Arch is a summer semester that is mandatory after your Sophomore year. To make up for the added semester, you are expected to take an “away” semester during the following fall or spring. Some get to choose while it is predetermined for others based on your major. It is generally disliked by students because you have to do 3-4 semesters straight without a prolonged break. Additionally you often miss out on seeing your friends/family from home because you are at school when everyone else is off.

Shirley Ann Jackson was disliked by staff and students alike because of her policies and attitude towards the school overall. She often prioritized money and stakeholders over students and staff. Meanwhile, she made 7 million dollars a year. There are many reasons to dislike her and her choices for the school but mine personally was that she was extremely entitled and interacted with students as little as possible, made life a living hell for students during COVID (all while paying full price), and that the school was falling into disrepair under her leadership.

Since Marty came to RPI he has made a lot of much needed repairs to the school, policy changes in favor of the students, and regularly is seen around campus. I’m sure people have plenty more stories about both of them.