Get Your Free Copy of College Ready
RIT parents of incoming students get a FREE digital copy of the newly released book, College Ready: Expert Advice for Parents to Simplify the College Transition. This book provides practical guidance on what should be done during the summer and the first semester. Chapters address top-of-mind concerns including packing, money, staying connected, promoting responsible independence, and supporting academic success.
Join other RIT parents for the Tiger Parent Talks Book Club
on July 29 to discuss College Ready.
To access your downloadable, electronic copy, please visit the College Ready website
and enter RIT2021 at check-out.
FERPA
Up until now, you have had access to your student’s grades, assignments, and educational records. Upon enrolling in college, however, students are in control of these records according to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Educational records include academic records, testing data, disciplinary records, and financial information.
While RIT staff and faculty cannot have conversations with parents about educational information without a signed consent form, we are able to answer your questions with general information about RIT policies and procedures. Further, many RIT staff members will ask that conversations with parents also include students, opening the communication to all involved parties.
For more information, visit the Parent & Family Programs website.
Money Matters
Having conversations with your student about finances before they leave for college will decrease the chance of surprises (and issues) later on. Here are some suggested topics of conversation:
- Set expectations about expenses. What expenses is your student responsible for, and which will you be covering?
- Make sure your student understands the differences between a credit and debit card, and which they have.
- Help your student understand the importance of keeping a basic budget—or at least make sure to pay attention to money in vs. money out.
- Talk about the value of their education, and what tuition, loans, and scholarships mean to your family.
There are a couple different RIT offices related to finances that you may interact with:
Watch the Money Matters video
to learn the difference between these offices and who to contact for questions.
RIT has ATMs for Bank of America and M&T, as well as ATMs and a branch of Advantage Federal Credit Union. You can find ATM locations on the campus map.