Friday, October 24
8 a.m.-7 p.m. | Passport to RPI: Classroom Experience

Experience what it’s like to be a student at RPI! The classes listed below will be open for you to visit on Friday. While these are regular instructional sessions, guests are welcome to attend. Please note that classroom space is limited.

Please Note:

• These are regularly scheduled classes. Most faculty will teach their planned lessons.
• Attend only the classes listed here — others are closed (field trips, exams, guest lectures, etc.).
• Seating may be limited; have backup options in case a class is full.
• Higher course numbers indicate more advanced material (e.g., 1100 = first-year, 5000/6000 = senior/graduate).
• To minimize disruptions: silence phones, arrive on time, and stay for the full class. 
   
  PHYS 1100: PHYSICS I          
  8-9:50 a.m. 
  JROWL 2C06 
  The first semester of a two-semester sequence of interactive courses. Topics include linear and angular kinematics and dynamics, work and energy, momentum and collisions, forces and fields, gravitation, oscillatory motion, waves, sound, and interference. 
   
  CHEM 1100: PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY I  
  8-9:20 a.m. 
  DARRIN 318 
  Principles of chemistry, with particular focus on atomic and molecular structure and bonding, periodicity, basic thermodynamic principles, introduction to acid-base chemistry and elementary chemical equilibrium, and introduction to organic chemistry. Students cannot get credit for both this course and CHEM 1110. 
   
  MATH 1020: CALCULUS II     
  8-9:50 a.m. 
  LOW 4050 
  Techniques and applications of integration, polar coordinates, parametric equations, infinite sequences and series, vector functions and curves in space, functions of several variables, and partial derivatives. 
   
  PHYS 1200: PHYSICS II 
  8:30-9:20 a.m. 
  DARRIN 308 
  The second semester of the two-semester sequence of interactive courses. Topics include electric and magnetic forces and fields, Gauss’s Law, dc and ac circuits, Ampere’s Law and Faraday’s Law, electromagnetic radiation, physical optics, and quantum physics.
   
  ENGR 1300: ENGR PROCESSES     
  9-11:50 a.m. 
  JONSSN 1010 
  The use of basic machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, drill presses, band saws, and grinders, including micrometers, vernier calipers, and other devices of use in a machine shop or laboratory. Welding techniques and tool making are also considered. 
   
  ARTS 1380: FUNDAMENTALS OF MUSIC & SOUND     
  10-11:50 a.m. 
  WEST 323 
  This course is a hands-on introduction to the primary building blocks of music and musicianship in a 21st Century context. The course will explore acoustics and psychoacoustics, rhythm, pitch, harmony, melody, timbre, improvisation, composition, and music notation through engaged listening practices and creative projects. No formal musical background is expected.     
   
  MATH 1010: CALCULUS I     
  12-1:50 p.m. 
  EATON 214 
  Functions, limits, continuity, derivatives, implicit differentiation, related rates, maxima and minima, elementary transcendental functions, introduction to definite integral with applications to area and volumes of revolution. 
   
  ECSE 1010: INTRODUCTION TO ECSE 
  12-1:50 p.m. 
  DARRIN 337 
  An experiment-centric development of the basic analysis tools of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering, emphasizing the concepts and mathematics of analog and digital circuits and electronics, programming, data generation and analysis, and system model development using paper and pencil analysis, simulation, and experiment. Problems, applications, and projects are chosen to lay a solid foundation for core EE and CSE courses. 
   
  CSCI 1200: DATA STRUCTURES     
  2-3:50 p.m. 
  SAGE 3303 
  Programming concepts: functions, parameter passing, pointers, arrays, strings, structs, classes, templates. Mathematical tools: sets, functions, and relations, order notation, complexity of algorithms, proof by induction. Data structures and their representations: data abstraction and internal representation, sequences, trees, binary search trees, associative structures. Algorithms: searching and sorting, generic algorithms, iterative and recursive algorithms. Methods of testing correctness and measuring performance. 
   
  ECSE 1010: INTRODUCTION TO ECSE     
  2-3:50 p.m. 
  DARRIN 337 
  An experiment-centric development of the basic analysis tools of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering, emphasizing the concepts and mathematics of analog and digital circuits and electronics, programming, data generation and analysis, and system model development using paper and pencil analysis, simulation, and experiment. Problems, applications, and projects are chosen to lay a solid foundation for core EE and CSE courses. 
   
  MATH 1010: CALCULUS I     
  2-3:50 p.m. 
  LOW 4050 
  Functions, limits, continuity, derivatives, implicit differentiation, related rates, maxima and minima, elementary transcendental functions, introduction to definite integral with applications to area and volumes of revolution. 
   
  LANG 1410: CHINESE I     
  2-3:50 p.m. 
  SAGE 4711 
  This course assumes no previous knowledge of the subject. The course is designed to provide students with fundamental skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing Mandarin Chinese. Oral and aural skills will be emphasized. Background on Chinese culture will be introduced as an element of the course.  For entry level, non-native speakers only 
  
  CSCI 1700: EARLY INTRODUCTION TO RCOS     
  4-5:50 p.m. 
  Carnegie 113     
  The Rensselaer Center for Open Source (RCOS) is an eclectic group of undergraduate students working on team-based open source projects, including both software and open hardware projects. This initial course provides the core skills required to work on an open source project.      
   

8 a.m.-7 p.m. | Passport to RPI: Classroom Experience

We are pleased to offer you a chance to experience what it's like to be a Rensselaer student! The classes listed here will be open for you to visit on Friday. While these are mostly formal instructional periods, all are welcome to attend. Classroom space is limited.

9-10:30 a.m. | International Family Q&A  

A virtual opportunity for international families to learn more about campus life and ask questions. https://rensselaer.webex.com/rensselaer/j.php?MTID=mc89699c36bbcef6b431f6c180ef60a01

9-11:30 a.m. | Admissions Information Session and Campus Tours 
Have a sibling in the college search or just want a more in-depth point of view? Schedule a tour

9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Open House and Yard Games 

Join the Mueller Center for Lawn Games and an Open House

10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. | Family Weekend Welcome Center and Check in, Heffner Alumni House

You'll need to stop at the Family Weekend Welcome Center to pick up your packet and spirit wear. We will have refreshments to get your day started on the right foot, too!

1-2 p.m. | Partnering for Student Success

A session designed for parents to learn how to support their student’s academic journey, understand available services, and foster independence through collaboration.

1-3:30 p.m. | Admissions Information Session and Campus Tours 

Have a sibling in the college search or just want a more in-depth point of view? Schedule a tour

2-3 p.m. | Utilizing career resources and networks to land next opportunity

Families get a greater sense of today’s job market, how to use resources, and networks of support that exist.

3-4 p.m. | Been There Done That Part II: Parent Panel

Join us for a candid, conversational panel featuring experienced members of the RPI Parents Council who will share their insights, lessons learned, and practical advice for navigating the RPI experience and your evolving relationship with your student. This session includes time for open Q&A with panelists from a variety of backgrounds.

3-5 p.m. | Education Abroad Open House

Join Education Abroad for an in-person reception to learn about RPI’s undergraduate education abroad program. Meet Education Abroad staff and speak with RPI students who have recently returned from abroad and with current international exchange students. Learn about program options, the application process, credits and financial aid, study abroad and the ARCH, and more. Light refreshments served.

3-5 p.m. | Off-campus Housing and Resources Fair

Many of our upper-class and graduate students decide to live off campus during their RPI Experience. Come learn more about the support and resource provided by the Off-Campus Commons and meet some of the landlords that work to support that transition to off campus housing.

4-5:30 p.m. | RPI History and Traditions 

Join John Kolb, Vice President and Head of RPI Future of Computing Institute (FOCI) and Rensselaer alumnus, as he discusses the history and traditions of Rensselaer. 

5-7:30 p.m. | International Festival

The Rensselaer Union's 35th annual International Festival will feature multicultural food and performances by clubs and organizations that celebrates the many cultures present at RPI.

4:30-6 p.m. | Meet the HASS Dean Happy Hour

Meet Dean Gibbons and learn more about the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences school vision and priorities.

6-8 p.m. | Women's Ice Hockey vs St. Lawrence University

Cheer on the Engineers against St. Lawrence University. Tickets can be purchased in pre-registration or on site.

6:30-8:30 p.m. | Shabbat Dinner

Join Chabad to welcome Shabbat with dinner and prayer.

7-8 p.m. | Family Weekend All Ages Trivia Night

Bring your family to the Clubhouse Pub for a fun night of trivia. Space is limited and will sell out. Be sure to sign up early.

7-8:30 p.m. | The RPI Players Love and Loss Cabaret

Join the RPI Players for their yearly fall sideshow cabaret, with all performances centered around the theme of love and loss.

7-9 p.m. | UPAC Movie: Final Destination: Bloodlines

Admission is $3 cash or venmo.

8-10 p.m. | Sheer Idiocy Comedy Improv Show

See RPI's improv troupe perform a fall variety show

8-10 p.m. | A Sweet Night with The Rusty Pipes

An evening of performance conducted by The Rusty Pipes, a co-ed acapella group at RPI. A cafe-style show will be performed with a brief intermission.

9:30-10:30 p.m. | UPAC Movie: Final Destination: Bloodlines

Admission is $3 cash or venmo.

12:00am-2:00am | UPAC Movie: Final Destination: Bloodlines

Admission is $3 cash or venmo.

7:00am-11:00am | Run to Remember 

Join Air Force ROTC for charity 5K called the "Run to Remember”  Air Force ROTC has partnered with different military healing organizations to raise money for the causes. Sign up by clicking here

8:00am-9:00am | Family Philanthropy Breakfast

By Invite Only

8:00am-1:00pm | Family Weekend Welcome Center and Check in, Heffner Alumni House

You'll need to stop at the Family Weekend Welcome Center to pick up your packet and spirit wear. We will have refreshments to get your day started on the right foot, too!

9:00am-2:00pm | Troy Waterfront Farmers Market

Visit the largest farmer's market in the region and one of Troy's pride points, our farmer's market!

9:00am-9:30am | Family Weekend Presidential Kickoff & Welcome

Join President Schmidt for a presentation on Rensselaer's progress and accomplishments as he welcomes you to campus for Family Weekend 2025.

9:00am-11:30am | Admissions Information Session and Campus Tours 
Have a sibling in the college search or just want a more in depth point of view? Schedule a tour

10:00am-12:00pm | Honors Convocation

By Invite Only. An annual event to celebrate the outstanding academic accomplishments of our students and faculty, including the Rensselaer Medalists, the Founders Award of Excellence, 4.0 achievers, and Graduate Fellow Recipients.

10:00am-4:00pm | Tour The Forge Student Makerspace!

The Forge, RPI’s student-run makerspace, Take a walk through our space that’s home to dozens of 3d printers and other machines, and talk with our trained staff about any questions you might have - about manufacturing, RPI, or anything else about student life on campus!

10:00am-12:00pm | RPI Quad Ball Open Family Practice

Join RPI Quad ball to watch (and maybe play!) Quad Ball, learn the rules and see the amazing community of Quad ball.

10:00am-2:00pm | Racing with Rensselaer Motorsport

Check out Rensselaer Motorsport’s racecar and learn about the process of building a racecar or undertaking any engineering project

11:00am-12:30pm | Women's Field Hockey vs Skidmore College

Cheer on the Engineers against Skidmore College.

12:00pm-1:30pm | LEAP Into Family Weekend

Join Leadership Educators Advising Peers (LEAP) for team building activity session for families. Activities will be based on teams of 2 to 4 competing against other families in exciting games.

12:00pm-2:00pm | Bicycle Tour of Troy 

Bicycle through Troy with brief stops to consider the city's history and early economic activities. Rental fee to be paid onsite if you do not bring your own bike & will need to download the CDPHP App. Spots limited, first come first serve. 

12:00pm-2:30pm | Huntsman Info Table

Sigma Chi invite you to learn about the Huntsman Cancer Institute, their research and development.

12:00pm-12:00am | Admissions Information Session and Campus Tours 
Have a sibling in the college search or just want a more in-depth point of view? Schedule a tour

1:00pm-5:00pm | Field Operating with W2SZ 

Watch club members operate larger radio equipment and demonstrate to the general public what can be done with Amateur Radio!

1:00pm-3:00pm | RMA Family Weekend Concert

Join Rensselaer Music Association for their Family Weekend Concert

2:00pm-3:30pm | Men's Soccer vs. St. Lawrence University

Cheer on the Engineers against St. Lawrence University.

2:00pm-4:00pm| Humans Vs. Zombies

Join RPI Humans Vs Zombies for two games of Humans Vs Zombies at 2pm and 3pm.

2:00pm-3:00pm | WRPI Troy: Live!

WRPI will be set up for a live show and talk with student and families about all thigs RPI!

3:00pm-5:00pm | Women's Ice Hockey vs. Clarkson University

Cheer on the Engineers against Clarkson University. Tickets can be purchased in pre-registration or on site.

3:00pm-4:00pm | Engineering the Future with RPI Engineering Ambassadors

Learn about the RPI Engineering Ambassadors, and a fun, hands on STEM based activity!

5:00pm-8:00pm | Philanthropy Fest

Come to an evening supporting Engineers Without Borders global projects, featuring project representatives for projects in Panama, Ugandan and Troy.

5:00pm-6:30pm | Mass followed by wine and cheese reception

Family Weekend Wine and Cheese Reception - All are welcome to join us for wine and cheese after mass.

6:00pm-7:30pm| RPI Family Weekend Concert

Join the Arts Department - RPI Orchestra, Concert Choir, and Wind Symphony for a concert.

6:00pm-9:00pm | Haunted House

Get your tickets during pre-registration. Funds support nonprofit organizations!

4:00pm-7:00pm | Masquerave

Join RPI Ballroom for a Masquerave!

7:00pm-8:00pm | Family Weekend All Ages Trivia Night

Bring your family to the Clubhouse Pub for a fun night of trivia. Space is limited and will sell out. Be sure to sign up early.

7:00pm-9:00pm | UPAC Movie: Bram Stoker’s Dracula

Admission is $3 cash or venmo.

8:00pm-10:00pm| Astronomical Observing Night

Observe the Stars, the Planets, and More and The Hirsch Observatory which has been serving students, researchers, and the public since 1942.

8:30pm-10:00pm | Acatober Fest

Join RPI's a cappella groups for a night of great music and fun! This will be an in-person performance that you can invite your family to stream and enjoy along with you!

9:30pm-11:30pm | UPAC Movie: Bram Stoker’s Dracula

12:00am-2:00am | UPAC Movie: Bram Stoker’s Dracula

10:00am-12:00pm | GM/PU Brunch

Join us for a celebration of student leadership hosted by our student government leaders. Tickets can be reserved in the pre-registration form.

10:00am-12:00pm | Mass followed by wine and cheese reception

Family Weekend Wine and Cheese Reception - All are welcome to join us for wine and cheese after mass.

5:00pm-6:30pm | Mass followed by coffee hour

Family Weekend Coffee Hour - All are welcome to join us coffee after mass.