Advising

Q: Who is my advisor ?
A: Sydney Seaver is the professional advisor for ECTET students. As the professional advisor, Sydney is able to answer questions regarding course scheduling, curriculum changes, tutoring services, academic difficulty, change of programs, RIT clubs/organizations, adds/drops, withdrawals etc.. She can be contacted at (585) 475-2172 or sascms@rit.edu.

Each program is also assigned a Program Chair. The Program Chairs are able to answer questions regarding co-op, career decisions and course content.

If you are unsure about who you need to speak to, please contact our main office at (585) 475-2179.

Q: When are their Advising Hours ?
A: Each advisor's schedule is posted on-line as well as on their office door. Click on the advisor's name to view the schedule

Q: Do I have to make an appointment to see my advisor ?
A: To see Sydney Seaver, Professional Advisor, an appointment is not necessary. She is in the office Monday –Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm and is happy to see walk-ins. You are also welcome to make an appointment. It is best to make an appointment when you want to meet with the Program Chairs. You can contact the main office at (585) 475-2179 to make appointments with any of the advisors.

Q: What if I'm not available during my advisor's office hours ?
A: We try to schedule advising hours throughout the week to accommodate all students. However, if you have a conflict, you may contact your advisor directly via phone or email to make arrangements

Q: How often should I meet with my advisor ?
A: We encourage students to meet with their advisor at least once a quarter (before registration). Any time you have a question or concern, please speak to your advisor. No question is too small!

Course Information

Q: What classes should I take next quarter ?
A: If you are "on-schedule" refer to your program curriculum. However, if you deviated from the outlined course schedule, please consult with your advisor!

Q: Can I withdraw from a class ?
A: Withdrawing from a class is possible up until the end of the 6th week of the quarter. (You should speak with your advisor, before any action is taken.) Withdrawal forms can be picked up in the department office. You need to get the instructor's signature, and return the form to the department for approval.

Q: I took a class over--Is there a form I should complete ?
A: Yes. Courses may be repeated by undergraduate students to improve a grade in accordance with Institute policy. A "Request for Repeat Grade" form can be picked up in the department office. Complete the form and return it to the department for processing.

Q: Why is a "Request for Repeat Grade" form important ?
A: If a student repeats a course, the last grade will stand as final and figure into the earned credit hours and GPA. The previous attempt will be excluded from the earned hours and GPA. The previous grade will remain on the transcript, but will have the message " The course above has been repeated." below it.

Online Program

Q: With full time attendance, what is the estimated time frame to complete the whole curriculum ?
A: The RIT application process will tell you exactly how many courses will transfer into the program that you chose. RIT only offers the upper-division courses for the online Telecommunications Engineering program online. You need to transfer two years of circuits and analog electronics and one year of digital electronics and physics with a laboratory into the BS TET program. The lower division math and computer programming courses are available distance learning. Students that haven't taken these courses or who cannot obtain them at a local community college should consider applying to the RIT online BS program in Applied Science. Information on this program is available at cms@rit.edu.

You will not be accepted into the BS TET program if you haven't completed the circuits, analog and digital electronics, and physics courses.

Q: I work at Bell South Business Systems executing configuration for ADSL services and assisting central offices and ATM switching technicians in troubleshooting data problems. My aspiration is to excel in the field of telecommunications and computing. Can I achieve an education that corresponds to my professional goal at R. I. T. online ?
A: Yes if you receive the Telecommunications Engineering Technology B.S. degree.

Q: Do I need any lab courses ? If yes, where ? I live in Atlanta, Georgia.
A: Yes, you have to come to RIT to do laboratories for three of the telecom courses. See the information on the online degree.

Q: Can I progress with the course work if I go out of town for a month ?
A: You can progress if you have access to the internet, a laptop computer, and can complete all course requirements that are due when you are out-of-town.

Q: Is there any difference of quality between online and on campus course work ? Is the degree the same ?
A: The degree is the same. RIT believes that the quality is equivalent.

Q: When can I start ?
A: RIT is on the quarter system. Fall ( Sept. - Nov.) , Winter ( Dec. - Feb. ), Spring ( March - May ), Summer ( June - Aug. ).

Q: I would like to start with the telecommunication certificate program and apply it towards the degree completion, is this possible ?
A: Yes, all of the certificate courses apply toward the BS degree.

Course Number Changes

Did you notice that the following courses have been re-numbered?

0609-203 Electronics I is now
0609-360 Electronics I

1019-422 Solutions to Eng. Problems is now
1016-304 Differential Equations for Engineering Tech

0609-554 Electronic Optic Devices is now
0614 520 Fiber-optic Telecommunications Technology

0618 320 PEDA is now
0618 439 Principles of Electronic Design Automation

0609 473 Transmission Systems is now
0614 483 Telecom Transmission Systems (3 cr.)
0614 484 Telecom Transmission Systems Laboratory (1 cr.)

0614 571 Network Engineering is now
0614 561 Telecom Network Engineering(3 cr.)
0614 562 Telecom Network Engineering Laboratory (1 cr.)

0614 474 Voice Communications is now
0614 465 Voice Telecommunications (3 cr.)
0614 466 Voice Telecommunications Laboratory (1 cr.)