Graduate Orientation
Welcome to Graduate School
Congratulations on your acceptance into an RIT graduate program! We are thrilled to have you join our vibrant community of scholars and innovators. As you embark on this exciting new chapter of your academic journey, know we are here to support and guide you every step of the way. Get ready to explore, learn, and grow in an environment that celebrates diversity and fosters excellence. Make sure to take part in as many orientation activities as possible. These events are designed to orient you to campus, acquaint you with valuable resources, and introduce you to fellow graduate students who will be an important part of your transformative experience at RIT.
View the Welcome Guide created just for you!
Graduate Student Checklist
The Accepted Graduate Student Checklist will help you navigate important information such as enrollment next steps, arrival information, financial aid, campus services, and more. If you haven't done so already, be sure to check out the detailed next steps you need as a new RIT Tiger by selecting your applicable Accepted Graduate Student Checklist (US Student, International Student, or Online Student). If you have questions about the checklist or requirements contact Graduate Admissions at gradinfo@rit.edu or by phone at 585-475-2229.
Are you an International Student? Be sure to visit the International Student Services (ISS) Page for important ISS Orientation Information.
Virtual Orientation
Virtual Orientation is the online portion of your orientation and allows you to review the content at your own pace and before you arrive on campus. It presents important information on services and resources to assist you in your graduate studies at RIT. Completion of all modules is required for all grad students. Complete the required Virtual Orientation as soon as possible. You can access and refer to information in the platform throughout the fall semester.
Orientation Events
Orientation Check-in and Campus Resource Fair | Welcome Days | Sun 8/18 and Mon 8/19 9:00 am–5:00 pm | Gordon Field House
Stop by the Resource Fair to get your questions answered, meet members of the RIT community, take care of business with ISS and Graduate Enrollment, and receive info about available RIT and area resources and services.
Graduate Career Bootcamp w/ Career Services | Wed 8/21 1–4pm |SHD-4300
Did you know that employers start recruiting graduate students a year or more in advance? Make sure you set yourself up for success and get ready for the Fall recruiting season by attending our Graduate Career Bootcamp! Through this event, you will learn how to create a graduate-level resume, job and internship recruiting timelines and tools, and how to effectively network with employers and alumni.
RIT Graduate School Orientation Programming | Thur 8/22 1PM – 3PM | Ingle Auditorium
A comprehensive introduction to services and resources offered by the Graduate School and across the RIT campus. Gain valuable insights into key resources you’ll need throughout your academic journey. Don’t miss this essential event to start your graduate school experience on the right foot!
Graduate Community Semester Kick-Off Reception | Thur 8/22 5PM – 6:30PM |SHED Atrium
Join graduate students, faculty, and staff at our welcome reception to celebrate the start of the semester! Various self-guided icebreaker activities will be provided to help you get to know fellow graduate students. Hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Department and Program-Specific Orientations (times and locations vary)
In addition to Graduate School orientation, you should attend your graduate program department orientation session(s). These orientations are often required.
The complete list of department-specific events can be found here.
Campus-wide New Student Orientation Events
Additional campus-wide events have been organized for both graduate and undergrad students to inform, entertain, and make you feel welcome. The link to these events will be available here in early August.
Communications
New Graduate Student Newsletters will be sent to you via email over the summer. Check your RIT email frequently for important information on pre-arrival requirements and other relevant details.
Not sure you've seen the most recent newsletter? Archived newsletters are available below.
New Graduate Student Newsletter #1 - Welcome!
New Graduate Student Newsletter #2 - Health and Wellness
New Graduate Student Newsletter #3 - Dining and Transportation
New Graduate Student Newsletter #4 - Student Community
New Graduate Student Newsletter #5 - Orientation Schedule
