Update from the Academic Continuity team - March 31, 2020

Today’s update covers mental health services for the RIT community as well as information on temporary changes to campus mail and library services, fall enrollment, tips for retrieving items from dorm rooms and information on free online textbooks and resources.

Mail Services, Shipping and Receiving:

If you need to pick up or send out mail or packages via the campus mail service, updated guidelines are available on RIT’s Facilities, Services and Events page on the Coronavirus website.

Books from Wallace Library: 

Do you have library books from Wallace Library that you checked out before it closed on March 18, 2020, due to COVID-19? If so, there is no need to worry. Due dates have been extended and late fees have been waived. For any books borrowed through interlibrary loan, including Connect NY, you can renew them online or by emailing illwml@rit.edu. Additional information about temporary changes to library services, resources and programming due to COVID-19, is available at library.rit.edu/coronavirus.

Mental Health Services:

As we continue to progress through week two of distance learning, we will continue to support one another as we always have. As you navigate this new normal, it may still be challenging. If so, help is available.

For students, RIT’s Counseling and Psychological Services and NTID Psychological Services are offering telephone/video consultations for students seeking immediate mental health services. These are supportive calls meant to provide information resources and are not a replacement for therapy. Counselors are available 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 585-475-2261 or at caps@rit.edu. RIT’s 24-hour mental health line at 1-855-436-1245 remains active for after-hour and weekend calls. Refer to the Center for Disease Control website for guidance on managing mental health concerns and coping during COVID-19.

Faculty and staff can reach out to the EAP (Employee Assistance Program) for counsel.

Tip:

If you’re still having issues using platforms such as Zoom or BlueJeans, take time in advance to familiarize yourself, test video and audio functionality, and submit a ticket with ITS if you require further assistance.