Online Student Resources

RIT is improving online application security by requiring multi-factor authentication when accessing applications that store sensitive data. Multi-factor authentication is a way of ensuring that only you are able to access your accounts in these applications. In addition to your username and password, multi-factor requires you to provide an additional verification step to prove it is really you accessing your account. Please visit the ITS MFA website to activate this service.

To be a successful online learner, it’s important for you to be comfortable using your computer and working on the Internet. We’ve provided a list of tasks you should be comfortable with. If the majority of the skills below are unfamiliar, consider a computing skills class to prepare you for an online course. Many libraries and computer stores offer such classes.

• Online learning students need to have access to a computer with an Internet connection and a webcam.
• Although you may be able to access these resources on campus, at work, or through other means, we strongly recommend having your own computer and resources.

• Be able to organize, rename, open, and close files on your hard drive
• Be able to download and install files from the Internet or from external media
• Perform routine maintenance on your computer such as updating anti-virus software
• Open, compress, and uncompress ZIP archives
• Know how to Identify your computer’s properties (operating system, storage capacity/hard drive size, and memory/RAM)

• Understand what a web address (URL) is and be able to visit a specific web site
• Understand links and navigating web pages
• Use search engines such as Google, Bing or others
• Identify the web browser and version you are using 
• Maintain your web browser by keeping its version up-to-date
• Enable certain features of your browser, such as Javascript and Cookies

• Send and receive email messages
• Attach files to an email message

• Have access to a current word-processing program, and be able to open and run it
• As an RIT student, you will have access to the G Suite of products including Google Docs
• Create and format paragraphs and documents, cut and paste text, and change fonts
• Save files in different formats such as Portable Document Format (.pdf), Text Only (.txt) or Rich Text Format (.rtf) files

It is recommended that you check with your academic advisor before enrollment to ensure you follow your study plan. All enrollment will occur in the Student Information System (SIS) during your enrollment appointment which is assigned based on your year level at RIT. Please visit the Student Training Materials site or check with your advisor for more information about using SIS. There are easy steps to complete your enrollment process: 

1. Check Enrollment Appointments and Holds – Log in to SIS and check what time your enrollment appointment is scheduled. Check for academic or financial holds—holds on your account may prevent you from enrolling. You may not be able to remove holds instantaneously, so take action to resolve them in the weeks before your enrollment appointment.
2. Plan Ahead with Your Shopping Cart – Use the class search to find classes. If you are unsure of the course subject code, click select subject and sort by college using the Academic Group dropdown menu. Add classes to your shopping cart and create backup plans in case your first choices fill up. Click “Validate” to make sure you meet the requisites and don’t have conflicts.
3. Check-In and Double-Check – If you have questions about which classes to enroll in, check in with your advisor to make sure you are on the right track. Then make sure to double check your shopping cart closer to the time of your enrollment appointment to ensure no classes have closed. If a class is full you may have an opportunity to wait-list the class.
4. Enroll In Classes – When your shopping cart is complete and your enrollment appointment begins, click “enrollment shopping cart,” select the appropriate term, check the box for the classes you would like to take and click “enroll.”

You may change your schedule through the end of the Add/Drop period which takes place during the first few days of the academic term – please consult the official RIT Calendar for specific dates. During this period, you can modify your schedule by either adding or dropping courses online via SIS, with your department, or through the Registrar’s Office. When you drop a class during this time frame there is no record kept.

Once the Add/Drop period ends, a student may withdraw from a course online through SIS. Before withdrawing from a course, students are encouraged to discuss their performance or concerns with their instructor and academic advisor to determine any academic or financial implications. Once a student completes the withdrawal process, a grade of “W” is assigned to that course, and the withdrawal becomes part of the student’s transcript.

Through RIT Libraries, dedicated subject librarians are also available to provide assistance with student research. The Library provides access to many resources, including print materials, ebooks, journals, databases and multimedia materials. 

Many subject level resource guides are available to help you get started and are located in the Library InfoGuides. Discover unique collections and treasures of the past in the RIT Archives and Cary Graphic Arts Collection. Some of these materials are digital collections while others must be viewed on site. The RIT Libraries online resources are always available. In addition to individual librarian contacts, the reference desk can be reached via the RIT Library website.

As a student and member of the RIT community, it is important to understand your student rights. RIT’s Student Bill of Rights and Student Code of Conduct outlines your obligations and expectations as a member of our community.

Students and student organizations are expected to conduct themselves in ways that support the university’s mission. All Students are expected to comply with this Student Code from the time of admission through the separation from the university. This includes students on co-op and students not officially enrolled during a particular term, but who have a continuing relationship with the university.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education. It reads: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” Additional laws prohibit sex discrimination in education on the basis of sex, as well as dating violence, domestic violence and stalking. This Student Gender-Based and Sexual Misconduct Policy is RIT’s Student Title IX Policy. RIT’s Student Title IX Policy applies whenever any allegation of sex discrimination is made by or against an RIT student. This policy applies equally regardless of an individual’s sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression.

Contact the Title IX office for more information or to report a violation.

The computing, network, and information resources of RIT are intended to support the mission of teaching, scholarly activity, and service for the University’s students, faculty and staff. Appropriate use of computing and networking facilities by members of RIT’s academic community should always reflect academic honesty and good judgment in the utilization of shared resources, and observe the ethical and legal guidelines of society.

As members of an academic community, both students and faculty share responsibility for maintaining high standards of personal and professional integrity. This policy outlines the procedures for resolving allegations of a breach in student academic integrity.