Frequently Asked Questions

The Arch Year of Enrollment: All Rensselaer students participate in The Arch Summer Term followed by a semester-away experience during the Fall or Spring term of their junior year. 

Starting their Junior year, students live on-campus and attend courses over the Summer following their Sophomore year. Then the student attends one additional term (Fall or Spring). Generally speaking, students retain the same level of aid eligibility during their Arch year as they do in other academic years for each term they are taking academic courses on campus. 

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 Program collaborates with departments across campus to 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's Spring Career Fair.

Year 2

  • Attendance at Arch Discovery 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 should plan to complete The Career Exploration and Planning Course (ADMN 1030) (Available FALL/SPRING)
  • Students are encouraged to attend RPI's Spring Career Fair to secure semester-away experience
  • Select the term in SIS (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)

Year 3- Starting in the Summer Term

  • Register a secured Arch semester-away experience (ILEA 4400) (Fall or Spring Term)
  • Complete Mandatory LMS Course during your Arch semester-away experience
  • Confirm satisfactory completion of ADMN 1030 and ILEA 4400 in Degree Works with your academic advisor.

Year 4

  • Participate in The Arch Reflection Event (Fall Term)

The Arch Myth Busting: Myths | Facts

Myth: "I can sign a lease starting in my Arch Summer - I'll just get a housing waiver"

Fact: Student's should not sign a lease during their Arch Summer Term. Housing Waivers are not granted for this reason. On campus housing for the Arch Summer Term is required. 

Myth: "I will just get a medical exception so that I don't have to do the Arch Summer Term."

Fact: Only Medical Leave of Absence's(LOA), not exceptions, are provided during the Arch Summer Term. Any type of LOA places a student as inactive and students will need to apply for re-admission through the Office of Student Success. 

Myth: "If I get an Academic, ROTC, or Athletic Summer Request, I no longer need to do an Away Semester."

Fact: The Away Semester, ILEA 4400, is part of a student's Arch graduation requirement, regardless of any exception or Summer Away Request you may receive for the Arch Summer Term. Summer Away Requests allow you to complete your Arch Away experience over the summer instead of during a Fall or Spring term.

Myth: "I don't need to complete my ADMN 1030 Course, it doesn't count for any credits."

Fact: The ADMN 1030 course is a mandatory graduation requirement. Assignments include: Away-semester search strategies, Effective resume/cover letter writing, Employment correspondence
Virtual and in-person interviewing strategies, Intentionality with curricular and co-curricular experiences. This course is typically completed before you plan to take your Arch Away semester. Any questions about this course should be directed to the CCPD Office. 

Myth: " There's nothing to do here over the Arch Summer Term."

There are a number of robust scheduled academic, recreational, and co-curricular activities both on and off-campus over the Arch Summer Term. Some activities include a summer kick-off on '86 Field, museum trips white water rafting trips, downtown Troy events, and more!

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