Fall Graduate Orientation
Welcome to Graduate School
Congratulations on your acceptance into an RIT graduate program! We are thrilled to have you join our vibrant community of scholars and innovators. As you embark on this exciting new chapter of your academic journey, know we are here to support and guide you every step of the way. Get ready to explore, learn, and grow in an environment that celebrates connection and fosters excellence. Make sure to take part in as many orientation activities as possible. These events are designed to orient you to campus, acquaint you with valuable resources, and introduce you to fellow graduate students who will be an important part of your transformative experience at RIT.
If you will arrive on campus after the scheduled orientation dates listed below, we still encourage you to join us for any remaining events. You can also email gradstudies@rit.edu to receive orientation resource materials and information to help you get started.
Be sure to check out the Graduate Student Welcome Guide—a quick, helpful resource designed to walk you through what you need to know and do before arriving at RIT.
Graduate Student Checklist
The Accepted Graduate Student Checklist will help you navigate important information such as enrollment next steps, arrival information, financial aid, campus services, and more. If you haven't done so already, be sure to check out the detailed next steps you need as a new RIT Tiger by selecting your applicable Accepted Graduate Student Checklist (US Student, International Student, or Online Student). If you have questions about the checklist or requirements contact Graduate Admissions at gradinfo@rit.edu or by phone at 585-475-2229.
Are you an International Student? Be sure to visit the International Student Services (ISS) Page for important ISS Orientation Information.
Virtual Orientation
Virtual Orientation is the online portion of your orientation and allows you to review the content at your own pace and before you arrive on campus. It presents important information on services and resources to assist you in your graduate studies at RIT. Completion of all modules is required for all grad students. Complete the required Virtual Orientation as soon as possible. You can access and refer to information in the platform throughout the fall semester.
Orientation Events
Orientation Check-in and Campus Resource Fair | Welcome Days | Sun 8/17 and Mon 8/18 9:00 am–5:00 pm | Gordon Field House
Stop by the Resource Fair to get your questions answered, meet members of the RIT community, take care of business with ISS and Graduate Enrollment, and receive info about available RIT and area resources and services.
Graduate Career Bootcamp w/ Career Services | Wed 8/20 1–4pm | SHED (SHD-3300)
Did you know that employers start recruiting graduate students a year or more in advance? Make sure you set yourself up for success and get ready for the Fall recruiting season by attending our Graduate Career Bootcamp! Through this event, you will learn how to create a graduate-level resume, job and internship recruiting timelines and tools, and how to effectively network with employers and alumni.
RIT Graduate School Orientation Programming | Thur 8/21 1PM – 3PM | Ingle Auditorium - SAU
A comprehensive introduction to services and resources offered by the Graduate School and across the RIT campus. Gain valuable insights into key resources you’ll need throughout your academic journey. Don’t miss this essential event to start your graduate school experience on the right foot!
Graduate Community Semester Kick-Off Reception | Thur 8/21 5PM – 6:30PM |SHED Atrium
Join graduate students, faculty, and staff at our welcome reception to celebrate the start of the semester! Various self-guided icebreaker activities will be provided to help you get to know fellow graduate students. Hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Campus-wide New Student Orientation Events
Additional campus-wide events have been organized for both graduate and undergrad students to inform, entertain, and make you feel welcome. Events can be found using the CampusGroup app beginning in late August.
Program-Specific Orientations
In addition to the Graduate School Orientation, many graduate programs host their own department or program-specific orientation sessions, which are often required. Times and locations vary by program.
Be sure to check back regularly, as details may be updated throughout the summer, and keep an eye out for emails from your program. If your program is not listed, reach out directly to your Graduate Program Contact for more information.
CampusGroups App
To make the most of your Orientation experience, we recommend downloading the CampusGroups app. It’s your go-to hub for the full Orientation schedule, event updates, reminders, and more—all in one place, right on your phone.
Steps to using the CampusGroups app for the Orientation schedule:
- Download the CampusGroups app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
- Search for and select Rochester Institute of Technology
- Then, select RIT Orientation 2025 and log in using your RIT account
Or visit campusgroups.rit.edu.
Communications
New Graduate Student Newsletters will be sent to you via email over the summer. Check your RIT email frequently for important information on pre-arrival requirements and other relevant details.
Not sure you've seen the most recent newsletter? Archived newsletters are available below.
2025 New Graduate Student Newsletters
#1 -Welcome!
#2 -Health and Wellness
#3 -Intro to Graduate School Resources and Support
#4 -Your RIT ID, Dining, and Transportation
#5 -Community and Belonging
Graduate Student Orientation Schedule - Emailed August 7, 2025
