Digital Verniers
 

Hello, my name is Dave Hathaway, and I am the facilities manager for the mechanical engineering department. I'll be getting to know your sons and daughters during their first year on campus, when they complete a course in materials processing.

I recommend that a set of digital verniers is a great idea for a high school graduation gift and very apropos for an aspiring mechanical engineer. We supply a dial vernier for use in lab, but a personalized  tool like this could be a lifetime present. Your son or daughter will use it in Materials Processing and Design Graphics, and whenever he or she works in the shop as well as for personal measuring applications. So, some purchasing tips; you'll want a set that has the metric/inch dual capability. In terms of manufacturers, the difference in quality and price is vast but it is definitely a "get what you pay for" situation. My personal recommendations, depending on what you wish to spend, would be Brown and Sharpe, then Starrett , and finally Mitutoyo. Verniers commonly  come in six or eight inch measuring lengths. Ideally, I'd buy 8" Brown and Sharpe or Starrett if available. If these are unavailable, or out of your price range, then drop to 6" of the same manufacturers. The tool should have the student's name engraved on it, to personalize the gift.

First year students disassembling lawn mower engines to learn about product design and manufacturing.

Computers and Office

Accessories

ME Department Computer Recommendations

Blank CD's for computer projects

USB Flash or Jump drive (128MB)

Computer Printer, Paper, and Ink Cartridges

Scientific Calculator

Desk Supplies (Scissors, stapler, tape, post-it notes, paper clips, etc.)

Desk Lamp

Bulletin Board

Clock Radio and Alarm

Day Planner or Organizer

High Quality Mechanical Pencil

Digital Camera

Living in the Dorms?

RIT Housing Department:  What to Bring to your Dorm Room

Other Stuff!

Apparel

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Student Membership

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Student Membership

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Student Membership

Engineers wear Orange! Engineering graduate hoods (that are placed on students when they earn an advanced degree) are orange by tradition, and our students often wear orange at events like Engineering Day!

You may wish to order RIT imprinted apparel or other gifts from Campus Connections, our bookstore. They have a great selection of hats, shirts, hoodies, and mugs for all the members of your family!