Academic Advising at RIT Explained

Academic advising is a supportive process that provides students with the opportunity for one-to-one interaction with an academic advisor. Through this process, academic advisors help students transition to college, integrate into the RIT community, navigate their curriculum, connect to campus resources, evaluate progress toward on-time degree completion, and explore career choices.

Every undergraduate student at RIT is assigned a primary academic advisor and they are a great resource for students. If you are new to the university (first-year and transfers), you are required to meet with your academic advisor during your first year. Second-year students and mid-degree (third-year) students are also required to meet with their academic advisor. All students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor on a regular basis. Meetings with your academic advisor are a great time to ask questions about your plan of study and co-curricular opportunities, such as study abroad and undergraduate research.

Students are able to locate their Primary Academic Advisor’s name on the “Advisors” tile in SIS. If you're not sure how to find your Primary Academic Advisor, click here for a visual pdf.

There are many ways to contact your academic advisor: email, phone, or in-person. As you build rapport with your academic advisor, you will learn their preferred method of communication. Generally, the best way to contact your academic advisor is through email. You can email your academic advisor through SIS. Click on your Primary Academic Advisor’s name to send them an email.

Instructions on finding and emailing your advisor in SIS 

If you’re a current student, the easiest way to schedule an appointment with your advisor is through Starfish. Starfish allows you to conveniently schedule an appointment with your academic advisor from your electronic devices.

Instructions on scheduling appointments through Starfish

RIT email is the primary tool advisors use to contact students. It is a good idea to check your RIT email at least once per day. If you use other email accounts, you should forward your other email to your RIT email account. Occasionally, advisors will contact you by phone or relay services. It is also important to update your other contact and emergency contact information in SIS.