Newsletter December 2021

News and Deadlines

Winter Break Planning
The university will be closed beginning at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 and will re-open on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022. The RIT Department of Public Safety will remain open 24/7 and can be reached at 585-475-3333 or via text at 585-205-8333. For emergencies, please call 911.

View the Winter Break Guide for information about campus programs, service schedules, dining location hours, travel information, and things to do in the area. 

End of Semester and Winter Break Housing
If they haven’t already done so, please make sure your student (if living in RIT Housing) completes the End of Semester - Winter Break Plan. This form allows RIT to better serve our students during this time and includes the end of semester instructions and important information regarding on-campus circulation over break. Students that do not complete this form may experience swipe access interruptions.

RIT Housing, including the residence halls, will remain open through the break between fall and spring semester. Students who are eligible may remain in RIT housing throughout the winter break. Eligible students are those who currently live in RIT housing, will remain in RIT housing for spring semester, and will be registered for spring semester classes. 

For more information, please visit End of Semester and Winter Break.

Important Dates
Please note the following dates regarding RIT closures and spring semester opening: 

• Dec. 8-15: Final exams  
• Dec. 23-Jan. 2: RIT CLOSED for winter break (closes at 2 p.m. on Dec. 23)
• Jan. 10: Spring semester classes begin

Destress Fest
Destress Fest is a series of events during Finals Week each semester, designed to help students relieve stress and take study breaks. RIT Libraries has been hosting Destress Fest since 2016, and events have ranged from therapy dog visits to guided meditation, coffee/snack breaks to arts and crafts. Check out the events on the Libraries website.

Let's Talk About It

Academics—End of Semester
The end of the semester often brings a mix of emotions. Students will be excited to reconnect with family and friends over break and they often feel a sense of accomplishment and relief after completing a semester. They may also be tired; this is normal. Over break, provide them space to unwind and give them an open forum to decompress about stressors or concerns over exams and/or grades. Celebrate the successes your student has achieved during the semester as well.

Conversation starters

• Now that you’re done with exams, how do you feel about the semester?
• Do you need to make adjustments to your spring schedule?
• Anything surprising/fun/challenging that you experienced this semester?
• What is something you’ve been wanting to do during your break from classes?

Campus Engagement—Check-In
Do you know how your student was involved on campus this fall? Now is a great time to see how they’ve engaged in campus activities and made friends, and help them think about options for next semester if they have struggled. If they haven’t seemed to find their place yet, browse clubs and organization options and help them think about where they’d fit in. They might also want to consider a campus job or volunteer work!

Conversation starters

• What club/organization meetings did you attend this fall?
• How did you make your friends?
• Do you feel like you have a place on campus? What is that place?
• How would you like to engage next semester?

Campus Living—Preparing to be Away from Campus
Many students will take advantage of the long winter break to stay at home, visit family and friends, and rest from the busy fall semester. If your student is planning to be away for the majority of break, please help them prepare to be away with these tips:

• Clean the fridge and throw away any perishable food items
• Take out the trash
• Lock windows and doors
• Bring home anything they might need, including laptop and chargers

Conversation starters

• Do you plan to stay home during the entire winter break?
• How have you prepared your room/apartment to be empty?
• What are your must-have items for when you’re home?

Wellness—Check-In
The long winter break is an excellent time to connect with your student and gauge how they are doing in terms of health and wellness. Use this time to reinforce messages about prioritizing self-care, knowing campus resources, and helping them understand what to do if they get sick, especially as we approach the heart of Rochester winter. Also remember that they are likely to be exhausted after finals; don’t be surprised if sleep is on the top of their agenda when they return home!

Conversation starters

• What was the hardest part about staying healthy on campus? How can you adjust that next semester?
• What will you do for fun and exercise during the long (cold and dark) winter?
• What will you do if you get sick next semester?

Information and Updates

Final Grades
Final grades are due on Dec. 17. Shortly after they are submitted by professors, students can view grades by logging into SIS. If students have questions about grades, please remember that RIT will be closed between Dec. 23-Jan. 3.

Deans’ List Notifications
The Fall 2021 Dean’s List will be processed in mid-January 2022. Students are notified in different ways depending on their college. University News sends releases to hometown papers (based on zip code) via My Merit Pages. Students who have opted out of My Merit pages will not have a press release sent to their hometown newspaper.

College Restoration Program
The College Restoration Program (CRP) is an intensive, one-semester academic intervention program for students facing academic suspension and probation. For many students, CRP is the chance to acquire the skills needed to be successful at RIT. As a parent, you hope that your student will not have any academic challenges, but if so, CRP might be an option.

CRP staff work with students to set and accomplish goals, increase self-esteem, manage daily living, self-advocate, and live a healthy and balanced life. CRP does this through two specialty courses: Academic Strategies and Motivation and Wellness. They also include weekly mentoring for additional skill development. In addition, students take up to ten credits recommended by their current department. Students must receive a referral from their academic program. For additional information, please visit the College Restoration Program website.

RIT Master Plan
The RIT Master Plan is a special scholarship opportunity that covers 50-55% of graduate tuition at RIT, making earning a master’s degree an affordable option. The tuition program extends to more than 65 qualifying master’s degree programs offered on the RIT campus as well as select online master’s degrees. This opportunity is available to RIT students who anticipate graduating in Dec. 2021, May 2022, and Aug. 2022 and alumni who graduated from Dec. 2019 to Aug. 2021. Learn more on the RIT Master Plan website.

Parent Poll
Each month, we ask parents to respond to our Parent Poll and provide feedback on a topic related to RIT, your student, and you. In November, we asked who typically initiates communication between you and your student. Over half (54%) said it was pretty equal and another 40% said mostly you. Please take a moment to respond to our December question.

Featured Photo
In case you don’t follow the Parent and Family Programs Facebook page, here’s what you’ve missed: We’ve received a little snow on campus, mixed with some beautiful fall colors!