RIT’s Print and Graphic Media program is entering a new chapter, emphasizing innovation and industry relevance. Print and Graphic Media faculty says that recent changes are not the end of printing at RIT, but an evolution aligned with current trends and student opportunities. The shift comes as enrollment in the traditional Print and Graphic Media major has declined, prompting the university to merge print-focused coursework into the Packaging Science program.
The program will no longer accept new applicants. Current students are guaranteed a “teach-out,” ensuring they can complete their degrees under the curriculum they initially started.
“We’re not eliminating or killing or destroying [the program],” said Kyle Dunno, RIT Packaging Science Department Chair. “It’s about resetting and evolving, making sure the values of printing align with today’s packaging technology space.”
What Now?
Students currently enrolled in the program can expect smaller class sizes while still gaining exposure to industry-standard practices. Current students were not consulted about the “teach-out” decision; however, the faculty emphasized that transparency has been a priority, with families and prospective students kept informed about program changes.
Printing at RIT
RIT continues to lead in printing innovation through initiatives like the G7 certification program, which sets international standards for color calibration and material testing for companies developing new products. Faculty members actively participate in industry committees, bringing research directly into the classroom.
The history of printing at RIT is a long one. According to William Pope, Professor of Practice for Packaging and Graphic Media Science, photography and printing comprised over half of the student body in the 1960s. RIT was home to the Graphic Arts Research Center before moving to the Henrietta campus. While digital technology has transformed the field, printing remains central to packaging and brand communication.
“You can’t download Wheaties [cereal] yet,” joked Pope, highlighting the relevance of printed materials in our everyday lives.
The transition aims to revitalize interest in printing and packaging, attracting students to related programs and connecting them with industry opportunities. Faculty from the school stress that print is not “dead,” despite speculation.
“When the wind changes direction, you adjust your sail,” Dunno said. “We’re evolving, growing and still very much in the game.”
For students interested in printing, opportunities abound through both coursework and extracurricular involvement. TAGA and hands-on labs allow students to gain practical skills while contributing to projects, ensuring that RIT remains a hub for printing in the modern era.
The Technical Association of the Graphic Arts (TAGA) student chapter allows students of all majors to engage in printing competitions, research and projects. Past projects have included industry partnerships such as redesigning packaging for Stanley Black & Decker, blending packaging, graphic design and printing expertise.
