The NTID Student Engagement and Services main office is now located in CSD-2030 and is open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Staff members Denise Hampton, Barb Polle, Joseph Ruggieri, and Katie Zuris have offices in the new location. Signage has been placed around LBJ Hall and the CSD Student Development Center to help students find the new space. All SVP students were given a tour of the new location during the SVP Student Engagement and Services workshops in August.

The NTID Student Life Team was excited to host the 29th Annual Apple Fest on Friday, August 28, 2026. The event welcomed all RIT/NTID students, faculty and staff, departments, clubs, organizations, and community members.

Everyone enjoyed meeting one another and stopping by the different booths to learn about important information and available resources. It was especially important for new first-year students to have the opportunity to explore the campus community, begin navigating their new environment, and learn about the resources available to them before starting their classes.

We received several positive comments from students after the event:

“It was a great opportunity for the entire RIT community. We were able to socialize and share wonderful moments with people at the event.”

“It was a great event, and we were fortunate to have a sunny day! I enjoyed meeting new and familiar faces at the Asian Deaf Club table and enjoying the sweet apple treats.”

“It was really amazing and so much fun!!”

Please know that SLT is excited to host and celebrate the 30^th Anniversary Apple Fest next year!

Last spring semester, we hired five students to serve as Community Student Leaders for the Student Life Team. With the launch of our new Peer Mentoring Program, we hired four additional students to serve as Peer Mentors, bringing our total to nine Community Student Leaders with the additional role of supporting our Peer Mentoring Program.

We are thrilled to have ten Community Student Leaders who are committed to supporting our first-year NTID students. This marks the beginning of our new Peer Mentoring Program, and we are excited to see it grow and make a positive impact on our students. Although the program is still in its early stages, we are proud of how it has launched and are pleased with the progress it is already making in supporting our first-year students.

The NTID Athletics Association, including the Deaf Basketball Association (DBA), Deaf Kickball Association (DKA), and Deaf Volleyball Association (DVA), is now under the Student Life Team. Tim Albert, SLT director, will serve as the new staff advisor for DBA, DKA, and DVA. This transition provides continued support and oversight for these student-led athletic organizations.