Student success begins with belonging. Throughout 2025–2026, Student Experience strengthened the programs, services, and relationships that help students find their place at RPI while providing the academic and personal support necessary to succeed. From welcoming new students and expanding centralized academic support to strengthening residential communities, accessibility, and inclusive excellence, these efforts focused on ensuring students have equitable access to the people and resources that foster belonging and achievement.
“RPI has been much more than a university to me. It has been a place where I grew academically and personally, developed as a leader, built meaningful relationships, and learned the importance of perseverance.”
–Chanz McIntosh ’26, Communications, Media, and Design
Helping Students Belong and Thrive
Welcoming Students to the RPI Community
First-Year Experience supported students and families through the transition to RPI, beginning with Orientation and Navigating Rensselaer & Beyond (NRB), and continuing through peer mentoring, academic support, and transfer services. A new sensory-friendly quiet hour also expanded accessibility during Orientation.
1,426 new students welcomed | 2,100 family members engaged | 97% of families felt confident leaving their student at RPI | 96% of NRB participants planned to maintain relationships formed through the program
Strengthening Academic Success
The Student Success Center completed its first full year as RPI's centralized academic support hub, expanding tutoring, writing support, coaching, exam reviews, and academic interventions. A coaching-based academic probation model provided targeted support for students experiencing academic difficulty.
4,000+ tutoring, coaching, writing, and exam-review interactions | 205 students received probation coaching | 82% of probation students were retained | 110 students returned to good academic standing
Expanding Access & Opportunity
Access & Neurodiverse Student Success (ANSS) expanded support while maintaining uninterrupted services through staffing transitions. Major developments included growth in executive functioning coaching, establishment of the Disabled Student Advisory Committee, and philanthropic support for Project Kaleidoscope.
516 registered students supported through ANSS | 9.3% of undergraduate RPI enrollment served | $1 million investment established Project Kaleidoscope | 52% semester-over-semester increase in executive functioning coaching
Building Community Where Students Live
Student Living & Learning developed the RPI Residential Curriculum and redesigned the Resident Assistant experience to strengthen belonging, leadership, and intentional student support. Housing Operations also advanced accessibility planning, communication improvements, and significant enhancements to Barton Hall.
RPI Residential Curriculum implemented and organized around three educational themes | Resident Assistant experience redesigned | Advanced major Barton Hall improvements
Advancing Inclusive Excellence
In its inaugural year, the Office of Inclusive Excellence established and expanded programs supporting belonging and opportunity, including CSTEP, first-generation initiatives, JumpStart Scholars, enhanced online resources, and celebrations of student achievement.
90% capacity reached in the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) program's inaugural year | First-Generation programming expanded to a week-long celebration | 27 students joined the inaugural JumpStart Scholars Program | Lavender Graduation and Intercultural Celebrations continued
Looking Ahead
Building on this year’s progress, Student Experience will continue strengthening the systems, programs, and relationships that help students find belonging and succeed at RPI.
Priorities for the coming year:
- Launching the inaugural Project Kaleidoscope cohort for neurodiverse students.
- Introducing the RPI Residential Curriculum across residential communities.
- Growing academic coaching, tutoring, and peer mentoring to reach more students.
- Expanding the JumpStart Scholars Program and enhancing support for first-generation students.
- Continuing to use assessment and student feedback to improve transition programs, accessibility services, and academic support initiatives.