The CLASS Philosophy at Rensselaer

College is a time of transition, and with transitions come challenges. The rates at which students adjust to academic demands or integrate into social groupings can vary widely, and so here at Rensselaer we have put unto place a program that will help you meet the challenges ahead. That program, designed to foster personal growth and cohesive community, is called CLASS (Cluster Learning, Advocacy, and Support for Students)—a comprehensive approach to student life that comprises all aspects of campus culture, within a residential college model.

CLASS is built upon two main platforms: our residential clustering model, which makes for an exceptional campus living experience, and time-based clustering, which begins with the First-Year Experience and continues with similar yet developmental experiences throughout the next three years.

These models create overlapping support on multiple fronts, build life and professional skills, and foster a deeper appreciation of the global community.

Residential Clustering

If you are like most students, your first priority is your academic success at Rensselaer. A close second may be your personal life—family, friends, activities, and more. To reach your goals and have the kind of college experience that you want, you need to have a living situation that meets your needs. For the majority of students that means living on campus. Rensselaer frames its residential experience so that it can be as enjoyable and productive as possible. Clusters of residence halls, called residential commons, are a central feature of CLASS and the Residential Life experience.

Time-Based Clustering

As with residential clustering, Rensselaer has introduced time-clustering in order to support the personal and academic needs of its students over the four years they are on campus. Each class will be supported by a team of Commons Assistant Deans, upper-class and graduate student staff, faculty residential commons deans, and a Class Dean. This will ensure that every student has someone to turn to for help, and receives the best individual counseling, mentoring, and personal attention.