A new way to manage RIT Communications

Changes are coming to mass communication tools at RIT.

RIT is retiring its internal communication systems — “Message Center” and “RITstaff” — and shifting how we communicate information to the RIT community.

In cooperation with several colleges, divisions, and departments, Information and Technology Services (ITS) and Marketing and Communications have been working on a new tool to replace these long-serving message management systems. The new tool will be called “RITmail” and will launch university-wide on October 12.

Why the change? Complaints from multiple constituencies about the volume of unwanted emails led the university to form a Task Force to study the issue. We benchmarked other schools, conducted focus groups, and looked at several software packages to streamline the current system. The new messaging system will allow the sender to better tailor messages for simplified communications across multiple constituencies, and:

• Reduce the number of email messages sent to students, faculty, and staff
• Integrate with the RIT Events Calendar and allow users to set alerts such as daily or weekly email updates highlighting new additions to the event calendar
• Customize: Categories will allow users to opt-in or opt-out of receiving information

Essential emails such as emergency health or safety information, academic information for students, and legal requirements will be mandatory.

A new website will provide additional information to set up your opt-in and opt-out preferences when the system goes live.

We know change can be difficult, so please provide your feedback on the website to ensure we provide clear and consistent communication as we undergo this change.

RITmail Team