Constitutional government
Institutions, federalism, civil liberties, and the rule of law: how the Constitution shapes the government we live under.
Rutgers · Fall 2026 · Student-led
A home for conservative ideas at Rutgers.
Meet students who care about constitutional government, individual liberty, free enterprise, and the future of American public life.
New here? Start with what to expect or read the FAQ.
Special event · Monday, November 16, 2026
James Fishback at Rutgers
Separate from the Tuesday meeting. Time, room, and RSVP details are pending.
Why we meet
Politics should be more than a feed. It should be a conversation.
Rutgers College Republicans gives students room to examine the ideas, institutions, and policies shaping the United States. Members discuss public affairs, meet students with shared interests, attend speaker events, and become more active in civic life. Whether your interests are politics, government, law, economics, journalism, communications, or public service, the chapter offers a place to listen, question, contribute, and learn.
Individual liberty
Rights, responsibilities, and freedom within a constitutional republic, and what protects them.
Free enterprise
Entrepreneurship, competition, property rights, and the opportunity they create for students and families.
Civic engagement
Serious participation in campus and American political life, from meetings to door knocking in New York State.
What the chapter is for
Four ways to get involved.
01
Come to a meeting
Weekly Tuesday-night meetings are the front door. Check @rutgersgop for the latest time and room. Plan your first visit →
02
Join the conversation
Discuss public affairs and policy with students who care about the same questions. What we believe →
03
Hear from guests
Speaker events and public programs bring outside voices to campus. See upcoming events →
04
Take a role
Events, communications, and operations all depend on students who step up, and members also take part in door knocking in New York State. Introduce yourself →
What we do
Beyond the meeting room.
The chapter combines conversation with action. Members debate ideas on Tuesday nights, hear from guest speakers, and head out into the community, including door knocking in New York State.
Every Tuesday
Weekly meetings
Hear chapter updates, discuss public affairs, and meet the board. Times and rooms are posted at @rutgersgop.
Plan your first visitIn the communityDoor knocking in New York State
Members leave campus to knock on doors and talk with neighbors across New York State. October 23–25 — travel and hotel are covered.
See the photosSpecial eventsSpeakers and programs
Guest speakers bring outside voices to campus, including James Fishback on Monday, November 16.
See event detailsCivic toolsVoter and civic resources
Official links for registering to vote in New Jersey, checking your status, and learning how government works.
Open resourcesLeadership
Meet the board.
Six students lead the chapter: a President, Vice President, Treasurer, two Secretaries, and a Social Media Manager. Read each officer’s full bio, or message the board with questions.
From campus
The chapter in public life.
Group photos, evenings out, and community outreach from the chapter’s year. Open the gallery to see every photo and jump to the original Instagram posts.
Next step
Ready to come by?
Meetings are open to Rutgers students who are curious about conservative ideas and public affairs. Introduce yourself, ask a question, or just show up on a Tuesday.
Share your perspective
Request to be a guest speaker.
Interested in speaking to Rutgers College Republicans? Tell the board about yourself, your proposed topic, and your availability.
Executive board · 2026
Meet the board.
The students responsible for the chapter’s direction, operations, events, finances, outreach, and communications.
President
Andrew Joseph
Andrew Joseph serves as President of Rutgers College Republicans. He works to advance conservative principles, promote political engagement, and create opportunities for thoughtful discussion of American politics, public policy, constitutional principles, individual liberty, and the role of government. As president, he guides the chapter’s priorities, represents the organization in campus and public settings, and helps turn ideas into meetings, speaker programs, and opportunities for students to participate in civic life.
Vice President
Rocco Simione Jr.
Rocco Simione Jr. serves as Vice President of Rutgers College Republicans. He supports the chapter’s leadership, programming, and presence within the Rutgers community while encouraging political engagement, civic participation, and serious discussion of public affairs. He works with the president and executive board to coordinate meetings, develop chapter initiatives, welcome new members, and keep the organization active throughout the semester.
Secretary
Michael Fiore
Michael Fiore serves as Secretary of Rutgers College Republicans and is a member of the chapter’s executive board.
Secretary
Megyn Doyle
Megyn Doyle serves as Secretary of Rutgers College Republicans and is a member of the chapter’s executive board.
Social Media Manager
Ryan Tretsky
Ryan Tretsky serves as Social Media Manager of Rutgers College Republicans. His interests include political commentary, podcasting, journalism, political communications, economic freedom, entrepreneurship, constitutional government, and the intersection of politics, media, and public discourse. He manages the chapter’s public-facing communications, promotes meetings and events, and helps translate chapter activity into timely digital coverage.
Photo coming soon
Treasurer
Gavin Blakenbaker
Gavin Blakenbaker serves as Treasurer of Rutgers College Republicans and is a member of the chapter’s executive board.
Get involved
Questions for the board?
The fastest way to reach any officer is a direct message to the chapter. Ask about meetings, events, door knocking in New York State, or taking a larger role.
Events & meetings
Put it on the calendar.
Special events, community outreach, and the weekly Tuesday meeting. Only confirmed facts are presented as final; times and Rutgers rooms are posted when settled.
Friday16October 2026
Save the date
Mixer with NYC Metro Republicans
Connect with NYC Metro Republicans at a mixer on October 16, 2026. The mixer is in New York City, NY. Contact the chapter for the time, exact venue, and participation details.
Monday16November 2026
Special event · Save the date
James Fishback at Rutgers
This program is separate from the regular Tuesday meeting. The confirmed time, building and room, admission and guest rules, and RSVP details will be posted at @rutgersgop as soon as they are set. If you need an accommodation for this event, message the chapter ahead of time.
October 202623–25New York State
Community outreach · Confirmed
Door Knocking in New York State
Chapter members take the conversation off campus by knocking on doors in New York State and talking with neighbors. It is a hands-on way to take part in civic life beyond Rutgers. The outing runs Friday–Sunday, October 23–25, and travel and hotel are paid for. Ask an officer how to take part; meeting points are shared by the chapter at @rutgersgop.
Sunday1November 2026
NYYRC · Day of action
Final Push: The NYYRC Rolls Into Brooklyn
A day of door knocking in Brooklyn for Lester Chang, Tom Stanten, Etan Harris, Michael Novakhov, and more candidates, from Bay Ridge to Brighton Beach.
Saturday12December 2026
Save the date
NYYRC Gala · Black Tie Event
A black tie evening at Cipriani Wall Street, 55 Wall Street, New York, NY. Ticketing, arrival time, and chapter attendance arrangements must be confirmed.
Regular schedule
Upcoming Tuesdays
Dates are generated as a planning aid, not confirmation that every meeting occurs. Holidays, exams, room availability, and chapter announcements may change the schedule.
From campus
The chapter in public life.
Group photos, evenings out, speaker events, and community outreach such as door knocking in New York State. Select any photo to enlarge it, then use the source link to see the original post.
Photos: To ask for a photo to be removed or corrected, message @rutgersgop.
About the chapter
Conservative thought. Civic life. Rutgers.
What we are
A student organization built around ideas and participation.
Rutgers College Republicans is dedicated to promoting conservative principles, encouraging civic engagement, and fostering thoughtful discussion of American politics and public policy at Rutgers University. The organization provides a platform for students to explore constitutional principles, individual liberty, limited government, free-market economics, and the role of government in American society. Through meetings, discussions, campus activities, and engagement with the broader political community, members can exchange ideas, deepen their understanding of public affairs, and connect with fellow students.
What we believe
Four principles, open to debate.
These are the ideas the chapter returns to most often. Members are encouraged to question them, test them against real policy, and bring their own perspective.
Constitutional government
How the Constitution structures American government, from federalism and the separation of powers to civil liberties and the rule of law.
Individual liberty
The rights and responsibilities of free citizens, and how government can protect or restrict them.
Free enterprise
How competition, property rights, and entrepreneurship create opportunity, and which policies help or hinder them.
Civic engagement
Taking part in politics beyond social media, from meetings and speaker events to door knocking in New York State.
What members do
Ideas into action.
Meet on Tuesday nights
Weekly meetings are where members hear updates, discuss public affairs, and meet the board.
Plan your first visit →Hear from guest speakers
Special events bring outside voices to campus, including a program with James Fishback on Monday, November 16, 2026.
See event details →Knock on doors in New York State
Members take the conversation into the community and talk with neighbors about the issues that matter to them.
See the photos →Help run the chapter
Events, communications, finances, and outreach all depend on student leaders.
Meet the board →How we operate
Student-led and independent.
Rutgers College Republicans is a student organization led by an executive board of six officers. It is not an official Rutgers University website, and the chapter’s views are its own. Read the policies for privacy, accessibility, and photo permissions, or the FAQ for quick answers.
Membership
Come to the next meeting.
You do not need to arrive as an expert. Bring curiosity, questions, and a willingness to participate.
Questions, answered
Before you come by.
Are you Turning Point or affiliated with Turning Point USA?
No. Rutgers College Republicans is not Turning Point USA and has zero affiliation with that organization.
When does the chapter meet?
Tuesday nights during the active semester unless announced otherwise. Exact times and Rutgers locations vary.
Where are weekly details posted?
On the chapter’s Instagram and TikTok accounts, both @rutgersgop. Check the post date before attending.
Is the James Fishback event a regular meeting?
No. It is a separate special event scheduled for Monday, November 16, 2026.
Who can join?
Rutgers students interested in conservative ideas, public affairs, policy, law, economics, journalism, communications, or public service are encouraged to connect.
Is this an official Rutgers website?
No. This is a student organization website. It is not an official Rutgers University site and does not speak for the university. See the policies page.
What is the door knocking in New York State?
Members knock on doors in New York State and talk with neighbors. The next outing is Friday–Sunday, October 23–25, and travel and hotel are paid for. Message the chapter to ask how to take part. You can also see photos.
Do I have to attend every meeting?
Check each week’s post to see what is planned and decide what fits your schedule. Message the chapter if you have questions about expectations.
How do I suggest a speaker?
Use the speakers and partners page to draft a message to the board. The board reviews every request and confirms details before anything is promoted.
Who runs the chapter?
An executive board of six students: a President, Vice President, Treasurer, two Secretaries, and a Social Media Manager. Read their bios on the leadership page.
How do I register to vote?
The resources page links to New Jersey’s official registration and status-check tools.
How do I report a problem with the site?
Message the chapter through the contact page and say which page and what happened. For barriers, see the accessibility page.
Policies
Privacy, access, and disclaimers.
Privacy
This preview site collects no personal data. The join form builds a message in your browser and sends nothing. If a form service is added, this page must be updated to say exactly what is collected, why, and for how long.
Accessibility
The site is built to meet WCAG 2.2 AA. If you encounter a barrier, contact the chapter through @rutgersgop and describe the page and the problem.
Independence
Rutgers College Republicans is a student organization. This site is not an official Rutgers University website, and the chapter’s views are its own.
Photos and names
Photos and officer information should be published only with permission. To request removal, contact the chapter through @rutgersgop.
404
That page isn’t here.
Try the front page, or head straight to the next meeting.
Start here
Your first visit.
Everything a new student needs before the first meeting.
Before you go
Meetings are on Tuesday nights during the semester. The exact time and Rutgers room vary, so check the most recent dated post at @rutgersgop before heading over.
What to expect
You can meet the board, hear what the chapter has planned, and ask questions. No preparation or prior experience is needed. The chapter also gets out into the community — door knocking in New York State, October 23–25, with travel and hotel covered — so ask an officer how to take part. See the events page for what is coming up.
Getting there
Use the Rutgers campus map to find the building once the room is posted. If you need an accommodation, message the chapter ahead of time through the contact page.
After your first visit
Introduce yourself through the join page, follow the chapter’s accounts for updates, and tell an officer which parts of the chapter interest you.
Resources
Civic resources.
Official sources for registering, checking your registration, and learning how government works.
Voter registration and elections
- Register to vote in New Jersey ↗Start or update your registration through the state’s official online system.
- Check your registration status ↗Confirm that your registration is active and your address is current before an election.
- New Jersey Division of Elections ↗Official information about elections, voting, and deadlines in New Jersey.
Learning how government works
- The Constitution Annotated ↗A reference guide to the Constitution’s text and how courts have interpreted it, from Congress.
- Eagleton Institute of Politics ↗Rutgers’ institute for the study of politics and government, with public programs and research.
Rutgers support
- Rutgers Office of Disability Services ↗Information about accommodations and support for Rutgers students.
Want to put this into practice? See how members take part → Join the chapter →
Links go to official outside sites. The chapter does not control their content, and they should be rechecked before launch.
Contact
Reach the chapter.
The fastest way to reach the board is a direct message.
Direct message
Message @rutgersgop on Instagram ↗ or TikTok ↗.
What to message us about
- Joining the chapterIntroduce yourself and ask about the next Tuesday meeting.
- Events and door knockingAsk about the November 16 event or how to take part in door knocking in New York State.
- Speakers and sponsorsSuggest a guest or discuss a partnership with the board.
- Press and mediaShare your outlet, deadline, and question.
- Accessibility or site problemsTell us the page and what went wrong so it can be fixed.
Speakers and partners
Use the speakers and partners page to draft an invitation.
Report a problem
If something on this site is wrong or hard to use, say which page and what happened. See the accessibility page for barriers.
Press
Media information.
Basic facts and how to reach the chapter.
About the chapter
Rutgers College Republicans is a student-led organization at Rutgers University focused on conservative ideas, civic engagement, and public-affairs discussion.
Brand assets
Logo files are not offered for download until the chapter confirms permission to share the seal.
Media inquiries
Send a direct message to @rutgersgop ↗ with your outlet, deadline, and question.
Speakers and partners
Invite or partner.
Draft a message to the board in your browser. Nothing is sent from this page.
Request to Be a Guest Speaker
We welcome requests from people interested in speaking at a chapter meeting or event. Share your background and proposed discussion with the board. Requests are reviewed by the chapter; submitting a request does not confirm an invitation.
Suggest a speaker or discuss a partnership
Rutgers has additional requirements for high-profile speakers, so the board will confirm details before anything is promoted.
Accessibility
Built for everyone.
What the site does, what it does not yet do, and how to report a barrier.
Our commitment
The site aims to meet WCAG 2.2 AA.
What is built in
Skip link, keyboard navigation, visible focus, labeled form fields, dark mode, reduced-motion support, and responsive layouts.
Known limitations
Gallery photos need richer descriptions from the club. Event details remain pending until confirmed. Screen-reader testing has not been completed.
Report a barrier
Describe the page and the problem in a message to @rutgersgop ↗.