Family Orientation Newsletter June 11, 2024

Prepare Your Student
- Parent Access to Student Accounts
- RIT ID Cards
- College Computer Recommendations
- Disability Services
Today’s Parent Tips
- Get Your FREE Copy of College Ready
- Campus Safety
- Money Matters
- RIT Campus Store and Online Bookstore
Ask Your Student About

Parent Access to Student Accounts
You may be used to managing accounts for your student, but college is the perfect time to transition to providing support to your student with reminders and tips rather than having direct access. There are certain parts of their account, however, that you may need to access. Students can authorize parent access to aspects of their accounts, including the bill, through eServices. Through third-party access, you will be able to log in to eServices using your own RIT username and password to view the information to which your student granted you access. Read more about how your student can grant you access on Parent Access to Student Accounts website.

High School
vs.
College

In high school, parents have access to all records, grades, and assignments, as well as easy access to teachers.

In college, students are in charge of their records and parents can only access certain pieces that students grant them access to.

RIT ID Cards
Students can speed up the ID card process by submitting their ID photo now. Incoming residential students will receive their IDs during campus move-in and off-campus and commuter students will recieve their ID at Orientation Check-In. Any student who does not submit a photo prior to arrival can pick up their IDs at the ID Card Office at Eastman Hall, Room 1202.

College Computer Recommendations
As you prepare to send your student to RIT, you may be considering the best type of computer for their college or program. Digital Den (see below) has crafted computer recommendations for each RIT college. Recommendations will guide your student to make the best purchase to meet their needs. Check out their computer recommendations.

Disability Services
The Disability Services Office is dedicated to facilitating equitable access to the full RIT experience for students with disabilities. The Disability Services Office values disability as a facet of diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive campus community. Disability can take many forms: apparent or hidden, temporary or permanent, and static or episodic. Accommodations can mitigate barriers in any aspect of the RIT experience, whether academic, residential, or co-curricular, and may support needs related to mental health, learning, chronic illness, communication, mobility, and more. Students are encouraged to connect with the Disability Services Office as early as possible, as accommodations are not retroactive. Students who do not yet have an RIT email account should fill out the MyDSO Prospective Student Form to request information about Disability Services at RIT.

High School
vs.
College

In high school, students may have an IEP or 504 plan that teachers are automatically aware of and help facilitate.

In college, students have to self-advocate by applying for accommodations and sending them to instructors each semester.

Get Your FREE Copy of College Ready
RIT parents of incoming students get a FREE digital copy of the book College Ready: Expert Advice for Parents to Simplify the College Transition. This book provides practical guidance on what should be done during the summer and the first semester. Chapters address top-of-mind concerns including packing, money, staying connected, promoting responsible independence, and supporting academic success. To access your FREE downloadable, electronic copy, please visit the College Ready website and enter Tiger2024 at check-out. You can also purchase a hard copy online.

Campus Safety
While RIT is seen as a very safe campus, students need to remain aware of safety concerns and available resources. Please talk to your student about how to stay safe on campus: not to walk alone at night; not to carry valuables; lock their residence hall door; keep an eye on belongings when out; and pay attention to their surroundings. Students should download the Tiger Safe app, which allows students access to an emergency button, Public Safety phone numbers, escort services, lock services, and more.

Money Matters
Having conversations with your student about finances before they leave for college will decrease the chance of surprises (and issues) later on. Here are some suggested topics of conversation:

What expenses is your student responsible for, and which will you be covering?
Make sure your student understands the differences between a credit and debit card, and which they have.
Help your student understand the importance of keeping a basic budget—or at least make sure to pay attention to money in vs. money out.
Talk about the value of their education, and what tuition, loans, and scholarships mean to your family.

There are a couple different RIT offices related to finances that you may interact with:

Student Financial Services: RIT’s central billing service center for tuition, fees, and other charges
Financial Aid and Scholarships: Information and support about federal and RIT aid and scholarships
NTID Financial Aid: Tuition and financial aid information specific to NTID students

RIT Campus Store and Online Bookstore
The RIT Campus Store is the destination for branded apparel, accessories, gifts, art supplies, photo equipment, and school supplies. Digital Den, an Apple® authorized computer store, and Hub Express, a print shop, are housed inside the RIT Campus Store.

Digital Den
Digital Den carries an assortment of Apple® and Dell® computers and accessories. The store offers education pricing with back-to-school specials and savings. Shipping and in-store pick-up are available.

Online Bookstore
The online bookstore carries all of your student's required course materials. Materials are available in a variety of formats and prices.

How will you budget your money while at college to make sure it lasts through the year?

Help your student understand basic money management and what you will contribute so they don’t order too many late-night pizzas.

What are you most looking forward to about living in the residence halls?

We know that sharing a room can be a new experience for many students. It is definitely important to be aware of what the challenges may be, but equally as important to get excited about the experience!

Sincerely,

Chelsea Petree, Ph.D.
Director, Parent and Family Programs
Rochester Institute of Technology
parents@rit.edu