Previously referred to as the away semester experience within The Arch, this course represents the required experiential learning component of The RPI Experience. All students must register for and complete ILEA 4400 with a grade of Satisfactory (S) to graduate from RPI.
Delivered through an online learning platform, the course guides students in developing key professional skills and career competencies aligned with NACE standards, including: Career and Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Equity and Inclusion, Leadership, Professionalism, Teamwork, and Technology.
Options
Students fulfill the Discovery Semester (ILEA 4400) through one of the following experiential learning options (each requiring a minimum of 260 hours per term, unless otherwise noted):
- Internship: One-semester paid position (minimum 260 hours).
- Co-op: Multi-semester, full-time paid work experience (approximately 40 hours per week).
- RPI Research: One-semester research experience with RPI faculty or staff; may be for credit, paid, or volunteer (minimum 260 hours).
- Civic Engagement: One-semester experience with a nonprofit or government agency (minimum 260 hours).
- Self-Design: One-semester customized experience aligned with personal career goals; must demonstrate development in at least six of the eight NACE competencies (minimum 260 hours).
- Education Abroad: An academic exchange or study abroad experience. Opportunities exist during fall, spring, and summer.
Students are expected to login and review all requirements for their Discovery Semester. Engagement and completion is imperative. Failure to login and complete all assignments will result in a Unsatisfactory (U) for the course and a possible HOLD preventing future registration.
Reneging on an Accepted Job Offer:
RPI does not condone reneging on an accepted offer of employment. It is generally considered unethical because it breaks a commitment that both the employer and the candidate have relied upon. Once an offer is accepted, organizations often stop recruiting, making staffing decisions based on that commitment. While unforeseen personal circumstances can sometimes justify changing course, accepting an offer with the intention of continuing to search for a better opportunity undermines trust and can damage one's professional reputation. Integrity, honesty, and honoring commitments are fundamental to building strong, long-term professional relationships, and following through on accepted obligations demonstrates respect for both the employer and the hiring process.
A meeting is required with a CCPD staff member before changes to registration can be made.
Note:
- Current students cannot work for other current students in any capacity
- Current students cannot work for immediate family members in any capacity
- Successful completion of a Co-op course may also satisfy the ILEA 4400 requirement.
- If you need to change your selected Discovery Semester, email thearch@rpi.edu with your name, RIN, current semester assigned, and rationale/documentation for the change.
