Summer 2026 Arch Away Registration will open the week of 3/16. Communication will be sent out from thearch@rpi.edu.
Through our existing job search programs and services, The Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) supports the search and registration of Arch Semester Away experiences, including Co-ops, Paid Internships, and Civic Engagement Experiences.
Search for The Arch opportunities or make an appointment with a CCPD counselor through Handshake.
The unique Arch Program enriches the academic portfolio with a Semester Away Experience in the Junior year.
Options for away semester experiences that are registered through the CCPD which include:
- Co-ops with at least 520 hours in your registered experience per term.
- Paid Internships with at least 260 hours in your registered experience per term.
- Civic Engagement with at least 260 hours in your registered experience per term.
Quick Facts about The Arch Away Semester
Student Action - Secure Plan
Ensure you have secured your plans for your semester away. For co-op, internship, civic engagement, and research, your offer letter/letter of support should contain the following:
Start and end date, hours per week, rate of pay (if applicable), description of work, supervisor’s name and contact
Student Action: Handshake
Fill out Handshake Template for correct designation and upload offer letter/letter of support (if applicable) and resume
CCPD Approval
Plan is reviewed by CCPD Experiential Learning team and student is notified if approved.
(no student action needed unless emailed)
Student Action: Registration
If approved, students will receive an email from CCPD with instructions for self-registration for ILEA 4400, including CRN code. Students must register by the add/drop deadline of their term away.
Student Action: LMS Course
If you have successfully registered, there is an LMS course attached to each designation. There are mandatory assignments that must be completed to receive a satisfactory grade in ILEA 4400, a graduation requirement. Failure to complete all assignments will result in an unsatisfactory grade.
Offer letters must be on company letterhead or from an official company email and contain:
- Start- and end-date
- Rate of pay
- Description of the work
- Hours
- Salary
- Supervisor's Name and contact information
- Location
All International students are required to register their employment/Away Semester with the ISSS Office. You must submit supporting documents that meet all stated requirements, in order to keep your visa status current with the Institute. All offers of employment are subject to review and approval by both the CCPD and ISSS.
