Info Session

Dr Vallino will host an info session on Friday, Sept 21 at 1 pm in the GCCIS Auditorium.

Watch a recording of Dr. Vallino's November 2011 presentation: http://vimeo.com/32969115

Semester flowcharts

Incoming 2012 - 1 year on quarters / 4 years on semesters
Incoming 2013 and beyond - Full semester flowchart

FAQ

1. What does ‘converting to semesters’ actually mean?
   RIT will change from the quarter calendar to a semester calendar in Fall 2013. That means instead of RIT's four 10-week quarters, we will move to two 15-week semesters with a 10-week summer.

   More info on the conversion process on the institute conversion site

2. How will I know what courses I should take?
   You will work with your academic advisor to develop an Individual Academic Plan (IAP) outlining a path for completing your degree requirements.

   It will be your responsibility to follow this plan, and track course pre-reqs and availability.

3. How will this affect co-op?
   You will still be required to complete 40 total weeks of co-op. Instead of 4 quarters, you will work for two semesters (15 weeks each) and 1 summer (10 weeks).

   Many corporate internship programs are designed around a semester system, so this schedule may offer more flexibility and opportunities.

4. How will this affect Senior Project?
   Senior Project will continue to be a two course sequence, and will typically be completed in the Fall and Spring semesters of Senior year.

   Talk to your academic advisor about Senior Project prerequisites and course planning.

5. What classes should I take while on quarters? What should I wait and take on semesters?
   Talk to your academic advisor to develop your Individual Academic Plan (IAP).

   In general, students should complete specific requirements now, and flexible elective courses later. And plan to complete sequences (such as CS, Calc and Sciences) within one academic year, rather than split across quarters and semesters.

   Talk to your advisor if you are planning to take Architectures (4010-540) or Requirements (4010-555) within the next year.

6. How will this affect my minor?
   Talk to your minor advisor for specific information on which courses you need to complete.

   Be sure to discuss your minor planning when you meet with your academic advisor to develop your Individual Academic Plan (IAP). Since a minor is 'extra', those courses will not be an official part of the IAP. See the note in item 7 below regarding President Destler's guarantee.

7. How will this affect my plans to graduate early?
   Talk to your academic advisor to develop your Individual Academic Plan (IAP).

   It’s important to note that President Destler’s guarantee for ‘On-Time Degree Completion’ applies to the standard length of the degree (five years in the case of Software Engineering). The guarantee does not include accelerated graduation, minors, extra co-op blocks or any other special cases.

8. Which courses are changing?
   Methods for Specification and Design (4010-420) will morph into Mathematical Models for Software with significantly new content. Some of that new content is being piloted in sections of Methods already.

   Most of the material from Requirements (4010-555) and Architecture (4010-540) will be combined into a single required course, Software System Requirements and Architectures. This single course will likely be offered in Winter and Spring 2012 (the year prior to the semester switch). Talk to your academic advisor for specific course planning.

   Secure Software System Development will be a new course, which current students may take as an elective. (It will be required for students starting in Fall 2012).

Other resources

Visit http://www.rit.edu/conversion for more information.

Watch this interview with Director of Conversion (and former SE chair), Dr. Fernando Naveda