All Rensselaer students must understand and comply with the important policies, protocols, and requirements in the Handbook and all other related requirements set forth in Institute policies.

Rensselaer Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities

All transfer courses must be evaluated BEFORE you take them, regardless of their status in the Transfer Course Guide.

Transfer Evaluations for HASS Courses

Topics Courses are the opportunity to take a brand-new course with one of RPI’s esteemed faculty. This course is in the early stages of joining the requirements of one of our HASS Programs, or it could be a professor sharing their expertise and research areas. These courses could even be designed based on student requests and interests.

HASS Topics Courses

This section contains information on who the different Graduate Program Directors (GPD) are, the current advising model, and academic and funding support. 

Graduate Advising

As a student, it is your responsibility to know your graduation requirements. the Academic Advising team that is here to support you with all things Academic, such as curriculum planning and academic coaching.

Undergraduate Advising

HASS Curriculum Templates

There is much to consider when considering law school - academic preparation, cost, admissions, and more. With so many options to review, the best place to begin with this webpage and Handbook developed by the HASS Hub Advising Team and reviewed by our esteemed Faculty and Dean.

Preparation for Law School

This information is for current RPI students. For prospective RPI students interested in becoming a HASS Major, please see RPI's Admission page. This page will guide you through declaring a HASS Dual or switching your major to a HASS Degree.

HASS Majors & Dual Majors

The HASS Academic Advising Hub will guide and support you through important academic decisions, ensuring you have the resources and information you need to be successful. You can reach out to us for academic support as you navigate your transition into our community. 

Welcome to the RPI Class of 2028!

At RPI, students have a 12-credit depth concentration (usually three 4-credit courses) in a chosen area of focus called the Integrative Pathway. Once you’ve satisfied your Pathway requirements, a minor can be the next step! Most minors at RPI comprise four courses, and many align with the Pathways.

HASS Minors

As part of their B.S. degree program, all RPI undergraduates take a selection of HASS courses called the HASS Core. The Core Curriculum is outlined within the College Catalog.

The HASS Core

Substituting a course within a Major must be approved by the Degree Clearance Officer (DCO) for each department. Only with the DCO approval, can a course be substituted for another course within a student's requirements. 

In the case a substitution is needed:

1. Connect with the student's Hub Advisor.
2. The Hub Advisor will reach out to the DCO to seek approval.
3. If approved, the DCO will make a note in DegreeWorks and the Hub will inform the student. 

Verbal approval or confirmation is not enough for degree clearance. 

Substituting a course within a Minor must be approved by the Department Head for each department. Only with DH approval, can a course be substituted for another course within a minor's requirements. 

In the case a substitution is needed:

1. Request the student follow the process outlined on our website.
2. Upon receiving the form, the Hub Advisor will connect with the DH for approval. 

Verbal approval or confirmation is not enough for degree clearance. 

Note: There are no exceptions for courses required by the Economics Minor(s). 

Substituting a course within a Pathway must be approved by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Only with the Associate Dean's approval, can a course be substituted for another course within the Pathway requirements. 

In the case a substitution is needed:

1. Ask the student to work with their Advisor to send a substitution request to hassinfo@rpi.edu
2. Upon receiving the email, the request will go through the review process for approval. 

Verbal approval or confirmation is not enough for degree clearance. 

Note: If a request will impact a large amount of students, it is recommended for the UPD of the department to reach out to the Associate Dean regarding a "mass approval" through the Registrar's Office. 

It can be found under "For Faculty"

PDF Resource Includes:

• Descriptive information for each Graduate Form
• Breakdown of required documents and workflows
• Links to all forms
• "When Required" details
• "Signatures Required" details
• "Additional Information" 

More information can be found on the OGE website.

Plan of Study (PoS) Workflow:

1. Student / Advisor initiates conversation regarding Plan of Study development.
2. Students must fill out the OGE Plan of Study Document. it is recommended that the first Plan of Study is completed within the student's first semester in an advising meeting with their assigned Faculty Advisor.
3. Advisor will review the submitted PoS from the Student.
   1. If needed, the advisor provides feedback/corrections.
   2. If the PoS is correct, the Advisor must sign and submit the PoS to GPD for final approval.
   3. Note: Both the student and Faculty Advisor should keep a copy of the approved PoS to easily make changes in the future.
4. The approved PoS must be submitted to OGE via the department's GPA. 

Updating the PoS:

• Each time the student deviates from their Plan of Study, the document must be updated and approved by the Faculty Advisor, and GPD.
  • This may include: taking a different course than previously planned, or updating an "Independent Study" with the course's final title.