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New Student Newsletter
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Details about Orientation and the Accepted Grad Student Webinar are included at the bottom of this newsletter—don’t miss them!

From Orientation to Graduation, Here's How the Graduate School Supports Your Success

Hello new Tigers, and welcome to RIT! We’re eagerly preparing for your arrival and look forward to helping you feel at home in this new chapter. The Graduate School team is here to support you in building a rewarding and well-rounded graduate experience, beyond coursework and timelines. We offer programs, events, and resources tailored specifically for graduate students to help you connect, develop new skills, and succeed. We’re here to walk alongside you throughout your journey.

Scroll through this newsletter to explore the programming we plan, from workshops to socials, that help bring your grad life to life! 

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Communicate Like a Pro with Research & Presentation Workshops

We organize communication-focused events to help you explain your work with clarity and confidence. Learn how to present at conferences, design eye-catching research posters, and be prepared to compete in the 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition as a PhD student. These sessions are hands-on, engaging, and designed to support your success.

Events like:

Graduate Showcase
Learn to Design Research Posters Using Adobe Express
Explain Your Research to a Broad Audience
3-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition Prep & Finals
Toastmasters: Showcase Presentation Tips

4 students pose for photo during the 2024 grad showcase
student at right speaks during her presentation at the 2024 graduate showcase
student at left projects her cartoon at right during her presentation at the 2024 graduate showcase
student poses at center stage with 3 faculty and a certificate during the graduate showcase
 

Strengthen Your Skills Through Academic & Research Writing Opportunities

Graduate-level writing can be intimidating, but you’re not alone. From getting started to getting published, our writing series supports your academic success.

Recent Offerings:
Writing for Publication Retreat
Strategies for Critical Reading and Writing Workshop
Constructing an Argument in Academic Writing Workshop
Research Writing & Reading Toolkits

group of students at round tables listen to presenter at writing retreat
Student writing in a journal at a table during a writing retreat event
 

Start Strong and Thrive with Skill-Building Resources

Whether you're just starting or continuing your grad journey, we offer events and resources to help you adjust, grow, and plan for what's next academically, personally, and professionally.

In collaboration with partners like Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) and Co-op and Career Services, we bring you programs tailored to the real-life needs of graduate students. These sessions are designed just for grad students and focus on practical tools and emotional wellness, whether that means landing your next opportunity or managing the pressures of grad life.

Featured Events:
Successful Start to Grad School Q&A
Transitioning to Grad School: Classroom Tips
Graduate Student Anxiety Toolbox with CaPS
Resume & CV Writing for Graduate Students
Network Like a Rockstar Workshop
Interviewing Tips for Graduate Students

student speaking with mentor both seated at a table
View the Grad School Toolkit for additional resources
 

Build Community Through Socials, Coffee Hours & Celebrations

Our community-building events are casual, friendly spaces to meet new people, take a break, and enjoy something fun. Whether we’re celebrating birthdays, sipping hot cocoa, playing games, or hosting mixers with alumni, there’s always something happening.

Events Like:
Monthly Grad Student Coffee Hours 
Celebrate Everyone's Birthday Bash 
Semester Kick-Off Celebration
Networking Bingo
PhD Student and Alumni Mixer
Graduate Student Club Fair
Student Awards Ceremony

Students pose at step and repeat with silly props for semester kickoff event
seated student holding playing cards, smiles at her teammate during their card game
student poses with happy birthday gifts at an Everyone's Birthday celebration
student and faculty pose for photo during a student awards ceremony
 

It All Starts with Graduate Student Orientation

Graduate Student Orientation is the very first event we’ve planned just for you, and it’s where your grad journey begins! Join us for important info, helpful introductions, and a warm welcome to RIT. There’s no registration required, just plan to attend and be ready to connect.

August 17 or 18, 2025
Orientation Check-in & Resource Fair
August 21, 2025 
Graduate School Orientation Programming & Semester Kick-Off  

student give a high 5 to Ritchie, the RIT mascot with a crowd in the background at an orientation event
RIT graduate student welcome guide cover in orange with RIT cut out with a tiger sculpture seen in the letters

Make sure to visit the Graduate Orientation webpage for information on requirements, helpful checklists, and valuable resources, including the RIT Graduate Student Welcome Guide for everything you need to prepare for your arrival on campus.

Log in to the application portal to register for the next Accepted Graduate Student Webinar taking place on July 16, at 9 a.m. or 5 p.m. EST.

 

Stay Connected—Follow us on Socials

Get event updates, reminders, and highlights from the grad school and grad student community. Follow us and join the conversation!

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Instagram: @ritgradlife
LinkedIn: RIT Graduate School
Join the Grad Student Discord

 
 
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rit.edu/graduateschool | gradstudies@rit.edu
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