RIT Resources for New Faculty
Diversity & Inclusion at RIT
Chief Diversity Officer (CDO), Kevin McDonald
The Chief Diversity Officer has the responsibility for guiding efforts to conceptualize, define, assess, nurture, and cultivate diversity as an institutional and educational priority. For more information about the Chief Diversity Officer contact the office at 475-6546.
Office for Diversity & Inclusion
The Office for Diversity & Inclusion serves as a vital resource to develop and implement campus wide initiatives and programs to promote diversity and inclusive excellence to students, faculty, and staff. Through various programs and special projects, the Office continues to foster relationships between RIT and the Greater Rochester Community. As an administrative support system to the Chief Diversity Officer, the Office oversees the daily operations and logistics of the organization as well as the budgetary needs for various programs. In addition, the Office is committed to the development of diversity education and monitors the areas that target diverse populations across the university.
Human diversity is essential to organizational growth and synergy. These differences create points of tension that spark alternative viewpoints and ideas and ignite the kindling forces behind creativity and innovation. To that end, the mission of the Office for Diversity & Inclusion is to foster living, learning, and working environments that support and incorporate principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and community.
For more information about the Office for Diversity & Inclusion contact the office at 475-6546 or visit our website at www.diversity.rit.edu
McNair Scholars Program
The RIT Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program serves a diverse group of talented RIT second- and third-year students who are interested in pursuing post-baccalaureate education. The RIT McNair Scholars Program provides enriching scholastic experience that prepares eligible scholars for graduate education, with an emphasis on doctoral studies.
Engage in Research
Scholars participate in a 10-week intensive Summer Research Experience during which they conduct research under the guidance of an RIT Faculty Mentor. Quality research projects provide a realistic picture of graduate school scholarship, while also preparing students for the doctoral school climate.
Develop and Deliver Professional Research Presentations
Each scholar culminates his/her McNair Program experience by presenting his/her research at the UB sponsored McNair National Research Conference and RIT Undergraduate Research Symposium. In addition, students have the opportunity to travel to additional McNair conferences nationwide and to network with graduate school representatives, as well as McNair Scholars from across the country.
Graduate School Preparation Seminars and Workshops
Throughout the 10 week Summer Research Experience, Scholars will have the opportunity to attend a Graduate School Fair, begin GRE prep classes, and participate in activities and workshops that will assist with the Graduate School Process. During the academic year, graduating scholars participate in the Grad Prep Series designed to assist scholars throughout the graduate school application process, learn how to identify the graduate programs that fit their needs.
For more information about the McNair Program contact the office at 475-7611.
Multicultural Center for Academic Success (MCAS)
Established in 2000 as part of an Institute wide initiative to increase student retention and graduation, we serve all students at RIT regardless of ethnic background. We honor our original mission in the retention and graduation of African American, Latin American, and Native American (AALANA) students by extending our promise to all students representative of the multicultural diversity at the Rochester Institute of Technology.
In order to help RIT meet its student retention goals, four areas drive the activity of MCAS. Each area of focus exposes MCAS commitments to academic excellence, mentoring, community development, leadership, and professional success.
MCAS Scholars Program
A high touch, intentional advising model consisting of a summer bridge program, mentoring, living learning community and curriculum and student development for RCSD Scholarship Recipients/Summer Bridge Program Participants.
MCAS Excel Program
All RIT students falling outside of the MCAS scholars program are identified as Excel program participants and will be provided seamless support by the MCAS staff and their college advisors to achieve RIT’s commitment to increase graduation and retention.
Programming Initiatives
Fostering: Professional Development, Cultural Heritage months, Celebrations, Partnerships with student clubs and organizations.
RIT Rochester City Scholars Program
MCAS provides support to RCS students in the form of a structured program comprised of a summer bridge experience, coaching, monthly community meetings and academic support. This ensures a successful transition to RIT and throughout their RIT career.
For more information about the Multicultural Center for Academic Success contact the office at 475-4704 or visit our website at www.rit.edu/mcas.
Future Stewards Program (FSP)
The Future Stewards Program was established as a result of RIT's commitment to increasing the success rate and number of Native scholars (Native American, Alaska Native, and First Nations) in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) along with other areas of need in Indian country.
We partner with students and Tribal nations, organizations and corporations to create opportunities for Native scholars to develop professionally, personally and culturally. We are dedicated to helping Native scholars succeed; our mission is to:
- Recruit Native scholars to RIT, easing their transition to a campus environment
- Retain Native scholars at RIT, ensuring their academic, social and professional success
- Return Native scholars to the Tribal community when they graduate
- Help Native students find paid co-op/internship opportunities with Tribal agencies
For more information about the Future Stewards Program contact the office at 475-4982 or visit our website at www.rit.edu/futurestewards.
| Contact Person: | Kim Ramsey-White |
| Telephone: | (585) 475-4296 |
| Email: | krwpro@rit.edu |
| Contact Person: | Sandra Whitmore |
| Telephone: | (585) 475-5453 |
| Email: | swwpro@rit.edu |
| Website: | www.diversity.rit.edu |