Troy, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has launched an online student journal showcasing student life and experience at Rensselaer. The weblog, or PolyBlogs features three undergraduate students — Mary Dalton, Laura Henry, and Bryan Knight — as they go through their daily routines and share their real-life experiences with an online community.

“When it comes down to making a final decision about college, one of the many factors that students and parents consider is the campus life experience,” said Karen Long, acting dean and director of undergraduate enrollment programs. “The PolyBlogs provide readers with first hand accounts of life on campus as seen through the eyes of current students who are willing to share their personal and academic experience at Rensselaer online.”

The PolyBlogs will include weekly, unedited, 250-word entries with photographs.

“When you hear about college life and experiences from students, it makes it more personal and real,” said Bryan Knight, one of the student bloggers. “I think that students can relate much better. I know that I am sharing my personal life with many people, some of whom I may never meet. I hope that as people read my entries, they can see the life that students can have beyond the classroom.”

The students selected for the PolyBlogs have worked with Rensselaer’s Admissions Office in various roles as student ambassadors, and as speakers in student panel discussions organized for guidance counselors and students. The PolyBlogs give the students another outlet to publicly share their campus experience with the campus community, prospective students, and beyond, according to Long.

To view the PolyBlogs student entries go to http://polyblogs.rpi.edu/.

PolyBlogs Student Profiles

Mary Dalton of Hamilton, N.J.: Dalton is a senior majoring in mechanical engineering. She is a member of the Society of Women Engineers, and a mentor for the Women’s Mentoring Program at Rensselaer. Dalton has been inducted into Tau Beta Pi, the National Engineering Honor Society. Upon graduation, she will work for Procter and Gamble.

Laura Henry of Guilderland, N.Y.: Henry is a sophomore majoring in the science, technology, and society accelerated pre-law program. She is a member of the 2007 Class Council, and the “Go Be Red,” campaign aimed at seeking increased student involvement in sports and other campus events. In addition, Henry is a member of the Dance Club, the Rensselaer Union publicity committee, and a former member of the racquetball team.

Bryan Knight of Hudson, N.H.: Knight is a senior with a double major in computer systems engineering and computer science. He has been inducted into Tau Beta Pi, the National Engineering Honor Society, Eta Kappa Nu, the Engineering Honor Society, and Upsilon Pi Epsilon, the International Honor Society for Computing Sciences. He enjoys sports, including running, basketball, and soccer.

If you are interested in interviewing the students, contact Jessica Otitigbe at (518) 276-6050 or via e-mail at otitij@rpi.edu.

Contact: Jessica Otitigbe
Phone: (518) 276-6050
E-mail: otitij@rpi.edu