Throughout 2025–2026, Student Experience expanded opportunities for students to develop leadership, professional skills, confidence, and adaptability through career preparation, student organizations, recreation, global engagement, and graduate student experiences. Together, these opportunities complement students’ academic education while reinforcing RPI’s emphasis on experiential and applied learning.
“Thanks again for all your support throughout my time at RPI. Your guidance on clarifying the CPT/OPT requirements and providing application tips has been invaluable!”
–International student served by International Services for Students & Scholars
Learning Extends Beyond the Classroom
Preparing Students for Meaningful Careers
The Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD) reimagined the RPI Experience Program to more intentionally integrate experiential learning into students’ academic journeys and align outcomes with NACE Career Readiness Competencies. New employer and alumni partnerships also created opportunities for students to explore industries, build professional networks, and connect their education to future careers.
2,244 career counseling appointments | 133,000+ full-time employment opportunities shared | 30,000 experiential learning opportunities shared | 100+ students connected with 38 employers and 41 alumni through the Westchester County Career Partnership
The Heart of Campus Life
The Rensselaer Union continued to serve as a central hub for student engagement, leadership, collaboration, and campus traditions. A major milestone was completion of the Rathskeller renovation, creating new flexible spaces for programming, recreation, entertainment, and community building.
200+ student organizations | All 5 branches of Student Government supported | 5,000 meetings and events annually | Rathskeller renovation completed, adding ballroom, theater, e-sports, gaming, and lounge spaces
Leadership Through Experience
The Archer Center for Student Leadership Development continued preparing students to lead through academic and co-curricular education while beginning a comprehensive curriculum review. Its Train the Trainers initiative also expanded leadership development beyond formal coursework by helping Student Experience staff incorporate leadership learning into programs throughout the Division.
1,722 students reached annually through leadership courses | Comprehensive curriculum review initiated | Online learning opportunities under development | Train-the-Trainers model extended leadership development across Student Experience
Engagement Through Recreation & Wellness
Recreation & Wellness provided students with opportunities to build community, develop healthy lifestyles, and gain leadership experience through fitness, outdoor recreation, wellness programming, club sports, and intramurals. Signature programs complemented everyday recreation by creating accessible opportunities for connection and stress relief.
8,000 weekly visits to the Mueller Center | 4,000+ annual visits to signature wellness programs | 58 club sports | 1,800+ club sport student-athletes
Expanding Global Experiences
International Services for Students & Scholars strengthened RPI’s global engagement by supporting a diverse international student and scholar community and expanding opportunities for RPI students to study abroad. ViaTRM, our new enterprise application software, improved access to international services and education abroad opportunities. We convened the Education Abroad Congress, which engaged the campus community in envisioning sustainable expansion of our Education Abroad programs. Finally programs on campus created opportunities for cultural exchange and connection among international, domestic, and returning study abroad students.
859 active international students and alumni supported by ISSS | 153 students and scholars participated in social events organized by ISSS | 72 students participated in education abroad across 17 locations
Celebrating Graduate Scholarship
Graduate Student Experience created opportunities for graduate students to showcase scholarship, strengthen professional and teaching skills, and build community. Signature programs included the Graduate Research Symposium, Teaching Postsecondary Education seminar, and Graduate Appreciation Day.
64 poster presentations | 11 podium presentations | 14 Three-Minute Thesis competitors | 350+ graduate students participated in Graduate Appreciation Day
Looking Ahead
Student Experience will continue expanding opportunities for students to translate learning into experience, leadership, professional development, and meaningful engagement.
Priorities include:
- Launching a new career ecosystem to redefine "The RPI Experience" and create differentiation from competitors in how we prepare our students for careers post-graduation.
- Expanding the RPI Experience Program and increasing opportunities for applied learning.
- Growing employer, alumni, and industry partnerships that connect students with meaningful career experiences.
- Increasing leadership-development opportunities through the Archer Center and co-curricular programming.
- Enhancing student engagement through recreation, student organizations, and campus traditions.
- Strengthening global learning and education abroad opportunities.
- Expanding opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research, scholarship, and professional development.