Thanksgiving Break

Have a safe and healthy Thanksgiving Break!

The university will be closed beginning at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025 and will reopen on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.

The Department of Public Safety will remain open 24/7 and can be reached at 585-475-3333 or via text at 585-205-8333. For emergencies, please call 911.

Adjusted Building Hours

The Campus Center, Monroe Hall, Schmitt Interfaith Center, and Student Alumni Union will be closed from 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 30 at 8 a.m. These buildings will be open on Sunday, Nov. 30 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Regular building hours resume Monday, Dec. 1.

The Gordon Field House and Activities Center and the Hale-Andrews Student Life Center will close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26 through Friday, Nov. 28, and will re-open at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29 with adjusted hours for the weekend. For a full list of Gordon Field House and Activities Center, Hale-Andrews Student Life Center, and Judson-Hale Aquatics Center hours visit the Recreation Facilities website. 

The Red Barn Climbing Gym will be closed from Wednesday, Nov. 26 through Friday, Nov. 28, and will re-open on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 1 p.m. with regular hours. Hours of operation, fees, and additional information can be found on the Red Barn Climbing Gym website.

Wallace Library will be open 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, and closed Thursday, Nov. 27 through Sunday, Nov. 30. Regular hours resume on Monday, Dec. 1.

View a complete listing of library hours

Adjusted Service Hours

Select dining locations will remain open during break, so you'll have plenty of options to stay fueled and festive. Visit rit.edu/dining for a complete list of dining hours and locations.

And don’t miss the main event: Gracie’s will be serving up a traditional, all-you-care-to-eat Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, Nov. 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring a delicious mix of classic favorites, plant-based options, seasonal sides, and sweet treats to celebrate the holiday together!

RIT FoodShare will be closed from Wednesday, Nov. 26, through Sunday, Nov. 30. Regularly scheduled services will resume on Monday, Dec. 1.

While RIT FoodShare is closed during the Thanksgiving Break, Foodlink's Find Food resource provides up-to-date information about local food pantries, community meal programs, and food distribution sites. Find Food

Margaret's House will be closed beginning at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, and will reopen at 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 1.

The RIT Service Center will close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, and reopen at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 1.

Student Health Center

The Student Health Center will close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, and will reopen for normal business hours on Monday, Dec. 2. If the Student Health Center is closed and you need advice about your health, please contact our nurse advice service by calling the Student Health Center at 585-475-2255.

If there is a medical emergency call Public Safety at 585-475-3333 or text 585-205-8333.

Counseling and Psychological Services

The Counseling and Psychological Services office will be closed beginning at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26 and will reopen for normal business hours on Monday, Dec. 1.

  • For urgent matters that cannot wait for business hours, call 1-855-436-1245 to speak with a mental health provider.
  • For a mental health-related emergency, contact Public Safety by calling 585-475-3333 or texting 585-205-8333.

RIT Transportation Services will run reduced shuttle schedules over Thanksgiving Break. There will be no shuttle service on Thanksgiving Day. Please check the shuttle schedules page for updates and use the TripShot app for live tracking of our shuttles.

For academic breaks, RIT partners with My Bus Home to offer one‑way and round‑trip motor coach transportation. These are private, fully insured buses equipped with restrooms, Wi-Fi, and DVD. My Bus Home picks up from campus and travels to cities in central locations, such as Albany, Long Island, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New York.

 

Information for RIT Housing Students

Before leaving for Thanksgiving break, ensure your residence is properly prepared.

  • Windows: Please ensure all windows are securely shut to prevent rain/snow from entering your room and to maintain the security of the spaces.
  • Garbage: Empty your garbage and recycling bins, disposing of any perishable items to avoid unpleasant odors or unwanted pests.
  • Microfridge: If you have a microfridge, empty all food items that will spoil over the break. Do NOT unplug your microfridge.
  • Doors and locks: Ensure your door is locked securely before leaving. This simple step goes a long way in maintaining the safety and security of your belongings.
  • Lights and electronics: Turn off all lights, unplug electronic devices, and double-check that everything is switched off to conserve energy and reduce the risk of electrical issues.
  • Air conditioner/heater: Do not turn off your air conditioner/heating unit. Keep your unit no lower than 65 degrees while you are away.

Taking a few minutes to complete these tasks will help create a safe and welcoming environment for your return after the Thanksgiving break. Check out the Room Cleaning Checklist if you are sharing a space with roommates.  

Information for Staff and Faculty

The university will officially close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Employees normally scheduled to work during this time will receive three hours of “approved with pay” time. Please refer to the Holiday Early Release FAQs or contact your HR Business Partner if you have additional questions.

Student employees who work during Thanksgiving Break must adhere to the 20-hour-per-week limit and must report their time accurately. Questions regarding Early Release Pay or payment for hours worked by student employees during the break can be directed to the Student Employment Office at 585-475-2631.

RIT Athletics

RIT Women's Hockey hosts Robert Morris on Friday, Nov. 28, at 2 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 29, at 2 p.m. in the Gene Polisseni Center. Tickets are available online or at the Gene Polisseni Center Box Office. Tickets are free for RIT community members and $5 for the general public. 

Purchase RIT Women’s Hockey Tickets

Rochester Events and Happenings

There are many local events happening in the Rochester area this holiday season. If you are looking for something to do during the Thanksgiving Break, check out the Visit Rochester events calendar and Democrat & Chronicle events calendar for a full list of ideas.

Volunteer Opportunities

Thanksgiving is also a time where many people give back to their communities as a way of giving thanks. If you are interested in finding a place to volunteer and give back to your community, visit the Center for Leadership & Civic Engagement website for a list of available volunteer opportunities.