Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is ARC? What does ARC do?
2. I have comments/complaints about a certain class. Who can I talk to?
3. How do I apply for a double major?
4. Can I substitute a more advanced Geology/Astronomy course to satisfy my science menu requirement?
5. What do I need to know about exercising my pass/fail option?
6. I'm interested in a particular major but would like to know more, who can I talk to?
7. What are the various academic student-faculty committees, and what do they do?
8. Are there minors at Caltech?
9. Where can I find research positions? How do I go about approaching a professor for a job?

1. What is ARC? What does ARC do?

   The Academics and Research Committee (ARC) has three main aims:

   1. To serve as a liaison between students and faculty.
   2. To increase student-faculty interaction.
   3. To improve academics and undergraduate research at Caltech.

   Each ARC rep acts as the general academic ombudsperson in each house. Contact any ARC rep for questions and concerns about all academic and research matters, especially feedback and issues about certain classes.

   We also appoint students to student-faculty committees , organize ASCIT Teaching Awards , and hold a Student-Faculty Conference (SFC) every other year.

2. I have comments/complaints about a certain class. Who can I talk to?

   If you are uncomfortable approaching the professor of the class, ARC serves as an academic ombudsperson to relay comments and concerns to the faculty. You are always welcome to talk to any ARC rep about any major issues with your classes. However, you may also talk to these other liaisons:

   If your class has an ombuds (especially if they meet with the professor more than just once a term), be sure to talk to them.

   If your option has a student feedback committee, you can talk to them as well. For example, BUSAC (Biology Undergraduate Student Advisory Committee) covers feedback for all biology classes.

   You can also try talking to your TA or professor. TAs usually have weekly meetings with the professor, and they can definitely pass on student concerns.

   Many professors are receptive to constructive student feedback; so as long as you talk to them in person and don't outright complain, he or she will probably welcome any suggestions on how to improve their teaching for the students.

3. How do I apply for a double major?
   

   Double major petitions are considered by the Curriculum Committee, and should be submitted between sophomore year and first term senior year. The petition forms are available from the Registrar's Office, and it requires you to present a rationale for the double major, and a plan of study leading to completion of the degree in four years. The plan and any substantive modifications must be approved by a committee composed of the option representatives of the two options. The plan must meet the minimum requirements for both options as set forth in the catalog, but the committtee may impose additional requirements as well.

   1. Get forms from Registrar's Office
   2. Design plan of study
   3. Get plan approved by option representitives
   4. Submit petition to Registrar's Office
   5. Petition considered by Curriculum Committee
   6. Assigned advisor in second option if petition is approved

4. Can I substitute a more advanced Geology/Astronomy course to satisfy my science menu requirment?
   

   There are no endorsed replacements for the Menu courses. However, a student may find circumstances in which a substitution is needed. All substitutions for the core requirements must be approved by the Curriculum Committee.

5. What do I need to know about exercising my pass/fail option?

   You can elect to exercise your pass/fail option if the following conditions are satisfied:

   1. Elective course not designed as "letter grades only"
   2. One course a term
   3. Not specifically listed as an option requirement
   4. May not exercise pass/fail option in more than 90 units
      The instructor MUST allow any eligible student to exercise the pass/fail option.

6. I'm interested in a particular major but would like to know more, who can I talk to?
   

   The ARC already has a list of student mentors who can be contacted. It can be found here.
   

7. What are the various academic student-faculty committees, and what do they do?
   

   A list of the current Student Faculty committees and what they do can be found here.

8. Are there minors at Caltech?

   Yes, there are minors in the humanities options: English, History, History and Philosophy of Science, and Philosophy, which were just added in the 2006 – 2007 calendar year. There is also a minor in CDS (Control and Dynamical Systems). Check the Registar’s website or Caltech Catalog for more information, both of which are accessible from the ARC links page.
   

9. Where can I find research positions? How do I go about approaching a professor for a job?

   E-mail professors directly and ask if they have any research positions open and if you could set up a time to meet. If they're really busy and they don't get back to you, try e-mailing their secretary instead for an appointment. It may seem intimidating at first, but most profs are pretty chill (though can be insanely busy at times). If they don't have any openings, ask if they know any other professors in their department who may be looking for student researchers. You could also ask your advisor as well.

   Also, before you meet up with them, do some background research on the research they do before meeting up with them; it'll show your interest and enthusiasm. Most (if not all) professors have websites about their research. It helps if you prepare what you're going to say and any questions about the research you might have. The SURF website has some great tips not limited to just SURF: http://surf.caltech.edu/applicants/interview.html

   ARC also helps maintain a listing called "UROH" (Undergraduate Research Opportunities Handbook) where professors post avalible research positions during the year. You can find it here: http://uroh.caltech.edu/.