Family Orientation Newsletter June 16, 2026

In This Message

Requirements and Resources-Technology & Access
- RIT ID Cards
- RIT Student Email Accounts Reminder
- Student Identity Verification
- RIT Mobile App
Navigating the Transition
- Fall Billing and Payment Options
- Money Matters
- Summer Send-Offs
Let’s Talk About It

Students walk along a busy campus pathway near a large glass building (the SHED), with groups moving between classes.

Requirements and Resources-
Technology & Access

RIT ID Cards

Your student's RIT ID card is very important for daily campus life, from getting into buildings to eating and using recreation facilities. Encourage your student to submit their ID photo now to ensure it's ready for them when they arrive on campus. They should follow these two steps:

Upload a photo that meets RIT's guidelines. Students should keep an eye on their RIT email for confirmation that it's been approved.
If they would like a chosen name on their ID card, add it in the "Display name" field at start.rit.edu.

Students living in RIT Housing must have an approved photo before they can pick a move-in appointment time (selection starts Monday, June 30). They will get their ID during Move-in.

Students not living in RIT Housing should get their photo approved by Thursday, July 31, in order to have their ID card ready for pick-up during Welcome Days. These students can pick up their ID card at the RIT ID Card Service office in University Service Center, 1400.

RIT Student Email Accounts Reminder

Important information will be sent to students’ RIT accounts beginning at the time of their deposit. Remind your student to start checking this account regularly. RIT will stop sending emails to your student’s personal/non-RIT email addresses at the end of June.

Student Identity Verification

To ensure the security and integrity of our academic community, all incoming students are required to verify their identity. This ensures the person enrolled is the one attending classes.

If your student hasn’t completed this requirement on the New Student Checklist, please have them do so now using a government-issued photo ID. If they experience any issues, have them contact the RIT Service Center.

"Your student shouldn't be afraid to submit a ticket with the Service Center if they need it! They are SO helpful and will answer questions fast and concisely!"
-Emmett

RIT Mobile App

The RIT mobile app brings essential campus information and services together in one place.

Students can use it to check real-time shuttle bus locations, explore dining options and hours, view campus maps, and stay up to date on events. They’ll also find quick links to important resources and frequently contacted offices, making it a helpful tool for navigating daily life at RIT.

The RIT Mobile app is shown on a phone screen in front of an orange background.

This app can also be useful for parents during a campus visit!

Learn more about the RIT mobile app >

Navigating the Transition

Fall Billing and Payment Options

All billing notifications are sent electronically to students at their RIT email address. In order to receive this notification, your student has to grant you parent access to their eServices account.

The fall 2026 billing statement will be generated the first week of July. Please visit the Student Financial Services website for more information about billing, due dates, and an optional payment plan.

To learn more about your student's bill, watch the What are all of the charges on my student's bill? Series of Queries video.

Money Matters

Talking about money with your student can help build confidence, set expectations, and avoid surprises along the way. Before they even get to RIT, it’s important to discuss things like who will pay for what, how to keep a budget, and whether or not they will have a campus job. You can find helpful ways to start the conversation, plus information and important campus resources, on the Money Matters page of the Parent & Family Programs website.

"If you haven’t had that finance talk with your student, have it sooner rather than later. Are they expected to pay for gas, food, clothes, rides, etc.? Set your expectations now!"
-Emmett

Summer Send-Offs

Summer Send-Off events, offered in select areas, are an opportunity for new RIT students and families to meet fellow Tigers from your area, chat with current students and alumni, pick up tips about campus, and make friends before heading to RIT in August. Locations and dates include:

Boston
Saturday, July 11 | 1-3 p.m.
New York City
Sunday, July 12 | noon-2 p.m.
Washington D.C.
Saturday, July 18 |1-3 p.m.
Philadelphia
Sunday, July 19 | 1-3 p.m.

Learn more and register for a Send-Off Event >

Let's Talk About It

How will you budget your money to make sure it lasts through the year?

Help your student understand basic money management and what you will contribute so they don’t order too many late-night pizzas.

How often do you check your RIT email?

Getting into the habit of checking their email is not only important this summer, but is something your student will need to do throughout the academic year.

Sincerely,

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