October 23, 2025
To: The RPI Community
From: Robert Hradsky, Vice Provost for the Student Experience
Re: Updates to The Arch
Guided by a student-first philosophy, I am pleased to share several important updates to The Arch program designed to enhance the experience of students, faculty, and staff while maintaining the core intent of the program: to ensure the career readiness of our graduates.
Over the past year, the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) was tasked with evaluating The Arch program and addressing challenges experienced by students, faculty, and staff. Working closely with campus partners — and in particular, the Student Government Arch Task Force — CCPD led a comprehensive review of the program to ensure it continues to serve students effectively.
The Arch will continue to emphasize two key graduation requirements that advance student career readiness and experiential learning. These are the only two graduation requirements associated with The Arch and will continue to be reflected in all undergraduate degree templates:
ADMN 1030: Career Development Course – Equips students with professional and career development skills (updated from the previous Arch planning course).
ILEA 4400: Semester Away Course – Applies NACE Career Competencies through an experiential learning opportunity. Students will have more flexibility in how and when they can complete this requirement.
For full details on these updates, please visit The Arch website.
As the program continues to evolve, a new name will be selected to better reflect its purpose and impact. Over the next five weeks, students will have the opportunity to share feedback on naming options identified by the Student Arch Task Force and to submit their own suggestions. Students can participate both in person at the Union on Wednesdays from 12-2 p.m. beginning October 29, and through an online survey that will be emailed to all students. The new name will be announced in late November.
The reimagining and renaming of The Arch reflect the sustained collaboration across the Institute. Students, faculty, and staff shared their perspectives to help shape a stronger, more supportive Arch experience. Thank you to everyone who worked closely with CCPD, especially the Student Government Arch Task Force.