Fall 2023 - UG - New Student Newsletter 3

At RIT, you can expect an exceptional academic experience with plenty of hands-on, challenging, and collaborative learning opportunities. RIT is internationally recognized for our programs and collaborative projects between academic disciplines. No matter what your educational goals are, you’re uniquely positioned to gain invaluable experience in your field. And, you’ll explore new ways to blend technology, the arts, and design– where innovation is born.

Academic Requirements

Your first-semester course schedule will be built for you by your primary academic advisor and will be available for you to view in our Student Information System (SIS) in early August. Your schedule will be designed to fulfill general education and program requirements.

In order to build your first-semester schedule, your primary academic advisor will need you to complete all necessary academic items on the New Student Checklist by Friday, June 30, 2023.

Send RIT your official transcripts and test scores
Take the Math Placement Exam (if applicable)
Take the Language Placement Exam (if applicable)
Complete the College Survey

Once you’ve completed these items, track your progress by checking them off your to-do list in the self-tracking checklist. Log in using your application portal username and password. Don't forget to save your progress!

Progress bar displayed next to Self-Track Your Checklist Progress

You will have an opportunity to meet your primary academic advisor to discuss any questions or concerns you may have during Academic Day at Orientation.

Academic Resources

College is a place where your independence is respected, but that doesn’t mean you have to figure things out on your own. We can help!

Academic Calendar
Prepare for your first semester at RIT by viewing the Academic Calendar.

Academic Advising
RIT’s advisors are available to support you through your academic journey. Your primary academic advisor will partner with you as you take responsibility for your learning, making decisions that will positively advance your personal, educational, and professional goals.

Academic Support Services
Progress is measured in those moments that thrust you forward toward the next experience, discovery, or breakthrough. At RIT, we offer academic support services from tutoring to access services to help all of our students continue their journey of discovery.

Academic Tools

Silver desktop computer shown on a white table with a grey background. On the computer screen is the Virtual Orientation platform.

Throughout your time at RIT, you will use a number of academic tools and technologies. View the Student Life section of your Virtual Orientation to learn more.

Computer Recommendations

While you will want to wait until your first-semester course schedule is available (early August) to purchase course materials through our online bookstore, you can begin purchasing computer equipment now. View a list of computer recommendations by college >

Computers can be purchased directly from the Digital Den. The Digital Den is an on-campus authorized Apple® computer store and offers education pricing with savings up to $200. Dell PCs, software, photo equipment, and computer accessories are also available. Shipping or in-store pick-up is available.

Important note: On Friday, June 30, 2023, we will no longer send important RIT email communications, including New Student Newsletters, to your non-RIT email account. If you have not yet activated your RIT account, please do so immediately by following the account activation instructions that were sent to the email address supplied on your admissions application. For detailed account management information or to contact the RIT Service Center, visit help.rit.edu.