Complementary Learning

Complementary Learning

Check the Honors Handbook for more detailed information about what counts as complementary learning, how to report what you've done, and how many hours you need.

Current and Ongoing Opportunities:

Please see below events and activities that are approved by the Honors Program office for Complementary Learning. This webpage is updated regularly to add new opportunities - but they are in no way the only activities you can take part in to earn complementary learning hours. Please reach out to the Honors office if you have any questions. 

2/10 COS ALANA Black History Month Film Discussion

2/10 COS ALANA Black History Month Film Discussion

Join COS ALANA for a viewing of 'Fences', followed by a discussion about Black excellence in STEM and science's legacy of exclusion. Pizza and drinks will be provided; please RSVP to help us order food and to share Access Services needs. 

This event will take place February 10, 2025 from 5pm-7pm in Fireside Lounge.

RSVP here.

2/11 Foreigners Everywhere: Stories of Black Diaspora in Renaissance Europe Screening and Discussion

2/11 Foreigners Everywhere: Stories of Black Diaspora in Renaissance Europe Screening and Discussion

Join MOSAIC on Tuesday, February 11th from 5-7pm in the College of Liberal Arts Lecture Hall A 205 for a screening and discussion. This event reframes the common understanding of Renaissance Europe, the film "We Were Here — The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe" (2024) challenges the notion that all Black people were slaves or servants. It reveals a diverse presence, including princes, ambassadors, merchants, and religious figures. Narrated from an Afro-European perspective, it explores stories absent from traditional history books and unveils the untold history of Black Africans in that vibrant chapter of history. Join us for a film screening (55 minutes) followed by a panel discussion with director Fred Kudjo Kuwornu. 

Register here.

2/11 Connected Campus: Deliberative Dialogue

2/11 Connected Campus: Deliberative Dialogue 

"Do you feel like you are set up to succeed? What should we do to address unprecedented challenges that may hinder future generations from leading successful and economically secure lives?"

This event, based on the National Issues Forums model for deliberative dialogues, aims to foster active listening and dialogue rather than debate on difficult topics. In a space where students can approach what may seem like challenging conversations in a respectful, educational, and constructive manner, attendees will come away with a greater understanding of diverse perspectives and be able to form educated opinions on the complex issues our society faces today.

Event Details: RSVP HERE

  • Date: Tuesday February 11, 2025

  • Time: 6-7:30pm

  • Location: DSP 1250

2/11-3/11 Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra

2/11-3/11 Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra

Volunteer with RPO by helping escort teachers and students from their bus to their seats (there are about 2,000 students each day!). There are a variety of positions depending on your physical ability and comfort with things like stairs or being outside in colder weather. Volunteers will assist with Primary and/or Immediate Concerts at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 26 Gibbs Street, Rochester, NY 14604. 
Multiple dates listed below – you do not need to be available for all of them:

  • Primary Concerts: 8:30am – 12:00pm
    • Tuesday, February 11
    • Wednesday, February 12
  • Intermediate Concerts: 8:30am – 12:00pm
    • Friday, March 14
    • Thursday, March 13
    • Wednesday, March 12
    • Tuesday, March 11

New volunteers are required to attend one of the volunteer orientations, held on Tuesday 2/4 or Tuesday 2/25 (Intermediate Concerts only), from 12:00pm-1:00pm, also at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre.
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/kxUyzNTZapsy3Cjq9 
Contact: rsolomon@rpo.org

2/15-2/16 RIT VEX U Competition

2/15-2/16 RIT VEX U Competition

RIT VEX Robotics logoInterested in robotics? Volunteer for the RIT VEX U Robotics Team! The team is looking for students willing to judge in an all-day volunteer position where you will interview teams about their robots and decide what teams deserve awards! Judge for the VEX U competition (Saturday 2/15) must be at least 21 years old, and judges for the VRC competition (Sunday 2/16) must be at least 18 years old.

Lunch will be provided for volunteers on both days.

Register here! 

2/17 Unguarded Discussion Series

2/17 Unguarded Discussion Series

As part of the Unguarded series of events designed to engage men and the topic of masculinity on campus, Dr. Taj Smith, Executive Director of Culture and Diversity Education, will facilitate a discussion about whether or not masculine values are anti-social justice. 

This discussion is open to all genders and all students, staff and faculty. Bagels will be provided. 

If you plan to attend and need an ASL interpreter, please make a request via Access Services. 

Date: 9:30-10:30am on Monday, February 17, 2025

Location: Campus Center 1010/1015

2/23 Try-a-Tri

2/23 Try-a-Tri

Try-a-Try 2025 logoRIT Running and Multisport Club is looking for volunteers to help run their annual Try-a-Tri. Try-a-Tri is a beginner friendly triathlon where participants do a 15 minute swim, 15 minute bike ride, and 15 minute run, all inside Gordon Field House. Volunteers will help count laps in the pool and track, document wattage on bikes, and run check in. This year’s Try-a-Tri will be raising money for Camp Good Days, a local summer camp for children fighting cancer.

Volunteers can sign up for the entire time, or take shifts. Shift details are listed in the form linked below. With questions, contact Nick Duggan at nkd2850@rit.edu.

Volunteer here.

February 23, 2025 
RIT Gordon Fieldhouse 

2/27 From Samurais to Sci-Fi: Exploring Black and Japanese Culture through Manga

East Asian art and culture have been popular in Black American communities since the 1970s, beginning with Chinese martial arts movies and now including major anime series like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and One Piece. Similarly, Black musical styles like jazz, blues, R&B, and hip-hop have thrived in Japan and have been included in shows such as Samurai Champloo and Cowboy Bebop.

Hear from RIT’s professor of manga Kofi Bazzell-Smith about how the representation of Black culture in manga and anime can be an avenue for promoting cultural exchange and deeper understanding. It can also be an avenue for exploring speculative futures. Learn more about 'Radius: The Exhibition,' which presents a futuristic sci-fi action manga exploring the relationships between robots and their human masters. Through high-energy battles and speculative storytelling, it examines themes of autonomy, oppression, and the commodification of bodies in a world driven by entertainment and technology.

Following the program, there will be an opportunity to visit, view, and tour 'Radius: The Exhibition.'

Event details: February 27, 2025, 5pm-6pm in SHED 2120

Register here.

2/27 Into the ROC: The Wiz with the Rochester Broadway Theater League

2/27 Into the ROC: The Wiz with the Rochester Broadway Theater League

In partnership with NTID, take a trip to West Herr Auditorium Theatre to see a performance of The Wiz. It's the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but not quite the way you know it. Written by Charlie Smalls and William F. Brown, The Wiz reimagines the story of Dorothy and friends with an African-American cast and a lot of great gospel and soul music. Tickets cost $8 per person and can be paid for via Campus Groups. Transportation will be provided, but students can also drive themselves if they alert CLCE prior to the event. This event is scheduled for Thursday, February 27 from 6:30 to 10:30 pm. 

Here are the two Campus Groups Registration Links you will need: RIT Students and for NTID Students.

3/1 Into the ROC: Game Day at St. John's Home

Join Into the ROC as we play board and cards games with our beloved elders at St. John's Home! Enjoy the competition, engage in conversation, and share laughs with the senior residents at this game day. This is an excellent opportunity to volunteer in our community and provide sunshine in someone's day.

About St. John's Home: For more than a century, St. John's has been helping older adults live satisfying, rewarding lives regardless of their age. We have grown into three innovative communities delivering a full spectrum of services from independent and enhanced assisted living to rehabilitation and skilled nursing care, all centered on customization and choice for our residents.

A bus will leave the Sentinel Statue promptly at 12:30pm.

Register here.

3/3 Women Who Inspire: Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer

3/3 Women Who Inspire: Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer

Photo of Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer with white text Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer Indigenous woman, mother, scientist, and advocate for sustainability from the lens of indigenous wisdom in white text on purple boxOn Monday, March 3 from 11am-12pm in the Ingle Auditorium, join us for a talk given by the esteemed Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer. 

As part of Women's History Month, Dr. Kimmerer will grace us with her profound insights and inspiring journey as an indigenous woman, mother, scientist, and advocate for sustainability from the lens of indigenous wisdom.

Dr. Kimmerer, an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, is the author of acclaimed books such as Braiding Sweetgrass and Gathering Moss. She has captivated audiences worldwide with her eloquent storytelling and profound reflections on our relationship with the natural world. Drawing upon her expertise as a SUNY Distinguished Professor of Environmental Biology and the founder of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment, she will illuminate the ways in which indigenous perspectives can guide us towards a more harmonious coexistence with nature.

Monday, March 3 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Ingle Auditorium
Register here

3/25 Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon

Save the date for this semester’s RIT Libraries Wikipedia Edit-a-thon: Exploring the Information Age.

Drop in Tuesday, March 25, 2025 from 10am to 2pm to help us boost the inclusion of traditionally underrepresented communities on Wikipedia. Take part in writing or editing articles about notable women in tech, LGBTQIA+ communities and people in computing, or any related topic on the information age.

Location and topic ideas will be shared on the InfoGuide.

3/28 Temple Grandin Lecture

Temple Grandin, PhD, an internationally recognized author, speaker, and activist of autism and animal behavior, will give a public talk on March 28th, 2025 at SUNY Geneseo. Dr. Grandin is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and a pioneer in improving the handling and welfare of farm animals. Grandin’s talk “The Way I See it: A Personal Look at Autism,” will discuss the daily issues of autism, and will include helpful do’s and don’ts.

This event is open to the public but does require pre-registering. Seats are limited and the Honors office is not able to coordinate transportation (about a 30 minute drive from RIT).

More info and link to secure free tickets: Student Activities Tickets - Temple Grandin Lecture

Meaning of Service- Reading and Discussion Group

Meaning of Service - Reading and Discussion Group

The Meaning of Service Reading and Discussion Group in white text on teal background above black Humanities New York logo with the cover of "The Civically Engaged Reader" on the right With direction from Humanities NY, Honors program Assistant Director Garth Freeman will be leading a series of reading and discussion sessions meant to engage students in dialogue around what it means to serve. This text-based discussion forum will use selections of poems and excerpts from larger works taken from The Civically Engaged Reader to generate dialogues about our roles and responsibilities as citizens and members of our local, regional, and global communities. These sessions will activate ideas about how we can individually and collectively address social challenges and work towards positive change in our personal and professional lives. These one-hour sessions will count towards Complementary Learning. 

Upcoming dates will be sent out through the Wednesday email.

Tora-Con Leadership Team

Tora-Con Leadership Team

Tora-Con is an annual two-day convention in Rochester, NY celebrating anime, cosplay, and nerd culture in general. Help run a full weekend of guests, performances, anime-themed events, games, and convention fun!

RIT Anime Club is currently looking for the following leadership positions: Revenue, Media, Operations, and Events. If you're interested in any of these roles, learn more at an RIT Anime Club's General Meeting, Fridays at 7pm in Gosnell A300.

Registration link: Registration Link

Saunders Leadership Academy

The Leadership Academy @ Saunders is once again sponsoring a certificate program through the Saunders College of Business

This semester we are offering the Foundations of Leadership Program that aims to build skills and knowledge in professionalism, communication, leadership, networking, and emotional intelligence. The certificate program runs on Wednesday from 5-7:30pm (a light dinner will be provided) between February 5, 2025 and March 26, 2005 (except during Spring Break). 

Applications are currently closed, but admitted students can earn 15 hours of comp learning upon completion.

Honors Council

Honors Council

Attend an Honors Council meeting to learn more about getting involved in the Honors Program! Council meetings are a great way to meet and talk to your college's delegate, hear updates on Honors events, and provide feedback and suggestions for what you want to see. Honors Council meetings are every other Thursday from 5-6 pm, starting January 23.

Attending Council meetings counts for 1/2 hour of complementary learning.

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

Connect with Rochester! The CLCE has an ongoing list of local organizations looking for volunteers that can be found here. They have a variety of focuses to explore, including Food Justice, Housing, Community Development, Environment, Animal Welfare, Activism, Youth Development, Health and Wellness, and Parks and Recreation!

Volunteer at the MAG

Memorial Art Gallery logo“Ask Me” volunteers are the backbone of all MAG events. They help contribute to MAG’s mission by welcoming and providing a friendly atmosphere for guests of the museum during special events. Prospective volunteers must be 18 and older and apply by filling out the application below. There are no educational requirements, but one should have an interest in art, strong communication skills, commitment to a short training session, and a minimum of a 2-3 hour assignment each month.

Fill out the Volunteer Form here!

Volunteer at the National Kidney Foundation

National Kidney Foundation logoThe National Kidney Foundation of Upstate and Western NY is on the lookout for passionate volunteers! Whether it's diving into administrative roles or capturing the heart of their events with photography - there's a spot for you! 
Connect with Kristen West Ryan for more information 
Phone: 585.598.3963 x373
Email: kristen.ryan@kidney.org
By volunteering, you’re not just helping out - you're championing the Kidney Foundation’s vital programs and showing immense love to our local Kidney Community.
Learn more: National Kidney Foundation

Volunteer with Shift2

Shift^2 logoShift2 is a non profit organization on a mission to maximize the usefulness of existing technology to make a positive impact on people’s lives. They are conveniently located on Jefferson road.

Volunteer Duties Include:

  • Wiping hard drives
  • Troubleshooting devices
  • Installing Operating Systems
  • Physically cleaning computers
  • Dismantling and recycling parts
  • Sorting RAMs for resell
  • Matching Computer Monitors

Available Monday- Friday anytime from 9am-6pm
Contact Lisa M. Muhammad at lisa@shift2nfp.org for more information.

Volunteer at Deaf Refugee Advocacy

Deaf Refugee Advocacy logoSeeking enthusiastic volunteers to further their mission. Presently, they have openings for the following positions:

Teacher Resource Aide: Assisting in teaching ASL, English, and other subjects to our students.
Special Projects: Involvement in various special initiatives.
Transportation Provider: Offering support to clients requiring transportation to and from the office or specific locations.

Should you have any queries about volunteering, training, or require further information, please don't hesitate to contact them at
(inquiry@deafrefugeeadvocacy.org) or via video phone 585-286-3440.

Volunteer with Tru-impact

Tru-Impact logoJoin TRU-Impact Inc. and Empower Rochester's Youth!
Passionate about making a difference? TRU-impact is looking for student volunteers to tutor and mentor local youth. Be a part of a dynamic team, helping children reach their full potential!

Schedule: 1-2 times a week, 4:30-6 pm, Mon-Thurs.

Contact TRU-impact:

Email Deanna Baddley:
deanna@truimpactroc.org
Learn more: TRU-impact

Volunteer with YWCA

YWCA logoThe YWCA is a powerful resource in our community, helping women and girls by empowering them to regain control of their lives and get on the path to a healthy, successful future. YWCA is seeking volunteers who want to make a difference.
For more information, please reach out to April Allen at allen@ywcarochester.org or sign up here

Volunteer at the Willow Center

Willow Domestic Violence Center logoWillow Center is the only New York State certified domestic violence service provider serving Monroe County. Our mission is to prevent domestic violence and ensure every survivor has access to the services and supports needed along the journey to a safe and empowered life.
If interested, reach out to volunteer@WillowCenterNY.org

Volunteer at the League of Women Voters

League of Women Voters logoThe League of Women Voters is a nonpartisangrassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. Volunteers help set up registration tables and engage in activities like postcard writing and distributing non-partisan literature.
If interested in volunteering, please fill out this form.

Volunteer at the the Agape Haven

Agape Haven logoWe are a growing grassroots organization meeting needs of the under-served population, especially women and girls. We empower our community using a holistic approach by providing access to educational resource, social emotional support and food security. 

To volunteer, contact Julia Oakley at info@agapehavenofabundance.org or Sign up Here!

Volunteer with Flower City Pickers

Flower City Pickers logoFlower City Picker's mission is to support the local community with free food through the recovery and redistribution of safe but otherwise landfill-bound food. By enriching other hunger relief agencies and local farms, Flower City Pickers strives to establish and grow a platform for waste prevention and civic engagement. Since our start, we have recovered and redistributed one million pounds of food, keeping it in our neighbors' hands and bellies instead of the landfill.

Volunteers meet at the Rochester Public Market Saturdays between 2:30-4:00 pm to collect unsold food from the vendors that would otherwise be thrown away. These items are packaged and are then distributed to local agencies that directly serve the people in our community that can benefit from these donations. Follow this link for more information and to sign up: VOLUNTEER — FLOWER CITY PICKERS | FEEDING PEOPLE, NOT LANDFILLS

Volunteer with Rochester Greenovation

 

Rochester Greenovation logoRochester Greenovation helps people in Rochester NY keep things out of the landfill by running a second-hand store where you can donate items others can use, and where people on a budget can buy things at a very reasonable price. They sell a huge array of items needed for every-day living: furniture, clothes, tools, plates and glasses, pots and pans, as well as records, artwork, and odd bits of Rochester history and culture.

Volunteer at the store or to help with special projects by visiting: Volunteer — Rochester Greenovation (rocgreenovation.org)

Volunteer with Generation Two (G2)

Generation 2 logoGeneration Two (G2) is a program run through The Strong National Museum of Play that connects community volunteers with kindergarten and first-grade students for one-on-one, child-directed play sessions in Rochester-area elementary schools. The sessions are designed to help the children practice social-emotional skills, build self-confidence, and forge intergenerational relationships—all while having a lot of fun doing so! They would love to welcome any interested individuals as either weekly or one-off play buddy volunteers. You can find more information here: Generation Two

Volunteer with Jewish Family Services

Jewish Family Services logoJFS volunteers are a diverse group of Rochesterians, united by their passion for serving the community in meaningful ways – from delivering meals, providing companionship to older adults, supporting new moms, providing literacy services, and much more. You can volunteer with JFS in many different capacities and programs. Check out their opportunities here: Jewish Family Services of Rochester

Volunteer with R Community Bikes

Rochester Community Bikes logoVolunteer as mechanics at the Rochester community bike shop where you can restore donated bikes that are given away to people in need. No prior mechanical skill/bike knowledge is required. They conduct training/orientations about every 6 weeks at 226 Hudson Ave, Rochester, NY 14605.
Interested students can visit the website here: R Community Bikes

Volunteer with Rochester Education Foundation

REF College Connect Panelists in green text on white circle with dashed yellow border surrounded by a green backgroundREF is looking for college student volunteers to help guide and inform high school and middle school students on career opportunities and options! You can learn more about College Connect and other opportunities here: Rochester Education Foundation

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