Rochester Institute of Technology launches Campus Connect, a program that offers workshops, game nights, and discussion panels inside residence halls, improving accessibility to campus resources for students

Rochester, New York – At Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), students no longer have to trek across campus for academic support, career advice, or even a fun trivia night. Thanks to Campus Connect, a new initiative that brings programming directly to residence halls, students can engage with faculty, staff, and peers in the comfort of their own living spaces.

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The program, which launched this semester with 14 scheduled events, aims to bridge the gap between academics and student life by making resources more accessible. Professors, advisors, and campus leaders host workshops, game nights, and discussion panels inside residence hall meeting rooms, offering students valuable tools to succeed—without disrupting their evening routines.

For many students, evening hours are a time to unwind, catch up with friends, or finish coursework. That’s why organizers designed Campus Connect to meet students where they are, rather than asking them to make the extra effort to return to academic buildings after dinner. A recent session covered the importance of attending office hours, a topic that resonated with students who struggled to fit traditional office visits into their schedules.

“It’s exciting to see the continued support of the overall residential experience,” Bagley said. “The momentum and feedback will allow us to plan for more programs and events next year, especially when renovations are completed this summer.”

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Beyond academic support, Campus Connect is also fostering social connections. Events often include free food and snacks—an instant draw for hungry students—and serve as an opportunity to build friendships, explore leadership roles, and even prepare for exams. By creating a space where students can connect in meaningful ways, the program strengthens the sense of community within residence halls.

The initiative was born from a collaborative effort between multiple departments, all working toward a common goal: to improve student success and retention by enhancing their overall campus experience. Key leaders, including Nicole Boulais, associate vice president for student engagement and community life, and Neeraj Buch, dean of undergraduate studies, played a major role in shaping the program’s framework.

Shelitha Williams, associate vice president for student development, emphasized the importance of this cross-departmental partnership.

“The engaging and creative programs are a result of this inclusive partnership for the benefit of our students,” she said. “The close proximity of these resources has offered convenient access for students to engage and be exposed to these resources.”

One particularly memorable event took place on a cold, snowy night when students gathered in Fredericka Douglass Sprague Perry Hall for trivia with Phil Shaw, a senior lecturer in the University Writing Program. First-year cybersecurity major Alex Storrs appreciated the easy access to the event, thanks to RIT’s extensive underground tunnel system.

“It was quite easy for me to get to the event,” said Alex Storrs, a first-year cybersecurity major from Marlborough, Conn., who attended with friends. “The tunnels made it easy to get there. It was a lot of fun and I’m definitely glad I went. We even won some prizes.”

As renovations continue on residence hall spaces, including newly developed “Connection Hubs,” organizers see an even brighter future for Campus Connect. The program’s success has generated momentum for future expansions, with more events and resources planned for the coming year.

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Bagley is optimistic about what’s ahead. “The response has been fantastic,” he said. “Seeing students take advantage of these opportunities makes it clear that we’re on the right path. This is just the beginning.”