CLASS is a comprehensive student experience at Rensselaer based on time and location-based clustering that offers students unique growth experiences. Through ongoing support, guidance, and co-curricular activities, CLASS connects students to a network of faculty, staff, and other students, ensuring they are part of a strong community of learners. As our students seek to become the leaders of tomorrow, CLASS provides the framework, resources, and experiences that imbue graduates with the intellectual agility, multicultural sophistication, and global view that will enable them to succeed and change the world!
Time and Location-Based Clustering
Each class is supported by a team of Residential Assistant Deans, upper-class student staff, and a Class Dean. This support structure ensures that every student receives the best individual counseling, mentoring, and personal attention.
First-Year Experience
First-year students are offered several important programs, including Student Orientation (SO) and Navigating Rensselaer & Beyond (NRB), all aimed at adjustment and transition during their freshman year at Rensselaer.
Sophomore Experience
This year is spent working with students on co-curricular experiences while firming up their academic goals, clarifying their intent after graduation, and preparing for The Arch at Rensselaer.
Junior Experience
During the fall or spring semester of their junior year, students participate in an approved Arch experiential learning opportunity aligned with their academic major and career goals.
Senior Experience
The goal of senior year is to help students make the transition from Rensselaer to becoming young alumni leaders on the global stage, through work, government service, or advanced education.
Graduate Experience
Co-terminal, master’s, and doctoral students are essential to the social fabric of the campus. During this time, graduate students are making an impact as researchers, teaching assistants, and leaders while building their professional portfolio for life beyond Rensselaer.
To ensure that the educational and developmental needs of our students are met, Rensselaer provides unique living and learning communities for each class cohort. As a central feature of CLASS, the following commons communities exist, each with its own character and focus, creating a small, tightly-knit student community that blends the academic, social, and residential aspects of university life.
Three Unique Commons at Rensselaer:
Residential Commons
On-campus residence halls, clustered by class cohort, provide students with ongoing support and guidance.
Fraternity and Sorority Commons
A living and learning environment that cultivates leadership and personal development for Greek chapter and council members through programming and collaboration with staff and campus leaders.
Off-Campus Commons
A place for students living off campus to engage and collaborate with the Rensselaer campus community through programs, meetings, and events.
Several affinity-based living options are also available. Visit Student Living and Learning for information on special interest housing.