From the Dean of Students Office »
As you begin this new chapter, we want to make sure you have the tools and information you need to stay safe, healthy, and supported.
As part of RPI's commitment to student well-being and our Responsible RPI initiative, all new first-year, transfer, and graduate students are required to complete four online prevention education courses created by Being Plaid. The courses will be available beginning Monday, August 3, 2026.
You can access the courses through this Percipio link or by logging into your Percipio account and selecting the Assignments section. The courses can be completed over multiple sittings on a computer or smartphone, allowing you to pause and resume at any time.
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:
| • | | Navigating Alcohol Use on Campus explores alcohol's effects and consequences, encourages reflection on personal drinking motivations and campus norms, and equips students with harm-reduction and intervention skills to promote safer decision-making. Estimated completion time: 30 minutes | | • | | Clearing the Haze on Drugs examines the effects and risks of legal and illegal drugs, challenges misconceptions about peer substance use, and equips students with harm-reduction and intervention skills to support informed, safer decision-making. Estimated completion time: 30 minutes | | • | | A Path to Hazing Prevention helps students recognize and prevent hazing by exploring why it persists, promoting ethical leadership and positive alternatives, and building confidence to intervene in ways that support healthier campus communities. Estimated completion time: 35 minutes | | • | | Building Healthy Relationships equips students with the skills to build respectful relationships, understand and maintain boundaries, prevent and respond to sexual violence, and foster safer, more supportive campus communities. Estimated completion time: 30 minutes |
Additional Required Percipio Courses
In addition to the Being Plaid prevention education courses, you are also responsible for completing the following required courses, which are available in the Assignments section of Percipio. These courses reinforce RPI's commitment to fostering a respectful and welcoming campus environment.
| • | | Preventing Sexual Misconduct – Overview of Title IX Requirements (v.6) introduces students to Title IX, New York State Education Law Article 129-B, and RPI's policies on sexual harassment and misconduct. Estimated completion time: 30 minutes | | • | | Overcoming Your Own Unconscious Biases explores how unconscious and implicit biases influence perceptions and decision-making. Estimated completion time: 22 minutes | | • | | Using Communication Strategies to Bridge Cultural Divides equips students with strategies to build respectful relationships across diverse perspectives. Estimated completion time: 30 minutes |
All required courses must be completed by Friday, September 11, 2026. Please add this deadline to your calendar.
For questions about the courses, email Tara Schuster, our Responsible RPI Program Manager.
We’re here to support you every step of the way, and we’re so glad you’re here. Wishing you a healthy, safe, and exciting start at RPI!
Warm regards,
Dean Ryan
Ryan J. Keytack, Associate Vice Provost & Dean of Students
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What to do NOWSubmit Your ID Photo
Your RPI ID Card is a vital part of navigating our campus community. With your ID Card, you can access your residence hall and academic buildings, use your meal plan, and identify yourself as part of the RPI community. ID photos were due on July 10, 2026. If you have not done so already, upload your photo here.
Review the New Student and Family Orientation and NRB Schedules
We're excited to announce that the New Student and Family Orientation and Navigating Rensselaer & Beyond (NRB) schedules are live!
Check out the details for these programs here:
Please note that these schedules are subject to change and final, printed copies will be available at New Student Check In.
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Packing Smart for RPI
Shopping for your residence hall is an exciting time! Before you start packing, make sure the items you plan to purchase and bring align with Student Living and Learning's What to Bring and What Not to Bring list. |
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Our webinars cover a number of topics related to supporting your transition as a new first-year at RPI, and look to connect you to campus resources before you arrive. We have one final webinar in our summer series: Planning Your Arrival and Navigating Rensselaer & Beyond (NRB) on August 5, 2026.
Missed a webinar? No problem! Recordings for all of our summer webinars can be found here.
New Student Move In
| • | | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | For students participating in an NRB overnight trip. Families are encouraged to remain in the area or return for Orientation on Sunday, August 23, 2026. | | • | | Saturday, August 22, 2026 | For students not participating in an NRB overnight trip. |
Please note: You must stick to your assigned move in time. Arriving outside of your scheduled move in time will result in delays, and we may ask you to wait until your assigned time before checking in.
Fall 2026 Beyond Blocks
Our Beyond Block program is designed to offer a wide range of engaging opportunities that allow you to connect with peers who share your interests. Check out the Fall 2026 Beyond Block program here, and start marking your calendar with events that interest you!
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Meet our Fall 2026 LA Team
Our Learning Assistants (LAs) support RPI's orientation experiences and host interactive first-year and sophomore workshops and programs throughout the year to help students thrive academically, socially, and personally.
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LA Andrew| Class of 2027 Industrial & Management Engineering Advice for new students: There are so many people to meet and things to do. Be curious and you'll learn so much about yourself!
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Favorite thing about RPI: I appreciate how supportive and friendly the faculty are.
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FYE Email Archive
Stay up to date with FYE! When FYE sends out an email to students or families, a link to the communication will be added to our email archive.
Our last two emails can be found below:
| • | | FYE Email #7 - sent to your RPI email on June 30. Highlights important items on your Summer Checklist. | | • | | FYE Email #8 - sent to your RPI email on July 15. Highlights additional registration information and details on accessing your fall bill. |
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Save These Dates| • | | August 19, 2026 | Move-In for students participating in an NRB overnight trip. | | • | | August 20-22, 2026 | NRB overnight trips | | • | | August 22, 2026 | Move-In for students not participating in an NRB overnight trip. | | • | | August 23, 2026 | New Student and Family Orientation Day | | • | | August 24-26, 2026 | Navigating Rensselaer & Beyond | | • | | August 27, 2026 | First Day of Classes |
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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute First-Year Experience |
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