Directories and Resources

Empire State Hall houses the New York State Center for Polymer Synthesis at Rensselaer. It also connects the Materials Research Center and Cogswell Laboratory.

Folsom Library, the main campus library, was dedicated in 1976 by former Rensselaer President Richard G. Folsom. With state-of-the-art electronic retrieval services and study space for over 900 students, the Folsom Library serves as Rensselaer’s central library while the Architecture Library, located in the Greene Building, supports the School of Architecture programs.

The Jonsson Engineering Center (JEC), home to the School of Engineering, was named for J. Erik Jonsson ’22, co-founder of Texas Instruments. Each floor of the building is dedicated to a different discipline of engineering and contains many major research facilities and a large number of academic classrooms.

The Low Center for Industrial Innovation (CII), designed as an industrial-oriented research facility for both Rensselaer and New York state, houses three general computing labs available for student use, a manufacturing center, and clean rooms for designing computer chips.

One of Rensselaer’s oldest buildings transformed into a technology-intensive center for teaching and research.

The facility features four large classrooms with facilities for distance learning and a virtual trading floor for education in stock transactions and financial analysis.

Russell Sage Laboratory houses computer labs, a makers space, and multimedia production labs.

West Hall is home to Rensselaer’s Arts Department, the Office of Research Administration and Finance, Real Estate Management, and the Rensselaer Credit Union.

The Rensselaer Music Association (the governing body of all musical groups at Rensselaer) is housed in West Hall, utilizing the West Hall Auditorium for group rehearsals and performances.

Financial Aid, Student Life Services Center, Health Center, Bursar, and Registrar

The Student Health Center offers comprehensive, nationally accredited physician directed program providing outpatient ambulatory health care. Services include medical, gynecology, and allergy clinics, a counseling center, and health education and wellness programs.

The Dean of Students Office encompasses Judicial Affairs, Greek Affairs, Minority Student Affairs, International Services for Students and Scholars, and Disability Services for Students.

The C+CC is the home of the University Parish of Christ Sun of Justice, and provides a centrally-located focal point for cultural, spiritual and educational activities to the benefit of our home community and campus.

Home to the Rensselaer men's and women's basketball programs, the East Campus Arena features a performance gymnasium with seating for 1,200.  A separate practice gym is also included, as well as dedicated locker rooms for both programs.  Visiting and officials locker rooms are also included.

Located at the top of Peoples Avenue, the Houston Field House hosts the Rensselaer Hockey home games as well as figure skating, concerts, and other major events.

The main feature of the Field House is its 185-by-85 foot ice hockey rink that can be transformed into a wooden floor for a multitude of events. The building has permanent seating for 5,300 spectators.

The current Playhouse, a former U.S.O. building, was moved from Windsor Locks, Connecticut to Rensselaer in 1946. The building was acquired by the Institute to accommodate a library extension, study space and social activities. The structure was placed along 15th St. and thus dubbed the 15th Street Lounge or Lounge 15. In 1972, the lounge became the RPI Playhouse.

The Howard N. Blitman, P.E. ’50 Residence Commons expanded housing options for Rensselaer undergraduates while bringing approximately 300 students downtown to engage in the vibrant community of Troy. The new residence commons is situated at the bottom of the Rensselaer Approach, the century-old granite staircase that symbolizes the connection between the City of Troy and the Institute.

The Quadrangle Residence Hall Complex (the Quad) is situated on the main campus and is Rensselaer’s largest and oldest residence area. Built in 1919, the Quad houses 450 of the university’s upperclassmen in single, double, and triple rooms.

The Admissions Office is conveniently located across the street from the Student Union. Here you can attend one of the regular admissions information sessions and take a student-led campus tour.

Contact Admissions to schedule a visit or to request information.

The department provides 24-hour per day, 365-day response to life-safety incidents, coordinates internal and external resources to assist the management of critical incidents, and conducts awareness programs to proactively assist its community members in the maintenance of personal safety. 518-276-6611

The Troy Building was constructed in 1924 for use by the Civil Engineering Department and was paid for by the city of Troy in honor of Rensselaer’s 100th anniversary. Today, the President, Provost, Vice President for Institute Advancement, Vice President for Information Services and Technology and Chief Information Officer, Vice President for Student Life, Division of Finance, and Division of Strategic Communications & External Relations are located in the building.