Opportunities for Spouses in the Troy Area

English Classes
Some classes are available at local high schools.

Volunteering
Volunteering in the Troy area is encouraged for those spouses wishing to become part of the community. Information on volunteering in Troy can be obtained by calling the Volunteer Bureau of the Mohawk-Hudson Area at 274-7234. Volunteer opportunities are available in areas such as hospitals, child care facilities, senior citizen centers, elementary schools, etc. For more information contact Cynthia Smith at 276-6864.

Auditing Classes at Rensselaer
Qualified spouses of graduate students who are Research Assistants, Teaching Assistants, or Fellows at Rensselaer may take one course each semester on an audit basis at no cost to the student or spouse. Auditing a course involves going to class, but the student's work is not graded. The student does not receive credit for the course. Note that the instructor's permission is required and registration is to be completed at the same time as semester registration takes place. Stop in the Registrar's Office in the Troy Building to pick up required forms. Spouses with an F-2 visa are not eligible for this.

Rensselaer Identification Cards for Spouses
Spouses of Rensselaer students can obtain Rensselaer dependent Identification Cards (ID). For information on where and when you can get the ID call the Student ID Desk (276-6670). The cost is $10.00 per family. The Rensselaer student must present his/her ID and vertification that they are married before the dependent's ID can be issued.

The Rensselaer ID will permit the spouse to use facilities at Rensselaer such as the Mueller Center, Houston Field House, the Library, etc., and obtain discounts for campus events such as movies. It also serves as a means of identification when writing checks or riding the free Campus Shuttle.

Rensselaer Clubs
Spouses may be involved in any of the Clubs at Rensselaer, as well as participate in many Rensselaer sponsored activities. Student clubs and activities (such as intramural sports) are listed in The Rensselaer Handbook, under the `Student Activities and Organizations' section, as well as available on-line under the Student Organizations section of the Student Union Homepage.