Learning

RIT has conducted a thorough analysis of all instructional spaces to ensure that room capacities can accommodate necessary physical distancing requirements.

Laboratories, studios, computer facilities, machine shops, and other student-learning spaces are open. For laboratory, studio, and capstone courses, we added additional sections and/or specialized scheduling solutions so students can take these classes in person and access facilities needed to fulfill their course learning outcomes.

RIT made changes and enhancements to the campus’s infrastructure, cleaning, and safety procedures, and measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus were put into place.

In order for people to wear masks in the classroom, food is not allowed in classrooms when in use. Faculty members can choose to allow students to have drinks in class. Students should use a straw that goes under the face mask.

Given the requirements of physical distancing, it is possible some class sections will have to meet evenings or on weekends. This will be minimized if possible by converting some non-classroom spaces on campus to academic use.

In rare cases, a class may need to be cancelled. Should this occur, the department or college offering the class will reach out to students via email.

RIT will offer students an alternate grading option for the fall and spring semesters of the 2020-2021 academic year.

Undergraduate students will be able to select a satisfactory/pass/no pass option and graduate students can select a satisfactory/unsatisfactory/no pass option, for up to two courses. Faculty will post all grades, at which point students can determine if they wish to opt for alternate grading. That decision can be reversed until the student’s degree is certified. After degree certification, students can appeal to switch the grade from one mode to another. If a student electing the alternate grading option receives a failing grade, that grade will not be calculated into the student’s grade point average.   

Faculty will provide students who are quarantined or ill alternatives to be able to access course materials necessary to meet the course learning outcomes and continue academic progress. It is recommended that faculty record classroom lectures in order to support students who are in quarantine or isolation. Students should request access from their instructors to course materials due to COVID-related circumstances as soon as they are able. 

Academic advisors will provide a combination of in-person, remote, and online services. Students who prefer an in-person appointment will be accommodated whenever possible. Faculty will hold office hours online unless they indicate otherwise. All health and safety protocols must be followed for any in-person meetings. The college or academic department advising units will develop plans for addressing “virtual drop-ins” for at-risk populations due to health accommodations.

In the event it becomes necessary for RIT to close physical facilities, all courses and other academic activities will transition to a remote-only format.

The use of a fully online modality (synchronous or asynchronous) will be largely limited to classes where physical distancing requirements make it the only reasonable option.

Synchronous courses will be delivered entirely online. No in-person class meetings are required. In order to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes of a synchronous online course, enrolled students attend class online and engage in course activities at the specified days/times published in the course schedule.

Asynchronous courses are also delivered entirely online. No in-person class meetings are required and there are no scheduled in-person or online class meetings required. Course materials and activities are posted online for completion within a designated time frame. Asynchronous courses may have optional synchronous components.

Once the final schedule is available, returning students may elect to select classes that limit the need to be physically present on campus, and in some situations, it may be possible for students to identify a schedule that will allow them to attend all courses remotely. For students who are new to RIT, it will be important for them to work with their academic advisor to learn whether it’s possible to design a schedule that is conducive to remote learning. Not all classes will be offered online, so this may require a slight re-arrangement to the order in which classes are taken.

A fully online schedule could impact a student’s financial aid. All students should check with RIT’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships before finalizing their schedules.

There is no tuition discount whether a student selects online classes or is enrolled in online classes. RIT is committed to provide the same academic rigor and quality coursework whether the class is provided in-person, online, or in a blended model.

The Office of Graduate Education has more detailed information for graduate students.