Riverknoll will close permanently at the end of the academic year, according to an email sent to Riverknoll residents this morning. Another email explaining this was sent to all RIT students this afternoon.

“After a comprehensive evaluation of Riverknoll’s condition, RIT has determined that continued investment in the complex is neither feasible nor sustainable,” both emails read. 

The email sent to Riverknoll residents  also linked to a survey asking about their housing preferences and whether they intend to continue living on campus. 

“The survey will help us better understand how many residents intend to return and what their housing needs and preferences may be. That information will help inform housing planning and our work with affected students,” said RIT Director of Public Affairs and Internal Community, Russ Nunley.

RIT Food Share will be relocated, although a new space has not been identified. 

Student Reactions

Riverknoll is one of the cheapest residences on campus, and students express concern about affording housing going forward. One Riverknoll resident, second year Accounting and Political Science student, Dylan Millis shared her thoughts.

“Honestly, it’s just frankly disrespectful that they gave us such little notice,” she said. “I have a lot of friends who can’t even afford food right now… and they won’t be able to afford any housing next year because there’s no other affordable option.” Millis added that she does not know where she will live next school year.

A Reddit post by user Jumpy_Meaning_6373 sharing the initial email reads “I was only able to survive through my five years of college by being able to charge cheap housing to my student account. Removing Riverknoll as a housing option without providing an affordable alternate is villainous.”

Reddit user inohavename commented under the post, noting that when RIT closed Colony Manor, they received a 40% discount on other housing options. “I would hope they do the same for Riverknoll residents,” they wrote. 

RIT has not made any mention of compensation as of the time of this article’s publishing. 

Several PawPrint petitions about the closure of Riverknoll have already been published. “Ensure Communication of a Fair Riverknoll Replacement Plan BEFORE Tearing Down” advocates for Riverknoll residents to be compensated if RIT cannot provide replacement housing.

“Residence Life and Housing is assessing housing needs for the coming academic year, including those of incoming first year students and returning students. The regular housing renewal and selection process begins in January 2027, and additional information and guidance will be shared as planning progresses,” Nunley said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.