From the NTID President's Office - September 2024

I encourage you to join us as RIT Student Government presents an afternoon with actress Alaqua Cox on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, during RIT Brick City Homecoming and Family Weekend. Cox plays Maya Lopez/Echo, a deaf superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and she will share information about her inspiring journey 2-3 p.m., in the Gordon Field House and Activities Center. Cox, who is deaf and Native American, made her debut as Echo in the Disney+ series “Hawkeye,” starring Jeremey Renner and Hailee Steinfeld. This year, Cox’s solo spin-off series, “Echo” premiered at number one in viewership for Hulu and Disney+.

Tickets are $10 for students; $25 for alumni, faculty/staff and parents/family members; and $40 for the general public. You must register for the event and purchase tickets online. Visit the BCH website for more details.

Submitted by Rick Postl

Enrollment for fall 2024 exceeded most targets and were in the desirable acceptance-to-deposit yield ranges. Positive numbers are not the case for many schools across the nation, so a world of appreciation goes to the Admissions, Outreach, summer transition programs, marketing, and all others who supported student enrollment efforts throughout the year. A continuous feedback loop from the academic and advising teams is essential to support retention efforts. Onward to plans for even more successful spring 2025 and fall 2025 recruitment efforts.

Submitted by Alesia Allen

NTID’s new Safe Space, located in CSD-2445, is open for everyone to use. Kudos to Christan Monin for interior decorating the Safe Space. 

Submitted by Chris Knigga

Self-Serve Delivery Package Locker

• Delivery:
  • When a package arrives, it is placed inside a secure locker by RIT FMS Shipping/Receiving department. Each locker is equipped with a unique access code.
• Notification:
  • Once the package is deposited, the recipient receives a notification, via email or text message, containing a code, PIN, or QR code along with the locker location.
• Package Pickup:
  • The recipient goes to the locker, enters their unique code or scans the QR code, which automatically opens the specific locker containing their package.
• Secure Access:
  • The locker only opens for the person with the correct code, ensuring the package remains safe and accessible at the recipient’s convenience, 24/7.
• Convenience:
  • No need to wait for deliveries or coordinate with couriers. The package locker system provides flexibility and security for receiving parcels.

General Labs Renovation (Formerly NLC Space)

The demolition and asbestos abatement have been completed. The general contractor will soon begin construction, which will continue throughout this academic year. The renovated space will include four general labs, four large study cubes, and five offices.

NTID Alumni Museum “The Street”

Construction has started on “The Street,” located on the northern half of the second floor, near the offices of the President and Academic Affairs. Currently, new floor tiles have been installed, and full construction will commence shortly.

First Floor Study Cubes

Locations of the new study cubes are outside of 60-1450, 60-1460, 60-1470 and 60-1480. Construction on this project is nearly 90% complete. The final installation of the glass storefront is expected to be finished by mid-October. The study cubes are for anyone to use.  

Student Support Services Project

This project will impact the counseling offices, student affairs, master control room, business study classroom, and room 60-2590 (large general classroom). The design team has met with representatives from various departments to gather space requirements and is now in the process of developing the design.

Facilities Management Process Overview

Work Orders (WO)

Employees must fill out a work order to report problems with facilities and request repairs. See below for examples of issues that require submission of a work order.

• Who Submits a WO:
  • office: You must fill out the work order.
  • common areas (hallways, stairs, classrooms, restrooms, etc.): Email cmknfs@rit.edu or Betsy (bljnfs@rit.edu).
  • department labs: The lab manager fills out the work order.
  • department suites: The staff assistant fills out the work order.
• Access Coordination:
  • You must input three available times on the work order form.
  • Ensure you are the contact person if the issue is in your office.
• Examples of Work Orders:
  • Light(s) out
  • Spilled food/drink on carpet
  • Bugs/rodent problems
  • Door and door handle problems
  • Room temperature issues
  • Leaking or loose ceiling
  • Abnormal odor
  • Broken window
  • No power from electrical outlets
• Examples of Non-Work Orders: - Reach out to our office
  • Broken office furniture
  • Lost/stolen keys or key requests
    • Call Public Safety for missing key
  • Hanging shelves, pictures, and hooks
  • Broken blinds
  • Painting
  • Office cleaning supplies (contact department staff assistant)
  • Office moves (you are responsible for your personal items)
  • Disposal of old furniture
  • Office name signs (contact your department staff assistant)   

Trash and Recycling

• Office Trash/Recycling:
  • FMS Custodian does not pick up from offices.
  • Dispose of trash/recycling in large central bins in the hallways.
  • Do not pile up waste outside of bins—use the loading dock dumpsters if necessary.
• No Dumping Policy:
  • Do not leave old/broken furniture/shelves in hallways or at the loading dock. 
  • Contact Facilities Services to schedule a removal.

Office Lockouts

• During Business Hours:
  • Visit office 60-2288 for assistance.
  • If no one is available, go to your respective AVP.
• After Business Hours:
  • Contact Public Safety on 585-205-8333 or text 585-475-2853.
• Tip: Keep your office key with your car/house keys or use a key locator device like Apple AirTag or Tile.

Lost Keys

• Any lost keys must be reported to Public Safety – call (585) 475-2853.
• Each department is responsible for covering the charges associated with any missing keys. The chargeback fee can go up to $1,000 or more, depending on the number of rooms and key holds affected. Please safeguard your work keys to avoid these potential costs. 

Loading Dock Usage

• Authorized Personnel: Reserved for FMS custodial and shipping/receiving personnel.
• Disposal: Place items inside the trash dumpster or recycle carts; do not leave them on the floor.
• Large Items: Contact Facilities Services for a solution.

Air Temperature Guidelines

• Cooling season:
  • Occupied: 78°F ± 2°F
    Unoccupied: 85°F
  • Note: Demand limiting control may be introduced based on electrical load.
• Heating Season:
  • Occupied: 68°F ± 2°
    Unoccupied: 55°F
• For more details, see the  University Energy Policy | Facilities Management Services | RIT

Card Reader Access Request

• Format for Requests:
  • Full Name (e.g., Mickey Mouse)
  • UID # (no spaces or hyphens)
  • Email Address (e.g., MickeyMouse@rit.edu)
  • Location (e.g., 60-XXXX)
  • Expiration Date (e.g., 01/01/2023 or "indefinite")
• Note: Follow this format exactly, and do not use sentences, spreadsheets, attachments, or grids.

Office Guidelines

• Do not remove, relocate, or dispose of furniture.
• Do not paint the walls.
• You may hang pictures using pins or “Command hooks” to avoid damage to the walls.
• Avoid drilling holes or using nails/screws in the walls, as there may be electrical wiring inside.
• Do not stack office furniture such as filing cabinets and shelves. They are not intended to be stacked and could cause injury or even death if used improperly.  
• Please dispose of food waste in the designated centralized waste bins located in the hallways to prevent attracting bugs.

Classroom Guidelines

• DO NOT PROP THE DOORS OPEN
  • This is crucial for safety. In the event of an armed intruder, public safety can activate a lockdown for all card reader doors. This only works if the doors are closed.
• Classroom Access
  • General classrooms are scheduled to be unlocked during the day. If the door is locked, faculty and staff can gain access with their RIT ID.
  • Department labs are typically locked, but access can be gained using an RIT ID.
• Furniture Management
  • Do not push furniture into the hallway.
  • Ensure the classroom is tidy, with trash removed and furniture returned to its original position for the next class.
• Waste Disposal
  • Classrooms do not have trash cans. Dispose of any trash in the central waste bins located in the hallways.
• Whiteboard Maintenance
  • Wipe down the whiteboard at the end of each class.
• Lights
  • Turn off the lights before leaving the classroom.

Submitted by Krystina Ho

• The two-day Deaf ROC conference held at both URMC and RIT/NTID was attended by 172 faculty, staff, students, alumni and others interested in health care research and career opportunities.
• Please take the Deaf ROC survey to help us improve future Deaf ROC conferences!
• Hannah DeFelice, Camille Ouellette, Elizabeth Ayers, Carmody McCalley, Bonnie Jacob, Kat Womack, and Dyl Levenson presented "Deaf Hub at RIT: A Resource for All of Us" in partnership with arXiv Accessibility Forum via Zoom at Cornell University.

Submitted by David Strom

• Sarah Sarchet and Stowe Beecher: Thank you for your seasoned leadership and support of RIT/NTID’s Project Fast Forward program. Your efforts in proposing, planning, and successfully executing the first NTID Consultant Instructors (NCI) retreat on May 15 were invaluable. The retreat effectively reviewed and implemented the PFF program and its objectives in preparation for the June 24-28, 2024, PFF summer training session at RIT for high school teachers and counselors who will be administering dual-credit courses for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
• Janeva Mosher: We appreciate your rapid assimilation of PFF operations and your support of the pilot Discover ASL course launch, the NCI retreat, and ongoing preparation for the PFF summer training program. Your dedication as a third-year LEAD student has been instrumental in supporting high school teachers and counselors of deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
• Cynthia Collward, Nic Crouse-Dickerson, and Access Services staff: Thank you for your exceptional support and attention to detail in ensuring comprehensive coverage and high-quality interpreting services throughout all aspects of the Project Fast Forward summer program. Your dedication has been instrumental to its success.
• Brittany Comegna: Your outstanding leadership and tireless commitment to the Project Fast Forward program have been greatly valued. As your last day was June 13, 2024, we wish you continued success in your future endeavors.
• Denise Kavin: Thank you for your guidance and support within the Outreach, Placement, and Special Projects division. Your leadership and presence will be greatly missed as you transition to a new teaching and leadership role in the LEAD program. We wish you much happiness and success in this new chapter.

When planning an event, remember to consult the RIT Events Calendar to ensure your desired event dates do not conflict with other campus events of interest to your audience, then use the “Submit an Event” link to add yours to the calendar so others will see it. This also ensures that your event will be listed in RIT News & Events, on the NTID website, and in other places.

If you have an email you want sent to all NTID faculty, staff, and/or students, please submit it using the RITMail Request Form. Be sure to include: 

1. A Word document containing all of the text for your email. 
2. Any images or graphics that should be included in .jpg or .png format. 
3. Image descriptions to ensure that any images or graphics are accessible. 

(Note: get more information about image descriptions.)

Please note that due to the volume of requests, you should submit your email content as far in advance as possible and specify the date you would like the email to be sent.

If you have questions, please contact Kimberly Prescott for more information.

Submitted by Maria Ocasio

Join me in welcoming our new hires and congratulating current employees on their promotions/job changes:

New hires:

• Victoria Azuara, developing interpreter, Interpreter Apprentice Program, DAS
• Madeline Bohl, developing interpreter, Interpreter Apprentice Program, DAS
• Helena Cahill, developing interpreter, Interpreter Apprentice Program, DAS
• Ryan Clark-Sulkey, program/event coordinator, Office of the NTID President
• Finn Cohen, research assistant, NTID SPACE Center
• Thomas Devine, non-tenure track faculty, STEM Academy/Transition
• Farahiris Espinosa, associate interpreter, DAS
• Michael Fisher, non-tenure track faculty, ASLIE
• Wayne Gormont, web developer-programmer, NTID-CAT
• Megan Gross, developing interpreter, Interpreter Apprentice Program, DAS
• Nathan Harrison, non-tenure track faculty, MSSE
• Abby Hill, developing interpreter, Interpreter Apprentice Program, DAS
• Nakia Jackson, developing interpreter, Interpreter Apprentice Program, DAS
• Ashley Jung-Lebowski, developing interpreter, Interpreter Apprentice Program, DAS
• Laura Liebhart, associate interpreter, DAS
• Alejandra Lopez, developing interpreter, Interpreter Apprentice Program, DAS
• Josephine Lorenzo, developing interpreter, Interpreter Apprentice Program, DAS
• Brianna Lynch, developing interpreter, Interpreter Apprentice Program, DAS
• Emily Mindlin, apprentice interpreter, DAS
• Gabrielle Nocciolino, non-tenure track faculty, Department of Performing Arts
• Farhan Rana, research program coordinator, Center for Culture and Language
• Deanna Rosky, associate interpreter, DAS
• Julie Russotto, non-tenure track faculty, MSSE
• Faith Trotter, associate interpreter, DAS
• Russell West, non-tenure track faculty, MSSE
• Nicholas Winchell, associate interpreter, DAS

Transfer to new positions:

• Heather Eaggleston, research development specialist, ODAR
• Andrea McNeil, interpreting coordinator, DAS
• Angela Morgano, senior staff assistant, CSS
• Beth Noworatzky, GROW career services specialist, Center for International Educational Outreach
• Darian Slattery, admissions counselor, Enrollment Management
• Jessica Swallow, manager, DAS

Rank Promotions:

• Sandra Bradley, promoted to principal lecturer rank, ASLIE
• Bonnie Jacob, promoted to professor rank, Department of Science and Mathematics
• Daniel Maffia, promoted to principal lecturer rank, ASLIE

Staff Promotion:

I am pleased to announce that Charles McFadden has accepted the appointment to serve as Executive Director of NTID Outreach, Placement and Special Projects effective Sept. 1, 2024.

Please join me in congratulating Chaz on this appointment. My thanks to all who participated in the search/interview process and once again to Denise Kavin for her efforts over the past seven years as Executive Director.

• Joseph Fox of NTID's Performing Arts Department, signed the U.S. and Canadian national anthems in front of a crowd of nearly 100,000 people at the opening ceremony of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International Speedway.

• Peter Hauser has been appointed to serve on two important federal DEI committees:
  National Institutes of Health:  Advisory Committee to the Director Working Group on Diversity
  National Science Foundation:  Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering
  In those committees, Hauser works to advance the representation of Persons with Disabilities in research enterprises and improve accessibility for grant reviewers and principal investigators with disabilities.

• RIT Trustee Andrew Jacobson makes largest commitment by an alumnus to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf
• Kyle Schulze is an American Ninja Warrior finalist
• Kendall Miller is featured by photo and bio in this story from the Bonner County, Idaho, paper about receiving a scholarship and her future plans
• Arooj Ajaz advocates for deaf children in role with the World Federation of the Deaf’s Youth Section
• RIT/NTID and School of Performing Arts present 2024-2025 theatrical and dance season
• Red Wings unveil Deaf Culture Night Jersey
• RIT well represented at 2024 Fringe Festival
• John Weinand named to broadcast 40 Under 40
• Rain Bosworth explores how deaf children learn sign

• Eugene “Geno” Lenyk, who retired after working for several years in the development/tech support area, passed away Aug. 23, 2024.