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Student Orientation (SO) Student Orientation is designed to aid new students in their transition, integrate them into the life of the Rensselaer community, and introduce these students to the broad opportunities available at Rensselaer. Essential components of the Navigating Rensselaer orientation program include and introduction to academic and student life at the Institute; opportunities for new students to interact with faculty, staff, and continuing students; and the opportunity to meet with an academic adviser and register for classes. The orientation process also includes a component that is designed to provide information to the immediate support group (e.g. parents/guardians, spouse, etc.) who play an important role in the life of each new student. Navigating Rensselaer & Beyond (NRB) When students arrive on campus in the fall, it is our hope that they are relatively comfortable with the campus and ready to get involved, connect with classmates, and explore the surrounding community. Navigating Rensselaer & Beyond is a five-day program full of skill-building opportunities, interest-specific activities, and interactive ways to connect with others both on campus and throughout the community. Community Service Helping others - that's what community service is all about. Or is it? Community service, through a number of volunteer and service-learning projects, offers participants the opportunity for civic engagement as well as intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth. The Office of the First-Year Experience offers a wide variety of programming for the entire campus to become citizens in the larger community. FYE-sponsored programming includes the America Reads and America Counts tutoring programs in local schools, Tutor Time, the Community Service Fair, monthly blood drives, Community Service Day projects and Communiversity Events, and the Student Appreciation Dinner for Clothe-A-Child. Information and Personal Assistance Center (IPAC) IPAC is a resource to the campus community, providing directory and general information. In addition IPAC offers several campus service programs each year designed to enhance the student experience at Rensselaer. Parent and Family Programs Parents and families play an integral role in the lives of Rensselaer students. Therefore, the Office of the First-Year Experience continues to offer programs and initiatives including Family Weekend, Parent Orientation, and other activities that allow families to stay involved and connected to Rensselaer. The Parents of Rensselaer, a parents association open to all parents and family members of undergraduate students, also facilitates the connection of parents with the campus community. Family Weekend, occurring in the fall semester, is a wonderful opportunity for students and their families to spend time together participating in various activities and events on and around campus. Preparing the Global Citizen (PGC) The PGC initiative is designed to increase cultural and community awareness among members of the Rensselaer community and to prepare our students to be facilitators of inclusivity in diverse environments. This program is made possible by the Unity and Pluralism Award provided by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Housed within the program are the student leadership group Community Advocates and the Global Citizen Grant for faculty and staff to seek support for cultural awareness programs. Communiversity Events Communiversity Events provide opportunities for all of us to celebrate common interests, purposes, and goals. These special events are opportunities for members of the larger Rensselaer Community of students, faculty, staff, and residents of Troy, to come together and enjoy entertainment and learn more about the community on common-ground - in festive and cultural settings. They are free to all and strategically scheduled so that members of the campus community have the opportunity to learn early about what is available outside the campus walls and residents of Troy have an opportunity to meet the campus community. Events include: Welcome Fest; Fall Fest; Communiversity Concerts; and events surrounding the Martin Luther King Day holiday. |