Summer Away Request for Arch Summer Program

Applications Open Spring 2025

Students are expected to attend Rensselaer the summer after their second year, followed by a semester-away experience (as dictated by their program) during their third year. Students who have secured a summer opportunity for their arch-designated summer or experience a summer academic conflict may apply for review and approval to override the summer course portion of the Institute requirement. 

Students approved for a Summer Away experience must register their experience for summer in SIS instead of course registration. The Summer Away registration should be visible on the official transcript. Failure to properly register any requested Away Term will impact your graduation completion requirements. 

The Summer Away Request Form will be available as: (Applications available through March 31, 2025. No submissions will be considered after the March 31st, 5PM EDT deadline.)

  • Summer Away Term Request Form (Not Available at this time)

Please Note: There is no guarantee an application will be granted by simply applying. Students must keep their fall or spring away semester designation until approval is granted. Once approved, The Arch will update the away term to summer. If students neglect to register their Archway, it will not be counted as approved. 


The Arch Program is a requirement and Summer Away Request approvals are limited.
By completing the Summer Away Request, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the requirements for the Arch Semester Away.
Additionally, you acknowledge that this submission is for one specific request.
Any changes after receiving approval requires you to submit a new form.

Application Guidelines

  1. The Summer Opportunity application has two Archways: academic-related and career-related. 
  2. The rationale for a Summer Opportunity must meet the away term requirements and registration requirements. 
  3. All sophomores must complete the Exploration and Planning course (ADMN 1030), through CCPD, regardless of their summer opportunity approval. 
  4. All students must also complete ILEA 4400 Independent Learning Experience, a course administered through LMS during the Away Semester.
  5. The Summer Away Request Review Committee does not review Student Health and/or Finance applications. Any submissions regarding health/finance issues will be referred to the appropriate office for follow-up.
  6. A formal notification with a decision rendered is sent via RPI email to any student who has applied. All decisions will be sent on a rolling basis, beginning at the start of the spring term and closing after summer registration begins.  Additionally, the following departments on campus will be notified of the decisions:
    • The Arch/Student Transitions
    • CCPD
    • Undergraduate Education
    • Registrar
    • Office of Financial Aid
    • Student Living and Learning
    • Office of International Services for Students and Scholars
    • Office of International Programs
    • Associate Dean of the School for the student’s primary major
    • Athletics
    • ROTC

Contact oue@rpi.edu with questions regarding the Academic-related Archway.

Contact ccpd@rpi.edu with questions regarding the Career-related Archway.

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