Student Diversity Initiatives

The School of Architecture abides by the Institute’s policy on Bias & Discrimination: RPI is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are dedicated to nurturing and sustaining a diverse and inclusive living, learning, and working environment where all members of our community feel welcomed and supported.

In support of the School of Architecture’s unwavering commitment to intellectual, gender and ethnic diversity, as well an overall culture and residential college setting that is a healthy, inclusive environment for students who are LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, and Questioning their sexuality), the following student organizations and academic initiatives below are currently available.

School of Architecture Student Organizations

The School of Architecture supports two student professional organizations: AIAS, the student segment of American Institute of Architects; and NOMAS, the student segment of the National Organization of Minority Architects. Both student organizations are very active and routinely send students to these organizations’ national conferences. Learn more about student organizations within the School of Architecture here.

Insititute-wide Student Organizations

The Institute has over 200 clubs and organizations, giving students endless opportunities to dive into fun activities outside the classroom.  The Institute hosts many diversity events annually including: Black Family Technology Awareness Day, Hispanic Heritage Month, Women’s History Month, Cultural Pride Night, Asian Awareness Week, and others.  Learn more about student clubs and organizations at RPI here.

Harlem Academy Initiative

Rensselaer, and in particular the School of Architecture, have worked diligently to increase the numbers of female and minority students.  Our admissions office targets high schools with high diversity populations and in the School of Architecture, we have begun working directly with several highly diverse high schools in order to encourage students to enroll in our programs.  In addition, the Institute sponsors the Harlem Academy annually, bringing a group of high-potential 7th and 8th grade students to campus for a 3-day program introducing them to Architecture, Engineering, and Science and Technology Studies. Students in the School of Architecture assume a leadership role serving as instructors and mentors throughout the time of this important outreach initiative.

Latin American Study Abroad Initiative

In support of the program’s commitment to increasing intellectual agility, multicultural sophistication, and global awareness throughout the student population. The larger objective is expose our students to the brilliant and inspiring cultural and architectural legacies of our institutional friends and partners in South America as well as increase awareness of our program in support of establishing student recruitment feeder opportunities for our B. Arch., M. Arch., and post-professional programs.

Inclusive Excellence

RPI is committed to fostering an inclusive & welcoming campus environment where students are respected, supported, and valued. Learn more about LGBTQ+ Student Resources here.

Increasing Student Diversity

In the context of increasing the total number of women and underrepresented minority students in the School of Architecture, the leadership overseeing recruitment has made a significant effort every year to target high schools throughout the U.S with diversity populations (i.e. DASH High School, Brooklyn Tech, Bronx Science, etc.).