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Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester Institute of Technology
from Wikipedia

The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a private research university in Henrietta, New York, a suburb of Rochester. It was founded in 1829. It is one of only two institutes of technology in New York state, the other being the New York Institute of Technology.

Key Information

RIT enrolls about 19,000 students, of whom 16,000 are undergraduate and 3,000 are graduate students. These students come from all 50 states in the United States and more than 100 countries. The university has more than 4,000 faculty and staff. It also has branches abroad in Croatia, Kosovo, Albania, and United Arab Emirates. The university is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".[6]

History

[edit]

The university began as a result of an 1891 merger between Rochester Athenæum, a struggling literary society founded in 1829 by Colonel Nathaniel Rochester and associates, and The Mechanics Institute, a Rochester school of practical technical training for local residents founded in 1885 by a consortium of local businessmen including Captain Henry Lomb, co-founder of Bausch & Lomb. The name of the merged institution at the time was called Rochester Athenæum and Mechanics Institute (RAMI). The Mechanics Institute was considered as the surviving school and took over The Rochester Athenæum's 1829 founding charter. From the time of the merger until 1944, many of its students, administration and faculty staff alike, not only celebrated the former Mechanics Institute's 1885 founding charter, but its former name as well. In 1944, the school changed its name to Rochester Institute of Technology, re-established The Athenæum's 1829 founding charter and became a full-fledged research university.

RIT's traditional seal

The university originally resided within the city of Rochester, New York, proper, on a block bounded by the Erie Canal, South Plymouth Avenue, Spring Street, and South Washington Street (approximately 43°09′09″N 77°36′55″W / 43.152632°N 77.615157°W / 43.152632; -77.615157). Its art department was originally located in the Bevier Memorial Building. By the middle of the twentieth century, RIT began to outgrow its facilities, and surrounding land was scarce and expensive; additionally, in 1959, the New York Department of Public Works announced a new freeway, the Inner Loop, was to be built through the city along a path that bisected the university's campus and required demolition of key university buildings. In 1961, a donation of $3.27 million from local Grace Watson, for whom RIT's dining hall was later named, allowed the university to purchase land for a new 1,300-acre (5.3 km2) campus several miles south along the east bank of the Genesee River in suburban Henrietta. Upon completion in 1968, the university moved to the new suburban campus, where it resides today.[7][8]

In 1966, RIT was selected by the federal government to be the site of the newly founded National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID).[9] NTID admitted its first students in 1968, concurrent with RIT's transition to the Henrietta campus.[10]

In 1979, RIT took over Eisenhower College, a liberal arts college located in Seneca Falls, New York.[11] Despite making a 5-year commitment to keep Eisenhower open, RIT announced in July 1982 that the college would close immediately. One final year of operation by Eisenhower's academic program took place in the 1982–83 school year on the Henrietta campus. The final Eisenhower graduation took place in May 1983 back in Seneca Falls.[12]

The microelectronic engineering program, created in 198

University rankings
Global – Overall
QS World[13]951-1000 (2026)

2 and the only ABET-accredited undergraduate program in the country,[14] was the nation's first Bachelor of Science program specializing in the fabrication of semiconductor devices and integrated circuits. In 1990, RIT started its first PhD program, in imaging science – the first PhD program of its kind in the U.S.[12] The information technology program was the first nationally recognized IT degree, created in 1993.[15] In 1996, RIT became the first college in the U.S. to offer a Software Engineering degree at the undergraduate level.[16]

Campus

[edit]
The RIT campus as seen from the air, looking south, Genesee River on the right (2007).
RIT's Quarter Mile walkway

The main campus is housed on a 1,300 acres (5.3 km2) property. This property is largely covered with woodland and fresh-water swamp making it a very diverse wetland that is home to a number of somewhat rare plant species. The campus comprises 237 buildings and 5.1 million square feet (470,000 m2) of building space. The nearly universal use of bricks in the campus's construction – estimated at 15,710,693 bricks as of August 6, 2018[17] – prompted students to give it the semi-affectionate nickname "Brick City," reflected in the name of events such as the annual "Brick City Homecoming." Though the buildings erected in the first few decades of the campus's existence reflected the architectural style known as brutalism, the warm color of the bricks softened the impact somewhat. More recent additions to the campus have diversified the architecture while still incorporating the traditional brick colors. The main campus was listed as a census-designated place in 2020.[18]

In 2009, the campus was named a "Campus Sustainability Leader" by the Sustainable Endowments Institute.[19]

The residence halls and the academic side of campus are connected with a walkway called the "Quarter Mile". Along the Quarter Mile, between the academic and residence hall side are various administration and support buildings. On the academic side of the walkway is a courtyard, known as the Infinity Quad due to a striking polished stainless steel sculpture (by Jose' de Rivera, 1968, 19'×8'×212') of a continuous ribbon-like Möbius strip (commonly referred to as the infinity loop because if the sun hits the strip at a certain angle it will cast a shadow in the shape of an infinity symbol on the ground) in the middle of it; on the residence hall side is a sundial and a clock. Standing near the Administration Building and the Student Alumni Union is The Sentinel, a steel structure created by the acclaimed metal sculptor, Albert Paley. Reaching 70 feet (21 m) high and weighing 110 tons, the sculpture is the largest on any American university campus. There are four RIT-owned apartment complexes: Global Village, Perkins Green, Riverknoll, and University Commons.

Along the Quarter Mile is the Gordon Field House, a 160,000 sq ft (15,000 m2), two-story athletic center. Opened in 2004 and named in honor of Lucius "Bob" Gordon and his wife Marie, the Field House hosts numerous campus and community activities, including concerts, career fairs, athletic competitions, graduations, and other functions. Other facilities between the residence halls and academic buildings include the Hale-Andrews Student Life Center, Student Alumni Union, Ingle Auditorium, Clark Gymnasium, Frank Ritter Memorial Ice Arena, and the Schmitt Interfaith Center.

Art on campus

[edit]

The RIT Art Collection, part of the RIT Archive Collections at RIT Libraries, comprises thousands of works, including hundreds by RIT faculty, students, and alumni. The collection grows every year through the Purchase Prize Program, which enables the university to purchase select art works from students in the School of Art and Design, the School for American Crafts, and the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences.[20]

Many pieces from the collection are on public display around campus, including:

  • Sentinel – a 73-foot-tall sculpture created by the acclaimed metal sculptor, Albert Paley, located on Administration Circle.[21]
  • Growth and Youth – a set of two murals by Josef Albers located in the lobby of the George Eastman Building.[22]
  • Principia – a mural by Larry Kirkland that is etched into the black granite floor of the atrium in the College of Science (Gosnell Hall).[23] The work features illustrations, symbols, formulae, quotes, and images representing milestones in the history of science.[24]
  • Three Piece Reclining Figure No. 1 – a bronze sculpture by English artist Henry Moore located in Eastman Kodak Quad.[25]
  • Grand Hieroglyph – a 24-foot-long tapestry by Shiela Hicks located in the George Eastman Building.
  • Sundial – a sculpture by Alistair Bevington located on the Residence Quad.[26]
  • The Monument to Ephemeral Facts – a mixed media sculpture by Douglas Holleley located in Wallace Library.[27]
  • Unity – a 24-foot-tall stainless steel sculpture sited between the College of Art and Design, the College of Engineering Technology, and the College of Engineering.[28]

Demographics

[edit]

The RIT campus was listed as a census-designated place (CDP) in the 2020 U.S. census[29] with a population of 7,322 at the 2020 census.[30]

Rochester Institute of Technology CDP, New York – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 2020[31] % 2020
White alone (NH) 4,728 64.57%
Black or African American alone (NH) 384 5.24%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 14 0.19%
Asian alone (NH) 1,232 16.83%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) 0 0.00%
Other race alone (NH) 45 0.61%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) 357 4.88%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 562 7.68%
Total 7,322 100.00%

Organization and administration

[edit]

As of July 2025, the president is William H. Sanders, formerly the dean of the College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. Sanders, the university's eleventh president, replaced David C. Munson, who retired after serving eight years at RIT.[32] Prabu David, formerly vice provost at Michigan State University, was named provost in August 2023.[33] He replaced Ellen Granberg, the first woman to serve in that role at RIT.

The school is also a member of the Association of Independent Technological Universities.

Colleges

[edit]
The B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences building
RIT Observatory

RIT has nine colleges:[34]

There are also two smaller academic units that grant RIT degrees but do not have full college faculties:

  • Golisano Institute for Sustainability
  • School of Individualized Study

In addition to these colleges, RIT operates four branch campuses in Europe and one in the Middle East:

Academics

[edit]
Inside view of the lounge area of the University Services Center, home to the Student Innovation Center, and the university's finance department.

The university is chartered by the New York state legislature and accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.[36][37] The university offers more than 200 academic programs, including seven doctoral programs across its nine constituent colleges.[38][39] In 2008–2009, RIT awarded 2,483 bachelor's degrees, 912 master's degrees, 10 doctorates, and 523 other certificates and diplomas.[40]

The four-year, full-time undergraduate program constitutes the majority of enrollments at the university and emphasizes instruction in the "arts & sciences/professions."[6] RIT is a member of the Rochester Area College consortium, which allows students to register at other colleges in the Rochester metropolitan area without tuition charges.[39] RIT's full-time undergraduate and graduate programs used to operate on an approximately 10-week quarter system with the primary three academic quarters beginning on Labor Day in early September and ending in late May.[39] In August 2013, RIT transitioned from a quarter system to a semester system.[41] The change was hotly debated on campus, with a majority of students opposed according to an informal survey; Student Government also voted against the change.[42]

Among the eight colleges, 6.8% of the student body is enrolled in the Saunders College of Business, 15.0% in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering, 4.3% in the College of Liberal Arts, 25.4% in the College of Applied Science and Technology, 18.0% in the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, 13.9% in the College of Imaging Arts and Science, 5.7% in the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, and 9.2% in the College of Science.[43] The five most commonly awarded degrees are in Business Administration, Engineering Technology, School of Photographic Arts & Sciences, School of Art and Design, and Information Technology.[44]

RIT has struggled with student retention, although the situation has improved during president Destler's tenure. 91.3% of freshmen in the fall of 2009 registered for fall 2010 classes, which Destler noted as a school record.[45]

Student body

[edit]
Demographics of student body[46][47]
Undergraduate Graduate U.S. census
African American 6.1% 4.9% 12.6%
Asian American 6.9% 6.9% 4.8%
White American 76.5% 80.4% 63.7%
Hispanic American 7.3% 6.0% 16.4%
Multiple Races 2.9% 1.4% 2.9%
Native American 0.2% 0.4% 0.9%
International student 778 1,472 N/A

RIT enrolled 13,711 undergraduate and 3,131 graduate students in fall 2015.[43] Admissions are characterized as "more selective, higher transfer-in" by the Carnegie Foundation.[6] RIT received 12,725 applications for undergraduate admission in Fall 2008, 60% were admitted, 34% enrolled, and 84% of students re-matriculated as second-year students. The interquartile range on the SAT was 1630–1910. 26% of students graduated after four years and 64% after six years.[48] As of 2013, the 25th–75th percentile SAT scores are 540–650 Critical Reading, 570–680 Math, and 520–630 Writing—the average composite score being 1630–1960.

Academic rankings
National
Forbes[49]217
U.S. News & World Report[50]88
Washington Monthly[51]218
WSJ/College Pulse[52]161
Global
THE[53]601-800
U.S. News & World Report[54]645

Rankings

[edit]
U.S. News & World Report, 2023 Graduate Rankings[55]
Biological Sciences 119
Business 112
Computer Science 77
Engineering 63
Fine Arts 23
Health Care Management 65
Online MBA 9
Photography 6
Physician Assistant 188
Physics 78

In the 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report, RIT was ranked No. 88 among National Universities.[56] Business Insider ranked RIT No. 14 in Northeast aofd No. 36 in the country for Computer Science.[57][58] RIT was ranked among the top 50 national universities in a national survey of "High School Counselors Top College Picks".[59] RIT's Saunders College of Business ranked No. 26 in the United States for "Best Online MBA Programs" for the online executive MBA program by U.S. News & World Report.[60] Times Higher Education/The Wall Street Journal ranked the MBA program at Saunders College of Business No. 54 among business colleges and universities around the world for the year 2019.[61] RIT was ranked among the top 20 universities recognized for excellent co-operative learning and internship programs.[62] It was further placed at No. 24 in the top 30 universities for Computer Science with the best Returns on Investment (ROI) in the US.[63]

The Princeton Review ranked RIT's game design and development program No. 6 nationally at the undergraduate level and No. 10 at the graduate level in 2025.[64] Among the top 75 universities for Video Game Design in the US, RIT was ranked No. 4.[65]

Co-op program

[edit]

RIT's co-op program, which began in 1912, is the fourth-oldest in the world. It is also the fifth-largest in the nation,[66] with approximately 3,500 students completing a co-op each year at over 2,000 businesses.[67] The program requires (or allows, depending on major) students to work in the workplace for up to five quarters alternating with quarters of class. The amount of co-op varies by major, usually between 3 and 5 three-month "blocks" or academic quarters. Many employers prefer students to co-op for two consecutive blocks, referred to as a "double-block co-op". During a co-op, the student is not required to pay tuition to the school and is still considered a "full time" student.

Wallace Library

Library and special collections

[edit]

RIT library services are based in the Wallace Library. The Cary Graphic Arts Collection contains books, manuscripts, printing-type specimens, letterpress printing equipment, documents, and other artifacts related to the history of graphic communication.[68] RIT Archives document more than 180 years of the university's history, and students in the Museum Studies program frequently work with these artifacts and help create exhibitions.[69] The RIT/NTID Deaf Studies Archive preserves and illustrates the history, art, culture, technology, and language of the Deaf community.[70] The RIT Art Collection contains thousands of works showcasing RIT's visual arts curriculum.[20]

Vignelli Center for Design Studies

[edit]
Vignelli Center for Design Studies is located in Booth Hall

The Vignelli Center for Design Studies was established in 2010 and houses the archives of Italian designers Massimo and Lella Vignelli.[71] The center is a hub for design education, scholarship and research.[72]

ESL Global Cybersecurity Institute

[edit]
Cybersecurity Hall, attached to Golisano Hall, as seen from nearby Global Village

Founded in 2020, the Global Cybersecurity Institute was funded in part by a $50 million gift from RIT alumnus Austin McChord.[73] The gift also funded four named endowments for students and cybersecurity researchers.[74] In 2022, the Institute received a $3 million naming gift from ESL Federal Credit Union, a Rochester-area company that provides banking and wealth management services.[75]

Research

[edit]
A look into the Semiconductor & Microsystems Fabrication Laboratory
Corporations have donated machines and tools for students to study and improve

The total value of research grants to university faculty for fiscal year 2022 totaled $92 million.[76] The university currently offers twelve PhD programs: Imaging science,[77] Microsystems Engineering,[78] Computing and Information Sciences,[79] Color science,[80] Astrophysical Sciences and Technology,[81] Sustainability,[82] Electrical and Computer Engineering,[83] Biomedical and Chemical Engineering,[84] Business Administration,[85] Physics,[86] and Mathematical Modeling.[87]

In 1986, RIT founded the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science, and started its first doctoral program in Imaging Science in 1989. The Imaging Science department also offers the only Bachelors (BS) and Masters (MS) degree programs in imaging science in the country. The Carlson Center features a diverse research portfolio; its major research areas include Digital Image Restoration, Remote Sensing, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Printing Systems Research, Color Science, Nanoimaging, Imaging Detectors, Astronomical Imaging, Visual Perception, and Ultrasonic Imaging.

The Center for Advancing the Study of CyberInfrastructure (CASCI) is a multidisciplinary center housed in the College of Computing and Information Sciences. The Departments of Computer science, Software Engineering, Information technology, Computer engineering, Imaging Science, and Bioinformatics collaborate in a variety of research programs at this center. RIT was the first university to launch a Bachelor's program in Information technology in 1991, the first university to launch a Bachelor's program in Software Engineering in 1996, and was also among the first universities to launch a Computer science Bachelor's program in 1972. RIT helped standardize the Forth programming language, and developed the CLAWS software package.

RIT has collaborated with many industry players in the field of research as well, including IBM,[88] Xerox,[89] Rochester's Democrat and Chronicle,[90] Siemens,[91] NASA,[92][93] and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).[94] In 2005, it was announced by Russell W. Bessette, Executive Director New York State Office of Science Technology & Academic Research (NYSTAR), that RIT will lead the University at Buffalo and Alfred University in an initiative to create key technologies in microsystems, photonics, nanomaterials, and remote sensing systems and to integrate next generation IT systems. In addition, the collaboratory is tasked with helping to facilitate economic development and tech transfer in New York State. More than 35 other notable organizations have joined the collaboratory, including Boeing, Eastman Kodak, IBM, Intel, SEMATECH, ITT, Motorola, Xerox, and several Federal agencies, including as NASA.[95]

In 2017, the U.S. Department of Energy selected RIT to lead its Reducing Embodied-Energy and Decreasing Emissions (REMADE) Institute aimed at forging new clean energy measures through the Manufacturing USA initiative.[96]

Athletics

[edit]
Gene Polisseni Center Interior
The Gordon Field House

RIT was a long-time member of the Empire 8, an NCAA Division III athletic conference, but moved to the Liberty League beginning with the 2011–2012 academic year. All of RIT's teams compete at the Division III level, with the exception of the men's and women's ice hockey programs. Those teams play at the Division I level in Atlantic Hockey America, formed after the 2023–24 season by the merger of the Tigers' former hockey homes of the men-only Atlantic Hockey Association and the women-only College Hockey America. In 2010, the men's ice hockey team was the first ever from the Atlantic Hockey Association to reach the NCAA tournament semi-finals: The Frozen Four.[97]

In 2011–2012, the RIT women's ice hockey team had a regular season record of 28–1–1, and won the NCAA Division III national championship, defeating the defending champion Norwich University 4–1. The women's team had carried a record of 54–3–3 over their past two regular seasons leading up to that point.[98] The women's hockey team then moved from Division III to Division I. Starting in the 2012–2013 season, the women's team played in the College Hockey America conference. In 2014–2015, the team became eligible for NCAA Division I postseason play.[99]

In 2021, the RIT men's lacrosse team beat Salisbury in double overtime to take the NCAA Division III national championship.[100] In 2022, the RIT men's lacrosse team won a second national title, following a 12–10 victory over Union College.[101]

RIT's Alpine Ski Club competes at United States Collegiate Ski & Snowboard Association (USCSA), which uses NCAA II competition and academic standards.[102] The varsity Alpine Ski Team competes at the USCSA Mid East Region.[103]

Tom Coughlin, coach of the NFL's 2008 and 2012 Super Bowl champion New York Giants, taught physical education and was the head coach of the RIT Men's Varsity Football team for four seasons in the early 1970s. Overseeing RIT football's transition from a club sport to an NCAA Division III team, this was the first head coaching job of Coughlin's career with him calling his time at RIT "a great experience."[104]

Since 1968 RIT's hockey teams played at Frank Ritter Memorial Ice Arena on campus. In 2010, RIT began raising money for a new arena.[105] In 2011, B. Thomas Golisano and the Polisseni Foundation donated $4.5 million for the new arena, which came to be named the Gene Polisseni Center.[106]

Mascot

[edit]
Statue of SpiRIT on the Quarter Mile

RIT's athletics nickname is the "Tigers", a name given following the undefeated men's basketball season of 1955–56. Prior to that, RIT's athletic teams were called the "Techmen" and had blue and silver as the sports colors. In 1963, RIT students fundraised using ‘Tigershares’ to buy a rescued Bengal tiger cub that became the university's mascot, named SpiRIT which stands for Student Pride in RIT. Ambitious students were trained as the Tiger Cubs handlers and took him to most sport events until 1964. It was then discovered that the cub was ill and eventually he was put down due to these health complications.[107] The original tiger's pelt now resides in the RIT Archive Collections at RIT Libraries.[108] RIT helped the Seneca Park Zoo purchase a new tiger shortly after SpiRIT's death, but it was not used as a school mascot. A bronze sculpture by D.H.S. Wehle in the center of the Henrietta campus now provides an everlasting version of the mascot.[109]

RITchie at an event in 2022

A costumed tiger mascot named RITchie was later introduced, appearing at a variety of campus events. The name was selected as part of a student contest in 1989.[110]

Student life

[edit]
Global Village housing and student area.
Ellingson Hall, RIT's tallest building

In addition to its academic and athletic endeavors, RIT has over 150 student clubs, 10 major student organizations, an interfaith center and 30 different Greek organizations.[111]

Reporter magazine, founded in 1951,[112] is the university's primary student-run magazine.[113] RIT also has its own ambulance corps, bi-weekly television athletics program RIT SportsZone, pep band, radio station, and tech crew.

The university's Gordon Field House and Activities Center is home to competitive and recreational athletics and aquatics, a fitness center, and an auditorium hosting frequent concerts and other entertainment. Its opening in late 2004 was inaugurated by concerts by performers including Kanye West and Bob Dylan.[114][115] It is the second-largest venue in Monroe County.[116]

Deaf and hard-of-hearing students

[edit]

One of RIT's unique features is the large presence of deaf and hard-of-hearing students, who make up 8.8% of the student body.[117] The National Technical Institute for the Deaf, one of RIT's nine colleges, provides interpreting and captioning services to students for classes and events. Many courses' lectures at RIT are interpreted into American Sign Language or captioned in real-time for the benefit of hard-of-hearing and deaf students. There are several deaf and hard-of-hearing professors and lecturers, too; an interpreter can vocalize their lectures for hearing students. This significant portion of the RIT population provides another dynamic to the school's diversity, and it has contributed to Rochester's high number of deaf residents per capita.

The Tojo Memorial Garden in the Eastman Kodak Quad

Fraternities and sororities

[edit]

RIT's campus is host to thirty fraternities and sororities (eighteen fraternities and twelve sororities),[111] that make up 6.5% of the total RIT population. RIT and Phi Kappa Psi alumni built six large buildings for Greek students on the academic side of campus next to the Riverknoll apartments.[118]

Special Interest Houses

[edit]

RIT's dormitories are home to five[119] "Special Interest Houses" — Computer Science House,[120] Engineering House, House of General Science, House of the Arts, and Unity House — that provide an environment to live immersed in a specific interest, such as art, engineering, or computing. Members of a special-interest house share their interests with each other and the rest of campus through academic focus and special activities. Special Interest Houses are self-governing and accept members based on their own criteria.[121] In the early 2000s, RIT had a Special Interest House called "Business Leaders for Tomorrow", but it no longer exists.[122] Prior to the 2022–2023 academic year, RIT had a Special Interest House called "International House", but it no longer exists.[123] Prior to 2025, RIT had an "Art House" and a "Photo House".[124] These two Special Interest Houses were merged to form House of the Arts.

ROTC programs

[edit]

RIT is the host of the Air Force ROTC Detachment 538 "Blue Tigers"[125] and the Army ROTC "Tiger Battalion".[126] RIT students may also enroll in the Naval ROTC program based at the University of Rochester.

In 2009, the "Tiger Battalion" was awarded the Eastern Region's Outstanding ROTC Unit Award, given annually by the Order of the Founders and Patriots of America.[127] In 2010, it was awarded the National MacArthur Award for 2nd Brigade.[128]

Reporter Magazine

[edit]

Reporter magazine (Reporter) is a completely student-run organization. The magazine is a 32-page full-color issue distributed on the first Monday of the month for the duration of the academic year, supplemented with regular online content.

Reporter began as a newspaper in 1951 and changed to a magazine format in 1969 to better showcase the talents of students enrolled in programs at the College of Imaging Arts & Sciences.[citation needed] The first magazine issue was released on January 10, 1969.[129] The magazine continued to be released on a weekly cycle until 2013.

K2GXT – RIT Amateur Radio Club

[edit]

Students interested in amateur radio can join K2GXT, the RIT amateur radio club. It is the oldest club on campus, founded in 1952 at the original downtown Rochester campus. The club maintains a UHF and VHF amateur radio repeater system operating on the 2 meter band, and the 70 centimeter band. The repeater system serves the campus and surrounding areas.[130]

WITR 89.7

[edit]

An FM radio station run by students at RIT, WITR 89.7 broadcasts various music genres, RIT athletic events, and several talk radio programs.[131]

College Activities Board

[edit]

The College Activities Board, frequently abbreviated as CAB, is a student-run organization responsible for providing "diverse entertainment and activities to enhance student life on the RIT campus." CAB is responsible for annual concerts, class trips, movie screenings, and other frequent events.[132]

Imagine RIT

[edit]
Logo

An annual festival, publicized as "Imagine RIT", was initiated in May 2008 to showcase innovative and creative activity at RIT. It is one of the most prominent changes brought to RIT by former university president, William Destler.[133]

An open event, visitors to Imagine RIT have an opportunity to tour the RIT campus and view new ideas for products and services, admire fine art, explore faculty and student research, examine engineering design projects, and interact with hundreds of hands-on exhibits. Theatrical and musical performances take place on stages in many locations on the RIT campus. Intended to appeal to visitors of all ages, including children, the festival features a variety of exhibits. More than 17,000 people attended the inaugural festival on May 3, 2008, and ten years later the number of people attending has doubled, reaching almost 35,000.[133]

Rochester Game Festival

[edit]

Sponsored by RIT's MAGIC Center, ROC Game Dev, and the Irondequoit Library, the Rochester Game Festival is an annual convention that showcases video games and tabletop games produced by students and by independent developers in the surrounding region. More than 1,300 people attended the festival in 2019.[134]

RIT Ambulance

[edit]

RIT Ambulance (RITA) is a community run, 9-1-1 dispatched New York State Certified Basic Life Support Ambulance agency.

Public Safety

[edit]

RIT Public Safety is the primary agency responsible for the protection of students, staff, and property, as well as enforcement of both college policies and state laws. Officers are NYS Licensed Security Guards who possess an expanded scope of authority under NYS Education Law, and many Officers have prior law enforcement backgrounds. In 2016, it was announced that RIT Public Safety will deploy officers armed with long guns to respond to active shooter incidents.[135] Public Safety Officers operate both a dispatch center and various types of patrol units on campus and at off-campus holdings (such as The Inn and Conference Center) and also manage the Call Box System. Activating a call box will automatically place the user in touch with an Officer in the dispatch center who will direct Patrol Officers to respond to the location; if necessary, Officers will summon the Monroe County Sheriff's to respond as well. As the college does not have 24/7 on campus crisis intervention counselors, in the event of a mental or behavioral health incident during hours where a counselor is not available, Public Safety Officers are also trained to act as mediators until an on-call counselor can be summoned.[136]

Spiritual life

[edit]

Schmitt Interfaith Center, located along the Quarter Mile, serves as the main spiritual focal point on campus. The Center provides office, meeting, lounge, kitchen, and worship space for some fifteen chaplaincies, including those within Buddhist; Christian; Hindu; Interfaith, Non-Religious, and Secular; Jewish; Muslim; and Pagan communities, and numerous student spiritual clubs.

There are two additional spaces on campus that serve Jewish students, including Hillel House and the Chabad House.

Dining services

[edit]

RIT Dining Services manages a large number of restaurants and food shops, along with the sole dining hall on campus. There are multiple cafeterias and small retail locations throughout the campus, including near the Residence Halls, in the Student Alumni Union, Global Village, and in certain academic buildings. Dining Services at RIT is completely internal and run through the university. RIT Dining Services also provides opportunities for international students to work on campus.[137] In early 2019 the campus started providing food from a Hydroponic farm on campus that supplied lettuce, kale, and other crops. [138]

Governance

[edit]

RIT is governed under a shared governance model. The shared governance system is composed of the Student Government, the Staff Council, and the Academic Senate. The University Council brings together representatives from all three groups and makes recommendations to the president of the university. Once the University Council has made a recommendation, the president makes the final decision.[139]

Student Government

[edit]

The Student Government consists of an elected student senate and a cabinet appointed by the president and vice president. Elections for academic and community senators occur each spring, along with the elections for the president and vice president. The cabinet is appointed by the president and vice president.

The Student Government is an advocate for students and is responsible for basic representation as well as improving campus for students. The Student Government endorses proposal that are brought before the University Council.[140]

Academic Senate

[edit]

The Academic Senate is responsible for representing faculty within the shared governance system. The Academic Senate has 43 senators.[141]

Staff Council

[edit]

The Staff Council represents staff in the shared governance system.[142]

Notable alumni

[edit]

RIT has over 125,000 alumni worldwide.[118] Eleven RIT alumni, affiliates, and faculty members have been recipients of the Pulitzer Prize, winning a total of 15 prizes.[143]

Notable alumni include Fredericka Douglass Sprague Perry, a philanthropist, a pioneer in the welfare of Black children, and the granddaughter of Frederick Douglass;[144][145] Bob Duffy, former New York Lieutenant Governor; Tom Curley, former president and CEO of the Associated Press; Daniel Carp, former chairman of the Eastman Kodak Company; John Resig, software developer and creator of jQuery;[146] N. Katherine Hayles, critical theorist; Austin McChord, founder and CEO of Datto; Jack Van Antwerp, former director of photography for The Wall Street Journal; and photojournalist Bernie Boston.

Presidents and provosts

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In the decades prior to the selection of RIT's first president, the university was administered primarily by the board of trustees.[12]

University presidents
Name Tenure
Carleton B. Gibson June 1910 – July 1, 1916
James F. Barker July 1, 1916 – 1919
Royal B. Farnum 1919–1921
John A. Randall 1922–1936
Mark W. Ellingson 1936 – September 30, 1969[147][148]
Paul A. Miller October 1, 1969[148] – December 31, 1978[149]
M. Richard Rose January 1, 1979[150] – June 1, 1992[151]
Albert J. Simone September 1, 1992[152] – June 30, 2007[153]
William W. Destler July 1, 2007[154] – June 30, 2017[155]
David C. Munson Jr. July 1, 2017[156] – June 30, 2025[157]
William H. Sanders July 1, 2025[158]
University provosts
Name Tenure
Todd H. Bullard August 1, 1970[159] – Summer 1980[160]
Robert G. Quinn June 1981 – January 1983[161]
Thomas R. Plough Spring 1984[162] – July 1994[163]
Stanley D. McKenzie July 1994[163] – November 1995[164] (interim)
November 1995[164] – June 30, 2008[165]
Jeremy A. Haefner July 1, 2008[166] – June 30, 2018[167]
Ellen M. Granberg August 19, 2018[168] – June 30, 2023[169]
Prabu David August 1, 2023[33]

In addition to the ten official presidents, Provost Thomas R. Plough served as acting president twice: once, in February 1991 when M. Richard Rose was on sabbatical with the CIA, and again in 1992 between Rose's retirement and Albert J. Simone's installation.[170][171]

See also

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References

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Further reading

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a private research university located in , focused on integrating technology, the arts, and design to foster innovation and for the greater good. Founded in 1829 as the Rochester Athenaeum and evolving through mergers and renamings, including its adoption of the current name in 1944, RIT has grown into a global institution with a main in Rochester and additional sites in , , and . It serves approximately 19,300 students as of fall 2025, including a significant international and the world's largest community of deaf and hard-of-hearing undergraduates through the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), emphasizing hands-on co-operative where students alternate academic study with paid professional experience. RIT's academic structure spans nine colleges offering more than 200 programs, including 97 bachelor's degrees, 81 master's degrees, 15 doctoral programs, and accelerated dual-degree options that combine undergraduate and graduate study in about five years. Notable for pioneering degrees such as the first bachelor's in , established in 1968, and a PhD in imaging science in 1990, the university excels in fields like , , , and , with a strong commitment to interdisciplinary approaches and research that generated $103 million in sponsored awards in 2024. Its co-op program, ranked among the top five nationally, has placed students in over 6,000 employers worldwide, contributing to a 95% rate for NTID graduates and high outcomes overall. Recognized for innovation and value, RIT ranks #88 among national universities, #42 for most innovative schools, and #43 for best value in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 rankings, while its programs consistently place in the top five by and Animation Career Review. With more than 140,000 alumni globally and a history of milestones like the 1968 move to its current 1,300-acre campus and the completion of a $1 billion fundraising campaign in 2023, RIT continues to advance as a leader in technology-driven education and societal impact.

History

Founding and early development

The Rochester Athenaeum was established on November 12, 1829, by Colonel Nathaniel Rochester and a group of prominent Rochester community leaders, including Enos Stone and Elisha Johnson, as a cultural and educational association aimed at promoting , , and the arts through free public lectures, debates, and a growing collection. This initiative responded to the burgeoning needs of the young city of , which had been incorporated just 12 years earlier, by fostering intellectual pursuits among its residents and providing accessible education in an era of rapid industrialization. The Athenaeum quickly became a vital cultural hub, attracting scholars and enthusiasts, though it faced financial challenges that limited its early expansion. In 1885, the was founded by local philanthropists such as Henry Lomb, Max Lowenthal, and Frank Ritter to address the growing demand for skilled technical workers in Rochester's expanding industries, including and . Offering free evening classes in mechanical drawing, , and other practical trades, the institute targeted working-class individuals seeking vocational advancement amid the city's economic boom. By 1891, recognizing synergies between cultural education and technical skills, the Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Association merged with the to form the Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute (RAMI), which integrated liberal arts with hands-on vocational training and saw enrollment surge to over 1,000 students within a few years. This merger solidified RAMI's commitment to practical education tailored to Rochester's industrial landscape, where companies like required a steady supply of trained technicians. Under the leadership of its early presidents, RAMI emphasized to meet local workforce demands, introducing innovative programs that bridged classroom theory with real-world application. In 1912, President Carleton B. Gibson launched the institute's (co-op) program—one of the nation's earliest—enabling students to alternate between half-time academic study and paid work in local factories, stores, and offices, thereby gaining practical experience while contributing to Rochester's economy. This initiative underscored RAMI's foundational mission of providing accessible, industry-aligned technical education, which continued to evolve through the early as the institution adapted to technological advancements and wartime needs, such as expanded classes for defense workers in the 1940s.

Expansion and key milestones

In 1944, the institution formerly known as the Rochester Athenaeum and underwent a significant to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), reflecting its evolving focus on technological education and research. This name change coincided with post-World War II growth, as enrollment doubled from 4,376 students in 1950 to 8,546 by 1960, driven by expanded programs in and applied sciences. By 1955, RIT awarded its first degrees, marking the transition from primarily associate-level offerings to full undergraduate education. A pivotal expansion occurred in the late 1960s with the relocation from downtown Rochester to a new 1,300-acre campus in the suburb of Henrietta, approved in 1961 and completed in 1968 to accommodate surging demand and modern facilities. Concurrently, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) was established in 1966 through a federal grant, admitting its first students in 1968 and integrating specialized education for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals into RIT's structure. This move not only tripled the physical footprint but also positioned RIT as a leader in inclusive higher education. RIT's academic scope broadened further with the introduction of its first PhD program in imaging science in 1990—the nation's inaugural doctoral offering in that field—with the initial degree conferred in 1993. Under subsequent leadership, particularly President Albert J. Simone (1992–2007) and President William W. Destler (2007–2017), additional PhD programs emerged in areas like microsystems engineering (2002) and computing and information sciences (2005). By 2007, RIT had established four PhD programs. During President David C. Munson's tenure starting in 2017, seven more PhD programs were added, including (2017), (2023), and the most recent in and physics launched in fall 2024, elevating RIT to a total of 13 doctoral offerings. Enrollment continued to expand dramatically, reaching approximately 19,000 students by 2021 across domestic and international campuses, underscoring RIT's transformation into a comprehensive . Key infrastructural milestones included the establishment of the Albert J. Simone Center for and Entrepreneurship, which fosters student-led ventures through incubators and competitions. In 2020, the Global Cybersecurity Institute opened to advance research and training in digital security, later renamed the ESL Global Cybersecurity Institute in 2022 following a $3 million endowment from ESL Federal . These developments solidified RIT's emphasis on interdisciplinary through the early .

Recent leadership transitions

In 2023, Rochester Institute of Technology experienced a key transition in its academic leadership when Provost departed on July 1 to assume the presidency of George Washington University. She had served in the role since 2018, overseeing advancements in curriculum and faculty development. Prabu David, formerly dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Rochester Institute of Technology and a communications scholar, was appointed as the new and senior for Academic Affairs, effective August 1, 2023. David's leadership emphasized interdisciplinary education and student success metrics during his early tenure. The most significant executive change occurred at the presidential level, with the retirement of David C. Munson announced on April 23, 2024, after serving as RIT's 10th president since July 2017. Munson's eight-year tenure focused on elevating RIT's research profile, including the addition of seven Ph.D. programs that expanded the university's doctoral offerings to 13, enrolling 492 students by early 2025. These initiatives contributed to sustained growth in sponsored research funding and interdisciplinary collaborations. He officially retired on June 30, 2025, marking the end of a period that positioned RIT as a leader in applied technology education. On January 28, 2025, the RIT Board of Trustees appointed William H. Sanders as the 11th president, effective July 1, 2025, following a nationwide search. Sanders, previously the Donald R. and Judi Bradbury Dean of the College of Engineering at , brought extensive experience in engineering and administration, including prior roles at the University of where he directed the Information Trust Institute and headed the Department of Electrical and . His formal installation occurred on September 26, 2025. In his first State of the University Address on September 10, 2025, Sanders highlighted a focus on and student-centered , noting record achievements such as $105 million in new sponsored funding for fiscal year 2025 and 18 awards exceeding $1 million each. These early developments under Sanders signal continued emphasis on RIT's growth in high-impact areas.

Campus

Location and physical layout

The Rochester Institute of Technology's main campus occupies 1,300 acres in Henrietta, a of , positioned within the Finger Lakes region for access to scenic lakes and trails, while offering quick connectivity to downtown Rochester's cultural, dining, and entertainment options just six miles north. This expansive suburban setting supports a blend of academic, residential, and research functions, fostering a self-contained community with green corridors and pedestrian pathways linking key areas. The campus layout centers on a 455-acre core encircled by Andrews Memorial Drive, where academic buildings like Gleason Hall for and Golisano Hall for form the intellectual hub, surrounded by residential quadrants including the North Village, South Village, and East Village for student housing. Research and innovation zones extend outward, such as the North Research District for future growth and the 39-acre RIT Technology Park south of the main area, emphasizing and industrial partnerships. Notable infrastructure includes the Golisano Institute for Sustainability in Sustainability Hall, dedicated to environmental research and net-zero initiatives, and the RIT Observatory in the southeastern corner, equipped with computer-controlled telescopes for astrophysical studies and public viewing. Transportation across the campus relies on the free RIT Campus Shuttle system, managed by Parking and Transportation Services, which operates daily routes connecting academic buildings, residential quadrants, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), and off-campus sites like shopping areas, with all vehicles meeting ADA standards for mobility accessibility. For NTID students, additional features include visual route announcements via the RIT Transit app and integration with the Accessible Van Service for those requiring door-to-door support due to hearing or mobility challenges. Recent expansions highlight ongoing infrastructure development, including the 2024 launch of the Multispectral Imaging System for Historical Artifacts (MISHA) lab within the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science, enabling low-cost, open-source imaging of cultural heritage items to reveal hidden texts and details. This addition aligns with broader plans to densify the campus core, incorporating structured parking and enhanced pedestrian links to accommodate growing enrollment and research needs.

Architectural features and art

The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) campus in , is characterized by its Brutalist architectural style, which defines the original buildings constructed after the institution's relocation from downtown Rochester in 1968. This style features massive, geometric brick structures with minimal windows and deep recesses, creating a unified yet imposing aesthetic often referred to as "Brick City" due to the pervasive use of red brick cladding. The campus's founding architects, including firms like Anderson, Beckwith & Haible as coordinators and Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo & Associates for key structures, drew from mid-20th-century modernist principles to emphasize functionality and durability in an academic setting. Over time, RIT has integrated contemporary styles into its built environment, blending the original Brutalism with more open, light-filled designs in newer additions. Recent projects, such as the Student Hall for Exploration and Development (The SHED) completed in 2023 and designed by William Rawn Associates, incorporate extensive glass facades and collaborative spaces to foster modern learning while respecting the campus's brick heritage. This evolution reflects a shift toward and student-centered functionality, as seen in renovations that soften the Brutalist rigidity with natural light and flexible interiors. Public art enhances the campus's aesthetic, with more than two dozen outdoor sculptures and installations serving as focal points amid the architectural landscape. Notable examples include The Sentinel (2003), a 73-foot-tall, 110-ton steel sculpture by Albert Paley that stands as an iconic gateway marker, symbolizing vigilance and creativity. Other works, such as brick murals and abstract pieces integrated into plazas, complement the Brutalist forms and promote interaction with the environment. The Vignelli Center for Design Studies houses collections that include elements, briefly referenced here for their influence on campus visual identity. Sustainability is a core architectural principle at RIT, with all new buildings required to achieve at least Silver certification since the late 2000s, positioning the campus as a leader in green design. Early examples include the Engineering Technology Hall ( Gold, 2008), featuring a , solar array, and rainwater cisterns, while the Golisano Institute for Sustainability Hall earned Platinum in 2014 with advanced energy systems and a living . These features—such as solar panels, recycled materials, and water-efficient landscaping—demonstrate RIT's commitment to across its 1,300-acre site. Among notable spaces, the Wallace Memorial Library exemplifies this blend of styles following its 2023 renovation, which connected it to The SHED via glass-enclosed walkways and expanded collaborative areas with transparent walls for visibility into archives and maker spaces. In 2025, RIT expanded its with a second , enhancing campus safety infrastructure without altering core architectural elements.

Student demographics

As of fall 2024, Rochester Institute of Technology enrolls approximately 21,300 students across its campuses, including about 14,300 undergraduates and 2,900 graduate students on the main campus and an additional 4,200 students at global locations. The student body reflects significant diversity, with about 1,800 international students from more than 100 countries, accounting for approximately 9% of the total enrollment. The National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) supports approximately 1,200 deaf and hard-of-hearing students, comprising about 8% of the undergraduate population on the main campus. In terms of gender distribution among full-time undergraduates, approximately 65% identify as and 35% as . The ethnic composition among full-time undergraduates includes 60% white, 12% Asian, and 10% students. Recent trends highlight RIT's global appeal, as the institution welcomed six international Fulbright scholars for the 2025-2026 . Additionally, the university observes Native American Heritage Month through targeted initiatives focused on Indigenous health, wellness, and cultural celebration.

Organization and administration

Governance bodies

The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is governed by a Board of Trustees that provides strategic oversight and ensures the institution's long-term viability. The board consists of 42 active trustees, including the university president and representatives from the RIT Alumni Association and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, along with 23 emeritus trustees for a total of 65 members. These trustees, many of whom are alumni and external leaders from business and professional sectors, approve the university's vision, mission, policies, and budgets while appointing, supporting, and evaluating the president. The board operates through an Executive Committee that meets monthly and 10 standing committees, such as Finance & Infrastructure and Governance & Membership, with each active trustee serving on at least one; it convenes three times annually to deliberate on fiduciary responsibilities and external influences affecting RIT. RIT employs a shared governance model that integrates input from faculty, staff, students, and administrators to inform university decisions on policies, initiatives, and concerns. This structure, formalized in the , fosters multi-directional communication and deliberation through key bodies including the Faculty Senate, which handles academic policies; the Staff Council, which addresses employee issues; the Student Government, which advocates for student needs; and the University Council, which coordinates across groups on broader matters. By empowering these constituencies, the model ensures diverse perspectives contribute to institutional effectiveness without supplanting administrative authority. The Staff Council, established in 1992–1993 as part of RIT's commitment to inclusive governance, represents non-faculty employees by facilitating communication and advocating for workplace policies. Composed of 30 representatives from six voting blocks across exempt and non-exempt staff categories, the council serves as an advisory body to the president, proposing changes and relaying feedback to promote positive workplace conditions, though it operates independently of union activities. Meetings occur biweekly and are open to the public, emphasizing transparency in addressing staff concerns within the shared governance framework. RIT's governance structures, including the Board of Trustees and shared governance bodies, comply with the standards of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which accredits the institution and requires effective leadership, policy-making, and participatory decision processes. This alignment supports RIT's ongoing , last reaffirmed in 2017, with the next self-study evaluation scheduled for 2025-2026; as of June 2025, the reaccreditation process has advanced with key milestones such as the completion of drafts for accreditation standards and identification of priority areas including , , and community well-being.

Leadership roles

The president of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) serves as the , reporting directly to the Board of Trustees and overseeing the university's overall strategy, operations, and long-term vision. This role encompasses in academic excellence, advancement, and institutional growth, including initiatives to foster innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. For instance, under President William H. Sanders, who assumed the position in July 2025, there has been an emphasis on enhancing RIT's -centered and student-focused environment to drive technological and creative advancements. The provost acts as the chief academic officer, managing all aspects of academic affairs, including , faculty oversight, and the coordination of the nine colleges and international campuses. The provost supervises deans and associate provosts, ensuring alignment with RIT's educational mission, particularly in integrating co-operative education into degree programs. Prabu David, appointed provost and senior vice president for academic affairs in August 2023, leads efforts to advance teaching innovation and academic resource allocation. RIT's vice presidents provide specialized leadership across key operational areas, reporting to the president and collaborating on university-wide priorities. The senior vice president for , currently Sandra Johnson, oversees student support services, including aspects of the co-operative education program related to and integration. The vice president for , Ryne Raffaelle, directs research initiatives, funding pursuits, and collaborations to elevate RIT's scholarly impact. Other critical roles include the senior vice president and treasurer for and administration (James Watters), the vice president for university advancement for and alumni engagement (Phil Castleberry), and the vice president for enrollment management (Kathleen Davis), each contributing to the institution's , relations, and . Leadership positions at RIT are filled through a rigorous selection process involving search committees composed of diverse stakeholders, such as faculty, staff, students, alumni, administrators, and trustees, to ensure broad input and alignment with institutional values. These committees, often numbering around 25 members for high-level roles like the , conduct nationwide searches with assistance from professional firms, evaluating candidates based on expertise, vision, and fit for RIT's mission. Recent appointees, such as the current president, were selected via this inclusive mechanism following the retirement of prior leadership.

Academic colleges and departments

RIT is organized into nine academic colleges and two degree-granting units: the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) and the Golisano Institute for Sustainability. These units collectively house over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches that integrate technology, , and practical applications across fields. The colleges foster specialized departmental structures, with key examples including the Department of and Information Sciences in the Golisano College and the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science in the College of . Undergraduate enrollment is distributed such that programs comprise approximately 25% of students, while fields account for about 20%, reflecting RIT's strong emphasis on STEM disciplines. The Saunders College of Business focuses on global business education, integrating technology and innovation into areas like management, finance, and marketing; its departments include Management, Finance, and Marketing, supporting programs that emphasize experiential learning and entrepreneurship. The Kate Gleason College of Engineering emphasizes innovative engineering solutions in areas such as biomedical, chemical, and electrical engineering; key departments include Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Electrical and Microelectronic Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, where students engage in hands-on design and research from nanotechnology to sustainable systems. The College of Engineering Technology applies engineering principles to practical technologies in manufacturing, environmental management, and telecommunications; its departments encompass Civil Engineering Technology, Environmental Management and Safety, Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, and Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology. The Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, established in 1972, leads in with a focus on software, cybersecurity, and ; prominent departments include , , and , supported by advanced facilities like the Center for Cybersecurity. The College of Science offers programs in traditional and emerging sciences, including , chemistry, and physics; notable departments and centers include the School of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Mathematics and Statistics, and the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science, which specializes in and . The College of Liberal Arts integrates , social sciences, and communication with technology; its departments cover , , English, , , and , among others, offering 15 majors and 40 minors that enhance technical education with and ethical perspectives. The College of Art and Design nurtures creativity in visual and performing arts; key departments include Art Foundations, Ceramics and Ceramic Sculpture, Film, Animation and Video, Fine Arts Studio, Glass, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Metals and Jewelry Design, Museum Studies, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture, fostering both traditional and digital media. The College of Health Sciences and Technology prepares students for healthcare roles at the intersection of medicine and engineering; departments include Biomedical Engineering (shared with engineering), Health Sciences, and Physician Assistant Studies, with programs in diagnostic medical sonography, exercise science, and nutrition. The School of Individualized Study serves as a flexible unit for customized degree paths, allowing students to interdisciplinary programs combining elements from multiple colleges for unique career goals. NTID, one of the two degree-granting units, provides accessible and support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, offering associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees through its departments in areas like , , and liberal arts, with federal funding enabling tuition support. The Golisano Institute for Sustainability, the other degree-granting unit, addresses environmental and challenges through interdisciplinary programs; it includes departments focused on sustainable systems, , and policy, collaborating across colleges on initiatives like and research.

Academics

Degree programs and enrollment

The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs of study spanning diverse disciplines such as , and information sciences, art and design, , health sciences, and the liberal arts. These include 79 bachelor's degrees, 69 master's degrees, and 13 doctoral programs, with opportunities for accelerated dual-degree options that allow students to complete both undergraduate and graduate credentials in a streamlined timeframe. Programs emphasize hands-on learning and interdisciplinary approaches, preparing students for careers in high-demand fields like , sustainable systems , and . Admission to RIT is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 67% for recent cycles. The university accepts first-year applications for the Fall 2026 semester through its holistic review process, which considers academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and scores where submitted. For programs in art, design, and related creative fields, applicants must submit a portfolio to demonstrate artistic skills and potential. RIT's total enrollment stands at approximately 17,500 students as of fall 2024, including about 14,300 undergraduates and 3,200 graduate students. The institution reports a first-year retention rate of 88%, reflecting strong student satisfaction and support services. Its six-year rate is 71%, indicating effective progression toward degree completion for the majority of cohorts. A distinctive feature of RIT's academic offerings is the integration of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), which supports over 1,000 deaf and hard-of-hearing students in pursuing full RIT degrees. NTID provides specialized academic and accessibility services, allowing these students to enroll in mainstream bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs alongside hearing peers while receiving interpreting, note-taking, and tutoring tailored to their needs. RIT also extends its programs internationally through branch campuses in (), (), and (), where students can earn equivalent degrees in English with a global perspective.

Co-operative education program

The co-operative education program at Rochester Institute of Technology, established in 1912, represents one of the oldest such initiatives in the United States and serves as a foundational element of its hands-on learning model. The program is mandatory for most undergraduate degrees to ensure practical application of academic knowledge, while optional in select fields where traditional internships align with industry norms. Recognized as the fifth-best co-op and internship program nationally by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026 rankings, it engages approximately 4,500 students each year in real-world professional experiences. RIT's co-op structure integrates up to five paid, full-time work periods into a typical five-year undergraduate timeline, alternating seamlessly with periods of on-campus study to balance and coursework. Each co-op assignment, lasting the equivalent of one (usually 12 to 15 weeks), must directly relate to the student's major and is facilitated through partnerships with over 3,400 employers worldwide, including prominent organizations like , , and . Graduates from programs incorporating co-op achieve robust career outcomes, with 93% employed or pursuing within six months of (class of ) and an average starting salary of $75,600 for holders. Since , RIT has expanded global co-op opportunities via its International Experience initiative, enabling more students to secure international placements for . The program operates in close alignment with the university's Office of Career Services and , offering integrated resources such as resume building, interview preparation, and employer networking to maximize student success.

Rankings and accreditation

In the 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges rankings, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is ranked #88 among National Universities, marking an improvement from #98 in the 2024 edition and #91 in the 2025 edition. The institution also placed #43 in Best Value Schools and #5 in Undergraduate Programs for Co-ops/Internships, highlighting its emphasis on practical, career-oriented education. Additionally, RIT ranked #42 among Most Innovative Schools and #45 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, reflecting strengths in curriculum innovation and instructional quality. Internationally, RIT is positioned in the 951-1000 band in the 2026, an advancement from 1001-1200 the previous year. In specialized assessments, RIT's program earned a #6 ranking in The Princeton Review's 2025 list of top undergraduate schools for , underscoring its reputation in creative and technical fields. RIT holds regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which oversees its institutional quality and compliance with educational standards. Specific programs benefit from professional accreditations, including for its undergraduate engineering degrees and AACSB International for the Saunders College of Business. These accreditations ensure alignment with industry benchmarks and facilitate student credential recognition.

Libraries and academic resources

The Wallace Memorial Library serves as the primary at Rochester Institute of Technology, housing over 111,000 print books on site and more than 171,000 additional items in offsite storage, alongside over 550,000 electronic books and subscriptions to more than 98,000 electronic journals. It provides access to over 300 databases supporting across RIT's disciplines in , , and . The operates with extended hours to accommodate student needs, open until midnight from Sunday through Thursday during the academic year, though it does not offer 24/7 physical access. Special collections within the Wallace Library include the Melbert B. Cary, Jr. Collection, one of the world's premier repositories dedicated to the and practices of , comprising more than 45,000 volumes, rare books, journals, and archival materials such as artifacts and realia. These resources emphasize milestones in , fine press works, and , with many items digitized for broader accessibility. Digital resources are central to RIT's academic support, with RIT Scholar Works functioning as the institution's open-access digital repository, preserving and providing free access to theses, dissertations, faculty publications, , datasets, and digitized special collections materials. This platform supports scholarly dissemination and includes over 42,000 electronic theses and capstone projects since 2017, enhancing remote and hybrid learning capabilities. In response to evolving educational needs, RIT Libraries have expanded digital access, including collections and online reserves, to facilitate hybrid instruction following the campus closure and continuing through subsequent years. Beyond library facilities, RIT offers complementary academic resources such as the Academic Success Center's tutoring services, which provide free drop-in support in introductory math, physics, and chemistry courses at locations like the Bates and Sol Study Centers. These services feature certified peer tutors available evenings and afternoons, promoting independent problem-solving and essential for RIT's rigorous programs.

Specialized centers and institutes

The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) hosts several specialized centers and institutes that advance , , and in targeted fields, integrating interdisciplinary approaches to support student learning and . These entities emphasize practical applications and collaborations, distinct from broader academic resources by focusing on thematic expertise and archival preservation. The Vignelli Center for Design Studies, established in 2010 through the donation of the professional archives of designers Lella and , serves as an international hub for education, research, and inspiration. Housing over 750,000 artifacts—including works in , graphics, , and exhibition —the center preserves and makes accessible the Vignellis' legacy to foster creative dialogue and skill-building among students and faculty. It supports education through initiatives like the Vignelli Center Student Club, the annual Metaproject course, and public programming such as Design Conversations lectures, enabling hands-on exploration of principles for societal impact. The ESL Global Cybersecurity Institute, founded in 2020 and named in 2022 following a $3 million commitment from ESL Federal Credit Union, focuses on educating cybersecurity professionals while advancing knowledge in AI-driven defenses and quantum-resistant security technologies. Its mission includes developing protections against emerging threats, such as quantum attacks on vehicle-to-vehicle communications, through immersive training in facilities like the Cyber Range, which supports over 5,000 virtual machines for scenario-based simulations. The institute partners with federal agencies, including the and Department of Defense, to integrate real-world applications into education. It offers specialized degree programs, including BS, MS, and PhD options in cybersecurity, alongside advanced certificates and clinics that provide students with practical experience in and . The institute maintains international collaborations, including research, curriculum development, and experiential learning opportunities with partners such as Queen’s University Belfast () and . RIT's Golisano Institute for Sustainability, launched in 2007 with a $10 million gift from B. Thomas Golisano, acts as a global leader in sustainability education by partnering with industry and government to address challenges in , , and transportation. Spanning 84,000 square feet in the LEED Platinum-certified Sustainability Hall, it encompasses six centers, nine labs, and degree programs that emphasize systemic solutions, such as low-carbon technologies and strategies. The leads initiatives like the REMADE Institute, a public-private with over 100 members and $140 million in funding since 2017, training students in sustainable practices through collaborations that have supported more than 1,200 industry clients. These centers contribute to RIT's broader ecosystem, including participation in the annual Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival, a campus-wide event that showcases student projects from , cybersecurity, and fields to inspire public engagement with technology and the arts.

Research

Research initiatives and centers

RIT conducts research across diverse fields, with key emphases in imaging , microelectronics, and . The Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science leads interdisciplinary efforts in imaging systems for applications such as and . In microelectronics, the Semiconductor and Microsystems Fabrication Laboratory supports fabrication and research in , addressing challenges in nanoscale device development and industry needs. initiatives are advanced through the Golisano Institute for Sustainability, which focuses on technologies for energy efficiency, , and the . The university hosts more than 20 research centers and institutes that foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Notable examples include the NanoPower Research Laboratories, which develop for power generation, storage, and optoelectronic devices. These centers drive advancements in technological innovation through shared facilities and cross-disciplinary projects. At the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), research centers target improvements in and accessibility. The NTID Research Center on Culture and Language promotes educational access via studies on linguistic and cultural factors in deaf communities. The Research Center for Teaching and Learning enhances postsecondary outcomes for deaf and hard-of-hearing students through faculty-student collaborations in STEM disciplines. Additional NTID efforts, such as the Center on Access Technology, investigate assistive technologies to support . Cybersecurity research is centralized at the ESL Global Cybersecurity Institute, which develops AI-integrated solutions for threat detection and trains professionals to address evolving digital risks. Undergraduate students actively participate in research through programs like the National Science Foundation-supported Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), offering 10-week immersive projects with faculty mentors. Co-op placements often integrate research components, allowing students to contribute to ongoing initiatives at industry partners or on-campus labs. The annual Undergraduate Research Symposium showcases these efforts, highlighting projects from all colleges. A recent highlight is the 2024 launch of the , a low-cost tool developed by the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science to reveal hidden features in objects through . RIT recognizes principal investigators who secure $1 million or more in career funding through its "PI Millionaires" program, honoring contributions to innovative projects.

Funding and collaborations

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) achieved a record $105 million in sponsored research funding for fiscal year 2025, marking a significant increase from previous years and supporting a wide array of projects across , science, and technology disciplines. This funding primarily comes from federal agencies, including over $21 million in awards from the (NSF), which have bolstered initiatives in areas such as semiconductor research and . The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) also contributes through broader clean energy and programs, with RIT actively pursuing opportunities in transformative technologies like advanced and energy efficiency. RIT maintains longstanding collaborations with industry leaders, building on legacies from Rochester-based companies like and to advance applied research in , , and additive manufacturing. For instance, the Additive Manufacturing and Multifunctional (AMPrint) Center involves partnerships with for liquid metal additive manufacturing innovations and with for biotechnology training and multifunctional technologies. These ties extend to co-op employers, who often co-fund joint projects that integrate student experiences with industry needs, such as workforce development in . Internationally, RIT's Dubai campus facilitates collaborations that enhance global research networks, including partnerships with institutions like the for joint projects in digital healthcare and , and with ZainTECH to support UAE's programs. The campus also integrates funding, hosting six international scholars in 2025-2026 to foster cross-cultural research exchanges supported by U.S. congressional appropriations. Recent non-research grants, such as a $272,000 state award in 2025 for expanding campus emergency services, highlight RIT's broader funding diversification.

Notable achievements and innovations

RIT has pioneered advancements in and technologies through its Chester F. Carlson Center for and Printing Applications , which has served as a hub for innovation in the field for over 70 years. Researchers at the laboratory have contributed to the development of high-quality processes, including inkjet technologies that match traditional standards, enabling more efficient and versatile production methods for commercial applications. In astronomy, RIT scientists have made key contributions to the interpretation of data from the , particularly in the study of planetary nebulae. For instance, a team led by RIT professor Joel Kastner utilized Hubble's to produce detailed images and spectroscopic data, revealing the three-dimensional structures and chemical compositions of nebulae like the and Butterfly Nebula, which have advanced understanding of . Additionally, RIT researchers have developed algorithms to enhance Hubble's capabilities without new hardware, improving resolution and for distant celestial objects. A notable recent is the 2024 release of the System for Historical Artifacts (), an open-source, low-cost platform developed by RIT's Center for Imaging Science and partners. enables non-invasive analysis of fragile historical documents by capturing images across multiple light spectra, uncovering hidden features like erased text or faded inks, and has been made freely available to museums, archives, and scholars worldwide to democratize research. RIT's research has also yielded societal impacts in and cybersecurity. Through its Golisano Institute for , the university has reduced campus by 15.9 percent since its baseline, despite a 16.1 percent increase in size, supporting broader goals of carbon neutrality by 2030 via initiatives like solar installations and efficient heating systems. In cybersecurity, RIT's designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence by the Department of Homeland Security has facilitated the adoption of its research outputs, including the RIT Cybersecurity Clinic's tools and assessments, which partner with the to enhance defenses for small businesses and . RIT's engineering research demonstrates high impact, with a field-weighted of 1.1 and 53.8 percent of publications appearing in the top 25 percent of most-cited journals, reflecting influential contributions in areas like and . The university holds an active portfolio of patents, including advancements in battery technology and imaging systems, underscoring its role in translating research into practical innovations. In November 2025, RIT researchers secured additional (NIH) funding for health-related innovations. Hwan Shim received a $750,000 NIH grant to develop semantic-based auditory attention decoding using large language models and EEG data, aiming to create personalized hearing devices that perform better in noisy environments. Ali Tosyali co-developed MDscan, an AI tool that analyzes survey responses to detect 10 mental health disorders and generate visual "mental maps" for clinicians, trained on data from 500 patients and published in the Journal of Management Information Systems. Stefan Schulze's lab, supported by an NIH , is advancing research to understand protein in prokaryotes, laying the groundwork for new biomedical treatments.

Student life

Housing and residential options

RIT provides on-campus housing in 13 residence halls, accommodating approximately 6,500 students with a range of options from traditional double rooms to suite-style and accommodations. These include single, double, triple, quad, and suite configurations, designed to support diverse living preferences while fostering a secure environment for academic success. The halls are strategically located on campus, connected by an underground system that ensures convenient access to academic buildings year-round. Special interest housing features five themed communities within select residence halls, allowing students to live among peers sharing academic or personal interests, such as the House focused on gaming and or the Unity House emphasizing wellness and community building. Additional examples include the Engineering House, House of the Arts, and House of , each promoting tailored floor activities aligned with their themes. Participation requires an application process, including essays, with selections based on fit rather than availability. All incoming first-year students are required to reside in one of RIT's first-year communities for their initial , promoting integration and support during the transition to college life. options are ADA-compliant, with single rooms and accessible features reserved for students with disabilities, including those from the National Technical for the Deaf (NTID), who are primarily housed in halls like Mark Ellingson Hall. Recent expansions, such as the project, have added capacity for international students through new LEED-certified apartment buildings up to 147 residents in studio and multi-bedroom units. First-year residents in residence halls must participate in meal plans offered through RIT Dining Services, providing flexible options tailored to on-campus living.

Campus organizations and clubs

RIT hosts over 300 recognized student organizations, spanning academic, cultural, recreational, and special interest categories, which foster leadership, community building, and personal development among undergraduates. These groups receive support from the Center for Campus Life, including financial resources, event planning assistance, and marketing, enabling students to engage in activities like workshops, competitions, and outreach initiatives. Students can join existing clubs through the CampusGroups platform or propose new ones via a formal application process. The Greek life community at RIT comprises 29 inter/national social fraternities and sororities, governed by the Interfraternity Council, College Panhellenic Council, and Multicultural Greek Council, emphasizing academics, , and service. Over 1,000 students participate, engaging in opportunities, projects such as highway cleanups, and academic support programs including and scholarships. These chapters promote lifelong networks and personal growth while contributing thousands of service hours annually to local causes. Student Government serves as the primary elected body representing undergraduate voices, consisting of an executive branch led by a president and a that advises on matters. It focuses on advocacy for student concerns, such as academic policies and campus improvements, and allocates funding to support clubs, events, and initiatives through a finance committee review process. meetings are open to the public, encouraging broad participation in governance. Among specialized organizations, RIT Ambulance operates as a student-run Emergency Medical Services agency, certified by the New York State Department of Health, responding to over 600 calls annually on campus and in surrounding areas with volunteer EMTs, paramedics, and drivers. In October 2025, it expanded its fleet with a second ambulance, funded by a $272,000 state grant, to enhance response times and training for its nearly 60 members, half of whom are current students. Additionally, RIT offers Army and Air Force ROTC programs, allowing students to pursue commissioning as officers while earning their degrees through leadership training and scholarships. The College Activities Board (CAB), a student-led group, coordinates major campus events to promote engagement and relaxation, including seasonal festivals like FallFest, FreezeFest, and SpringFest featuring giveaways, games, and performances. CAB also organizes trips to regional attractions and collaborates with other groups for cultural and recreational programming. The annual Rochester Game Festival, held at RIT since 2017, showcases local game developers and interactive experiences, drawing hundreds of attendees to the campus. Student media organizations, such as the Reporter newspaper and WITR radio station, provide outlets for creative expression and journalism.

Media and cultural activities

The student media at Rochester Institute of Technology includes several longstanding outlets operated by students. Reporter Magazine, established in 1951, serves as the primary student-run publication, offering monthly print issues and daily online updates covering news, features, and events. 89.7 FM, founded in 1959 as a carrier-current AM station and transitioning to FM in 1975, broadcasts a diverse range of music, talk shows, and student-led programming to the Rochester area with 910 watts of power. Complementing , the K2GXT Club, active since 1953, maintains a on the of the Ellingson Hall and engages members in public service communications, technology experiments, and international contacts through exchanges dating back to 1951. Major cultural events at RIT highlight and . Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival, held annually in late April, features over 400 exhibits from students, faculty, and staff, drawing thousands of visitors to campus for interactive demonstrations in , , and as of 2025. The Rochester Game Festival, launched in 2017 and co-sponsored by RIT's MAGIC Spell Studios, is an annual convention showcasing regional video and games, with over 45 exhibitors and developers participating in playtesting, panels, and activities. Cultural activities extend to performing arts and spiritual engagement. The NTID Department of , established in 1974, produces three to four theatre, dance, and music productions per season in the Panara Theatre, offering courses and a certificate program open to deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing students across RIT. Spirituality and Religious Life supports over 20 student-led groups, including the Interfaith Council, Agape Christian Fellowship, Club, and Brothers and Sisters in Christ, fostering , worship services, and community events in the Schmitt Interfaith Center.

Health, safety, and support services

The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) provides comprehensive health services through its Student Health Center, which offers including health counseling, evaluation, and treatment for common medical concerns via in-person visits and options. The center is staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses, and operates on weekdays with appointments available by calling 585-475-2255 or using the RIT Wellness Portal. Additionally, Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) delivers support, including urgent care walk-in appointments for crises and access to 24/7 hotlines such as the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Campus safety is managed by the RIT Public Safety Department, which employs over 38 full-time officers and operates 24/7 to patrol the expansive campus and respond to incidents. Officers, authorized as proprietary security personnel, maintain public order and collaborate with local when necessary. Students and staff can receive real-time alerts and report concerns through the TigerSafe mobile app, which includes features for notifications, walks, and lost item reporting. RIT , a student-operated (EMS) agency, provides free 24/7 response to medical emergencies primarily on campus, transporting patients to nearby hospitals such as Strong Memorial and Rochester General. In October 2025, the agency expanded its fleet with a second , funded by a $272,000 state grant secured through advocacy by RIT students and Jeremy Cooney. This addition enhances response capabilities, as RIT handles over 600 calls annually. Support services emphasize accessibility, particularly for deaf and hard-of-hearing students through the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) and the Disability Services Office, which provide interpreting, notetaking, real-time captioning (C-Print), and accommodations via the MyDSO portal. Crisis intervention is integrated into CaPS, offering immediate response and referrals, with after-hours support available through RESTORE at 585-546-2777. RIT Dining supports wellness with over 20 venues across campus, including allergen-friendly options that eliminate the "Big 8" allergens (, , eggs, soy, , shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts) at locations like Gracie's Simply Eats station. labeling and dietary filters on the RIT Dining help students identify safe choices for allergies, gluten-free, vegan, and other needs.

Diversity, inclusion, and spiritual life

The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) places a strong emphasis on fostering an inclusive environment through dedicated programs supporting underrepresented groups, particularly via the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), which operates the world's first and largest technological college program for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, serving over 1,100 such students annually. NTID integrates (ASL) across campus by providing basic ASL instruction to faculty and staff before the arrival of deaf freshmen, ensuring seamless communication and in academic and social settings. This integration extends to broader campus life, where NTID's initiatives promote equity for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals through the Office of Access, Engagement, and Success, which transforms the community into a more diverse and inclusive space via targeted events and services. RIT supports underrepresented populations through specialized centers and student-led organizations, including the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Resource Center, which offers , education, and celebratory programming for community members of all genders and identities to address equity and empowerment. The Black Awareness Coordinating Committee (BACC), functioning as the primary Black student union, unites and uplifts Black students by improving their college experience through community-building activities and for cultural representation. In recognition of Indigenous heritage, RIT hosts annual events during Native American Heritage Month, such as the 2025 FirstByte Native American Heritage Month Celebration and a kickoff focused on Indigenous health and wellness, featuring presentations, film discussions, and field trips to sites like Ganondagan State Historic Site. For its , comprising approximately 12% of the student body on the main campus as of fall 2024, RIT provides comprehensive support through International Student Services, including orientation, visa assistance, and cultural integration resources to ensure a welcoming experience. This includes hosting the 2025-2026 cohort, with six international scholars welcomed to the main campus for academic and cultural exchange under the prestigious U.S. Department of State initiative. RIT nurtures spiritual life through the Schmitt Interfaith Center, a dedicated space for multifaith programming that cultivates religious, secular, and spiritual communities exploring purpose and identity. The Center for Campus Life's Spirituality and Religious Life office collaborates with over 15 student-led religious clubs—such as Agape Christian Fellowship, Club, Catholic Newman Community, and RIT Hillel—to organize interfaith dialogues, services, and leadership development, promoting ecumenical understanding and ethical engagement across diverse beliefs.

Athletics

Athletic programs and teams

The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) fields 24 varsity intercollegiate athletic teams, comprising 12 men's and 12 women's squads, with over 675 student-athletes participating annually. These programs emphasize competitive excellence while fostering personal development and community engagement. Most RIT varsity teams compete in the , which includes sports such as men's and women's , soccer, , and diving, , , cross country, , and wrestling for men, as well as and volleyball for women. The men's and women's programs, however, operate at the level within the America conference, following the 2024 merger of Atlantic Hockey and College Hockey America. This structure allows RIT athletes to pursue high-level competition tailored to each sport's demands. In addition to varsity athletics, RIT supports an extensive club sports program with nearly 50 competitive and non-competitive clubs, enabling broader student involvement in activities like ultimate frisbee, rugby, and martial arts. The intramural program offers over 17 sports each semester, attracting more than 220 teams and promoting recreational participation across campus. Esports has been recognized as a varsity program since 2017, with RIT Esports fielding 15 squads in titles such as League of Legends, Overwatch 2, and Valorant; the program has secured 20 national championships and offers scholarships to top recruits. RIT demonstrates commitment to gender equity in athletics through compliance, maintaining proportional opportunities via equal numbers of men's and women's teams despite varying participation rates—approximately 39% of varsity athletes are women. This approach ensures nondiscriminatory access to resources and support for all genders.

Facilities and achievements

The Gordon Field House, opened in 2004, serves as a primary venue for RIT's and diving as well as teams, featuring a 60,000-square-foot multi-purpose field, an aquatics center for competitive and recreational , and a 16,000-square-foot fitness center equipped for . This 160,000-square-foot facility attaches to the Student Life Center and supports both varsity competitions and intramural events. The Gene Polisseni Center, dedicated in 2014, is the home arena for RIT's Division I men's and women's programs, with a of 4,300 for hockey games and additional standing-room options. The 112,400-square-foot multi-purpose venue includes modern amenities such as a club lounge and the RIT Athletics Hall of Fame, enhancing the experience for athletes and spectators alike. RIT's men's ice hockey team has a storied history of success, capturing the NCAA Division II national championship in 1983 and the Division III title in 1985. The program reached the NCAA Division I Frozen Four final in 2010, marking a significant milestone in its transition to higher competition levels after winning the Atlantic Hockey Association regular-season title that year. The women's ice hockey team achieved the NCAA Division III national championship in 2012 with a 28-1-1 record, defeating 4-1 in the final. Since 2020, RIT has invested over $50 million in athletic facility upgrades, including the 2024 groundbreaking for the $30 million Thomas Fearey Judson Jr. Stadium (formerly known as Tiger Stadium)—a state-of-the-art outdoor complex with synthetic turf, locker rooms, training areas, and enhanced accessibility features like dedicated parking and inclusive amenities to support diverse athletes and fans, expected to be completed in January 2026. These improvements, part of a multi-phase plan, also encompass renovations to fields and tracks, elevating RIT's ability to host national events.

Traditions and mascot

The mascot of the Rochester Institute of Technology is , a costumed character that appears at athletic events, campus activities, and community gatherings to embody . Introduced in 1989 through a student naming contest organized by the Campus Activities Board, RITchie was selected from submissions and has since become a central symbol of RIT pride, often depicted in both smiling and fierce poses on official logos and merchandise. Historically, the motif dates to the when it was adopted as RIT's athletic symbol, replacing earlier mascots like the World War I-era dog named Brownie. In , RIT briefly featured a live cub named Spirit as its , funded by student contributions and housed on to boost enthusiasm; however, due to health complications from rapid growth, Spirit was euthanized in , with its preserved hide later displayed in university archives. RIT's athletic traditions emphasize community engagement and fervor, particularly through the annual Brick City and Family Weekend, held each to unite students, alumni, and families with Tiger games, parades, and celebrations named after Rochester's "Brick City" moniker. The university's fight song, "Our Spirit Shows," composed to rally fans with lyrics affirming RIT's enduring resolve, was debuted in during sporting events and remains a staple at pep rallies and competitions. A key rivalry exists with Hobart College (part of the ), fellow members of the , where compete intensely in sports like soccer, , and , fostering longstanding regional competition since the early 20th century. Annual events such as the Tiger Pep Rally, often tied to hockey season, gather fans for performances, team introductions, and chants to energize the community ahead of major matchups. Athletic culture integrates with broader campus innovation through Imagine RIT, the university's annual Creativity and Innovation Festival, which includes an exhibit category highlighting student-led projects in sports technology, performance enhancement, and recreational design. Student spirit is amplified by groups like the RIT Corner Crew, a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting men's and women's hockey with chants, , and fan coordination at games.

Notable people

Alumni achievements

RIT alumni have made significant contributions across diverse fields, leveraging the institution's emphasis on practical, technology-driven education to achieve global impact. With a global network exceeding 150,000 members, the community fosters , , and professional excellence, supporting ongoing connections through events, , and . In technology, John Resig, who earned a BS in in 2005, revolutionized as the creator and lead developer of , a that simplifies HTML document traversal and manipulation, adopted by millions of developers worldwide and powering numerous websites and applications. Resig's work extended to other open-source projects, including Processing.js, and he later served as Dean of at , where he developed educational platforms for coding instruction. His innovations earned him induction into RIT's Innovation Hall of Fame in 2010 and the in 2015. In business leadership, Daniel A. Carp, holder of an MBA from RIT in 1973, served as chairman and CEO of Eastman Company from 2000 to 2005, guiding the firm through critical transitions in the era amid declining film sales. Under his tenure, Kodak invested heavily in technologies and formed strategic partnerships, including with Apple and , to adapt to market shifts; Carp also played a key role in RIT- collaborations, such as the dedication of the Eastman Quad on campus in 2003. His executive career at Kodak spanned over three decades, starting as a statistical analyst. The arts have seen notable success from RIT graduates in visual storytelling and . Stan Grossfeld, who received a BA in in 1973, is an associate editor at and a two-time winner for photojournalism, earning the award in 1984 for spot news photography covering the U.S. Marines barracks bombing in and in 1985 for feature photography on the Ethiopian famine. Grossfeld's career includes documenting major events like the Olympics and civil rights struggles, with his work appearing in publications worldwide; he has also mentored aspiring photographers and contributed to RIT's Pulitzer legacy, one of eight to win the prize collectively 12 times. Recent honorees highlight emerging strengths in cybersecurity and . Ryan Rich, BS in and sciences from 2013, was named a 2024-2025 Distinguished recipient for his expertise in and compliance; as CTO at Haekka and former Chief Product and Security Officer at Datica, he has advanced secure cloud solutions and , mentoring nearly 200 RIT co-op students in . In , , BS in computer science from 1998, co-founded , the most successful project ever with over $8.7 million raised, leading to a bestselling series, an animated adaptation in 2024, and further ventures in interactive entertainment that blend technology and narrative. Lee received the Golisano College Distinguished in 2021 for his pioneering alternate reality games and titles during his time at .

Faculty and staff contributions

RIT faculty have made significant contributions to research in imaging science and cultural heritage preservation through projects like the Multispectral Imaging System for Historical Artifacts (MISHA), co-directed by Juilee Decker of the Museum Studies Program and David W. Messinger of the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science. This low-cost, portable system uses 16 LEDs across ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared wavelengths to reveal hidden features in damaged or faded artifacts, funded by a 2020 National Endowment for the Humanities grant. In 2025, innovations from the MISHA project included an international conference in Dubrovnik organized by RIT and RIT Croatia, a weeklong summer seminar on cultural heritage imaging at RIT, and a free asynchronous online course on imaging literacy planned for 2025-2026. Faculty in the ESL Global Cybersecurity Institute have advanced cybersecurity education and research, with Billy Brumley serving as Director of Research since 2024 and contributing expertise in side-channel attack analysis. Brumley and Matthew Wright were appointed as inaugural Kevin O'Sullivan Endowed Professors in Cybersecurity in 2024, focusing on collaborative research to enhance global cybersecurity practices. Earlier, Jay Yang directed research efforts at the institute, fostering a culture of innovation in learning and discovery. Several RIT faculty have received Fulbright awards for their scholarly work, including Quang "Neo" Bui, who earned a 2025 Fulbright Faculty Award to study energy sector cybersecurity in . Similarly, Nickesia Gordon received a 2024 Fulbright Scholars award to conduct research in on communication and . At the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), faculty have advanced through targeted on deaf and hard-of-hearing student success. Matthew in NTID and Mathematics leads interventions addressing STEM transition challenges, while collaborating with Annemarie Ross and Sandra Connelly to improve academic performance factors. Carol Marchetti and Jane Jackson in mathematical sciences develop communication strategies for statistical concepts, and Brian Trager creates technological prototypes to enhance inclusive STEM learning. Janine Butler's work in and composition has improved captioning and literacy practices for deaf students. Staff in the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education have strengthened RIT's renowned co-op program, one of the oldest and largest in the nation, which was inducted into the Cooperative Education Hall of Honor in 2012 for its qualitative advancements and industry partnerships. The program requires full-time paid work experience for most undergraduates, contributing to high employment outcomes through employer relationships and student preparation. RIT's faculty body reflects international diversity, drawn from various global backgrounds to support an inclusive academic environment. The university has expanded tenure-track positions, including four new roles in the College of funded by the in 2025 to bolster research in key areas.

References

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