Decoding RIT: Your Guide to Campus Acronyms and Tiger Lingo

Navigating life at RIT means getting acquainted with a unique blend of acronyms that define our campus culture and everyday life. Whether you're a first-year student just finding your way around or an experienced senior, understanding these shorthand references can make your RIT experience smoother. Let's dive into some of the many acronyms you'll encounter!

SAU: Student Alumni Union

The center of campus activities, from dining options to meeting spots, and home to RIT's administrative offices.

PRISM Space

The new PRISM space (PRogressive Intersectional Space to Meet) will be opening this fall! All are welcome in this community gathering space managed by the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Resource Center and located on the second floor of the Campus Center.

SPAS: School of Photographic Arts and Sciences

Known for its cutting-edge facilities and programs in photography, imaging, and related media. RIT’s academic majors are offered through our nine colleges and two degree-granting units. Many of our majors and some of our colleges are also used as acronyms like our College of Art and Design, also known as CAD, and our National Technical Institute for the Deaf, also known as NTID.

SIH: Special Interest Housing

Unique residential communities catering to specific interests and disciplines:

• PH (Photo House): For photography enthusiasts.
• AH (Art House): Focused on various artistic expressions.
• CSH (Computer Science House): Where tech and innovation thrive.
• EH (Engineering House): Engineering-focused community.
• UH (Unity House): Promoting diversity and inclusion.
• HOGS (House of General Science): Bringing together science enthusiasts.

SG: Student Government

Student Government represents the interests of the student body by providing student-focused programs and advocating for student needs. Student Government has a First-Year Senator Position that represents the needs and advocates for all first-year students. Interested students can apply for the position at the start of the fall semester. If you have leadership experience and are interested, please be on the lookout for email updates from Student Government delivered to your RIT inbox in the first month of school. If you have any questions, email sg@rit.edu.

CAB: College Activities Board

Bringing events, concerts, and entertainment to campus year-round. Want to be in the know about everything happening on campus? We’ve got you covered! Check out the RIT Events Calendar, where all major campus-sponsored and hosted events are listed, and follow our RIT Student Life social media team on Instagram for real-time updates about campus events and activities. CAB is just one of many groups on campus. With almost 300 student clubs and organizations at RIT, you can do just that. We have groups dedicated to art, gaming, politics, music, science, theatre, sports, and more!

WITR: RIT's student-run radio station

Your source for music, news, and campus updates.

CAPS: Counseling and Psychological Services

Supporting your mental health and well-being throughout your RIT journey.

GPC: Gene Polisseni Center

Home to RIT's exhilarating ice hockey games and a hub for campus events.Grab your season tickets this year to cheer on the Men's team, as they hit the ice after winning the Atlantic Hockey Championship last winter, and the Women's team at the Gene Polisseni Center this fall. Season tickets start at $50 for students. Tickets and more information can be found at rittickets.com.

FMS: Facilities Management Services

Behind-the-scenes heroes handling everything from building maintenance to groundskeeping.

As you explore RIT, you'll encounter even more acronyms that become part of your everyday vocabulary. Embrace them! They’re part of what makes RIT a vibrant and dynamic community. Stay tuned for updates and additions to our ongoing acronyms list as we continue to uncover more of what makes RIT unique!