The courses in the Robotics Program serve to create a common basis for technical interaction. Students find that the course structure is evolving over time to accomodate various needs. Faculty listen closely to student feedback even while courses are in progress. Based on student input, faculty have revamped whole parts of the curriculum. The environment at the RI is one of partnership rather than of hierarchy.
Students are on a first-name basis with faculty and participate at all levels of activity.
This activity includes the generation of new research ideas, the consequent composition of funding proposals, and the active participation of students on the Admissions Committee, Curriculum Committee, and various institute quality management committees. In return, students are expected to think and act as a leaders by honoring their commitments to remain in good academic standing, to identify and formulate thesis ideas, and, through innovation, to contribute to the field of robotics. The social calendar for RoboGrads is lively with events for just about everyone. During the first month of every academic year, these events include a picnic, dinner party with faculty, a whitewater rafting trip, and a fiercely contested croquet tournament. The year is marked by monthly social events such as the winter holiday party, a ski trip to a nearby skiing resort, and innumerable ethnic or simply pizza lunches.