Spring 2024 Graduate Student Orientation
RIT Graduate School Orientation
Congratulations on your acceptance into an RIT graduate program! The RIT Graduate School is here to help you transition to life as a graduate student at RIT.
If you are a new graduate student starting at RIT this Fall 2024, please check back in May for additional information regarding the Graduate Orientation experience.
Welcome Days
Aug. 20-21, 2023
Welcome Days are designated days that take place before orientation to usher in new incoming students. These days consist of Orientation check-in, a Resource Fair, informational programs, and student and family social programming.
Resource Fair
Aug. 20-21, 2023
The Resource Fair is an exciting opportunity to connect with services and resources that will help you throughout your time at RIT.
Social Activities
Aug. 20-27, 2023
Throughout your Orientation experience, you will have an opportunity to engage in fun, relaxing, and educational activities. Activities and events are hosted by RIT clubs, organizations, and campus departments, and will help you build connections to the RIT community.
Graduate Orientation & Semester Kick-Off
Aug. 24, 2023
Graduate Orientation will provide an introduction to RIT Graduate School services, graduate student organizations, and an overview of some need-to-know resources. A welcome reception for new and returning graduate students will follow to celebrate the start of the Fall semester! Many academic departments will also hold program-specific orientation sessions during this week. Be sure to check with your program director for details on your department orientation.
Convocation
Convocation serves as a formal academic ceremony that marks the beginning of your educational journey. The president, provost, deans, faculty, and staff will greet and congratulate you on becoming an RIT Tiger as they look forward to supporting your years of learning. Families will have the opportunity to view a live stream of the event.
Tigers and Their Stripes
RIT is a community that embraces all students, faculty, and staff from different cultures, perspectives, and beliefs. During Orientation, you will engage in various programs that support RIT’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Educational programs will help you learn how to have thoughtful conversations with others and learn from others’ differences.
Healthy Start
At RIT, we work to ensure each student is developed holistically. The Healthy Start program will help you focus on health and well-being as you begin your RIT journey. This program is a fun, engaging, and safe space where you can learn about RIT's wellness programs and services.
Graduate Program-Specific Orientation
This page lists general university and graduate school orientation activities. Be sure to check with your program director, advisor, and/or program staff about events and activities planned by your specific graduate program.
Students who are planning to attend Spring Orientation must register in advance.
Registration will be open until Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024.
Incoming full-time graduate students will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the campus and all the people and places that make up our community through Graduate School Orientation events and program-specific events.
Friday, Jan. 12, 2024
| 8-9 a.m. | Check-in | Student Alumni Union (SAU), Fireside Lounge |
| 9-10:30 a.m. | Welcome to RIT | Student Alumni Union (SAU), Ingle Auditorium |
| 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | New Graduate Student Welcome & Info Session | Student Innovation Hall |
| 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Graduate Student Semester Kick-Off Meet and Greet | Student Innovation Hall |
| 4-5:30 p.m. | Friday Tailgate & Resource Fair | Student Alumni Union (SAU), Fireside Lounge |
| 5:30 p.m. | RIT Women's Basketball Game | Clark Gymnasium |
| 6 p.m. | RIT Women's Hockey Game | Gene Polisseni Center (GPC) |
| 7:30 p.m. | RIT Men's Basketball Game | Clark Gymnasium |
Graduate Accepted Student Checklist
The Graduate Accepted 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 Graduate Accepted Student Checklist (US Student, International Student, or Online Student).
Graduate Admissions
Bausch and Lomb Center
58 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, NY 14623
gradinfo@rit.edu
585-475-2229
Jump start your Orientation experience with our RIT Virtual Orientation. The virtual orientation experience will provide you with important information; including an introduction to services and resources, to help you successfully launch your RIT journey.
You must complete all five modules before your in-person Orientation begins. Feel free to go through this program at your own pace. If you need to take a break, you can log back in at any time and pick up where you left off.
Write down your questions and bring them with you to in-person Orientation. The orientation team is eager to answer any questions you may have about your RIT journey.