RIT - Department of Mechanical Engineering

Extensive Labs, Facilities, and Support Services

The department of mechanical engineering has a complete range of specialized laboratories with up-to-date equipment for teaching and research. These labs are available for student use, and are listed to the left. In addition to a host of mechanical engineering laboratories and special purpose facilities described here, ME students may be able to use other labs throughout the College of Engineering, and the entire campus of RIT, depending upon their particular courses and program of study.

In addition to the technology-focused labs across campus, we provide access to a wide range of student support services, programs, and units are provided to Mechanical Engineering students at at RIT. These campus- and college-wide support facilities include:

Carver Engineering Learning Center: The mission of the 5,000 sq. ft. Engineering Learning Center (ELC) is to assist students in all majors of engineering. During the standard hours of operation (9am --7pm), the ELC is staffed by at least one student each from mechanical and electrical engineering. Many engineering professors hold some office hours in the ELC. The professors and experienced tutors from these disciplines are usually able to assist students with most of the questions, including calculus and physics. ELC is not only a place to get assistance or do homework, but also a place for discovery and exploration.

Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services: This unit supports the university's special emphasis on learning through experience. The cooperative education program at RIT was started in 1912. Since that time it has grown into one of the largest in the world. The office assigns each student a program coordinator who provides assistance with career counseling and the job search from the beginning of the co-op process right through career entry upon graduation. Services of the office remain available to alumni for a lifetime. The office staff spends a considerable time developing opportunities with employers nationwide, as well as monitoring and fostering current relationships. These linkages with business and industry enhance RIT's ability to provide an education that meets the needs of the job market, and aids students in their pursuit of successful careers.

Math and Science Study Center: The Center is a 2,000 sq. ft. facility where students can work in a group or alone. Faculty from each of the science departments offer individualized and group tutorial sessions on a scheduled basis. Specially-hired Math and Science Student Tutors maintain a 70 hours/week schedule that the science and engineering students can take advantage of on a drop-in basis.

Center for Academic Success and Cultural Affairs: This center assists new students with their transition and adjustment to RIT and, through specifically designed programs and services, works to foster the academic achievement, social integration and personal success of first-year students. Three prominent programs directly impacting the 1st year ME Students scholars are: a 3-day New Student Orientation Program, the First-Year Enrichment Program, and the RIT's Women's Center.

Academic Support Center (ASC): This center offers courses in reading, writing, math and study skills as well as a math and writing lab that are open on a drop-in basis. It has an array of numerous programs and services that teach students how to improve their study techniques and how to assess and make the most of their individual learning abilities. A partial list of these include: Academic Assessment Program, Academic Success in College Conference, College Program, College Restoration Program, Academic Accommodations Office, and the Higher Education Opportunity Program (funded by both the NY State and RIT).

Women's Center: This center provides information, programming, support and advocacy to address a wide variety of issues affecting women, including academic, social, psychological, physical and spiritual needs of women. The center strives to provide a visible and accessible location and a supportive environment where students are encouraged to engage in dialogue, exchange viewpoints and find assistance.

Counseling Center: The center offers a variety of services to students including Personal/Psychological Counseling, Career Counseling, Career Resource Center, DISCOVER (a computerized guidance system), Developmental Programs and Groups, Testing, and Consultation. The Kate Gleason College of Engineering also has an Office of Student Services (OSS) that directs a student needing intervention to the appropriate person in the Counseling Center. This new college-based process helps the faculty in identifying students who need counseling, and in requesting the OSS to meet with such students and diagnose their counseling needs.