Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Students and employers talking during an Affinity Networking Reception
 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Embracing diversity within the workplace can help fuel innovation, broaden organizational reach, and attract new talent, contributing to long-term growth and adaptability.

Recruit Diverse Students

RIT’s Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education strives to assist our students in finding both co-op and full-time employment with organizations that value diversity. Career Services has developed strong relationships with on-campus multicultural student support and we will work closely with you to customize a recruitment strategy that aligns with your diversity objectives.

If you are interested in recruiting diverse talent, please consider utilizing our various diversity recruitment initiatives:

  • Attend the Affinity Networking Reception – fees apply
  • Access the Affinity Resume Book – no fee
  • Promote positions to diverse students via newsletter – no fee
  • Promote employer information sessions to diverse students via newsletter – no fee

We are always happy to set up a phone/zoom conversation and discuss other options to address an employer’s hiring needs.

If you are interested in hiring diverse RIT students, please contact Assistant Director for Diversity Initiatives for Career Services Natasha House at nmhoce@rit.edu.

Affinity Networking Reception

The Affinity Networking Reception, sponsored by IDI Billing Solutions, brings together more than 20 RIT special interest student affinity groups and employers committed to recruiting a diverse and talented workforce. Typically, the event lasts about two hours and allows students to talk with employers before the University-Wide Career Fair. Student groups set up tables and employers walk around and interact with students.

To add this event to your University-Wide Career Fair registration, please modify your registration in Career Connect or email ritcareerfair@rit.edu. 

If you have questions regarding the Affinity Networking Reception or recruiting diverse talent, please contact Assistant Director for Diversity Initiatives for Career Services Natasha House at nmhoce@rit.edu.

159

Students participated in spring 2023

95

Representatives from 38 employers participated in spring 2023

29%

Of students who attended participated in Interview Day with an employer that also attended the reception

Affinity Groups and Organizations

One of the most effective ways to directly reach students is to get involved with student groups and organizations. RIT has more than 20 career-related affinity organizations including:

Student Clubs and Organizations Travel Grant

Student groups can apply for Career Services’ travel grant to attend national conferences (e.g. NSBE Annual Convention, SHPE National Convention). This grant is designed to support student organizations in gaining valuable experiences, networking opportunities, and professional development.

The grant may be used to cover conference registration, travel, accommodation, and meal expenses. Students must be in good standing with the university and members of an RIT-recognized student club or organization to apply. Applications must be submitted at least two months before the conference registration deadline. Grants will be awarded based on the number of applications and available funds.

Upon return from the conference, students must share photos and a brief story about the conference experience and its benefits. This can be done by emailing careerservices@rit.edu, tagging @RITCareersCoop on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, or posting in RIT Career Services LinkedIn group. By sharing this content, students give RIT permission to use the provided information and photos for print and digital content, including web promotions and social media.

Apply for Student Club/Organization Travel Grant

Recruit Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students

If you would like assistance recruiting deaf or hard-of-hearing students or alumni at RIT, you can work with NTID Co-op and Career Center (NCCC) and learn more about its Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP).

Recruit Students with Disabilities

Career Services is dedicated to working closely with employers to effectively connect with this community and meet diversity recruiting objectives. Interested in recruiting students with disabilities? Contact us at careerservices@rit.edu.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) encourages a broad definition of disability:

“A physical or mental impairment or medical condition that substantially limits a major life activity or if you have a history or record of such an impairment or medical condition.” This includes but is not limited to blindness, deafness, cancer, diabetes, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and asthma.

Hiring within the disability community can not only benefit the new hire but the organization as a whole.

  • Increase organization retention
  • Tax and incentive benefits
  • Insight on a lucrative market

These benefits are also available to companies that hire people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Employees with ASD offer:

  • High focus and reliability with tasks
  • Strong analytical skills, accuracy, and attention to detail
  • A diverse workplace that every employee can benefit from

If your organization is interested in recruiting students in this community, a support team is available. Career Services alongside the Spectrum Support Program is here to assist you in creating an inclusive work environment, including recruiting qualified candidates, hiring, training, and maintaining employees with disabilities.

Neurodiverse Hiring Initiative was developed in partnership with Career Services to strengthen the graduation and employment outcomes of neurodiverse students. We connect our students with employers who are seeking to diversify their workforce.