In general, Orientation activities will take place daily between 9:00am and 5:00pm with a break for lunch.   Each evening, fun events and entertainment will be offered from 10:00pm to midnight. NOTE: Events subject to change.

Student and Family Program – Sunday, August 30 to Monday, August 31

Resource Fair: A variety of RIT departments and programs will highlight their individual services. This is a time to get individual questions answered while picking up valuable literature and information.  Area banks will be available for students to open accounts; you will need one of the following documents in order to obtain an account: temporary or permanent motor vehicle operators license, US Passport/Foreign Passport or Alien Registration Card, or an Armed Forces ID. The Resource Fair will run all day in the Orientation Welcome Center in the Gordon Field House and Activities Center.  

President's Meet and Mingle: Meet and mingle with RIT's President, Dr. William Destler, Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Mary-Beth Cooper and college deans. Light refreshments will be served.

NTID Suppport Services Orientation (NSSO) Welcome: Deaf and hard-of-hearing baccalaureate students and families ONLY - Meet the support services staff and other NTID supported BS students, and get your questions answered.

The Convocation for New Students and Families: The official opening of the academic year, this ceremony formally welcomes students to the academic community and features remarks by President William Destler, Dr. Jeremy Haefner, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, Dr. Mary-Beth Cooper, vice president for student affairs and an inspiring keynote speaker.

Dean's Meetings: Meet with your dean and department chair. This session provides an overview of the college and your program of choice.

RIT & You: Making the Most of College: For students: A panel discussion about getting all that you can from your RIT experience. Get the scoop! Plenty of time to ask questions from the experts-returning RIT students.

RIT & You: Partners in Your Student's Success: For families: This program will provide insight to the transition issues first year students face, as well as, the resources and services available to assist your student in achieving academic and personal success. This session will include a Question and Answer period.

Sibling Activity: We apologize, but we have had to cancel this event.

First Year Student Program - Tuesday, September 1 - Sunday, September 6

Academic Advising: Each student will have the opportunity to speak directly to a college representative(s) who will answer individual questions regarding his/her class schedule and future course selections. Schedules may also be revised based on Liberal Arts Qualifying Exam and/or Math Placement Exam results.

College Day/College Meetings: Faculty and staff from your individual college look forward to meeting you prior to the start of classes. Each college has developed a series of unique and interactive activities/events in which you will have the opportunity to work and play with faculty and fellow students.

College Life 101 Program: An interactive program in which students discuss academic and transitional issues new students may face during their first year. In addition, programs and services that can help ease the transition process for students are highlighted.

Meet Your Orientation Assistant (OA): During this mandatory and fun event, you will meet your OA and the students in your OA Group. Your OA will be your guide for the rest of the week.

Meet Your Resident Advisor (RA): Join your Resident Advisor in getting to know the rest of the students living on your floor. Your RA will also go over the many exciting opportunities to get involved in your new community, and inform you about various staff and resources available to you.  Look for signs on your floor for meeting locations.

OCASA Reception for Commuter Students: A chance for commuter students to meet fellow commuters and learn what the Off-Campus & Apartment Student Association (OCASA) can do for you.

Club Fair: Live music, games, food and fun - Find out about Greek organizations and student clubs.

NTID Suppport Services Orientation (NSSO) Workshop: For NTID supported BS students ONLY - in this hands on orientation, you will learn how to request support and access services using RIT's Student Information System (SIS).

Two Worlds Together Program: In 1968, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf was established and joined educational forces as one of the colleges of RIT. NTID supports 1,200 students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Two Worlds Together documentary brings to light the cross-cultural barriers that occur when deaf and hearing students co-exist on one campus.   Discussions with both deaf and hearing first-year students after the film will focus on your reactions and thoughts about your role in this unique setting. Strategies and resources for bridging communication gaps will also be shared.

SpiRITs: The goal of the program is to raise self-awareness and understanding of the role alcohol plays in a university setting, the expectations RIT has regarding the responsible use of alcohol, and the ability for all students to impact the drinking patterns of those around them.

Digital Self-Defense: Digital Self-Defense introduces you to RIT’s security standards.  Learn how to protect your computer and information and how copyright law impacts your use of the Internet.  Social networking site do’s and don’ts are also presented.

Student Employment Office Job Fair: The Student Employment Office (SEO) will host a Job Fair, featuring both on- and off-campus employers.

Week of Welcome "WOW" Events: We realize that you will need to rejuvenate and have time just to relax and unwind! Throughout Orientation and the first week of classes, we have designed a number of exciting activities and events that will allow you to meet new people, experience new things and have fun! Listed below is a sample of these events:

• Nationally-known comedians
• Hypnotist and magician programs
• Outdoor dance party
• Live, acoustic music at one of our on-campus coffee houses
• Rock climbing at the Red Barn
• Ice skating
• LAN party