Summer Transition Program

STP accepts incoming first-year deaf and hard-of-hearing students from all over the United States and Canada. STP is an opportunity to get an early start on your college journey while familiarizing yourself with RIT/NTID's campus and Rochester.

1. You complete the application form.
2. STP reviews each application form.
3. The program accepts students depending on their need for additional college preparation and external (teachers, counselors, etc.) and internal (NTID admissions, STP team, etc.) recommendations.

STP is looking for students who will benefit from and appreciate how the program assists with college transition.

No, the STP program is optional, but an early arrival to the RIT/NTID campus could help you transition from high school to college. STP could be an important part of your success in college.

During STP, students will:

• develop their academic and social emotional skills
• prepare to start university life
• make new friends
• network with campus support centers
• learn their way around the campus and Rochester community before other students arrive.

July 7 to August 14, 2025 (move-in July 6)

The fee for the six-week STP educational program activities and services, including room and board is $5,600. Students also are required to pay personal expenses.

A $500 admission deposit to RIT is due prior to the start of STP.

In some states, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), or a similar office, will pay some or the entire fee. To find out, contact your VR counselor or the state VR office.

There are limited scholarships available based on your financial need. If you would like to apply for one, please make sure to complete the scholarship portion of the payment form.

You are responsible to pay for all travel costs.

• English
• Math
• American Sign Language (ASL)
• Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
• College Readiness
• Various Workshops

During STP, you will be expected to attend all classes, activities and meetings. While on campus, you will be expected to follow all RIT/NTID rules and standards of behavior.

All deaf and hard-of-hearing students who are enrolled in an associate degree program, associate+bachelor's degree program, pre-baccalaureate program, or in Career Exploration Studies and who attend this program also will attend SVP. 

Yes, the program accepts students who have been accepted into bachelor degree programs depending on their need for additional college preparation.

Once you complete STP you will attend New Student Orientation that starts on August 17-18, 2025 (you will receive an email in July prompting you to select your preferred move-in day.) Then New Student Orientation runs from Aug. 19-23, 2025. Since STP ends on Aug. 14, 2025, there will be a gap of three or four days between August 15-17 or 18. You can remain in your room until your move-in day to your permanent room, but you will have to pay room and board during this time.

No, you cannot participate in both programs. You have to choose one.

Yes, on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The orientation schedule will be shared with accepted students and families prior to their arrival.

It’s optional for your parents to attend. Please refer to the SVP website for further information.

Bring what you need for the full semester (ex. warm clothes, coat, etc.). Refer to RIT Residence Halls Checklist and your official STP welcome packet.

Bring one form of picture ID to use on move-in day. This could be: driver’s license, learner’s permit, high school ID, or current or expired passport. YOU MUST BRING ID IN ORDER TO OBTAIN YOUR PERMANENT RIT STUDENT ID.

Optional: A cart or dolly to transport your items from your unloading location to your room. A limited number of carts will be available for your use.

We recommend applying by May 1, 2025. You are not accepted into the program until we receive and review your application, and we send you an official acceptance letter.

Send an email to the STP team at nstp@rit.edu if you have any questions.

Move in for STP is 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Sunday, July 6, 2025.  Check-in will be in front of Mark Ellingson Hall– further information and details will be shared with accepted students and families.

Only STP students are moving-in on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

For students who are participating in SVP only and not STP: SVP move-in day is August 15, 2025.

Please watch your RIT emails for an update for the Orientation schedules.

Supplies for the academic year. Refer to your registration packet.

Bring one form of picture ID to use on move-in day. This could be: driver’s license, learner’s permit, high school ID, or current or expired passport. YOU MUST BRING ID IN ORDER TO OBTAIN YOUR PERMANENT RIT STUDENT ID.

Optional: A cart or dolly to transport your items from your unloading location to your room. A limited number of carts will be available for your use.

Yes, all STP students will live together on one floor of a dorm building during the program. Near the end of the program, you will move to your fall room assignment.