April 2026

Ask Me Anything

Students asked, and I’m answering! Check out my responses to our students’ most burning questions.

Troy Kotsur at an event on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Lyndon Baines Johnson Hall.

Convocation and Commencement

RIT’s Convocation and NTID’s Commencement are May 8 and 9, respectively. These events feature Academy Award winner Troy Kotsur and a record number of NTID-affiliated delegates.

a woman in a blue and white dress speaks to other adults in a modern classroom environment.

International Educational Outreach

IEO had the opportunity to host a delegation from National Tsukuba Corporation University of Technology (NTUT) in March. IEO also received funding for the fifth year of the DeafGROW Project, continuing the work to expand opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals worldwide. Thomastine Sarchet’s research on deaf employment was recently featured in RIT News and Events.

A bright orange brochure spread titled "Find your fit." A large central photo features student Emma Kane smiling confidently with her hands on her hips, wearing a dark grey t-shirt with a roaring tiger graphic. The left page includes introductory text about the diverse deaf and hard-of-hearing student community at RIT, along with a QR code linking to rit.edu/ntid/fit. On the right are two smaller portraits and quotes from students Sam Sit and Cece Gallagher, who praise the university's accessibility, suppor

Communications, Marketing and Multimedia Services

CMMS is updating NTID’s recruitment publications to reflect the most current information across academic programs and student support services.

At the same time, they are preparing to say goodbye to three long-time CMMS team members who are retiring this year and thank them for their many contributions.

A reminder to follow RIT brand guidelines when creating communications materials and to connect with the CMMS team for support.

A team of four young female students wearing matching bright orange t-shirts sit together at a black table, collaborating during a math competition. They are seated in an auditorium with red stadium-style seats behind them. On the table are pencils, calculators, a tablet, and a computer monitor, and one student is signing as they discuss a problem.

Pre-College Programs

The 2026 National Math Competition was an incredible success. The talent, dedication, and enthusiasm of every student who participated was impressive.

Congratulations to all the team and individual winners, and sincere thanks to the schools, coaches, and the many staff members who helped make this event possible.

An interpreter wearing a black graduation gown stands in the foreground with her arms raised high and hands open. Behind her, graduates and faculty are seated on a stage during a commencement ceremony, with a large video screen displaying the event in the background.

Access Services

Staffing levels in Access Services are significantly reduced during summer, so plan for and communicate your needs early.

In collaboration with the NTID President’s Office and RIT Production Services, interpreters will now be positioned on stage and projected on the main screen for convocation and commencement, alongside continued real-time captioning. Additional accommodation options are available upon request.

A young man wearing a white hoodie and a hearing device speaks into a microphone while seated at a desk. Across from him, a smiling woman points to audio waveforms displayed on a computer screen. They are in a room with sound-dampening walls.

Communication Studies and Services

CSS has launched CATCH: CSS Accessibility Tech Consulting Hours.

The team continues their professional engagement, including conference presentations and invited guest lectures that highlight their work in speech-language pathology, audiology, and accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

They are also supporting our community through initiatives like the Food Share Collection.

A group of actors rehearsing a dance routine on a theatrical stage with a blue-painted floor. In the foreground, a man with bright purple hair and a patterned shirt holds hands with a young woman in a peach t-shirt, both balancing gracefully on one foot with their other legs and free arms extended. Two other cast members observe them from black platform steps in the background.

Academic Affairs

There are a wide range of activities and accomplishments across Academic Affairs this month—from student and faculty participation in Imagine RIT to new initiatives like FixBay 85, supporting hands-on learning and community service.

Other information includes student achievements in Microsoft Certification, welcoming guest speakers to campus, and continuing to expand experiential and interdisciplinary opportunities across programs.

Be sure to experience the creativity of our NTID Performing Arts programs, including the upcoming production of Pure Imagination: The Magical Candy Shoppe (April 17–19) and other exciting performances and announcements.

A person wearing a white lab coat, blue gloves, and clear safety goggles leans closely over a black lab bench, carefully using a micropipette to transfer a yellow liquid into a small vial. Various pieces of laboratory glassware and equipment are visible in the blurred background.

NTID Co-op and Career Center

NCCC continues to connect students with meaningful career opportunities and industry partners. From upcoming site visits and employer presentations to expanding partnerships with organizations across the country, NCCC is focused on creating pathways that support student success and strengthen connections with employers.

Community Highlights

Join me in recognizing and celebrating the many accomplishments across our NTID community.

From national awards and invited presentations to innovative projects and collaborative initiatives, our colleagues and students continue to make a meaningful impact both on campus and beyond. Please take a moment to explore and celebrate these achievements.

Graphic with text reading 'news stories & media coverage'

In the news

Check out some of the RIT/NTID stories featuring faculty, staff, and alums that have made the news recently.

photo of the clock tower on the rit campus

Save the Date

Check out the list of upcoming events and don’t miss out!

In Memoriam

Join me in honoring these individuals who were part of NTID’s history.

Tiger Collective: News from NTID and President Solomon

Tiger Collective:
News from NTID and President Solomon