Newsletter FOSN July 28, 2020
Prepare Your Student
COVID-19 Testing
All students are responsible for getting a COVID-19 test prior to coming to campus and must provide evidence of a negative result. Students will not be permitted to circulate on campus until a test is taken and submitted to the Student Health Center. Please review the Testing, Quarantine, and Contact Tracing FAQs for details.
Guidance on Quarantine
New information was sent to students and parents this weekend regarding guidance on quarantine for students who are required to adhere to the 14-day quarantine mandated by the New York State Travel Advisory or the CDC. Please read this update for pre-arrival housing options on the RIT Ready website and make sure your student is responding to all forms sent to them through their RIT email.
Daily Health Screening
All faculty, staff, and students must complete the Daily Health Screen seven days a week, regardless of whether or not they are coming to campus beginning on Monday, July 27. Students can log into the RIT Daily Health Screen website at dailyhealth.rit.edu with their RIT username and password using a computer, tablet or iPhone or Android mobile phone. More information is available on the Daily Health Screening Guide and the RIT Ready website.
Commuter Students
Even if your student is local, starting at RIT will still be a transition for your family. Here are some tips to pass along to your commuter student on how to prepare:
- Know the best route to campus. It may be a familiar drive, but make sure you know what traffic will be like during the time you are heading to class. If you will be taking the bus, familiarize yourself with the bus schedule, including alternative routes.
- Get a parking permit on the Parking and Transportation website. This is required for all vehicles that will be parked on campus.
- Consider getting a commuter meal plan for those long days on campus.
- Check out the RIT Off-Campus and Commuter Services website and learn about the support resources available to commuter students on campus. Some services will be reduced this fall, but commuter students will still be able to use the Commuter Lounge for printing, coffee, and other support.
Orientation for commuter students will begin at 9 a.m. on August 16—after checking in, they will join their orientation groups for New Student Orientation programming. Students are also welcome to join the Off-Campus and Commuter Services Tiger Resources Series chat on Thursday, July 30 from 12-1 p.m.
Parking & Transportation
If your student will be bringing a car to campus, they will need to register their car with Parking & Transportation and purchase a parking permit for $100—permit sales will begin August 5. There are transportation options for students without cars, including the RIT shuttle bus which has shuttles to the RIT Inn and retail areas in Henrietta.
Today's Parent Tips
Family Orientation—Money Matters
Along with these newsletters, we are happy to share our 2020 Family Orientation video series. Each week, we share interviews with RIT staff that will introduce you to campus resources and life on campus. We hope that these videos not only help you understand the support systems available at RIT, but open conversations with your student about what to expect in the fall.
This week, I talk with Student Financial Services and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships about Money Matters.
Tiger Parent Talks
Tiger Parent Talks are a way for parents to connect with one another, share your experiences, and build community among RIT parents. In these upcoming talks, join other parents of incoming students to talk about your preparations for life at RIT, including how you have been spending your summer, how students are saying goodbye to high school friends, packing tips, and what you are excited about for the fall.
Please note that Tiger Parent Talks are not informational sessions, but rather community building for parents.
Click on the date to register for an event:
Participants will receive the link to join the call and more information the day of the event.
Family T-Shirt Sales
It is RIT tradition for parents to wear orange during Fall Convocation for New Students and Families. While this ceremony will be held virtually this year, we want to give you the opportunity to purchase an RIT t-shirt and show your Tiger Pride off at home while you watch Convocation remotely! T-shirts are $10 and must be pre-ordered on this form by August 7. You will be able to pick up your pre-ordered t-shirt on new student Move-In Days (August 12-15) between 10 a.m.-7 p.m. in the upper level of the Gordon Field House. Please enter on the lower level off of A. Leo Fox Lane and follow signs for t-shirt pick up.
Money Matters
Having conversations with your student about finances before they leave for college will decrease the chance of surprises (and issues) later on. Here are some suggested topics of conversation:
- What expenses is your student responsible for, and which will you be covering?
- Make sure your student understands the differences between a credit and debit card, and which they have.
- Help your student understand the importance of keeping a basic budget—or at least make sure to pay attention to money in vs. money out.
- Talk about the value of their education, and what tuition, loans, and scholarships mean to your family.
There are a couple different RIT offices related to finances that you may interact with (Student Financial Services and Financial Aid and Scholarships). Watch the above Family Orientation video to learn the differences between these offices and who to contact for questions.
RIT has ATMs for Bank of America and M&T, as well as ATMs and a branch of Advantage Federal Credit Union. You can find ATM locations on the campus map.
Campus Mailing Addresses
If you plan to mail anything to your student this year, here are the campus mailing addresses to use:
Residence halls:
Name
Building and Room #
5000 Nathaniel Rochester Hall
Rochester, NY 14623
RIT Inn:
Name
5257 W Henrietta Rd
Henrietta, NY 14467
Mailing addresses for all campus locations can be found on the Mail and Care Package page of the RIT parent website.
2020-2021 Academic Calendar
The 2020-2021 Academic Calendar includes all important dates, including breaks. Remember that, along with the academic calendar, your student should refer to their course syllabi for important dates.
Ask Your Student About...
How often should we communicate when you’re at school?
While your communication habits will likely shift as both you and your student get accustomed to them being at RIT, it doesn’t hurt to set communication expectations early.
(If your student will have a car on campus) Do you know how often to get your oil changed?
Basic car maintenance knowledge is a must if your student will have a car on campus!