Student Services

The Office of Student Services in the College of Liberal Arts provides liberal arts advising and scheduling assistance to all students at RIT. The advising staff can help students select liberal arts courses for their degrees, develop a plan of study, evaluate liberal arts transfer credit, and explain RIT's policies and procedures. This office also provides study abroad advising to help students add an international dimension to their studies and fulfill liberal arts requirements at the same time.

Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office remains open until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday during drop/add. Walk-ins are welcome or students can call 475-2444 to schedule an appointment. The office is located in suite 2210-2222 in Liberal Arts Hall (Bldg. 6).

Liberal arts requirements vary within the individual degree programs on campus. Therefore, it is important that students carefully plan their liberal arts program to meet their specific degree requirements. Academic advisors are available daily to provide assistance in planning and selecting appropriate liberal arts courses. Through this office, the college provides liberal arts advising and audits for each degree program to help students maintain records of progress toward their degree.

To schedule an advising appointment, please e-mail an advisor or call 475-2444.

More about advising…

College of Liberal Arts Academic Advisors:

	Marcia Beattie, Sr. Academic Advisor, mabcce@rit.edu Academic advisor for Criminal Justice, Philosophy, Political Science, and Urban & Community Studies
	Kristen Roach, Academic Advisor klrgla@rit.edu Academic advisor for Advertising & Public Relations, Journalism, Professional & Technical Communication, and Psychology
	Pat Sanborn, Academic Advisor and Career Seminar Instructor pesldc@rit.edu Academic Advisor for students in the Liberal Arts Exploration program
	Tammi Wiley Wickson, Academic Advisor tlwgla@rit.edu Academic advisor for students in Economics, International Studies, Museum Studies, Public Policy, Sociology and Anthropology
	Lawrence Contéro, Academic Advisor lrcgla@rit.edu Liberal Arts general education advisor for students in the Saunders College of Business, College of Applied Science and Technology, College of Imaging Arts and Sciences, Center for Multidisciplinary Studies, and National Technical Institute for the Deaf
	Sheila Oakden, Academic Advisor sbogla@rit.edu Liberal Arts general education advisor for students in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering, B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, College of Science, College of Health Sciences and Technology, and University Studies

Advanced Placement (AP)

The College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) Program allows high school students to test their proficiency by taking an exam which covers college level material. AP examinations are offered in more than 14,000 high schools in the United States, Canada, and 63 other countries. A score of 3 or higher (on a grading scale of 1 to 5) can be considered for credit at RIT. The College of Liberal Arts grants credit for AP in:

• Art History
• Economics: Macroeconomics
• Economics: Microeconomics
• English Language & Composition
• English Literature & Composition
• European History
• Foreign Language (Chinese, French, Italian, German, Spanish)
• French Literature
• Government & Politics: U.S.
• Government & Politics: Comparative
• Music Theory
• Psychology
• Spanish Literature
• U.S. History
• World History

The College Board's AP Website:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html

International Baccalaureate (IB)
RIT recognizes IB level work. Credit may be awarded for higher level examinations completed with a grade of 5 or better. Credit is awarded on a course-by-course basis and in the context of the student's intended program at RIT. Each department will determine the specific amount of credit to be awarded. Students may forward IB transcripts to the Office of Admissions for evaluation.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
CLEP is a nationwide system of credit by examination offered by The College Board. Any person entering college, presently attending college or out of college may take CLEP examinations and seek credit by submitting the test results to RIT for evaluation. Credit recommendations for CLEP vary depending on the subject and examination results. Please consult with an advisor in the Office of Student Services for further information and to determine which examination will fulfill Liberal Arts course requirements.

Transfer Credit
The Office of Student Services evaluates liberal arts transfer credit for prospective and matriculated RIT students. Students thinking about taking liberal arts courses at another college or university will need to consult with an advisor in the Office of Student Services and complete a "Transfer Credit Prior Approval Form" before registering. Prospective students can call the Office of Student Services at (585) 475-2444 for questions about acceptable courses for transfer to RIT.

RIT's transfer credit policies:
http://www.rit.edu/academicaffairs/registrar/transfer-credit

For common course equivalencies at local colleges or universities near Rochester, see lists below.

• Monroe Community College
• Finger Lakes Community College
• Genesee Community College
• SUNY Brockport

For new general education semester equivalencies, please see lists below.

• Monroe Community College
• Finger Lakes Community College
• Genesee Community College

Forms:

• Liberal Arts Independent Study Form
• Registrar's Office Forms
• Liberal Arts Transfer Credit Prior Approval Form
• Liberal Arts Concentration/Minor Substitution Form

RIT Resources:

• Orientation
• Student Information Center
• Bookstore
• myCourses
• Academic Support Center
• Counseling Center
• Study Abroad
• Financial Aid
• Student Financial Services
• Office of the Registrar
• Cooperative Education and Career Services
• Commencement

Why can't I register for Writing Seminar?

What is the Liberal Arts Qualifying Exam (LAQE)?

How do I find out the results of the LAQE?

Why can't I register for a Liberal Arts class that still has open seats in it?

How can I get into a closed class?

How do I declare a Minor or Concentration?

How do I find my professor's office?

What is Tiger Tracks?

When should I seek advice from the Office of Student Services in the College of Liberal Arts?

College of Liberal Arts Peer Mentor Program

Peer Mentors are third- and fourth- year Liberal Arts majors carefully selected to help new students transition to undergraduate life at RIT. The peer mentors share their knowledge of the Institute, the College of Liberal Arts, and their academic department with new students through programs, events, and services that are designed to build a sense of community. Although advice from a peer mentor does not take the place of professional advice from an Academic Advisor or a Faculty Mentor, first-year and transfer students are encouraged to attend peer mentor events and visit peer mentors during their office hours.

Feel free to email a peer mentor to set up an appointment. Each peer mentor also has posted office hours in their academic department.

Chris Boone
Major: Philosophy
Liberal Arts Concentration: American Politics
Hometown: Jamestown, NY
ctb6946@rit.edu
Campus Involvement: President, Philosophy Club and President, Zen Club

More Info »

"I was very fortunate to be able to pursue an Independent Study course in the Philosophy department. It was very rewarding to learn how to do more in-depth research and work one-on-one with a professor."

Austin Fuoco
Majors: Urban and Community Studies and Political Science
Hometown: York, PA
ajf4893@rit.edu
Campus Involvement: Member, Urbanists for Rochester Club, Member, Political Science Club, and Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity

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"I love that the former mayor of Rochester, Bill Johnson, is one of my professors!"

Katie Harris
Major: Advertising/Public Relations
Liberal Arts Minor: Spanish Modern Language
Hometown: Albany, NY
csh2067@rit.edu
Campus Involvement: Member, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA); Member, Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society; Lead Orientation Supervisor, New Student Orientation; and Student Ambassador in Undergraduate Admissions.

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"I really enjoyed the Social Media and Communication Symposium (SMACS) last year. It was great to get insight from real working professionals and hear about the work that they do."

Nina Heath
Major: Museum Studies/Art Conservation Track
Liberal Arts Minor: Art History
Hometown: Cairo, NY
nah4940@rit.edu
Campus Involvement: Student employee at the RIT Archives and research assistant for Dr. Elizabeth Goins.

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"My favorite class in the program, so far, has been Forensic Investigation of Art. The integration of art and science, like the composition of pigments, really peaks my interests. I have had a great experience in the Museum Studies program with my professors, advisors, and peers. I look forward to finishing my last year at RIT and helping other students take advantage of what the program has to offer."

Jazzmyn Ivery-Robinson
Major: Political Science
Liberal Arts Minor: Legal Studies
Hometown: Rochester, NY
jmi7477@rit.edu
Campus Involvement: President, Political Science Club; Vice-President, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International; and Member, Pre-Law Association.

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"The Political Science Department can be described by Aristotle's quote that 'All men by nature desire knowledge'. The Political Science Department has helped me numerous ways, not only does the faculty love what they're doing, they are also willing to take time out of their day to help students with various situations. This department has allowed me to grow as a leader, as an individual and as a student. The Political Science Department can be seen as a small family of like-minded individuals who are willing to help one another succeed."

Kristin Klock
Majors: Psychology and Journalism
Hometown: Webster, NY
kek6753@rit.edu
Campus Involvement: FYE Peer Mentoring Program and Director of Talent for Sports Zone.

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"I love the College of Liberal Arts because it is such a tight knit community. You really get to know all of your professors and all of the students in your classes."

Kevin Lakhani
Majors: Economics
Liberal Arts Concentration: Archaeological Science
Hometown: Rochester, NY
ksl9462@rit.edu
Campus Involvement: RIT Weightlifting

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"The best part of being in the Economics department at RIT is knowing that our professors, who are all talented and accomplished, are ready and willing to provide one-on-one help to students who want to further their understanding of any class or subject within the department."

Julian Moiwai
Major: Advertising/Public Relations
Liberal Arts Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Durhan, NC
Campus Involvement: Member, Lambda Pi Eta; Peer Tutor, NTID Learning Center; Tour Guide Coordinator, NTID Office of Admissions; and Intramural soccer

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"The Department of Communication has been friendly and well prepared in assisting me with my academic endeavors. I am thankful for the wonderful services and resources available on campus to help with my studies. Our professors, who are accomplished in their respective areas of study, are more than willing to meet with you for one-on-one tutoring and even for lunch!"

Amy Ogden
Major: Psychology on the Clinical Psychology Track
Liberal Arts Minors: Criminal Justice and Deaf Community Studies
Hometown: Ogdensburg, NY
alo8434@rit.edu
Campus Involvement: RIT New Student Orientation and FYE Peer Mentoring Program

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"It is great that everyone in the Psychology department knows each other! I can walk through the hallway and find that I know most of the professors and students. If there is anything I need help with, from school work to finding someone to have lunch with, there is someone who can help out!"

Eric Parker
Major: Public Policy BS/MS with an Environmental Policy Track
Liberal Arts Minor: Political Science
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
ecp1460@rit.edu
Campus Involvement: President, Kappa Delta Rho fraternity; Member, Student Environmental Action League (SEAL); Member, Invisible Children; and Intramural Sports including volleyball, dodge ball, and racquetball.

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"The Public Policy department is very personable and welcoming. I have had great experiences in class and during visits with Dean Winebrake. He has been one of my favorite faculty members due to his expertise, teaching style, and friendliness. Dr. Blizzard and Debbie Steene have also been a huge help to me when I changed to the Public Policy program. They assisted me with the decision and helped me choose classes and tracks. The small size of the department has allowed me to learn and grow with people that I can call both friends and classmates. We keep each other motivated through our courses and lectures. My favorite class has been Technical Innovation in Public Policy."

Michael Roppolo
Major: Journalism
Liberal Arts Minor: History
Hometown: Stony Point, NY
mar7120@rit.edu
Campus Involvement: Writer, Reporter Magazine and Member, Honors Service Committee

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"My first year in the Communications department was amazing! Despite being six hours away from my hometown, the faculty, staff, and my fellow students made me feel at home."

Delavan Smith
Major: International Studies
Liberal Arts Minor: Philosophy
Hometown: Schohairie, NY
dts7674@rit.edu
Campus Involvement: Studied Abroad in Amman, Jordan.

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"The international studies program has provided me with the opportunity to study subjects that I have always found interesting, learn Arabic, and experience life first-hand in the Middle East."

Ashley Vasquez
Major: Criminal Justice
Liberal Arts Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Astoria, NY
anv7921@rit.edu
Campus Involvement: President, Criminal Justice Student Association and Member, Pre-law Association

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"I have really enjoyed helping the department reorganize the Criminal Justice Association and the Pre-law Association. I have worked closely with faculty and staff to get these inactive groups re-started for interested students."

Below are just a few of the many student organizations housed in the College of Liberal Arts. If you have an organization you would like to see represented here contact Vanessa Davis at vadgla@rit.edu