TROY, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranks second among colleges with “more to do on campus,” according to the 2007 edition of “The Best 361 Colleges,” distributed by Princeton Review. The publication also named the Institute “one of the best Northeastern colleges.”

Home to 160 clubs, sports, and organizations, Rensselaer offers students myriad opportunities to get involved and explore their interests beyond the confines of the classroom, including:

• Intramural sports clubs ranging from aikido and archery to fencing and ultimate Frisbee
• Extracurricular clubs such as the astrophysical society, game development club, and model railroad society
• Performing and visual arts organizations including ballroom dance, jazz ensemble, and drama club
• Media organizations such as the Institute’s student-run newspaper, The Polytechnic
• Service organizations like the RPI ambulance and Habitat for Humanity clubs

Students also can participate in a variety of professional/honor societies, religious and multicultural clubs, and Greek life organizations.

All of Rensselaer’s clubs and organizations are based in the Rensselaer Union, which is one of the only student-run Unions in the country.

“Rensselaer is committed to a campus culture and engaging student experience that surpasses all others — where students can learn and grow in an environment that encourages discovery, creativity, innovation, and diversity,” says Eddie Ade Knowles, vice president for student life at Rensselaer. “Last year alone our students orchestrated and executed a range of campus events, including an attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the largest group performance of the electric slide, the formation of Project Hope — a student initiative to raise funds for Hurricane Katrina victims, and the kick-off of a Student Senate program to promote school spirit, called Go Be Red. As the 2006 school year begins, I look forward to a variety of new student endeavors on campus.”

Last week, first-year Rensselaer students enjoyed a weeklong program of welcoming events and team-building adventures, known as “Navigating Rensselaer and Beyond.” The events are designed to help ease the transition to college life by connecting new students to each other and resources available on campus and in the local community.