TROY, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranked first in a list of the “most connected campuses” in the country, according to a Princeton Review survey. Describing the campus as “technological nirvana,” Forbes.com released the rankings today.

The Princeton Review announcement, ranking college campuses in terms of computing prowess, noted Rensselaer’s range of capabilities including “wireless Internet access; WebCT — a campus-wide tool for faculty and students; and outreach into new areas such as bioinformatics and experimental multimedia in the arts.”

“We live in a networked world, and if our students are to excel, we must provide them access to sophisticated tools in a highly networked environment,” said Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson.  “We challenge our students to develop the technologies of tomorrow, and to do that they must have the best that is available today.”

Rensselaer is noted for its mobile computing program, distributing laptops to all incoming students.  This ensures that the network integration on campus works effectively and that all students have universal access to high-level tools to prepare them for real-world industry applications.

The Institute takes an integrated approach to computing — across applications, systems and networks — providing a seamless environment for students, staff, faculty and administrative users.

The Institute’s robust computing infrastructure supports new applications in diverse areas of research such as bioinformatics, multi-media, modeling, and simulation.

“Rensselaer has a history of leadership in technology and its applications in research and teaching,” said Rensselaer’s Chief Information Officer John Kolb. “The culture of the Institute supports the hard work and dedicated efforts of staff, faculty, students and members of the administration who work cooperatively to create this successfully integrated network computing environment.”

Today the Princeton Review published the second annual “Top 25 Most Connected Campuses” in the country, available exclusively on Forbes.com. For the full list and methodology visit www.forbes.com/connected.

“High tech has become an integral part of the students’ experience – whether it enhances their academics, their entertainment or their ability to communicate.  Each year we find the bar raised higher and higher as students consider a sophisticated computing environment central to their college experience,” said Robert Franek, Editorial Director, The Princeton Review in today’s announcement.  “These students also know that honing their tech skills in college can be crucial in their job searches and careers after college.”

Contact: Theresa Bourgeois
Phone: (518) 276-2840
E-mail: bourgt@rpi.edu