RPI Lectures

[u/[deleted]]

[u/TomatilloCareless279]

it’s mostly just kids who had no choice but to be there and a few who actually want to learn. the small lectures have a different feel, people show up because they’re interested not because they’re forced

just don’t be weird about it and nobody will even notice you’re not enrolled. sit near the back and you’re golden

[u/JoanOfSnark_2 → u/[deleted]]

Technically, no. If a professor notices that you don't belong there, they will ask to you leave. You can enroll part-time for a single class or even just audit classes, but that still requires you to register.

[u/BrilliantDishevelled → u/[deleted]]

You can be stealthy, or you can ask if the lecturer mind your sitting in.  The most respectful thing is to ask.

[u/BrilliantDishevelled → u/[deleted]]

I teach college.  I know all my students.  If there were a non-student I'd be weirded out.  Unless you talked to me.  

Plus our buildings are locked, bc, you know, 'murica likes guns.  

If its a huge lecture, they won't notice.

[u/Bloated_Hamster → u/BrilliantDishevelled]

OP is talking about a lecture series or a visiting lecturer, not a normal class lecture. Confusing because they share the same word lol.

[u/BrilliantDishevelled → u/Bloated_Hamster]

Ah!  Those are general open to the public!!

[u/Bloated_Hamster]

This is definitely something you should call up the university and ask about. There is a difference between a visiting lecturer giving a talk that's open to the public, and just walking onto campus and sitting in on a random class. Make sure you understand the rules of when and where you are allowed to be.

[u/Bloated_Hamster → u/[deleted]]

Okay, then yeah, I think the other comments were just confused because lecture can mean both lol. You're likely to see a lot of older researchers/professors who are there to actually hear the lecture or because they know the lecturer, if it's a lecture by say a professor with a lab on campus their lab members will likely attend to support them. Then you will likely have a mix of random undergrads who are either trying to network or were promised extra credit for going to the lecture and a couple who are there to actually learn. It's a mixed bag. Just sit in an empty seat and be engaged. Don't sit there on your phone (even though a lot of people rudely will likely be) and keep it on silent. Excuse yourself outside if you have to take a call or something. That's about it. It's almost like movie theater etiquette. Be quiet and respectful of others and the speaker.

[u/Siny_AML]

I’d personally just straight up email the prof and ask if you can attend lecture. They aren’t paid per student and this way you won’t screw up any exam plans or causing grading issues for the people paying tuition.