Rochester Institute of Technology Top Questions

What are the academics like at your school?

Amber

They are very difficult. Be prepared to do a lot of work. But also be prepared to get a great job making a lot of money after school too

Kaitlin

Students are competitive, but what school isn't. My favorite class, that I highly recommend, is the Film Arts class. The teacher is so enthusiastic and when the teacher loves what they are doing, the student loves learning it. Wines of the World is a class that I heard you must take before you leave RIT. RIT wants you to succeed so there are so many people pushing you and encouraging you to do you best and to get out in the real world.

Barbara

I think the variety of courses offered at RIT is what I love the most about the school. Most of the classes are small, roughly around 20 kids, unless it's a class that everyone in your major has to take, in that case you will probably have a large lecture, and then a small lab class if it has a lab. Class participation is very common in every class that i've had, and students study VERY hard. Because we are on the quarter system things move much faster than semesters. I'm not sure about other majors, but I know that in mine the students are very competitive, but not in a way that hinders others. Everybody helps eachother out WHENEVER we ask for help, but subconsciously we all know we're going to be competing for the same jobs when we graduate so we constantly compare ourselves to eachother. I don't spend much time with my professors outside of class, but if I needed to I know that they would be available for me. Our academic requirements are pretty simple and straight forward, and I think that they suit each major well. Lastly, my college in particular is geared towards getting us good jobs when we graduate. We have constant opportunities to meet Alumni that come speak with us, heads of companies, representatives, famous photographers, meet and greet with really important people.

Ayomide

Very challenging. Keeps you on your toes.

John

As a Mechanical Engineering student, I find the academics within my department to be very satisfactory. It is easy to get to know the professors and they are almost always helpful on a 1 on 1 level. Also, since RIT is such a diverse campus, the possibility of taking a slew of different courses (given you have room in your schedule) is always there. From art and photography to advanced physics or philosophy, you should be able to pick some fun or engaging electives aside from the rigors of your specific discipline.

megan

The academics here at RIT are exceptional. Every professor I have had here so far knows my name and some of the classes I have had are pretty big. Studying is something that you need to do here if you want to do well. Most professors encourage debate throughout class to get students involved. Sometimes the workload can be overwhelming, but it prepares us for the work we will need to do after graduation. My major is New Media Interactive Development in the Interactive Games & Media department. It is unlike anything I thought I would be doing at this point in my life. In this major, students use Adobe products to get work done, whether it be Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Flash. When I was young and was asked what I wanted to do when I grow up, I never thought designing websites and making Flash games and programs would be an option. At RIT, it is. The best part is, I know I will have work after I graduate from RIT because some programs at RIT require co-op, so I will have the experience I need to get a good job after graduation.

Kyle

The best for technical classes and we are improving on our general education classes.

Emily

You have to be smart to go here. RIT puts a lot of focus on their academic success. I have taken so many classes because I love to learn. My favorite classes have included Symbol and Icon class, Wines of the World, Massage Therapy, and Metals. I'm a graphic design student, so my freshman year I had to take foundation classes, which were a pain at the time because we put in tremendous amounts of hours on projects, but looking back in it, it was worth it. My second year, we learned the fundamentals of graphic design, and this year, we art applying them to portfolio worthy pieces. Every year I get quicker with my skills and create more conceptually stronger designs. When I was interning this summer, my boss would always ask why I worked so quickly. That's what I'm used to at RIT. I don't think that my friend studying graphic design at another school has the same learning experience as I do. We have great professors with tremendous dedication, up-to-date facilities with the biggest computers I have seen, a fantastic library, and other fabulous resources.

Alex

Academic wise RIT is serious business. It operates on a quarter schedule instead of a semester schedule. There are 4 quarters a year, but most people are only here for fall, winter, and spring quarters and then co-op or work during summer. It's pretty dead during summer and class selections are limited. Our quarters are 10 weeks long followed by a week of final exams and then a week break between. Class sizes vary. The gen-ed classes are usually quite large such as chemistry where the classes are usually in lecture halls of 200+ students, but the majority of classes are between 20-30 people. As you progress through the years your class sizes get smaller within your major. Most of my senior classes were 15-30 people in a class. Teachers generally do know your name and you'll tend to have the same teacher for multiple classes. Students can be competitive in computing. Not as crazy in IT as Comp Sci for example, but people can be braggarts or competitive, but generally people are helpful and friendly. The IT department and teachers are generally all friendly and useful in my experience. Most are laid back and friendly and really want you to succeed. RIT is highly geared toward getting you a job after you graduate. The mandatory co-ops in many majors give you a huge leg up from other graduates with no experience.

Margaret

Like I said before, the academics are the best part of RIT. The classes are generally small and most of the time the instructor will know you name. Most professors are good but there are a few less than stellar ones in the mix so be sure to avoid classes with them. The quarter system allows for only 10 weeks of classes. Most courses, unless they are year long classes, try to incorporate a semesters worth of work into a quarter which sometimes makes classes feel rushed. It is pretty easy to fall behind after a bad weeklong illness. For a school with such seemingly rigorous academics, RIT students don't really study as much as you think they would. You don't really hear intellectual conversations outside of class but then again people that read Schopenhauer in their free time are usually not those who apply to RIT. People here are generally view education as a way to get a well paying job and not to engage in learning for learning’s sake.

Jessie

While I was attending RIT, I felt the curriculum and courses were well balanced and intelligently setup. However, after leaving the school and attending a new school, I am looking back and realizing that the initial courses in my major, Information Technology, skipped around a lot and never focused on the basics or foundations. They throw you head first into the deep end without even checking if you can swim, let alone teaching you.

James

Professors know my name, it may take them a week or 3, but they get it. This is fine. My favorite class, right now, is New Media Team Project II because I get to implement my skills with video on a school project where my work will be shown to the masses constantly. My least favorite class, right now, is Newswriting, because the professor does not explain herself very well, and I don't feel like I'm learning anything. Students, myself, usually study 5-10 hours a week. Class participation is common. RIT students are capable of having intellectual conversations out of class, and does happen. Some students are competitive, which is good as long as it is a fun competition. The most unique class I've taken has been Theatre Arts(Fine Arts). My school/department is CIAS, and my major is New Media Publishing. This is a combination of print, web, and design. Students get a chance to design web sites, get them to work, and produce projects that they can use for their portfolio. Print students get to use actual presses, and have the chance to go on an ocean liner to do printing that is used the next day. The design work that students do have to do with both web and print. Some projects that are made are actual books that are produced for a group or organization off campus. I do spend time with professors outside of the classroom. I agree with RIT's academic requirements, but some I am not sure about. Data Analysis II should not be required for New Media students. RIT is geared towards both getting a job, and for learning sake. You need to learn certain skills, and then are shown how to implement them in real projects.

Christopher

Professors were very nice for the most part, classes were a challenge for me. Favorite teacher was Professor Cliver. Some teachers were so stuck in their ways, they wouldn't change their teaching method for the sake of a 75{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} failing class. Embedded System Design (ESD) was the hardest class I have ever had to take. Great reputation for academics, but most core classes haven't helped me in the job industry yet. They may down the road, but the earlier classes and understanding the basics I use everyday.

Andy

In my first major, Interior Design, it took a really long time for my professors to know my name which was really frustrating because I didn't feel like I was valued as a student. However, in my second major of Fine Arts:Studio it was much more like a community and all of my teachers knew my name for the most part as long as it wasn't a lecture style class. I think for the most part the students at RIT are very intelligent based off of the conversations I have heard outside of class, but there is still a strong strain of immature boys too. The most unique class I have taken was the Art In New York Class for Fine Arts and Illustration majors because the whole class was based around a week trip to New York City also my teachers approach to 3-D foundations is very unique which makes the class more interesting. My major of Fine Arts:Studio I really think could use some more structure as per my personal preference. It is more geared towards the student who has a strong sense of what their style is and already have developed really strong techniques for drawing and painting. I think that the education here at RIT is very geared towards getting a job sometimes to its own detriment. Sometimes I feel that the emphasis on getting a job in the future distracts from getting a good education now and exploring and being creative.

Alex

The academics here can really sway one way or the other. I've had some easy classes and some real pain is the ass classes for gen ed nonsense. I'm sure a lot depends on your major, but I've had some of my easy classes be related to major, and frankly, it was nice to have it easy, but I wish I was challenged because those are my important classes. A lot really depends on which professor you get. The same class could be an easy A, or you could work your ass off for a B. Using prof evaluations or other student input can help you get through the shit. I really haven't loved any of my classes, but I've sure hated a few. Studying hasn't been an issue to me because I'm a sponge student. I can sit in class and actually listen and absorb it all. I would normally study before major tests. A lot of our grades have been paper, in the 3-8pg range. Tests are often paired with papers for course grades. Class participation depends on the class. Within your major you will probably see participation, but some kids will never put in their own two cents. Some classes have it mandatory. Philosophy, Ethics, etc classes usually have high participation as well. Boring writing classes will have you sleeping and wanting to physically assault the kids who do participate because its usually BS just to feed to the prof for brownie points. Outside of class you will see intellectual conversations. Within the major especially. I'd often argue philosophy with my old roommate back and forth. Packaging Science is its own breed. I suppose if you're reading this, you might be following in my footsteps. Our department head Dr. Voss couldn't be cooler, even if he forgets my first name all the time and replaces it with a similarly sounding common name. The rest of your core profs are great, and the adjunct can be 50/50. Prof Kausch is awesome, as well as Prof. Young (Santa Clause). I've learned to love Prof. Jacobs. I think she might be harder on the freshmen/sophmores. I took a graduate class with her and it was great. Outside of class, you will also run into profs and employers. One of my favorite nights was out with people from Clorox, Dr. Voss, and other student. Clorox bought us rounds as well as some food. Dr. Voss drank with us. Good times. The academic requirements aren't so bad. Some profs are ridiculously hard, but in general if you apply yourself you'll pass. I like the solid ABC grading, menaing we don't do pluses or minuses. A 90.00000 is a 4.0. RIT is completely geared towards getting you a job so you can donate money to them and they can self promote because you became famous. The co-op system is great, although I'd like to see more efforts for helping students get jobs in certain locations. I found both of my co-ops on my own. The help with finding a job towards graduation is lacking a bit. RIT hasn't helped me much, but I've managed on my own. My only complaint is trouble finding a job in the Buffalo/Rochester area. So if I get stuck in Pittsburgh for work, you new students that turn down RIT for Pitt school better give me a call about parties.

David

The classes here are fairly small for the most part. Most professors make an effort to know their students, especially if you ask questions and let them know that you are there. Most students study mainly for exams, but not much in between them. Even as an engineering major, I didn't study much for the majority of my classes. RIT students try to leave school out of their social lives as much as possible. As far as intellectual conversations outside of class, they happen, but only in typical discourse, it's not usually a point to make conversation of projects that are going on. There are a very select number of professors that hang out with students outside of class, typically at a bar at the end of the day for a beer or two, but that's about it. The education at RIT isn't geared for getting a job or learning for its own sake, it's just there. It's up to the students to decide what to do with it. The co-op program is there to make students get into the industry and see if they like what they are studying. I think most students use what they learn at RIT just to get a job, but some of them really enjoy what they are learning and thrive on discovering new knowledge.

Lynette

Professors here are... it depends. I love all my classes involving my major because they're relatively smaller, but the liberal arts classes and general education classes are just no fun. I don't even fill like I'm learning things in there sometimes and I'm paying so much money to go here and learn... it kinda blows in that respect. But like I said, my classes focused on my major are wonderful and I love them.

Michele

Academics at RIT run the school, and for the most part will run your life. I can't even begin to describe the amount of work I put in on a daily basis but it does pay off because if you don't work it shows too. It is a highly competitive atmosphere and we have intellectual conversations outside of class. The Biochemistry department is based off of the chemistry department and it is a tough major as it is at any school. I have spent times with my professors outside of class but only to get help. The education is geared toward getting a job and you can see this in the fact that co-ops are a huge part of the RIT education.

Kelly

My favorite class here...to date... computers in medicine with Professor Thireos... I loved his class! I was personally interested in the subject matter, which helped motivate me in the class. But the way he taught the class made me look forward to it every Tuesday and Thursday. Do RIT students have intellectual conversations outside of class? haha..you bet! It is so funny to be having dinner at crossroads and out of the blue hear, "the trajectory of this particle...or the magnetic flux here..." only at RIT. Students study a lot here I would say...it is the only way to get ahead here. Students are competitive but you would most likely find that at any school. A lot of these questions I touched on in the earlier section...but yes I feel RIT's academic requirements are sometimes or oftentimes very demanding...but also necessary. It's for the best.

Casey

Being a hotel & resort managment major, I love my program the professors know and remember our names because it is a small program. We do a lot of hands on things that will definitely help me with my career.

Daniella

The smaller departments will have more personalization than the larger departments. A lot of professors will take the time to know their students' names, especially if they have more than one class with that student. Most of the time a student needs to make an effort to get recognized in his or her department. Answering questions in class or turning in unique work will sometimes get one noticed. I am in the School of Film and Animation in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences. There are not a lot of students in our degree, so the professors know most of us by name. Most of the classes are small and hands-on, so the professors will recognize students by their work as well. Rarely do I see professors outside of class, but most of them are adjunct, so you rarely see them. Most have office hours where you can pop in and just say "hi" or ask a question about an assignment (even if it's for another class).

Amanda

Professors are individuals too. Some of them know your name, some of them don't. Most of them are optimistic about what they teach. The class sizes are medium sized, about 20 to 30 students. The lab portions of classes are great opportunities to try what you've learned. There is room for creativity and exploring the theories that you have learned in class. Assisting you with these labs are upperclassmen teaching assistants who are generally willing to teach you something above what you are doing if you are interested. The education at RIT is both a combination of getting a job and learning for its own sake. In engineering, you learn the theories behind whats going on so not only can you perform on the job but also be creative and take things a step further.

Tristan

Academics at RIT are a thing of complete amazement to me and just about everyone I discuss it with. Most of my friends from other schools not only don't have a relationship with their profs, but they don't know where his office is. I am on a first name basis with probably half the profs in my department. They know my name and care about how I'm doing (and not just in class). How many people have gotten homework help at a local bar, because the professor is literally always willing to help, and because you know where they are? RIT is by now means easy though. RIT, especially the engineering/science programs, are in fact quite difficult, partially because of the quarter system. But its also rewarding because you fell like your learning something that will help you get a job. I really don't feel very often like I have learned something just for the sake of learning. Everything moves me towards a career.

Nicole

Okay this is the only thing possibly preventing me from transferring. I am in the photo program and its one of the best in the country, and i'd agree. Other academics are awesome too..work and teachers vary but I think a hardworking person can really keep up.

Cindy

I love my major - Visual Media is kind of a combination of photography and graphic design or print. I do feel that students are very competitive here - especially in some of the art majors. I find that students can be overly critical of eachother, and it's hard to enjoy what you're creating or to feel like you have a good portfolio when you're in school with so many talented people. I feel like, in photography, the emphasis is on making a technically good photograph rather than one that is creative... However, there are some professors who realize that this is a common problem at RIT and give you more creative assignments. The professor's I've had so far for my major have been fantastic. They all have real world experience, and some of them were pretty famous in their day. The education here is definitely geared toward getting job. I think this is great, because I didn't want to take all kinds of liberal arts courses and things that I wouldn't need when I get out in "the real world." I love the fact that from freshman year onward I was taking classes that were relevant to what I wanted to do when I graduate, rather than being swamped in liberal arts requirements for 2 years before I get to take any of the good stuff. This idea of being career oriented is really helpful when it comes time to get an internship or a job - companies will actively seek out RIT students because they know that we receive a career-oriented education.

Julie

The class sizes are awesome.. you get to know and talk to the professors on a personal level. The work load can get overwhelming being in the quarter system but if you stay on top of your work it really isn't unbearable

James

Class sizes are always manageable. I have been in few classes over 35 people. Most professors learn your name and can recognize you. The co-op program here is all about 'jobs'.

Jenn

Academics at RIT are amazing. The quarter system sucks, you have 10 weeks to learn everything. Your professors either cram a ton of information into you in 10 weeks, and you burst, or you have the most boring 10 weeks ever. Generally it's very busy and students have a lot of work to accomplish in 10 weeks. Speaking as an engineering student, it is very difficult to learn everything you need to in 10 weeks. To accomidate for this many of the professors have lots of office hours, they are all very willing to help students. All of my professors, so far, have gotten to know my name. The TA's do not teach classes, but rather help with labs. I find many of the engineering students gather and do homework together in the common area, as well as other majors. RIT also has a co-op program. You spend 3 years studying and about 2 years working in your major. This program is amazing, it gets you work experience so you can be sure you want to be in that field. This program also helps employers connect with students early and often many co-op jobs lead to your full time job after graduation. RIT is widely known for it's high rate of students that get jobs after graduation. Companies will hire you from RIT because they know you are taught what they want you to learn while at RIT and this goes for more than just engineering majors.

Stephanie

I know all my professors' name, and they all know mine. There are several professors that I haven't had for class-and we still know each other. Some profs we even refer to by first name, or Dr. Joe. I study everyday, and participate quite frequently in class. During social engagements--we still bring up intellectual conversations. Students are quite competitive--if not for grades, then for research. Chemistry Department: It needs money for new equipment. Otherwise, most of the profs are great. One prof has us over for dinner every quarter, which is nice. Education at RIT depends on the college: in Chemistry, we are learning for its own sake--in preparation for graduate school. Other colleges--such as engineering, are very geared towards getting a job.

Harper

Do professors know your name? Yes Tell us about your favorite class. My favorite class was a creative writing class. All the students were very talkative and fun and everybody was eager to share stories. Least favorite? An abnormal phycology class. Way to much work and stupid/quiet people in the class. Later that teacher was killed by a snowplow so lets not speak ill of the dead. How often do students study? Too much or at least they do don't come out of there rooms enough. Is class participation common? No fucking way. Do RIT students have intellectual conversations outside of class? About RPGs and First Person Shooters. Are students competitive? With video games What's the most unique class you've taken? Editing the literary magazine. Tell us about your major / department. I was a fine art photography major. My department was good and had a lot of nice teachers but the photo department as a whole is very business like and seemingly anti-art. Do you spend time with professors outside of class? No How do you feel about RIT 's academic requirements? They are fine. I just don't like the quarter system. Is the education at RIT geared toward getting a job, or learning for its own sake? It is definitely geared to getting a job but my department (fine art photography) is not really geared to anything. It is very laze-fair.

Kai

My classes are rather small, so the professors know my name. My favorite professor has 2 sections of a class with about 100 student each, and she knew everyone by name within the first 2 weeks of class. If your professor doesn't know you, its the students fault for blending into the crowd. My least favorite class was called "Creative Sources". The idea behind the class was great, but the professor was terrible (since then, she was fired). Some students are competitive, it all depends on the person. Personally, I freaked out when my GPA went down .1 whereas others are fine with C grades. The two most unique class have been dimensional illustration where we made paper sculpture and clay figures to illustrate topics that were up to interpretation, or contemporary drawing where we draw what we feel, such as "swirls of love". I still have 8 more classes of that, so I'm not sure what to expect. The professors are usually open to meet with student after class, though sometimes they need prodding. When they find the time, or respond to a students urging, they are usually helpful. RIT is aimed right at getting a job. Knowledge for knowledge's sake is a foreign idea.

Joshua

about 20{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} get to know my name. favorite class is MET lab cause i get to do stuff with my hands. least favorite is any liberal arts, none of us want to take them and none of the teachers want to teach them. i rarely study. class participation isn't really common. i never have intellectual conversations outside of class. students aren't really competitive, maybe a select few. my major is underrated, they think the 'technology' part makes us dumber or somethin. don't spend time with professors outside of class. requirements are pretty strict. education geared towards learning, not jobs.

Alex

Professors know my name, but i'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Favorite class: political leadership with Dr. Forinieri. Least favorite: Political Parties & voting with Murley. The guys a hack, especially considering he's the senior member of the Poli-Sci program Studying is a term foreign to me. Class participation is a foreign concept as well. RIT students have pseudo-intellectual conversations in that they are very well versed in stuffs that are absolutely inconsequential. Students are competitive at the Halo and Guitar Hero. Most unique class was...first year enrichment. It was soingular in it's superfluity. My old major/department was art. While a lot of the rumors are false (i'm willing to warrant that actually artists at RIT have even HARDER curriculum than anyone else)

michelle

professors know name = normally class participation = required competitive students = very geared toward getting a job = most majors

Chris

Professors in my major know my name, and in some other classes that I've had the professors multiple times. My favorite class has been Energy and the Environment because it focuses primarily on the ramifications of our society advancing technologically in the same manner that we have been advancing in the recent past. Lest favorite class has been "Cyborg Theory" in which the professor was so concerned with breaking the normal lecture mold that it turned into a 95{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} student led class. Would have normally been fine except there wasn't enough guidance to keep students on the topic and fundamentals behind the course. Turned into 4 hours a week of kids ranting about anything. Very annoying. Took the class for a reason, and got very little out of it. Some students study a good deal, others don't. Normal variation. Depends on the class. More class participation in liberal arts classes. My immediate friends have intellectual conversations. In some computer science classes, all I hear is computer game talk. Not overly competitive, but in rare instances. Most unique class was one that was 95{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} led by students. Extremely limited professor guidance led the class into wherever the heck a kid made a comment. Huge waste of time. Computer engineering department at RIT is very good if students are self motivated, as often the professors are out of touch with students or are very difficult to communicate with. I don't spend time with professors outside of class. Academic requirements are much too lenient. Many people are at RIT that I do not think should have gotten in. Geared toward getting a job. Co-op's are a requirement, and career fairs twice a year.

Neil

Yes, professors know my name. That's a combination of the relaxed nature of our school (it's always "hi, Tom" not "not good morning, Professor Gasek.") and the fact that I'm often outspoken. My favorite class of this quarter would have to be Acting for Animation. It doesn't so much feel like a class as a workshop, and one with your friends. It's very active (we have to act in class), creative, educational, good practice, and very, very relaxed. Our school has a lot of these types of classes in which students gather around a single table (classes can be small) and we discuss film concepts and ideas, and critique each others' works. My least favorite is Programming for Animation. This may, in fact, be a professor problem. His lectures tend to go on longer than they should and contain very little information. Keeping interest and myself awake is incredibly difficult. The labs are okay, because they allow us to apply what we've learned (or rather they let me teach myself what we're supposed to be learning) and we can go at our own pace. I make better use of this time, and usually get out quite early. Students here don't study - we just work on our projects A LOT. Communal all-nighters are not uncommon, especially near the end of the quarter. Yes, class participation is common. Again, we have a very relaxed atmosphere, so it allows us to be more open with our thoughts, whether we're being honest with our critiques or just joking around with the professor. Of course, some of us are more open than others. And, of course, this behavior is only common in non-lecture type classes, and with the better professors. Yes, students do have intellectual conversations outside of class. And by “intellectual”, I’m referring mostly to creative conversations, but it’s still much related to our studies. Don’t worry – there are plenty of inane conversationalists hanging around, too. I’ve heard rumors of students being competitive with each other, but I haven’t seen it just yet. All I know is that the only competition going on is between the student and him/herself. The better students will compete with themselves and try to one-up their previous project. Most unique class? Foods of the World!! It’s was a two hour class from 12-2PM. For the first hour the professor would talk about a region of the world and the particular foods associated with the country. Then from the kitchen doors in the head of the room, some chefs would cart out those exact foods we were talking about. We plated up and ate for the remaining hour. It was like a course that forced me to eat lunch. And quite a delicious lunch at that! What a vague question – there’s too much to cover when talking about my major and department (animation and the school of film and animation, respectively). I suspect the answers to the rest of these questions will give you a fairly good idea of what it is like. I don’t spend much time with professors outside of class. Every so often I’ll pop by their offices and chat, maybe grab a cup of coffee. We’re all such busy people, however. Occasionally there are school parties in which faculty and students intermingle effortlessly. The academic requirements are fine. Some classes are bunk, which we could do without. (For instance, there are required courses teaching us how to use basic functionality of computers. It’s a class students should be teaching, not a technologically-impaired generation. Sorry, but it’s true!) All in all, no complaints. In our school they gear us to be independent filmmakers. That is not necessarily a good thing, however. Most other colleges gear students up to get a job (required co-ops, for instance). By the time the students graduate, they are very knowledgeable and have plenty of work experience. The school of film and animation has no required co-ops, unfortunately, and the administration has little in terms of business-world contacts. Businesses only come recruiting to RIT because students who have found work have shown excellent abilities.

Carson

Academics here are good.

Cameron

yes - fav: african american culture, least fav: global business - very often - its moderate - yes - yes - massage - business mgt: good staff around it - yes - i ike them but some things seem pointless to my major, such as 2 sciences - getting a job

Brianne

yes. my favorite class was 2 quarter animation. my least favorut was fine arts musical arts. students study a lot. yes class participation is very common. in the animation program we are very close to our falculty and fellow students. yes. students are competetive with themselves. the most unique class i've taken is acting class. the animation major is one of the hardest to get into and it is very very work intensive. sometimes we see the professors outside class. Sometimes i wish there were more advanced classes. getting a job.

Kristen

The professors in my major are awesome...my major is pretty small so i feel like i could easily build a strong network with my professors....not all of them know my name, but once they do they remember.... My favorite class...hmm...that's tough...I've enjoyed a lot of my classes....I think my favorite classes would be the ones with the most friends of course haha...having people around you to help out and suffer with makes any hard course more manageable....oh and any course with sarcastic, fun teachers are wonderful... Students get competitive halfway through 2nd year i noticed...i remember in Art House everyone started closing their doors after a year of having them open all the time....keep the design ideas undercover.... My major is a mix of design and programming...in my first two years, i learned a LOT about design and had many courses with art students/new media design majors...i love those guys...building 7 holds the most interesting people on campus guaranteed....but now i'm moving into the IT side of things and into building 70....i love the major because i feel liek its a nice balance of my interests...i dont think i could handle straight programming/IT...and i wouldnt want to end up a starving artist....so i enjoy how this major mixes both worlds together....and i do believe RIT education has a strong emphasis on gettin great jobs....but i also know how awesome the networks are here so it's not exactly too hard to get experience somewhere awesome...

Greg

Most of my professors don't know my name, and i don't know theres. RIT has some really good professors and some really bad ones. I think the short quarters are the reason to blame for this. I feel like alot of kids are like ah fuck it i only have to deal with this professor for a few weeks so they put up with alot of shit. I'de like more courses offered and not such a strict flow chart. We should have LA majors here.

Steve

Classes were alright. I think as with any major/school it boils down to self motivation and if you are willing to do the work. I do feel while I had a few amazing animation teachers, a lot of them sucked. But as I understand all the shitty ones are leaving so no worries for you. Everyone was pretty personable in class and really understanding for any issues you might have. You will get as much out of your classes as you are willing to put in. I think I learned a lot and did well. As to competitiveness between students, I've always had the theory that you are not at college to do good work for the teachers. They could care less, you are at school to impress the other students and your peers. Those are the people that will be the ones helping you get jobs when your out. Your grades will be fine if you are worried about being good for the sake of being good. Grades shouldn't be your motivator.

Pete

Almost all my professors know me by name, especially in my engineering department. Students are pretty competitive with grades, but only where groups form to study together and work together to all get A's. Only 1-2 of my classes have been where the number of A's were limited.

Sean

Some professors know my name but others do not because I do not speak up very much in classes out of fear I guess. I act vulnerable when I truly do not come full circle with my depth. I do not have a favorite class actually. I am not sure how much students study actually. Class participation can be non existent because in a lot of classes it is merely just attendance that matters instead of participation. Yet in most classes that isn't the case and class participation is needed and obligatory. My major is great I will graduate with over a 3.0 and it is very personal. I honestly do not like RIT's grading system. I hate it with a passion because it doesn't award pluses or minuses which I liked better at MCC when I went there but there academic requirement is fine. That I enjoy.

Sean

Some professors know my name but others do not because I do not speak up very much in classes out of fear I guess. I act vulnerable when I truly do not come full circle with my depth. I do not have a favorite class actually. I am not sure how much students study actually. Class participation can be non existent because in a lot of classes it is merely just attendance that matters instead of participation. Yet in most classes that isn't the case and class participation is needed and obligatory. My major is great I will graduate with over a 3.0 and it is very personal. I honestly do not like RIT's grading system. I hate it with a passion because it doesn't award pluses or minuses which I liked better at MCC when I went there but there academic requirement is fine. That I enjoy.

ROb

Yes they know my name, COOP experience has been great. Education is geared toward getting a job, but I have learned plenty. Engineering Major.

Alex

Some do. No favorites. least favorites are usually the ones with the boring professors. yes we have intellectual conversations outside of class and yes competitive. My major is Networking Security Sys admin. I do not spend time with professors outside of class although I wish i did. but usually when im done with classes i want to be as far away from school as possible. I think the classes are hard but maybe because i'm not one whose able to study or a good test taker but i learn way more in the labs hands on then in lectures

Cassie

All of my professors know my name. Even in lectures of 70 people, my professors are willing to talk one-on-one, especially if they see your interest. I'm dissatisfied with my Intro Biology and General/Analytical Chemistry professors. Neither of them really teaches; they just throw equations or facts up on the board and talk without getting anywhere. As a result I've struggled in Biology, even though I'm an eager and capable student. However, I'm told by upperclassmen that the upper level courses are much better. RIT's goal is to prepare you to jump straight into work in whatever field you're interested in. There is a ton of research available on campus or at the University of Rochester.

Evan

Class size here is very small, my largest class was 45 students. Professors get to know their students. They all hold office hours during the week and they are honestly trying to help. They really want you to do well. It's also great when you see past professors in the hallway or outside of school and they know who you are. RIT is based on a quarter system, not semester system. So we have classes for 10 weeks instead of 16 weeks. It's faster paced and I enjoy it. If you have a class you dont like, it's over in 10 weeks. RIT is also one of the top schools in the nation for it's Co-op program. When I graduate, I will have 15 months of work experience. I have already completed one Co-op. It's great, I receive invaluable work experience and decent pay.

Kristin

1. All my professors in my college and in liberal arts knew my name. 2. My favorite class was Professional Selling because of the life lessons and hands on experience I encountered. 3. My least favorite was MMP because it was so hard and I did not feel I learned anything new. I also struggled with Cost & Managerial Accounting to fast paced for me to stay up-to speed with the material. 4. Students study alot, they have no choice because of the quarter system. It is an expecation that you are organized and diligent because otherwise you won't survive. 5. There are many groups of students who spend a significant amount of time having intellectual conversations outside of the class. You can hear it in the SAU, Crossroads, Library, Java's, lobbies, etc... 6. RIT breeds competitiion. They promote teamwork but they want students to be the best and prove that they are number one. Students are definitely competitve. 7. The most unique class I have taken is Food & Wine Pairing. 8. I am a marketing major. I really enjoy it and I feel that I am more than well prepared for a career in my desired field. It is a very well thought out, hands on program. 9. I usually visit them during their office hours or stop in to say hi. 10. I think RIT's academic requirements are intense, high, and require a lot from students. 11. It is definitely geared towards getting a job.