become more comfortable with campus, get to know one another and the surrounding area, find where classes are held, buy books, and more.
Freshmen who attend summer SO will move into the residence halls on Tuesday, August 19. Freshmen who do not attend an SO and who plan to live on campus will move into the residence halls on Sunday, August 17 to accomplish advisement and registration on Monday and Tuesday, August 18 & 19. All freshmen are expected to participate in all aspects of orientation.
Q: Will I be able to get the classes I want?
A: Regardless of which Student Orientation session students attend, all students will be able to get a full schedule that will be of use to them, either it's a class they want, or need, to apply toward their graduation requirements. These may not always be their first choice classes, but will be classes that are needed for their degree.
Seats in high demand classes are dispersed evenly over each Orientation so that all students will have an equal chance at a specific course.
Q: Are parents/family members of Freshmen able to attend a Parent Orientation?
A: Yes, there is a two-day Freshmen Family Orientation program that occurs on the same two days as their son/daughter's program in July and August. These are mostly separate from the student program. Parents and families check-in at the same time as the student on the first day and may opt to purchase a 2-day meal pass at a minimal cost. Parents must register to attend the program by completing the guest information their student's reservation card. Information regarding lodging will be included in the student's confirmation package. They may wish to stay on campus (July only) or in a local motel, on campus arrangements can be made through the Office of Conference Services. This is at an additional cost.
Q: When do I arrive in the fall?
A: If you attended Student Orientation in July, the move-in date is Tuesday, August 19. If you attend the last Student Orientation session, you will be able to move into the residence halls at that time. All freshmen students will participate in the Navigating Renselaer & Beyond activities beginning Tuesday, August 19 through Sunday, August 24. Classes begin Monday, August 25.
Q: Do you have merit-based financial aid?
A: Over 80% of our incoming students receive some sort of financial aid from Rensselaer. Although a majority of this financial aid is distributed based on need as determined by the FAFSA, a number of our incoming students do receive merit-based aid. In all cases, there are no additional steps for the student to take to be considered for our merit-based aid; we make these decisions based on each student's application materials.
Q: Does Rensselaer offer athletic scholarships?
A: Rensselaer offers a limited number of athletic scholarships for our Division I men's ice hockey program. We are unable to offer athletic scholarships for any of our Division III programs.
Q: What's the campus like? What's Troy like?
A: Our campus is located on a hill in a beautiful park-like setting with a striking combination of traditional ivy-covered buildings and newer, modern sites. The campus overlooks downtown Troy, which is located on the upper Hudson River (the heart of America's Industrial Revolution) and has beautiful, old brownstone neighborhoods.
To learn more about Troy and its rich history, visit the Troy links page.
Q: Is the campus safe?
A: Because Rensselaer is an open campus, we recognize the importance of addressing the safety of our students. Our Public Safety professionals take a proactive approach to safety, teaching students what they can do to minimize safety risks. Only Rensselaer students and staff have access to the residence halls. The Office of Public Safety has over 55 emergency call boxes throughout campus and provides walking as well as riding escorts for students 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In order to identify student safety concerns, surveys are regularly conducted on campus. Officers also hold safety courses on topics like Defensive Driving, Basic Lifesaving and Rape Prevention.
Q: What is there to do in Troy?
A: Troy is ideally located in the Capital Region of upstate New York. From skiing in Vermont to hiking in the Adirondacks to enjoying a summer Boston Pops concert in nearby Tanglewood, Mass., the region offers a wealth of outdoor and cultural opportunities. Troy itself is rich in history and cultural and social activities. The internationally famous Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, the finest restaurants in the region, and lively cafes and dance clubs are all popular with students. Seven other colleges are within an hour's drive from Troy.
Q: How many students go to Rensselaer?
A: About 4,500 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students are enrolled at Rensselaer.
Q: Are freshmen guaranteed on-campus housing?
A: Housing is guaranteed for your freshman year. After your first year, you have a variety of options for housing, including living in the residence halls, fraternity or sorority house, or moving off campus. We do not guarantee housing for four years.
Q: Are transfers guaranteed on-campus housing?
A: Housing is guaranteed for freshman students, but not necessarily for incoming Transfer students. Upper-class students have a variety of options for housing, including living in the residence halls, fraternity or sorority house, or moving off campus. Due to increased enrollments, housing is limited.
Q: What about Cable/Computer connections in the Residence Halls?
A: All residence halls and apartments have Ethernet connections and monthly service included in the room rate. Additionally, all residence halls and apartments have cable TV hook-ups.
Q: Can I bring a car to campus?
A: No, due to a shortage of parking, freshman will not be allowed to park on campus. Public transportation around the Capital District is available.