About

DiscoveRIT, a pre-orientation initiative coordinated by New Student Orientation, gives incoming undergraduate students the opportunity to come to campus early and participate in fun, small-group projects and activities. These optional programs are great way to get connected to campus, faculty, staff, and resources. Research shows that students who participate in fun, specialty programs prior to their university orientation are better acclimated to campus, more engaged overall, and more likely to have a successful academic career at the institution. We recommend that you review all of the information and program descriptions thoroughly before deciding to participate. Contact us with any questions at orientation@rit.edu.

Dates

DiscoveRIT participants will arrive on Friday, August 16, 2013 and move into the residence hall room that they have been assigned to for the year (commuter students are not provided on-campus housing during DiscoveRIT). Each DiscoveRIT program runs through the evening of Monday, August 19 (most FACEtime trips will return on Tuesday, August 20). Freshman Orientation and Transfer Orientation begins Tuesday, August 20 with Orientation Check-In and the Resource Fair. Participating in DiscoveRIT does not exempt you from attending New Student Orientation, as these programs are independent of each other.

Family Orientation is August 20-21 and while we encourage families to attend, it is not mandatory. For those families who are unable to return to RIT for Family Orientation, we will be doing a presentation of our signature "RIT and You" program the evening of August 16, after students have moved in. Families may wish to stay overnight in Rochester before returning home. You can find area hotels listed here: http://www.rit.edu/emcs/admissions/hotels. Please note that DiscoveRIT participants will have their first group meeting Friday evening and their full program begins Saturday morning, so do not plan to spend much time with them after they have moved in. More information about Family Orientation can be found on our website.

Registration

Online registration opens on this website June 3. Registration works on a first come, first served basis and spots fill quickly, so we encourage you to read all of the program descriptions and registration information thoroughly to make sure you are fully informed before deciding to participate. Registration will close on July 1, or sooner if all program seats are filled. We reserve the right to cancel programs due to low enrollment.

The following programs occur at the same time as DiscoveRIT. If you are required to attend any of these, you will not be able to participate in DiscoveRIT because of the timing conflict.

There is also a pre-orientation program available through the Spectrum Support Program. This program, Gearing Up for Success, helps incoming students begin to build the skills needed for success at RIT. For more information, contact the Disability Services Office at (585)475-6988 or Spectrum Support Program office at (585) 475-6936.

Fees

DiscoveRIT programs are fee-based and the fees vary by individual program. Upon registering, the all-inclusive DiscoveRIT fee will be applied to your fall tuition bill. Nothing needs to be paid in advance. By submitting your electronic registration form you are confirming that you have read and understand all information provided regarding DiscoveRIT and that you are able to participate in the activities described.

Withdrawal

Until July 30, 2013 you can withdraw from the DiscoveRIT program that you registered for, with no financial penalty, by contacting New Student Orientation at orientation@rit.edu. After July 30, you will be charged the program fee even if you decide not to participate or realize that you cannot participate for any reason. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you thoroughly review all of the information provided on this website and contact us with any questions you might have before submitting your registration.

Forms

When you register, you will receive an email with further instructions. It is very important that you check your email and read it carefully. All DiscoveRIT participants are required to submit a Health Insurance Information Form (health insurance is required) and a Release Agreement. These forms will be attached to the email confirmation that you will receive. Both forms are due back to us, completely filled out, by July 30, 2013. If we do not receive your Health Insurance Information Form and your Release Agreement by July 30 you may be unable to participate in the program but will still be financially responsible.

Questions

New Student Orientation
orientation@rit.edu
(585)475-7995
Fax: (585)475-7733

Mailing Address

Rochester Institute of Technology
New Student Orientation
148 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, NY 14623