As the family member of a transfer student, you are familiar with the college process. You’ve been here before! But all colleges are different, and you are likely having a new experience at RIT, even if your student's previous college is right up the road.

There are many reasons students transfer to a new college. Perhaps your student started at a community college to get some credits under their belt. Or maybe they wanted to move closer to (or further from!) home. Maybe their last college just wasn’t a good fit. Whatever the reason, we are excited to welcome them—and you—to the Tiger Family.

There are countless resources at RIT to support your student on their path to graduation. While they may be experienced college students, we hope that they take the time to learn about RIT resources and get engaged in the campus community. Making time to meet with their academic advisor,  join a club, and dine on campus is essential to building connections and making RIT their home for the next few years.

RIT truly values families and the important role you play in your student's success. We know your student will call (or text) you with questions, and we want you to understand not only the resources that support them, but what they are experiencing during different times of the year as a college student. We care about our families so much, we have an office dedicated to you!     

Transfer Orientation Program Options

Your student will have two Orientation experience options:

• Transfer Program #1 will officially begin during TigerFest (the first week of classes) and continue through the fall semester. This program is designed for traditional transfer students who have completed at least one year of prior college experience. 
• Transfer Program #2 follows RIT’s traditional New Student Orientation experience, with Orientation groups of transfer students led by an Orientation Leader (OL) who also started at RIT as a transfer student. This program is built for students transferring to RIT without a prior degree and/or less than a year of prior college experience.

Please remind your student to review their options and register by Aug. 1.

No matter which program, you and your transfer student are welcome to join us for Welcome Day programming on Monday, August 17. Events include the Resource Fair, Parent and Family Lounge, Academic Advising information session, campus tours, and evening social programming. Note: students participating in Transfer Program #2 must check in to Orientation during Welcome Days.

Transfer Welcome Reception

Students are also invited to attend the Transfer Welcome Reception from 4-6 p.m. on Monday, August 17, at the Joseph M. Lobozzo Alumni House. This is a great opportunity for your student to meet and mingle with other transfer students, make new friends, and kickstart their journey at RIT. Students wishing to attend should register in advance.

Welcome to the RIT Family, and I hope to see you in August!