Academics—Writing Center
The RIT Writing Center is a great resource for all students that offers guidance on academic and professional writing at any stage of the writing process. Consultants support students in becoming confident, inventive, and dynamic writers with everything from research papers to lab reports. Students can schedule a one-on-one appointment (either one time or recurring) or attend a group session which provides the opportunity for a small group of students working on a shared writing project to talk collaboratively with a writing consultant.
Conversation starters
- What types of writing have you had to do in your courses (e.g., research papers, reflections, lab reports)?
- What are your biggest challenges with writing?
- What feedback on your writing have you received from professors?
Campus Engagement—Horizons
As your student encounters new people and ideas while at college, they are likely to be challenged by the beliefs of others and have their own views challenged. Learning how to communicate effectively and have dialogue about issues is an important aspect of student development and the goal of a new program on campus, Horizons. Based on the National Issues Forums model for deliberative dialogues, the goal of Horizons is to promote active listening and dialogue rather than debate on difficult topics. In a space where students, faculty, and staff can approach what may seem like a difficult conversation in a respectful, educational, and constructive manner, attendees will come away with a greater understanding of others who hold diverse views and be able to form an educated opinion on challenging and complex issues our society faces today. This program will run twice this semester, with specific topics guiding each conversation. Students can learn more and register on the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement CampusGroups page.
Conversation starters
- What opinions have you heard at RIT that you never encountered before?
- How has hearing new perspectives made you think about your own ideas?
- How do you talk to your friends or roommate when you disagree about a topic?
- How can you work with RIT faculty and staff to address difficult problems?
Campus Life—Tunnels
February can be cold, and students will find ways to avoid being outside as much as possible. Luckily, RIT has a tunnel system
to help them do so! The dorm side tunnels allow students to travel between residence halls, including getting to Gracie’s and NTID. This is also where students will find laundry rooms, the NRH post office, the Corner Store, and more. These tunnels are also decorated by years of RIT student art (check out this video about the murals). The academic side doesn’t have an underground tunnel like the dorm side, but most buildings are connected in a way that students can use the system of hallways and stairwells to avoid stepping outside.
Conversation starters
- What is your favorite mural in the tunnels below the residence halls?
- Have you explored the academic side tunnels?
- Do you have warm enough winter clothing?
Wellness—Patient Chat
We know one of the worst calls you can get is that your student is sick on campus and doesn’t know what to do to get help. Understanding the services provided at the Student Health Center
will help you support your student if you get that call. Please make sure your student is aware of the patient chat available in the Wellness Portal,
which is the fastest and easiest way to make an appointment. Students can also use live chat to speak directly to a nurse to discuss any medical concerns they may have and get recommendations for care. Patient Chat is a live chat available Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Students can use the live chat to ask Student Health Center staff questions regarding immunizations, required forms, insurance, or appointment scheduling. In addition, there is an after-hours nursing line (585-475-2255).
Conversation starters
- Have you been sick at all this winter?
- Do you have any over-the-counter medications in case you get sick?
- What would you do if you had to miss classes from being sick?
