Family Orientation Newsletter August 11, 2026

In This Message

Reminders and Review
- Welcome Days Schedule
- Move-In Instructions
- Weather Emergencies
- Student Orientation Schedules
- What to Expect at Move-In and Orientation Videos
Move-In and Orientation
- Will I See My Student on Welcome Days?
- New Student Convocation
- Mobility Needs During Welcome Days
- Dining on Welcome Days
Family Connections and Support
- Tips for Supporting Your Student During Move-In
- Tips for Saying Goodbye
Let's Talk About It

The large orange and white RIT letters displayed on campus lawn outside academic buildings.

Reminders and Review

Welcome Days Schedules

Our Orientation program kicks off with our Welcome Days on Monday, August 17, and Tuesday, August 18. The purpose of Welcome Days is to introduce you to campus, provide opportunities to meet other new RIT families, and have time to help your student settle in. Programming is very flexible to accommodate each family’s individual needs. We encourage families to come to campus on Monday even if your student will be moving in on Tuesday morning, as this is when the majority of planned activities will occur.

View the Welcome Days Schedule >

Move-In Instructions

If your student is living in RIT housing, please make sure they confirm their appointment time in the myLife portal and print their move-in dashboard pass before you arrive on campus. It is essential to arrive on your selected day and time in order to alleviate congestion and provide the best move-in experience for all. All Move-In information, including maps, arrival instructions, and what to bring checklists are available on the Move-In website.

Weather Emergencies

In case of a weather emergency during Welcome Days, we will communicate with you through our text alert system. Text RITORI to 888777 to sign up for these notifications.

Student Orientation Schedule

Please remind your student to download the RIT CampusGroups app before Orientation to access their Orientation schedule and sign in at Orientation events. Instructions for downloading the app and accessing their schedule are available on the Orientation website.

What to Expect at Move-In and Orientation Videos

Our What to Expect videos walk you through everything you need to know before arriving on campus with your student. RIT staff share move-in tips, highlight Welcome Days events, and provide an overview of what students can expect as they begin their RIT journey.

“Don't forget a water bottle for move in! It's HOT and finding a place to fill it is faster than finding a vending machine!"

Students pose for a photo with RIT's mascot, Ritchie, during a campus welcome event.

Move-In and Orientation

When Will I See My Student on Welcome Days?

We planned Welcome Days to maximize the time you get to spend with your student. All Welcome Days programming is meant for both families and students, except for evening social programming for students and families.

Note: First-year students and Transfer students participating in Transfer Orientation Program #2 will begin their Orientation experience at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, so be sure to say your goodbyes by then!

New Student Convocation

While parents are not able to join New Student Convocation in person, we welcome you to watch the live stream beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 20. The link to view will be available on the Orientation website.

Students toss orange paper airplanes during a large Orientation event in an indoor gathering space.

Mobility Needs During Welcome Days

If any member of your family attending Welcome Days has mobility concerns, please note that most accessible parking spots near the residence halls will be closed due to move-in. The campus shuttle will run both days to help you navigate campus. The stops and the schedule are available on the Parking and Transportation website. A limited number of mobility golf carts will be available for those with mobility concerns. Families are encouraged to use the shuttle service whenever possible, as cart availability is limited. D Lot, the parking lot closest to the Gordon Field House and Activities Center, will serve as the designated accessible parking area during Welcome Days.

Dining on Welcome Days

RIT Dining locations will be open on Welcome Days; hours can be found on the Dining website. Additionally, food trucks will be available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17, and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, outside of the Gordon Field House and Activities Center.

Family Connections and Support

Tips for Supporting Your Student During Move-In

Be patient: While we work hard to keep move-in running smoothly, you may encounter occasional delays due to weather, traffic, or elevator availability. Staying patient and flexible can help make the day less stressful for both you and your student.
Let them make it their space: Allow your student and their roommate to unpack, arrange, decorate, and make this their new home. (If you want to help, make their bed!)
Know when to take a break: If you want to give your student some space, take a quick walk around campus or pop into the Parent and Family Lounge at the Resource Fair.
Adjustment takes time: If your student seems unsure or upset, stay positive and remind them that the adjustment to college can take time.
Expect nerves and emotions: It’s OK to feel nervous, but don’t let these feelings get in the way of this exciting experience.

Tips for Saying Goodbye

Don’t drag it out: Remember that your student will be busy with Orientation activities all week.
Try to save your tears for the car: If you don’t know how to say goodbye, stick to “I love you” or “I am proud of you."
Congratulations! Your student successfully made it to RIT! Celebrate YOUR success when you leave campus.

“After we moved everything into my daughter's dorm, she was ready for us to leave. It was difficult, but I knew she was ready to start her new life at RIT, and she wanted to get started unpacking and setting up her room the way she wanted."

Let's Talk About It

What have you seen on the Orientation schedule that excites you?

There's a wide variety of programming at Orientation, including academic and social events that will help your student acclimate to RIT.

Who did you list as your emergency contact?

Remind your student to update emergency contact information at www.rit.edu/studentcontact. This is necessary if we need to contact you in an emergency.

Chelsea Petree, Ph.D.
Director, Parent and Family Programs
Rochester Institute of Technology
parents@rit.edu