RIT Traditions and Events

At RIT, the campus buzzes with excitement every year thanks to an abundance of events! From the creativity and exploration of Imagine RIT to the spirited reunions of Brick City Homecoming and the electrifying CAB Concerts, these traditions unite the RIT community in a celebration of technology, innovation, and shared experiences. These events not only showcase the ingenuity of RIT's students and faculty but also embody the spirit of collaboration and discovery that defines the university.

Imagine RIT

The primary purpose of Imagine RIT is to showcase the diverse talents, innovations, and creativity of RIT students, faculty, and staff across various disciplines. It serves as a platform to demonstrate how technology, art, and design intersect to address real-world challenges and inspire future innovations.

Key Features and Activities

Imagine RIT features hundreds of exhibits, projects, and demonstrations spread across the campus. These exhibits cover a wide range of topics including engineering, computing, science, art, design, sustainability, and more. Students and faculty often present their research, inventions, artworks, and prototypes to the public.

Performances and Shows

The festival includes performances by student groups such as musical performances, dance shows, theatrical performances, and interactive art installations usually within the School of Performing Arts. These performances highlight the creative talents and artistic expressions of RIT's community.

Hands-On Activities

Visitors can participate in interactive activities and workshops hosted by various departments and student organizations. These activities often include robotics demonstrations, virtual reality experiences, DIY workshops, and hands-on experiments.

Innovation Competitions

Some departments and student clubs organize competitions during Imagine RIT. These may include robotics competitions, coding challenges, design contests, and more, showcasing the technical and creative skills of participants.

Community Engagement

Imagine RIT is open to the public, fostering community engagement and allowing visitors from the Rochester area and beyond to explore the campus, interact with students and faculty, and learn about the innovative work happening at RIT.

Brick City Weekend (BCW)

Brick City Weekend serves as a homecoming celebration that brings together current students, alumni, families, faculty, and staff to reconnect and celebrate RIT's community spirit. The event provides a mix of social, academic, and cultural activities that showcase the vibrant life on campus.

Key Events and Activities During BCW

Athletics Events: Brick City Weekend often features exciting athletic competitions, including RIT's varsity sports teams. Alumni, students, and families can attend games such as hockey, soccer, basketball, and more, cheering on the Tigers and enjoying the competitive spirit.

Family Weekend Events: Families of current RIT students are welcomed to campus during Brick City Weekend. They can participate in family-friendly activities, attend academic showcases, and explore the campus alongside their students.

Cultural and Academic Showcases: The weekend often includes cultural performances, art exhibitions, academic presentations, and demonstrations showcasing the talents and achievements of RIT students and faculty across various disciplines.

Community Engagement: Brick City Weekend extends its festivities beyond the campus, engaging the local Rochester community through events that promote collaboration and support between RIT and its neighbors.

Big Shot Photography Project: Often, Brick City Weekend includes the Big Shot project. In this renowned photography project, volunteers use light sources to illuminate a significant landmark or building on or near campus. The resulting photograph captures a unique community-wide collaboration.

Brick City Weekend is more than just a series of events; it strengthens the bonds within the RIT community, fosters school spirit, and showcases the university's accomplishments to visitors and the wider community. It provides opportunities for networking, learning, and celebrating the rich diversity of talents and achievements at RIT.

Overall, these are a few of the many different traditions and events that RIT has to offer for both students and every one part of the RIT community! These events not only enrich campus life but also serve as platforms for showcasing RIT's commitment to innovation, creativity, and community engagement. They foster a sense of pride and unity among students, faculty, alumni, and visitors, embodying RIT's spirit of blending technology with the arts to address real-world challenges and inspire future generations of thinkers and creators.