Pillar: Culture of Well-Being and Belonging
Cultivate a culture where individual growth, holistic well-being, and a deep sense of belonging—within our community and in harmony with the natural world—are integral, making it a defining element of how we learn, teach, work, and thrive together.
At RIT, our greatest strength is, and will always be, our people. Our faculty and staff serve as the backbone of the university, providing knowledge, guidance, and support that sustains our mission. Our students, with their curiosity, creativity, and ambition, inspire and drive us forward every day. Our alumni extend this impact into the world, leading groundbreaking companies, shaping emerging industries, and demonstrating the power of an RIT education in action. We take pride in a culture that celebrates and supports all identities and backgrounds, and we are committed to deepening that foundation as we move forward.
Inclusivity and access have long been cornerstones of our identity, exemplified by our role as home to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID). This presence is not just an institutional fact; it is a vital, enriching force that shapes our daily experience and makes us more innovative, empathetic, and globally connected. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen our campus culture by expanding opportunities for collaboration, belonging, growth, and fun. Our commitment to one another extends to the world around us—integrating sustainability into operations, academics, and campus life—because the health of our environment and the health of our community are inseparable.
RIT’s culture is one of purposeful action, and we will keep building on that spirit to ensure our community remains innovative, inclusive, and prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Strategic Action:
Enhance Our Inclusive and Welcoming Campus Culture
Continue building a campus culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and respectful of all individuals—strengthening our commitment to access, engagement, and success—fostering a deep sense of belonging and connection to one another.
We take pride in our inclusive and welcoming culture and will continue to prioritize access, engagement, and success so that every member of our community feels valued and supported. Through intentional community-building initiatives, we will create spaces that foster meaningful connection and collaboration. Offering programs that develop intercultural skills and promote cultural awareness will empower students, faculty, and staff to engage respectfully and effectively across diverse perspectives. We will more fully integrate our Deaf and hard-of-hearing community members into the fabric of RIT by advancing collaborative research, accessible technologies, and universal design principles across our physical, digital, and learning environments. Together, these efforts will strengthen inclusion, belonging, and shared responsibility for a campus climate that celebrates the uniqueness of every individual and the caring community we have built.
Strategic Action:
Empower All Community Members to Grow and Thrive
Work together to enhance the access and well-being of all students, faculty, and staff, empowering them to grow, thrive, and achieve their full potential.
RIT will reinforce our culture of well‑being by defining what well‑being means for our community and embedding it into the fabric of campus life—creating an environment where growth, resilience, and health are prioritized. We will leverage established resources to outline policies, programs, and initiatives that further support the holistic well‑being of students, faculty, and staff. A committee with broad stakeholder representation, grounded in our culture of shared governance, will guide this work.
Strategic Action:
Attract, Develop, and Retain Exceptional Faculty and Staff
Attract, develop, and retain exceptional faculty and staff whose teaching, research, creativity, and service drive student success and foster innovation at the intersection of technology, the arts, design, and beyond.
We will enhance recruitment and implement effective onboarding to attract talented candidates and foster connections to the RIT community. Our retention efforts will focus on providing competitive compensation, robust benefits, professional growth, and building a strong culture of connection. We will embed well-being and community into the employee experience, leveraging surveys to monitor progress and adapt policies. We will equip managers to champion psychological safety and work-life balance, driving a productive workforce. Aligning these initiatives with institutional priorities allows faculty and staff to thrive, supporting excellence in teaching, research, and service.
Strategic Action:
Strengthen Lifelong Connections
Strengthen lifelong connections to RIT by creating opportunities for alumni, retirees, and friends that foster a sense of belonging and a culture of giving back, ensuring they remain integral to the university's vibrant community and future success.
RIT will create meaningful opportunities for alumni, retirees, and friends to remain connected, engaged, and celebrated as members of our community. This effort is about fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose, where life-long relationships enrich the university and provide value for everyone involved. We will work to establish new traditions and customs that build pride and recognition of our alumni, retirees, and friends, and seek to find ways to encourage their involvement in RIT in ways where their knowledge and expertise can inform our campus community.
Strategic Action:
Accelerate Progress Toward a Sustainable Future
Advance sustainability as a foundation for well-being—creating healthy, inclusive environments, increasing access to nature, and accelerating progress toward a resilient and decarbonized future.
Sustainability is essential to the well-being of our community and the planet, and it will remain a defining priority for RIT. Leveraging the abundant natural beauty on our campus, RIT will foster a stronger connection to nature among students, faculty, and staff. We will responsibly invest in infrastructure and processes that advance our climate commitment and ensure the long-term health and resilience of our physical and operational environment. Sustainability will be deeply woven into the university's operations, programming, and decision-making processes. Together, we will nurture a campus that reflects our values: a thriving, inclusive community in harmony with the natural world.
RIT’s Community Garden: Where Sustainability and Education Take Root
RIT’s community garden cultivates hands-on learning, sustainability, and collaborative inquiry. Students, faculty, and staff grow food, support pollinators, and explore ecological stewardship through course work and experiential projects. All of these activities serve to strengthen community connections and environmental awareness across campus.
Where Wellness Meets Fun: RIT Club Sports Offer a Space for All
RIT Club Sports offer students an opportunity to stay active, build friendships, and foster a sense of belonging outside the classroom. With more than 50 teams ranging from soccer and hockey to ultimate frisbee and martial arts, Club Sports emphasize wellness, teamwork, and personal growth. They also provide a flexible alternative to varsity athletics, allowing students of all skill levels to participate, compete regionally, and develop leadership skills.
A Central Hub for ASL and Deaf Culture at RIT
RIT’s ASL and Deaf Studies Community Center (RADSCC), founded in 2010, serves as a vibrant hub for learning, interaction, and cultural exchange. The center features a modern classroom, offices, and a lounge that facilitate open communication between Deaf and hearing students and faculty. The center offers ASL classes, tutoring, and programming by local and international Deaf leaders. It also showcases Deaf cultural art, hosts student and community events, and supports advocacy and education.
Family Recipes and Culinary Traditions Bring Authentic Taste to RIT Meals
Through authentic family recipes and a Visiting Chef Series, RIT Dining is bringing global flavors to campus. Visiting chefs collaborate with RIT’s culinary team to prepare signature meals, while family recipes from international students and staff add a personal touch to menus. By blending professional expertise with authentic homestyle cooking, RIT Dining is creating food experiences that celebrate cultural heritage, foster community, and broaden culinary horizons.