Special Interest Houses (SIH) have been a cornerstone of the RIT campus for over 50 years, dating back to the creation of Engineering House in 1971. Over time, more communities have joined the mix, offering specialized spaces where students can connect over academic pursuits, cultural identities and shared hobbies.

At its peak, RIT boasted nine active SIHs; however, that number will fall to five by the beginning of the 2025⁠–26 academic year. This decline raises fundamental questions: What is behind this decrease over time, and how can the university better support these bodies as sources of student exploration and community?

Why Special Interest Housing Matters

For many first-year students, arriving on campus can be a daunting experience, especially when balancing newfound independence and creating new connections. SIHs provide a crucial sense of belonging, connecting students to like-minded peers in a self-governing environment.

SIHs are found across RIT’s residential halls, with floors reserved for each respective house. On these floors, they coordinate recreational events, community service and academic support mechanisms under the supervision of the Center of Residence Life and Housing. 

These organizations often propel students to leadership roles, encouraging involvement in projects with a broader community impact. For example, CSH developed RIT’s Schedule Maker, which is now used by over 90% of the RIT student body.

Wilson McDade, a sixth-year computer science major and a member of CSH, noted the importance of special interest housing in enhancing student advocacy and improving the college experience. 

“Special Interest Housing is incredibly important for community building,” expressed McDade. “For freshmen, Special Interest Housing is super important because when you come in, you already have access to a lot of upperclassmen. I remember my first year … I was super close with the second, third and fourth years that I knew just from Computer Science House.”

What’s Happening to Special Interest Housing?

While Special Interest Housing has undeniably impacted the student body, its influence is waning. Some houses have ended operations in the last two decades such as the Business House, International House, Community Service Club House, and Image Makers House. Photo House is now expected to merge with Art House, forming a House of the Arts by the next academic year.

The reasons behind these closures and the gradual decline remain unclear. Some speculate that declining membership may be a key factor in the diminishing presence of SIHs on campus. What is evident, however, is a fundamental disconnect between SIH student representatives and Residence Life. Evi Schwartz, a second-year game design and development major and the president of Art House noted that the decision to merge the Photo and Art Houses reflected a significant breakdown in communication.

“The merge was talked about a long time ago but that never got passed down to different e-boards, so [the information] just got lost,” stated Schwartz.

SIHs have also faced challenges with their murals being painted over during renovations. Art House, previously located in Colby, encountered this issue when their floor was relocated to DSP to accommodate the merger. Many feel this change erodes the character and unique identity SIHs offer.

“Art House has stories of how they used to be in a different building, and when they moved to Colby, they cut the drywall out of the wall to maintain some of these pieces of art and brought it with them. And [now] RIT painted over them last year with very little fightback, and so obviously that irks me,” McDade stated.

Next Steps

SIH leaders want to see more communication with Residence Life to revitalize SIHs and promote renewed engagement. Achol Aroman, president of Unity House — RIT’s Special Interest House for the ALANA community — noted a lack of administrative responsiveness.

“We need better communication from pro staff to students and a more focused response to our specific needs,” Aroman argued.

SIH leaders also expressed interest in bringing back an SIH Association that could facilitate a dialogue with Student Government and more effectively convey their grievances. 

Efforts to promote SIH interests have yielded some positive results. Recent initiatives have persuaded Housing and Residence Life to permit SIHs to maintain a distinct visual style on their floors. Going forward, any aesthetic changes to SIHs will require input from their representatives and an interior designer, according to McDade. 

SIHs’ recent challenges mark a call for improved communication and support between students and administrative bodies. McDade emphasized the value of SIHs, expressing hope that they will receive support in the years to come.

“Special interest housing is a really powerful force for good in students’ lives. My hope is that we’ll see more SIHs in the future and stronger SIHs that continue to enhance the college experience.”