Family Orientation Newsletter June 30, 2026

In This Message

Being that it’s a holiday week, we are taking a break from regular Family Orientation Newsletter topics to provide some fun information about RIT! Enjoy reading about common terms and RIT trivia. Happy July 4th!

Three campus scenes: a hockey player skating under arena lights, a tiger mascot posing with a participant outdoors, and a band member playing a brass instrument in an orange hat.

Common RIT Terms

While this is not an exhaustive list, it will get you started:

Brick City Homecoming and Family Weekend: Every October, RIT welcomes families, alumni, students, staff, and friends to participate in events celebrating all things RIT.

Corner Crew: The RIT Corner Crew is a dedicated group of students, alumni, faculty/staff, and locals who support RIT Men’s and Women’s Hockey. If you’ve ever attended a game, you’ve heard the Corner Crew chants!

Fireside Lounge: Follow the sounds of a piano as you enter the Student Alumni Union or Campus Center and you will find Fireside Lounge, a multi-purpose lounge and event space, and common place for students to nap, study, and practice their juggling skills.

Quarter Mile: Running through the middle of campus, the Quarter Mile connects the academic side of campus to the residence halls.

Fun Fact!

The Quarter Mile is actually .41 miles long

Global Village: Located on the west side of campus, Global Village combines state-of-the-art student living with dining, shopping, learning, and event spaces.

Gracie’s: Located near the residence halls, Gracie’s serves an all-you-care-to-eat menu with daily rotating meals. They are peanut- and tree-nut-free, except for coconut. You will find the largest selection of plant-based options, brick-oven pizza, daily specials, barbecue, desserts, rotating international cuisines, and weekend brunch.

No Voice Zone: Each week during the semester, No Voice Zone welcomes individuals to learn ASL (American Sign Language) and practice with others, regardless of their knowledge and skills.

Sentinel: Designed by Albert Paley and installed in 2003, this 73-foot tall sculpture is one of the largest sculptures on any American University campus and welcomes visitors at the main entrance of campus.

Red Barn: This 100-year old “Wells” style dairy barn is home to one of the top collegiate indoor rock climbing facilities in the country.

SHED: One of RIT’s newest buildings, the Student Hall for Exploration and Development brings together technology, art, and design at the heart of campus.

CAB: CAB (College Activities Board) provides a diverse and unique assortment of events to entertain and engage students outside of the classroom including movies, concerts, weekly activities, and trips into the community.

Tiger Bucks: Tiger Bucks are used to purchase food and non-food items. Over 25 services on campus accept Tiger Bucks including dining locations, parking, labs, arenas, and print shops.

Ritchie: RITchie has been RIT’s beloved mascot since 1989, when he received his name.

Fun Fact!

Prior to 1955, RIT’s mascot was the Techmen.

RIT Trivia

Group of students in blue shirts posing with a white tiger mascot in front of a blue backdrop with winter decorations while someone takes their photo.

What is the name of RIT’s winter festival?

FreezeFest! This long-standing campus tradition features multiple days of festivities, including hot cocoa tastings, ice skating, and visits from Roarie, FreezeFest’s white tiger mascot. Learn about all of RIT’s festivals and traditions >

How many colleges does RIT consist of?

Eleven-or to be specific, nine colleges and two degree-granting units. Check out all of RIT's degree programs >

When was RIT established?

1829. RIT's history began with the founding of The Athenaeum, 12 years after the incorporation of Rochester. Learn about RIT’s history >

What year did RIT move to Henrietta?

1968. RIT was previously located in downtown Rochester before its move to Henrietta. Read more about the move >

What was the name of the Bengal tiger RIT bought in 1963?

Spirit. You read that right–RIT once owned a live tiger. Read more about Spirit >

What is the name of RIT’s President?

Bill Sanders. Dr. Sanders came to RIT just one year ago! Learn more about Dr. Sanders >

Where does RIT have global campuses?

Dubai, Croatia, Kosovo, and Albania (our newest global campus!). Read more about RIT’s global engagement >

What year did Imagine RIT start?

2008. Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival is a signature event that showcases the imaginative and inventive spirit of RIT students. Save the date for 2027!

How many bricks make up RIT’s campus?

15,710,693 (as of 2018). There's a reason we're called "Brick City"! Read about RIT’s bricks >

What are RIT’s two Division I athletics teams?

Men’s and Women’s Hockey. Students can tickets for Men’s Hockey games for $5 and Women’s Hockey games for free! Check out all of RIT’s Athletic teams >

Sincerely,

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