All Rensselaer students must participate in The Arch summer term followed by a semester-away experience during the fall or spring of their junior year. The Arch Office and collaborators support each student through the process. From Arch Discovery Days, an annual event that prepares students for The Arch summer term, to the mandatory Arch Exploration and Planning Course (ADMN 1030), designed to guide sophomores through the process of planning for their semester away, The Arch Office and collaborators provide the support that encourages students to explore their full potential and gain the experiences needed to be successful.
Arch Planning by Year
Year 1
- First-year academic advising includes discussion of Arch semester-away term and opportunities
- Early Arch application due for accelerated students (Spring term)
- Academic support from Learning Assistants is available as part of the First-Year Residential Program
- Engagement with the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) begins with a variety of networking opportunities and workshops, including RPI Career Fairs.
Year 2
- Attendance at Arch Discovery Day is required by all sophomores (Fall term)
- Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) for upcoming school year by December 31st. (The Arch Financial Aid packages for summer term are awarded in March of the spring term)
- All students complete The Career Exploration and Planning Course (ADMN 1030) (Spring term)
- Students encourage to attend RPI Spring Career Fair to secure semester-away experience
- Select the term (Fall or Spring of Junior year) that you plan to complete the Semester-Away requirement. Students whose academic department has a pre-determined semester-away designation should ensure they select the correct semester. See table for guidance by major. (Spring term)
- Register for Summer-semester courses (Spring term)
- Attend weekly Arch Planning Workshops (Spring term)
Year 3
- Register Arch semester-away experience (ILEA 4400) (Fall or Spring Term)
- Complete Mandatory LMS Course during your Arch semester-away experience
Year 4
- Participate in The Arch Reflection Event (Fall Term)
- Confirm satisfactory completion of ADMN 1030 and ILEA 4400 in Degree Works