Fall 2023 Orientation

A closeup of an RIT student wearing sunglasses during orientation.
 

New Student Orientation

Welcome, Tigers!

New Student Orientation for students starting their RIT journey in the Fall of 2023 will kick off with Welcome Days on Sunday, Aug. 20 and Monday, Aug. 21. Welcome Day highlights include:

  • Freshmen residential move-in
  • Orientation check-in
  • Campus Resource Fair
  • Informational presentations by campus leaders
  • Welcome to RIT presentation by our Orientation staff
  • Social programming

All programming is open to both students and families these days but there is a special parent and family social immediately following Welcome to RIT.

Our formal Orientation program will commence on Tuesday, Aug. 22 with our Meet Your Orientation Leader (OL) program. This program is designed to introduce you to other new students and all RIT has to offer. Your OL will help you to navigate Orientation week, become familiar with campus, and participate in a series of fun educational and social programs. A few event highlights are included below to give you a glimpse at what you can expect from your Orientation experience. Please check back periodically for updates.

We cannot wait to meet you and welcome you to our RIT Tiger family! 

Orientation Highlights

Welcome Days

Aug. 20-21, 2023

Welcome Days are designated days that take place before orientation to usher in new incoming students. These days consist of residential move-in, Orientation check-in, a Resource Fair, informational programs, and student and family social programming.  

Resource Fair

Aug. 20-21, 2023

The Resource Fair is an exciting opportunity to connect with services and resources that will help you throughout your time at RIT.

Social Activities 

Aug. 20-27, 2023

Throughout your Orientation experience, you will have an opportunity to engage in fun, relaxing, and educational activities. Activities and events are hosted by RIT clubs, organizations, and campus departments, and will help you build connections to the RIT community.

Academic Day 

Academic Day will assist in acclimating you to your academic program. You will visit your college, meet your academic advisor, attend social events, and learn about resources that will help you succeed at RIT. Academic Day is an opportune time to ask specific questions regarding your fall semester schedule. 

Convocation 

Convocation serves as a formal academic ceremony that marks the beginning of your educational journey. The president, provost, deans, faculty, and staff will greet and congratulate you on becoming an RIT Tiger as they look forward to supporting your years of learning. Families will have the opportunity to view a live stream of the event.

Tigers and Their Stripes

RIT is a community that embraces all students, faculty, and staff from different cultures, perspectives, and beliefs. During Orientation, you will engage in various programs that support RIT’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Educational programs will help you learn how to have thoughtful conversations with others and learn from others' differences. 

RIT 365 Liftoff 

Experiential learning and hands-on experiences are at the heart of RIT 365 - a one-of-a-kind course taken by incoming first-year students at RIT. Liftoff is your introduction to the Plan-Do-Reflect cycle with your RIT 365 facilitators and classmates. Here, you will build the foundation for a sense of community and belonging at RIT.

Healthy Start

At RIT, we work to ensure each student is developed holistically. The Healthy Start program will help you focus on health and well-being as you begin your RIT journey. This program is a fun, engaging, and safe space where you can learn about RIT's wellness programs and services.

FallFest 

Celebrate the start of a new academic year at FallFest. This weekend festival celebration includes events and activities, such as the involvement fair, carnival, and much more!

Virtual Orientation

Jump start your Orientation experience with our RIT Virtual Orientation. The virtual orientation experience will provide you with important information; including an introduction to services and resources, to help you successfully launch your RIT journey.

You must complete all five modules before your in-person Orientation begins. Feel free to go through this program at your own pace. If you need to take a break, you can log back in at any time and pick up where you left off.

Write down your questions and bring them with you to in-person Orientation. The orientation team is eager to answer any questions you may have about your RIT journey.