Summer Opportunity Application (Former Exception Process)

Applications Open January 8, 2024

Students must attend Rensselaer the summer after their second year, followed by a semester-away experience (as dictated by their program) during their third year, otherwise known as their Junior 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 Opportunity must register their experience for summer in SIS instead of course registration. The Summer Opportunity registration should be visible on the official transcript of record. 

The Summer Opportunity Application has two Archways: (Applications available, January 8, 2024 through March 29, 2024) 

Note: Students who are pursuing  "Study Abroad" as an Away Semester for fall24/spring25, should complete the "Academic-Related Archway (Formally for Academic, Athletic or ROTC Exceptions)" below.

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 Office will update the away term to summer. If students neglect to register their Archway, it will not be counted as approved. 

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. The Summer Opportunity Review Committee does not review Student Health and/or Finance applications. Any submissions that cite issues related to the aforementioned will be referred to the appropriate office for follow-up and mitigation of concerns.
  5. 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:
    1. The Arch/Student Transitions
    2. CCPD
    3. Undergraduate Education
    4. Registrar
    5. Office of Financial Aid
    6. Student Living and Learning 
    7. Associate Dean of the School for the student’s primary degree
    8. Athletics
    9. 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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