Departments and Programs

The AALANA Faculty Advisory Council (AFAC) provides career support and works to promote and retain African American, Latino American, and Native American faculty at RIT. AFAC serves as an advisory council to the Provost.

AdvanceRIT is a long-term, multi-faceted program designed to enable all faculty at RIT, particularly women, to contribute their full potential, to increase their representation and retention, and to advance their careers.

The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) is a New York State grant funded initiative designed to foster academic excellence for students in the science, technology, engineering, and math majors, as well as majors that required a license (i.e. accounting, criminal justice/law, psychology, etc.).

An intensive four-week summer program that consists of credit bearing courses, developmental workshops, academic coaching, and community building. This pre-collegiate program helps first-year students get acclimated to RIT, building confidence and bridges to resources before the school year begins.

The Division of Diversity and Inclusion Tutoring Program focuses on academic success by offering peer to peer tutoring, support and guidance for students who are involved in DDI programs.

The Destler/Johnson Rochester City Scholars program covers full tuition for qualifying Rochester City School District and approved charter school graduates who are admitted as freshmen (or first-year) full time students at RIT. 

The Division of Diversity and Inclusion’s Diversity Education Program offers a variety of programs and experiences through different approaches that help students, staff, and faculty at RIT work toward recognizing and developing skills to address cultural humility.

RIT Diversity Theater uses theater based methods for, workshops, initiatives and hands on experiences to explore what it means to successfully cultivate a community rich in diversity and inclusion.

Programming reaches across the RIT campus and is open to students, faculty, and staff.

The Office of Faculty Diversity and Recruitment host an annual Future Faculty Career Exploration Program to give scholars and artists a “behind the scenes” glimpse into life as a faculty member at RIT. The program is a nationally recognized best practice in faculty diversity recruitment.

The New York State Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) provides academic support and economic assistance to historically disadvantaged students who otherwise would be excluded from pursuing higher education at a private New York State college or university.

The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program, or LSAMP, provides support to qualifying RIT students pursuing National Science Foundation designated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) degrees. 

The program is open to students beginning in the spring of their first year.

The RIT Ronald McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program helps prepare eligible second-and third-year full time students interested in pursuing a post-baccalaureate education, in particular doctoral studies. 

McNair Scholars gain valuable information by taking part in a simulated, graduate school experience.

Men of Color, Honor and Ambition (M.O.C.H.A) is a one-year leadership development program with an emphasis on undergraduate men-identified, trans-masculine and non-binary students between their second and fifth academic years of study at RIT.

The Minett Professorship brings distinguished Rochester-area multicultural professionals to the RIT campus to share their expertise and experiences with students, faculty, and staff. Minett Professors serve one academic year.

The MOSAIC Center is an inclusive community space where students, faculty, and staff can organize, engage and listen as a community through facilitated cross cultural learning. It is more than just a home away from home, but a truly unique and transformative space on campus.

The Multicultural Center for Academic Success (MCAS) is focused on academic success and personal development. The programs offered through the MCAS Center enrich the overall college experience.

The Future Stewards Program (FSP) is committed to nurturing the overall success of its Indigenous Scholars (Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and First Nations) by providing academic support, professional development, and cultural opportunities. 

The NTID Office of Diversity and Inclusion focuses on transforming NTID into a more inclusive and diverse community through engaging offerings.

The Office of Faculty Diversity and Recruitment works across the university to recruit excellent and diverse scholars and artists to enrich our inclusive faculty community.

Upward Bound and Upward Bound Classic offers a college experience for high school students interested in attending college.

The enrollment process begins in the spring of 9th grade for eligible students in the Rochester City School District and other area participating school districts.

Women of Color, Honor and Ambition (W.O.C.H.A) is a one-year leadership development program with an emphasis on undergraduate women-identified, trans-feminine and non-binary students between their second and fifth academic years of study.