Department Specific Graduate Student Orientation

If your graduate program is not listed here, please reach out to your Graduate Program Contact.

College of Art and Design

Ceramics MFA

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Department Orientation Booth 3471 then breakout to Booth 2630 2026-08-21 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Jane Shellenbarger
Kristie Gross

Description:

program orientation with Graduate Director; meet key faculty and staff

Film and Animation MFA

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Department Orientation Gannett A100 2026-08-21 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Kevin Bauer
Kristie Gross

Description:

program orientation with Graduate Director; meet key faculty and staff

Fine Art Studio MFA

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Department Orientation Booth 3471 then breakout to Booth 4501 2026-08-21 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Clifford Wun
Kristie Gross

Description:

program orientation with Graduate Director; meet key faculty and staff

Glass MFA

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Department Orientation Booth 3471 then breakout to Booth 3631 2026-08-21 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Jane Shellenbarger
Kristie Gross
David Schnuckel

Description:

program orientation with Graduate Director; meet key faculty and staff

Industrial Design MFA

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Department Orientation Booth 4510 2026-08-21 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Juan Noguera
Kristie Gross

Description:

program orientation with Graduate Director; meet key faculty and staff

Metal MFA

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Department Orientation Booth 3471 then breakout to Booth 3580 2026-08-21 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Jane Shellenbarger
Kristie Gross
Juan Carlos Caballero Perez

Description:

program orientation with Graduate Director; meet key faculty and staff

Photography and Related Media MFA

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Department Orientation Gannett 3153 2026-08-21 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM Josh Thorson
Kristie Gross

Description:

program orientation with Graduate Director; meet key faculty and staff

Visual Arts All Grades MST

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Department Orientation Booth 3471 then breakout to Booth 3540 2026-08-21 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Lauren Ramich
Kristie Gross

Description:

program orientation with Graduate Director; meet key faculty and staff

Visual Communication Design MFA

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Department Orientation Booth 1305 2026-08-21 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Mike Strobert
Kristie Gross

Description:

program orientation with Graduate Director; meet key faculty and staff

Wood MFA

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Department Orientation Booth 3471 then breakout to Booth 2540 2026-08-21 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Jane Shellenbarger
Kristie Gross
Andy Buck

Description:

program orientation with Graduate Director; meet key faculty and staff

Saunders College of Business

Executive MBA

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
EMBA Orientation Saunders College of Business 2026-08-12 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Molly McGowan
Evan Vershay

Description:

Orientation Activities. This is a three day Orientation for our EMBA students that runs from August 12 through August 14. Activities end by 4 pm on Aug 14.

MBA / Accounting and Analytics MS / Business Analytics and AI MS / Finance MS / Global Supply Chain Mgt MS / Hospitality Business Mgt MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Fall 2026- Graduate Student Orientation Max Lowenthal Hall (LOW/012) - Saunders College of Business 2026-08-18 9:00 AM – 3:45 PM Melody Klein

Description:

An engaging and informative orientation designed to help new graduate students transition smoothly into their programs.
During orientation, we will provide you with information to help ensure your success in the program and give you an opportunity to meet with faculty, Program Directors, Student Services staff (including your academic advisors), Career Services and Coop advisors and other graduate students.
You'll learn about academic and program expectations, campus facilities and student support services—all while networking with peers and mentors. This orientation is your chance to ask questions, get guidance, and feel confident stepping into graduate life.

Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences

Artificial Intelligence MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
AI MS On-Campus Program Orientation GOL 2400 2026-08-21 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM Elizabeth Phelps
Cecilia Alm

Description:

The MS in AI On-Campus Program orientation is part of the orientation for graduate students in the School of Information (iSchool). The orientation will include iSchool and program-specific sessions, as well as resources and opportunities to interact and network with faculty and students. Registration is not required. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Artificial Intelligence MS (Online)

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
AI MS Online Program Orientation Zoom by emailed invitation 2026-08-20 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Elizabeth Phelps
Cecilia Alm

Description:

The online MS in AI orientation will provide information tailored to students in the online program modality, and introduce students to faculty and staff. The orientation takes place on Zoom and students will receive an emailed invitation. Registration is not required. An orientation recording will be available afterwards.

Computer Science MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
CS Graduate Bridge Testing GOL 2590 & GOL 2690 2026-08-17 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Jennifer Burt

Description:

Incoming graduate students may take up to three optional bridge exams covering Advanced Object-Oriented Programming (Java), Computational Problem Solving (Python), and Foundations of Computer Science Theory. Each one-hour exam includes multiple-choice, short-answer, and long-answer questions.

Computer Science MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
CS Graduate Orientation GOL 2400 2026-08-18 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Jennifer Burt
Cindy Raynard

Description:

At CS Orientation, Dr. Matthew Fluet (Graduate Director) and CS Academic Advisors will provide an overview of the academic program, CS Department structure, and RIT. Course schedules will be finalized based on your admissions contingencies and attendance is required to complete this process. No pre-registration is needed, but students must bring their RIT ID card to check in.

Computing and Information Sciences PhD

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
GCCIS PhD Program Orientation CYB-1720-1730 2026-08-21 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Siyuan Wang
Ruth Denolo

Description:

Welcome to the new PhD students joining the GCCIS PhD Program. The Program Director will provide an overview of the program and outline the PhD journey. Faculty members and current PhD students will also share their experiences and insights. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Cybersecurity MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Cybersecurity Graduate Orientation 2026 CYB-1710 2026-08-21 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Paige Drake

Description:

The Cybersecurity Graduate Orientation is designed to help new students transition smoothly into the program by introducing key resources, academic expectations, support services, and opportunities for involvement within the department and the cybersecurity community. Students will also have the chance to connect with faculty, staff, and fellow classmates as they begin their graduate journey.

Game Design and Development

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Game Design and Development Graduate Orientation Golisano-1400 2026-08-21 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Jill Persson(Advisor)
Sten McKinzie(Graduate Coordinator)
Shameelah Thomas(Sr. Staff Specialist)

Description:

Overview of Program; Curriculum; How to survive Rochester weather; meet grad professors; Have lunch

Human-Computer Interaction MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
HCI MS On-Campus Program Orientation GOL-2400 2026-08-21 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM Betty Hillman
Kristen Shinohara

Description:

The HCI MS On-Campus Program is part of the orientation for graduate students in the School of Information (iSchool). The orientation will include iSchool and program-specific sessions, along with resources and opportunities to interact and network with faculty and students. Registration is not required. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Human-Computer Interaction MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
HCI MS Graduate Programming Bridge Testing Zoom by emailed invitation 2026-08-20 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Betty Hillman
Kristen Shinohara

Description:

The Object-Oriented Programming bridge exam is a 2 hour exam offered in either Python or Java (student choice) and requires students to demonstrate their coding proficiency in fundamental programming constructs, data structures and algorithms, and object-oriented concepts. Registration is required. Details sent via email

Human-Computer Interaction MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
HCI MS On-Campus Program STATS Bridge Testing GOL-2620 2026-08-19 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Betty Hillman
Kristen Shinohara

Description:

Registration is required. Details sent via email.

Human-Computer Interaction MS (Online)

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
HCI MS Online Program Orientation Zoom by emailed invitation 2026-08-20 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Betty Hillman
Kristen Shinohara

Description:

The online MS in Human-Computer Interaction will provide information tailored to students in the online program modality, and introduce students to faculty and staff. The orientation takes place on Zoom and students will receive an emailed invitation. There will be an optional Q&A hosted from 7:00pm-7:30pm. Registration is not required. An orientation recording will be available afterwards.

Human-Computer Interaction MS (Online)

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
HCI MS Online Program STATS Bridge Testing Zoom by emailed invitation 2026-08-19 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Betty Hillman
Kristen Shinohara

Description:

Registration is required. Details sent via email.

Information Technology and Analytics MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
ITA MS On-Campus Program Orientation GOL-2400 2026-08-21 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM Betty Hillman
Kristen Shinohara

Description:

The ITA MS orientation is part of the orientation for graduate students in the School of Information (iSchool). The orientation will include iSchool and program-specific sessions, along with resources and opportunities to interact and network with faculty and students. Registration is not required. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Information Technology and Analytics MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
ITA MS Graduate Programming Bridge Testing Zoom by emailed invitation 2026-08-20 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Betty Hillman
Kristen Shinohara

Description:

The Object-Oriented Programming bridge exam is a 2 hour exam offered in either Python or Java (student choice) and requires students to demonstrate their coding proficiency in fundamental programming constructs, data structures and algorithms, and object-oriented concepts. Registration is requried. Details sent via email.

Information Technology and Analytics MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
ITA MS On-Campus Program STATS Bridge Testing GOL-2620 2026-08-19 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Betty Hillman
Kristen Shinohara

Description:

Registration is required. Details sent via email.

Information Technology and Analytics MS (Online)

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
ITA MS Online Program Orientation Zoom by emailed invitation 2026-08-20 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Betty Hillman
Kristen Shinohara

Description:

The online MS in Information Technology and Analytics will provide information tailored to students in the online program modality, and introduce students to faculty and staff. The orientation takes place on Zoom and students will receive an emailed invitation. There will be an optional Q&A hosted from 7:00pm-7:30pm. Registration is not required. An orientation recording will be available afterwards.

Information Technology and Analytics MS (Online)

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
ITA MS Online Program STATS Bridge Testing Zoom by emailed invitation 2026-08-19 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Betty Hillman
Kristen Shinohara

Description:

Registration is required. Details sent via email.

Software Engineering MS & Data Science MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Software Engineering and Data Science Orientation GOL 070-1550 2026-08-19 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Marie Barreto

Kate Gleason College of Engineering

Biomedical and Chemical Engineering PhD

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Biomedical and Chemical Engineering PhD Orientation INS-1080 2026-08-19 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Rebecca Ziebarth

Description:

Orientation for new incoming Biomedical and Chemical Engineering PhD students and recognition ceremony for Biomedical and Chemical Engineering PhD students who have passed the Qualifying Exam and the Candidacy Exam

Biomedical Engineering MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
BME MS Student Orientation Travis Meyer

Description:

Please contact the Masters Program Director, Dr. Travis Meyer, to schedule your personal orientation.

Chemical Engineering MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Graduate Program Orientation INS-2120 2026-08-20 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Shawna Hayes

Computer Engineering MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
CE Graduate Orientation GLE-3489 2026-08-21 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Lourdes Marquez-Douglas

Description:

Introduction to Graduate Program staff and review of the curriculum

Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD Orientation GLE-1100 2026-08-19 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Rachel Williamson

Description:

Orientation for incoming Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD students as well as a recognition ceremony for Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD students who have passed the Qualifying Exam and the Candidacy Exam

Electrical Engineering MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
MSEE Orientation GLE-3119 2026-08-21 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Dr. Jayanti Venkataraman

Description:

Outline of the MSEE program, coursework details and help with registration

Engineering Management MS, Industrial & Systems Engineering MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
ISE Department Graduate Orientation Jennifer Barretta

Description:

Jennifer Barretta will reach out to students to schedule a time to meet.

Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Ph.D.

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Ph.D. Student Orientation Hugh L. Carey - Building 14, Room HLC-2575/85 2026-08-19 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Jessica Chatterton

Description:

A required orientation event for Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Ph.D. students to review program requirements, expectations and to meet other new MIE-PhD students. Food will be provided.

Mechanical Engineering ME/MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Mechanical Engineering Grad Program Orientation GLE-2159 2026-08-21 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Katarina Wayman

Microelectronic Engineering MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
MCEE-MS Orientation ENG-2560 2026-08-19 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Dr. Karl Hirschman

Description:

meet and greet new incoming MCEE-MS students. Discuss the curriculum with each student.

Microsystems Engineering PhD

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Microsystems Engineering Ph.D. Student Orientation Engineering Hall - ENG-2560 2026-08-20 11:00 AM – 12:45 PM Jessica Chatterton

Description:

A required orientation event for Microsystems Engineering Ph.D. students to review program requirements, expectations and to meet other new MCSE-PhD students. Food will be provided.

College of Engineering Technology

Environmental, Health and Safety Management MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Environmental, Health and Safety Management MS Orientation SLA 2120 2026-08-20 10:00 AM – 12:45 PM Cecilia Creel Gomez

Description:

Incoming EHSM students will meet with their program director to review program guidelines, tour the department, and enjoy lunch together.

Mechatronics and Mechanical Systems MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Mechatronics and Mechanical Systems MS Orientation SLA 2120 2026-08-20 10:00 AM – 12:45 PM Cecilia Creel Gomez

Description:

Incoming MMS students will meet with their program director to review program guidelines, tour the department and enjoy lunch together.

Packaging Science MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Packaging Science MS Orientation SLA 2120 2026-08-20 10:00 AM – 12:45 PM Cecilia Creel Gomez

Description:

Incoming PS students will meet with their program director to review program guidelines, tour the department, and enjoy lunch together.

Smart Cities Construction Management MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Smart Cities Construction Management MS Orientation SLA 2120 2026-08-20 10:00 AM – 12:45 PM Cecilia Creel Gomez

Description:

Incoming SCCM students will meet with their program director to review guidelines, tour the department and enjoy lunch together.

College of Health Sciences and Technology

Dietetics and Nutrition MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Dietetics and Nutrition Orientation SLA 78-A634 2026-08-20 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Kristie O’Connor

Description:

Mandatory orientation specifically for first year students in the Dietetics and Nutrition graduate program. There will be pizza, but feel free to bring your own lunch if you prefer something else.

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program Orientation 175 Jefferson Place 2026-08-18 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Bridgette Kingsley

Description:

The OTD orientation will tour the incoming cohort in our new space, we'll have some activities planned, lunch, and time for the students to meet with their faculty advisor.

School of Individualized Study

Professional Studies and Project Management MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Department Orientation SOIS Student Commons, 2210 George Eastman Hall 2026-08-20 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Wendy Giuliano
Michelle Firnstein

Description:

Program orientation with Graduate Director; meet key faculty and staff

College of Liberal Arts

Cognitive Science PhD

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Please contact Matt Dye (mwddls@rit.edu) to schedule a time to meet Matt Dye

Experimental Psychology MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Program Orientation for Experimental Psychology MS Students EAS 3287 2026-08-20 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Rebecca Houston

Description:

Incoming Experimental Psychology MS students will meet with program faculty to review program policies and guidelines, complete paperwork for graduate assistantships, and connect with other students. Light breakfast snacks will be provided.

College of Science

Applied and Computational Mathematics MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Applied and Computational Mathematics MS Student Orientation GOS-2300 and GOS-2154 2026-08-21 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Dr. Ephraim Agyingi
Susan Powell

Description:

During this orientation, students will meet with their program director to review program guidelines, meet current and incoming students, and enjoy lunch together.

Applied Statistics MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Applied Statistics MS and Advanced Certificate Student Orientation Zoom by emailed invitation 2026-08-20 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Dr. Teresa Gibson
Alisa Hall

Description:

In this Zoom session, we will discuss both the Applied Statistics MS and Advanced Certificate programs and answer any questions students may have.

Astrophysical Sciences and Technology MS and PhD

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Astrophysical Sciences and Technology MS and PhD Orientation Room 2120, Louise Slaughter Hall (Building 78) 2026-08-19 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Michael Zemcov

Description:

Orientation for incoming Astrophysical Sciences and Technology MS and PhD students and overview of the MS and PhD programs, followed by lunch.

Bioinformatics MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Bioinformatics MS Orientation Zoom: https://rit.zoom.us/j/9301839402 2026-08-25 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Crista Wadsworth

Description:

Orientation program from incoming graduate students.

Color Science PhD and MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Color Science - new student orientation COL 18-1080 2026-08-20 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM Stephanie Livingston-Heywood

Description:

Enjoy an overview of the Color Science program, a lab tour, and a building tour, followed by lunch with faculty and experienced students.

Imaging Science MS and PhD

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Imaging Science MS and PhD Graduate Orientation 076-2155 2026-08-21 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Lori Hyde

Description:

Graduate Students will receive an overview of the graduate program from the Graduate Director. We will provide a tour of the building and lab spaces. The Faculty will give an overview of their research and we will provide a networking opportunity to meet the faculty/researchers in the afternoon.

Materials Science and Engineering MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Orientation 008 GOS-3000 Conference Room 2026-08-21 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Scott WIlliams

Description:

Orientation Luncheon and Information Session. We will enroll/check enrollment for new students for the Fall semester at this time.

Mathematical Modeling PhD

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Mathematical Modeling PhD Student Orientation GOS-2300 and GOS-2154 2026-08-21 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Dr. Kara Maki
Alisa Hall

Description:

During this orientation, students will meet with their program director to review program guidelines, meet current and incoming students, and enjoy lunch together.

Physics MS and PhD

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
Physics MS and PhD Orientation Room 1275, Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science (Building 76) 2026-08-19 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Dr. George Thurston

Description:

Orientation for incoming Physics MS and PhD students and overview of the MS and PhD programs, followed by lunch

Golisano Institute for Sustainability

Architecture MArch

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
GIS New Student Orientation Sustainability Institute Hall (SUS/81) 2026-08-20 8:00 AM – 12:45 PM Alyssa Waller
Grace Rubin

Description:

Incoming Architecture students are required to attend this introduction to the program. All new Architecture and Sustainability students will participate in a combined welcome to GIS. Department-specific breakout sessions will follow. Students will be led through a presentation of program requirements and expectations. An introduction to department faculty, advisor meet and greets, and facility tours will also take place during this session. GIS will reconvene for a light lunch and interdepartmental engagement. Student check-in starts at 8:00AM and the welcome session will begin promptly at 8:30AM.

Architecture MArch (Online)

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
MArch Online New Student Orientation Virtual / Zoom 2026-08-20 Grace Rubin
Alyssa Waller

Description:

New Architecture students enrolled in the Online program will receive a Zoom link for orientation via email. The virtual session will go over program requirements and expectations. Students should anticipate receiving the Zoom link and any other materials via email in advance.

Sustainability PhD

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
GIS New Student Orientation Sustainability Institute Hall (SUS/81) 2026-08-20 8:00 AM – 12:45 PM Alyssa Waller

Description:

New Sustainability students are required to attend this introduction to the respective programs. All new Sustainability and Architecture students will participate in a combined welcome to GIS. Department-specific breakout sessions will follow. Students will be led through a presentation of program requirements and expectations. An introduction to department faculty, advisor meet and greets, and facility tours will also take place during this session. GIS will reconvene for a light lunch and interdepartmental engagement. Student check-in starts at 8:00AM and the welcome session will begin promptly at 8:30AM.

Sustainable Systems MS

Event Title Location Date Time Contact(s)
GIS New Student Orientation Sustainability Institute Hall (SUS/81) 2026-08-20 8:00 AM – 12:45 PM Alyssa Waller

Description:

New Sustainability students are required to attend this introduction to the respective programs. All new Sustainability and Architecture students will participate in a combined welcome to GIS. Department-specific breakout sessions will follow. Students will be led through a presentation of program requirements and expectations. An introduction to department faculty, advisor meet and greets, and facility tours will also take place during this session. GIS will reconvene for a light lunch and interdepartmental engagement. Student check-in starts at 8:00AM and the welcome session will begin promptly at 8:30AM.