During the summer, The Arch allows students to experience Rensselaer in a unique academic environment. As the only full class on campus, rising juniors have increased access to:
- Faculty and staff in specialized classes
- Workshops
- Events
- World-class facilities such as the Lighting Research Center, Microelectronics Clean Room, and Manufacturing Innovation Learning Laboratory
Curriculum Planning
Advising HUB Locations
- School of Architecture – Greene Building
- School of Engineering – Johnson Engineering Center, 3rd Floor, Ansell Lounge
- School of Humanities Arts and Social Science – Sage Building 4307
- The Lally School – Pittsburgh Building, 3200
- School of Science – Science Center, 1C12
Students can view their recommended curriculum and timeline for completion by visting the Rensselaer Catalog associated with the year they entered Rensselaer and their major.
Summer Term Course Listings
You may view a summer course offerings for summer 2019 by visiting this link.
Academic Field Trips
- The Arch Design Studio - Ecovative, Green Island
Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
- The Melting Pot of Cultures - The Tenement Museum, NYC
- Your Brain on Aerial Yoga - Good Karma Studio, Albany, NY
- Exploring Light, Color, and Space - MASS MOCA, MA
- Radix Ecological Education Center - Albany, NY
- Introduction to Historical Simulations - Rensselaer County Historical Society, Troy, NY
- Environmental Economics - Battenkill Creek, Arlington, VT
- Soul Fire Farm Community Day - Petersburg, NY
- GE Plant Visit - Schenectady, NY
- Corning Museum of Glass - Corning, NY
- Park Nanoscience Center - SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Albany, NY
- New Technology to Understand a Changing World - Lake George, NY
Note: For more information on academic field trips, contact the school indicated.
Pop-Up Courses
Pop-up courses are a great opportunity for students and faculty to engage in discussion on a diversity of topics in unique and fun settings.
July 8
Introduction to Design Thinking for Non-Designers (and Designers!)
July 16
Introduction to Blockchain Enabled Supply Chains
July 22
The Art of Logic
July 29
The Seven Deadly Risks of Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity - Part I
July 29-30
Two Part Pop-Up Course: Better Metal Forming by Linking Experiment, Modeling, and Process Control
August 5
The Seven Deadly Risks of Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity - Part II
For details and to register online, visit https://rpi.regfox.com/2019-summer-pop-up-courses
Career Development Workshops
May 29
Semester Away Search Plan
June 19
Semester Away Resources
July 10
Virtual Career Fair
July 10
LinkedIn Lab
July 24
Resume Critiques
August 7
Career Fair Prep
Dates Vary
Career Communities
To learn more, visit the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD).
Co-Curricular Activities
May 22
Student Success Lab Series (Occurs Every Wednesday)
June 3
Summer Intramurals (Through August 16)
June 12
Berry Picking
June 15
Whitewater Rafting
June 26
Stress Relief Day & Therapy Dogs
June 30
Saratoga Jazz Festival
July 10
Goat Yoga
July 11
Imposter Syndrome
July 15
The S Word
July 17
NYC Ballet
July 20
Hiking/Canoeing
July 31
Stand-Up Paddleboarding Yoga
August 3
Guided Hiking Tour
August 7
River Tubing
August 14
Stress Relief Day & Therapy Dogs
To learn more and for additional co-curricular activities, visit the Student Union Facebook Page.
Campus Living
The Arch re-centers the on-campus experience offering unique opportunities during the summer for students to build and rebuild relationships throughout all academic areas while preparing them to go back out into the world.
In support of CLASS (Clustered Learning, Advocacy, and Support for Students), all students participating in The Arch are required live on campus for a summer living and learning experience. All residence halls and classes during the summer semester will be air-conditioned.
Summer Semester
Students will live in North Hall, E-Complex, Blitman Commons, Quad, Stacwyck Apartments, and Colonie A-D. If your on-campus housing arrangements are incomplete, please email Student Living and Learning or call 518-276-6284.
An innovative dining experience will bring students, faculty, and staff together to engage in academic conversations and share life experiences. Summer dining options and hours of operation can be found here.
The Rensselaer Union will also expand the capacity of existing summer programs and services.
- Intramurals
- Fitness classes
- Movies
- Food festivals
- Promotion of summer festivals/destinations
Fitness - 2019 Summer Hours To Be Announced
(All athletic facilities are open during the summer)
Intramurals
Sign-ups for summer intramural leagues will begin late April through mid-May with leagues starting June 5th running through approximately August 17th. Tentative offerings include soccer, softball, basketball, drop-In running club, and sand volleyball.
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Tuition, Dining, and Housing Fees
Summer Tuition
Tuition for The Arch summer semester is the same as the fall and spring semester. Current fees can be found here.
Dining Costs and Options
There are a variety of meal plans available to students in the summer including the Create Your Own (CYO) plan. Current summer plans and fees can be found here.
Housing Costs and Options
Summer housing consists of single, double, and triple rooms. Current rates can be found here.
Fees
Health Center and Student Activity Fee information can be found here.
Student Testimonials
Summer Here Testimonials
"The Arch is quite different from the regular semesters and the teacher interaction is much better. I also enjoy having some online assignments which give me more flexibility."
— Haotong Shen’19, Business Management
"I really enjoy the class sizes in my BME courses this summer. I also have enjoyed the relationships I’ve built with students in my cohort."
— Jennifer Makarevich’19, Biomedical Engineering
"I’m visiting downtown Troy a lot, making solid Arch connections and enjoy the cohort affinity."
— Snehansh Pabba’19, Biomedical Engineering
"I am having a great time at the CCPD networking event. It is a very intimate setting that allows me to talk to potential employers on a more personal note."
— Nathan Hontoria’19, Environmental Engineering
"Great experience so far with my BME course, I hang out with my classmates outside of class a lot more and the overall summer atmosphere seems more relaxing."
— Cindy Leyva’19, Biomedical Engineering
"My experience at the CCPD networking event has been great! I've had the chance to meet one-on-one with prospective employers in a more intimate setting than a career fair."
— David Kyslinger’19, Chemical Engineering
