To make the undergraduate experience even more robust and transformative, RPI has reimagined the traditional academic calendar through The RPI Experience (formerly The Arch). At the heart of this approach is a required experiential learning component, The Discovery Semester (ILEA 4400), which empowers every student to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom. Combined with The Exploration Semester (ADMN 1030), this innovative model helps ensure that every RPI graduate enters the workforce prepared, confident, and career-ready.
Requirements
Upon completing or transferring in 30 credit hours, students become eligible to begin engaging in The RPI Experience (formerly The Arch) requirements. To satisfy the graduation requirements associated with The RPI Experience, students must complete the following two components:
- Satisfactory completion of The Exploration Semester (ADMN 1030)
- Satisfactory completion of The Discovery Semester (ILEA 4400)
Students have the flexibility to meet these requirements in the way that best fits their academic and professional goals. However, RPI has established a default track that supports degree completion — including The RPI Experience requirements — within eight semesters of instruction and financial aid eligibility. Many students use this track to accelerate degree completion or to pursue a co-terminal degree as part of their four-year RPI experience.
Recommended Default Track for The RPI Experience
| COURSE | 1-30 Credit Hours | 30-60 Credit Hours | 60-90 Credit Hours | 90-120+ Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADMN 1030 | Possible (Primarily for Accelerated Students) | Target | Should already be completed | Should already be completed |
| ILEA 4400 | No | Possible (Primarily for Accelerated Students) | Target (Summer, Fall, Spring) | Possible (Primarily for Transfer, LOA, and Unusual Circumstances) |
Components
Taught by staff from the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD), this course provides a comprehensive suite of career development resources, training, and employer engagement opportunities.
While not formally a prerequisite for The Discovery Semester, The Exploration Semester helps students explore and prepare for their ILEA 4400 experience in future semesters. Successful completion of the course, with a grade of Satisfactory (S), is required for graduation from RPI.
Exceptions:
- Architecture Students: Successful completion of ARCH 4200 (Portfolio Course) satisfies the Exploration Semester (ADMN 1030) requirement.
- Select Lally School of Management Students: Successful completion of both MGMT 1240 and MGMT 1250 fulfills the Exploration Semester (ADMN 1030) requirement.
Previously referred to as the away semester experience within The Arch, this course represents the required experiential learning component of The RPI Experience. All students must register for and complete ILEA 4400 with a grade of Satisfactory (S) to graduate from RPI.
Delivered through an online learning platform, the course guides students in developing key professional skills and career competencies aligned with NACE standards, including:
Career and Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Equity and Inclusion, Leadership, Professionalism, Teamwork, and Technology.
Students fulfill the Discovery Semester (ILEA 4400) through one of the following experiential learning options (each requiring a minimum of 260 hours per term, unless otherwise noted):
- Internship: One-semester paid position (minimum 260 hours).
- Co-op: Multi-semester, full-time paid work experience (approximately 40 hours per week).
- RPI Research: One-semester research experience with RPI faculty or staff; may be for credit, paid, or volunteer (minimum 260 hours).
- Civic Engagement: One-semester experience with a nonprofit or government agency (minimum 260 hours).
- Self-Design: One-semester customized experience aligned with personal career goals; must demonstrate development in at least six of the eight NACE competencies (minimum 260 hours).
- Study Abroad: One-semester academic experience through an affiliated or non-affiliated international program, coordinated with RPI’s Office of International Programs.
There is a mandatory LMS course for both the Exploration and Discovery semester experience. Students must satisfactorily complete all assignments during the Exploration or Discovery semester. Both courses are a requirement for graduation.
Students are expected to login and review all requirements for their Discover Semester. Engagement and completion is imperative. Failure to login and complete all assignments will result in a Unsatisfactory (U) for the course and a possible HOLD preventing future registration.
Note:
- Successful completion of a Co-op course may also satisfy the ILEA 4400 requirement.
- If you need to change your selected Discovery Semester, email thearch@rpi.edu with your name, RIN, current semester assigned, and rationale/documentation for the change.