Newsletter May 2020

News and Deadlines

Eyes on the Fall
Earlier this month, President Munson sent a message to the RIT community about planning for the fall and his vision for moving forward and reimagining RIT in a new normal. This plan includes a Fall Planning Task Force and three committees. Read his message here.

Tiger Parent Talks
Our first round of Tiger Parent Talks was so successful, we’re adding more! The purpose of these Talks is to provide a space for you to connect with other RIT families, share your experiences, and create community among RIT parents. In May, Tiger Parent Talks will focus on Celebrating the End of the Year, including highlights from the year, what students are doing over the summer, and tips and tricks for family engagement and personal wellness.

Click on the date to register for an event:

• Wednesday, May 20; 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 20; 7-8 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 27; 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 27; 7-8 p.m.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. More events will be available throughout the summer, including Talks specifically for parents of incoming students. 

E-Advocacy Campaign for Higher Education
As the federal government is considering the next COVID-19 relief bill, it is critically important that members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate hear from their constituents about the need to provide additional support for higher education in this legislation. RIT is working with its state and national association partners, along with colleges and universities across the country, to advocate for critical emergency assistance funding to institutions of higher education as well as students who have been impacted financially by the COVID pandemic.   

This link (e-Advocacy campaign) will take you directly to a site where you can send a message directly to your Congressional representative and U.S. Senators. There is a section where you can include your own personal message. A sample draft is included below for your consideration or you can adapt as you choose with your own thoughts. If you have any questions, please contact Deborah Stendardi, Vice President, Government and Community Relations (dmsgrl@rit.edu).

Sample:
I am a (student/parent of a student) at Rochester Institute of Technology majoring in _______.  I/we chose RIT because of the outstanding education that it provides in preparing for successful careers in fields that are critically important to our nation’s future economy and national security. RIT itself is a very important employer and economic driver in the greater Rochester region of New York State. It is essential that the Federal government assist the university with additional emergency funding that will enable it to provide increased support to students with urgent financial need, recover unanticipated costs caused by the pandemic and make physical changes in campus facilities so that the campus can be opened safely for all students this coming fall.  

Summer Courses
Registration for summer courses is now open. Summer is a great time for students to explore new areas of interest, make progress toward their degrees, or dig deeper into areas of study. A grant is available to all undergraduate students as well as non-matriculated students taking six or more undergraduate credits. The first sessions begin tomorrow (May 14) but there is still time to register! The second session starts June 29. Learn more on Summer at RIT website.

For Parents of Graduates

Parent Experience Survey
Now that your student has graduated, we’d love to hear your reflections about your experiences as a RIT parent. We are specifically interested in learning about how you were supported by parent/family resources (including this newsletter, the website, campus events, and other communications). Click here to take the survey.

Class of 2020 Master Plan
If your student graduated with a bachelor’s degree in December ‘19, May or August ’20, they may consider an option to pursue a master’s degree at RIT. The RIT Class of 2020 Master Plan includes a special scholarship covering 55% of your student’s graduate tuition. The scholarship program was designed especially for our seniors going through these unprecedented times. For more information, please visit the Class of 2020 Master Plan website.

Career Services for Graduates
Graduation can be a stressful time for students who are answering the question “What are you doing after graduation?” Some students are proud to say they have plans of employment, graduate school or military, etc. Other students have leads but haven’t made a decision yet. There are also students who focused on getting to graduation and haven’t put much thought into what happens next.  

The Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education is here to help. Career Services Coordinators are available to assist upcoming graduates with post-graduation plans. Additionally, alumni have access to Handshake, Career Fairs, webinars, RIT Alumni Network, and more. Students and alumni can make an appointment by logging into their Handshake account or by contacting the office.

Post-Graduation Plans
Please encourage your graduate to fill out The First Destination Survey in Handshake. The survey captures information regarding plans and also lets us know that a student is still looking. Students who report that they are still looking are forwarded to their Career Services Coordinator for individual follow-up.

Graduates Returning Home
It has become increasingly common for young adults to move home with parents following graduating from college (commonly called boomerang families). While going home may not be everyone’s first choice, there are also many benefits to students and families, including saving money, exploring career options, having help around the house, and getting in some family time. After four or more years away, adjustments will have to be made for all parties. Here are a few suggestions for parents and grads from others who have gone through it: 

Suggestions for parents

• Set boundaries for both yourself and your adult child. Remember that it is important to balance boundaries with mutual respect and independence.
• Establish expectations about finances. If you’re going to charge rent or ask for contributions to household expenses, clarify the amount, the due date, and consequences if payment is not made.
• Discuss household responsibilities. Ensure that all family members are contributing to the upkeep of the home.
• As you interact with your graduate, remember that they have experienced a lot and changed while in college. Take advantage of the boomerang period to get to know your graduate as the adult they have become.

Suggestions for graduates

• Remember that your return home requires an adjustment for parents and siblings as well. Be understanding as the family navigates this transition.
• Living with others brings responsibilities—expect to contribute to your parents’ household as you would your own apartment.
• When young adults return home, there is always a tendency to revert to pre-college behaviors and patterns. Make a commitment to yourself to maintain your adult status, and when necessary, have calm conversations with your parents about your maturity.
• Establish a plan for next steps—finding a job; moving out—and work on these goals daily.

Information and Updates

Changes in Family Circumstances for Financial Aid Purposes
We know that COVID-19 has resulted in many unplanned changes for some families. If your family’s 2019 or 2020 income will be significantly different than 2018, or if you have other unusual circumstances, please complete the 2020-2021 Changed Family Circumstance Form.

Parents of Incoming Students
Welcome to RIT! I’m happy that you have found your way to the Parent Newsletter. As the family member of an incoming student, you will also be receiving communications throughout the summer to help prepare you—and your student—for life at RIT. Keep an eye on your inbox for emails from the Parent & Family Programs office soon. 

Satisfactory Academic Progress
Each semester after all grades have been recorded, the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships (OFAS) reviews all students’ academic progress based on information from the Registrar’s Office. Academic progress for Federal aid measures a student’s semester GPA, cumulative GPA, and progress toward student’s degree. OFAS will notify students only if they are not meeting requirements or if they are unable to determine the SAP status. Notification will go out to students RIT email and the students SAP status will also be viewable in eServices. For more information please visit the Satisfactory Academic Progress website.

Unsubscribing From this List
If you are the parent of a graduate and no longer wish to receive the RIT Parent Newsletter, you can unsubscribe on the Parent Newsletter website. You can also use this site if you would like to change the email address we have in our database.

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 April, we asked how much spending money do you give your student each month. Nearly half (46%) of you do not provide spending money, while 11% gives $150 or more. Please take a moment to answer our May question.

Featured Photo
In case you don’t follow the Parent and Family Programs Facebook page, here’s what you missed: campus is empty, but still beautiful. We miss our Tigers!