News
School of Art

The College of Art and Design offered three courses as part of RIT's First Class Academy, a tuition-free, credit-bearing online experience that introduced incoming freshmen to the RIT and Rochester communities this summer.

COVID-19 has challenged the university to consider an even more creative academic portfolio with blended, online, split A/B, and flex class options. To prepare for in-person instruction, RIT has upgraded academic buildings and classrooms. And physical distancing and face coverings, required of faculty and students in classrooms, together provide some of the greatest protection against the spread of COVID-19.

Thirty-five high school students built and refined their portfolios for college applications during a two-week visual arts course taught by RIT School of Art faculty.

Whatever the hot topic is in politics, technology, entertainment and more, chances are Doug Chayka '96 (Illustration) has created art on the subject for a big client.

RIT Professor James Perkins ’92 MFA (medical illustration) has won the trifecta of RIT honors—this year adding an Eisenhart Award for Outstanding Teaching and Distinguished Professor to his 2015-2016 Trustees Scholarship Award.  

Juho Choi '20 (Illustration) was commissioned to paint a mural and was accepted into the Society of Illustrators' annual Student Scholarship Competition. 

The American Council on Education has named Robin Cass of RIT’s College of Art and Design an ACE Fellow for academic year 2020-21. Following her nomination by RIT President David Munson and a rigorous application process, Cass was among 38 Fellows selected this year.

Daniel Pfohl ’18 (Ceramics), ’19 MST (Visual Arts-All Grades) is creating art under the guidance of Simon Levin. 

The College of Art and Design's spring exhibitions are going virtual — they can be experienced on Instagram and a website. 

DIY animation equipment and paper microscopes are some of the course delivery solutions with classes shifting online.

RIT graduate programs are among the best in the nation, according to the U.S. News annual statistical survey of graduate programs. RIT master’s degree programs in engineering, business and fine arts feature in the U.S. News & World Report 2021 edition of Best Graduate Schools, released in March, including the first specialty ranking of the university’s business analytics master’s program.

RIT had a strong showing at the Rochester Advertising Federation's annual ADDY Awards, which recognize student and professional excellence in marketing and advertising.