1. Graduate Student Orientation August 21st, 2013 (9-11 am)
Welcome to Mechanical Engineering
Kate Gleason College of Engineering
Rochester Institute of Technology
Dr. Edward Hensel, Dept. Head, Substituting for:
Dr. Agamemnon Crassidis
Graduate Director
Associate Professor

2. Topics to Be Covered About the ME Department Welcome and Who’s who
Graduate Student Handbook
Master of Science Degree Program
Master of Engineering Degree Program
First Semester Classes
Full Time Equivalence Requirements
Finding an Advisor
Academic Scholarships
Research and Teaching Assistantships
Checklist for new students
Questions and Answers ...

3. About the RIT ME Department
Program
Sept ‘03
Sept ‘12
BS ME
350
586
BS / Aero
126
105
BS / Auto
132 62
BS/ Energy 34
BS / Bio 16
BS / PT 12 1
BS / MS 64 7
BS / MEng 6 87
BS / Dubai 26
UG Total
724
928
MS ME
MEng ME 54
BS/Masters 70
110
PhD
MEng / Dubai
GR Total
120
160
First Accredited by ABET in 1968
Kate Gleason College of Engineering Only Engineering College in the USA Named after a woman!
> 32 Faculty in the Department
> 928 Students total in Mech E
>155 Graduate and Dual Degree Students
> 143 Entering first year students (direct to ME)
36th Largest BSME Graduates in USA (ASEE 2002)
One of the most competitive entry programs at RIT
Approximate size of our Graduate Program.
Campuses in Rochester NY USA and Dubai UAE
Over one dozen graduates per year enter PhD programs
All values are approximate

4. RIT’s Competitive Advantage
Newly renovated facilities with
state-of-the-art classroom technology
expanded laboratories
new engineering learning center
Major expansions are under way
Best and largest micro-fab/clean room facility
in the U.S. for undergraduate education
Rated 14th most wired campus in U.S.
by Yahoo
Entire campus linked by optical network
CAD labs with the latest in workstations
and software for design and analysis

5. RIT’s Competitive Advantage
PhD In Microsystems Engineering
Opportunities to Publish in conferences and journals
Close affiliation with technical conferences
Hands-on Application of Engineering Research – Show what you know!
Historically strong undergrad programs in engineering
Emerging leadership in graduate programs

6. RIT Mechanical Engineering
Fuel Cell Laboratory
Thermal Analysis Laboratory
Energy & Environment Laboratory
Bioengineering Laboratory
Biomedical Device Laboratory
CFD Laboratory
Laser/Fluids Laboratory
Materials Science Laboratory
… and more
Annual ASME/RIT Micro/Mini Channel Conference Since 2002
Graduate Seminars and KGCOE Colloquia
Graduate Research Symposium each summer
Experimental Methods in Heat Transfer (Kandlikar)
Biomedical Device Engineering (Day)
Alternative Energy (Stevens, Gomes)
Assistive Devices (Lamkin-Kennard, DeBartolo)
Nanotheragnostics (Schrlau)
Design, Tribology, and Composite Materials (Boedo, Ghoneim)
Computational Fluid Dynamics (Robinson, Day, Ghosh, Venkataraman)
Refrigeration Systems and Energy Conversion (Ogut,,Bailey)
Materials Science (Varela, Gupta)
Control Systems and Robotics (Crassidis, Kempski, Walter)

7. Who’s Who Dr. Ed Hensel, ME Department Head
Dr. Alan Nye, Assoc. D. H. For Outreach
Dr. Risa Robinson, Assoc. D. H. For Undergrad
Dr. Agamemnon Crassidis, G. D. & Research Methods
Dr. Wayne Walter, Grad Seminar & Research Methods
Ms. Jill Ehmann, Senior Staff Assistant
Ms. Hillary McCormick, Academic Advisor
Ms. Diane Selleck, Student Records/Information Specialist
Ms. Venessa Mitchell, Admin/Fin Services Coordinator
Ms. Diedra Livingston, ME Student Services Coordinator
Mr. Charles Dispenza, Co-operative Education and Career Services Program Coordinator for Grad Students
Faculty interest biographies are posted on the web site

8. Graduate Student Handbook
ME Department Graduate Handbook is your guide.
Please read this handbook carefully.
Use this handbook when you meet with your advisor to plan your academic program.

9. Communication is CRITICAL!
Your Advisor!
Departmental Mail Folders by M.E. Office
RIT is
If you use another account, make sure you forward your RIT address!
We cannot help you if we don’t know what issues you are facing

10. Institute Policies ADD/DROP within first 7 days of semester
Course Withdrawal – first twelve weeks
Probation and Suspension
Academic Honesty
Computer Code of Conduct
Access to Labs and Security
Policies related to completion of your degree, and application for final exam.

11. Institute Policies
GRADES (D5.0.E.2) ACADEMIC PROBATION AND SUSPENSION POLICY Graduate Policy
Degree-seeking graduate students will be placed on probation or suspended from the university according to the criteria enumerated below. All actions are taken at the end of the term; however, a student may petition the dean of the college or the director of the Golisano Institute for Sustainability for reconsideration of probation or suspension should the removal of an incomplete grade (I) raise the program grade point average above those stated below. Each degree-seeking graduate student will generate two different grade point averages. The university average reflects all course work completed at RIT. The program average reflects course work completed at RIT applicable to graduation in a student's current academic program. The current academic program refers to the university and college degree course requirements specified by the degree granting college and noted in the graduate catalog.
a. Any degree-seeking graduate student whose program grade point average (see C. above) falls below a after 9 semester credit hours or subsequently will be placed on probation and counseled by the graduate program director (or their designee) concerning continuation in the graduate program.
b. Students placed on probation who fail to raise their program cumulative grade point average to within 9 semester credit hours will be suspended from the graduate program.
c. Should it be necessary to suspend a graduate student for academic reasons, the student must apply for readmission through graduate admissions.

12. Institute Policies GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (D12.0.E) MASTER’S DEGREE
4. A program minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 (a "B" average).
6. Normally, the student shall complete requirements within seven years of the time of initial registration for graduate study. The purpose of the seven-year requirement in graduate programs is to ensure currency of coursework at the time of graduation, and to deal with extenuating circumstances that may have prevented timely completion of degree.
At the master’s level, all requirements for the degree must be completed within seven years of the date of the oldest course counted toward the student’s master’s degree. (For example, if the first course counted toward the degree is taken in the fall term of 2010, that degree must be completed by the end of the summer term of 2016.)

13. Institute Policies APPLICATION FOR GRADUATION
Students must complete a separate copy of the application for graduation form for each degree, diploma or certificate you expect to receive; this includes double majors. Return the completed form to your department three academic terms prior to completing your requirements for that degree. Upon receipt, we will enter an anticipated graduation date in your student record. Submission of application for graduation form does not quality you for graduation. You must check with your department to make certain that you have met all academic requirements for your degree.
The form may be found out at:

14. Master of Engineering Degree
30 Semester Credit Hours Minimum
Primarily course-only terminal master’s degree – NO THESIS
F/T equivalent must attend ME Department Seminars
Two Core Courses – 6 SCH credits
MECE-601 Mathematics for Engineers I (Fall/Spring/Summer Semester)
MECE-602 Mathematics for Engineers II (Fall/Spring Semester)
Three Concentration Courses - 9 SCH credits
courses from an area including business, controls, mechanics and design, manufacturing, thermo/fluids engineering, material science, vibrations engineering, automotive systems, product development, and sustainability
Four Graduate Electives – 12 SCH credits
Up to 9 credits MAY be double counted if in a dual-degree program
One Graduate Capstone Requirement – 3 QCH credits
A minimum of 21 semester credits from the mechanical engineering department
Study outside of the ME Department is encouraged
Graduate Co-op program is now an option!

15. Master of Engineering Degree
Ideal Example for degree completion
Fall 2131
Spring 2135
Summer 2138
MECE-601 Math I
MECE-602 Math II
Capstone -
MECE-788 Project w/ Paper
MECE-xxx Focus Course
MECE-xxx Grad Elective
MECE-789 Grad. Seminar
Grad. Symposium
GTA
NEW Option: 100% Tuition Scholarship
NEW OFFER! M.Eng. Students who complete 8 courses (24 SCH) of courses with GPA > 3.0 in 2 semesters are eligible for 100% academic scholarship during the summer term if they can demonstrate that they will complete the M.Eng. Degree!

16. Finding an MS Advisor
If you wish to change from the MEng to the MS program.
MECE-701 Research Methods is the best way for Students to identify a topics, develop a statement of work, conduct their literature review, and initiate background research.
Get to know the faculty during the Fall Semester.
Selection of major professor (advisor) must be by mutual agreement of the student and the professor.
A good match is important.
MS Students: try to identify an advisor and thesis topic by end of Fall semester, no later than end of Winter intersession.
It is CRITICAL to have your MS proposal complete by May of this year, or you will not likely complete an MS degree.
Dr. Crassidis will serve as your temporary advisor for the registering this fall.

17. Master of Science Degree
30 Semester Credit Hours Minimum
24 Course Credits
6 Thesis Credits
GRE required for Admission
Research Focus, Good preparation for doctoral study
Need to identify topic and advisor ASAP
Must submit formal proposal with significant literature review prior to registering
F/T equivalent must attend ME Department Seminars
Two Required Math Courses (6 SCH)
Three Courses from a focus area (9 SCH)
Three courses showing depth of study in a Mechanical Engineering field
Three Graduate Electives (9 SCH)
Courses outside of Mechanical Engineering ONLY with prior approval
MS Students expected to publish their results as a conference or journal paper with their advisor

18. Master of Science Degree
Ideal Example for degree completion
Fall AY 2013
Spring AY 2013
Summer AY 2013
MECE-601 Math I
MECE-602 Math II
MECE-701 Res. Meth.
MECE-xxx Focus Course
Summer Research
Independent Study Course with faculty member of interest
Proposal Approved by Advisor
MECE-xxx Grad Elective
Thesis Proposal Started
Proposal Approved By Thesis Committee
MECE-789 Grad. Seminar
Grad. Symposium
GRA
Fall AY 2014
Spring AY 2014
Summer AY 2014
Thesis (3 SCH)
Defend Thesis
Begin Career!
MECE-789 Grad. Seminar
GRA

19. Thesis Presentation and Completion Deadlines
Academic Year
Friday, Week 11: Last day for final draft to committee and announcement of thesis posted
Friday, Week 13: Last Day for oral presentation of thesis
Friday, Week 15: Last Day for corrections to thesis completed and copies to library
Fall Last day to distribute final draft to committee and post thesis announcements – Friday, November 8th, 2013
Last day for oral presentation of Thesis – Friday, November 22nd, 2013
Last day for copies to the library, Friday – December 6th, 2013
Spring Last day to distribute final draft to committee and post thesis announcements – Friday, April 11th, 2014
Last day for oral presentation of Thesis – Friday, April 25th, 2014
Last day for copies to the library, Friday – May 9th, 2014
Friday, Week 7: Last day for final draft to committee and announcement of thesis posted
Friday, Week 9: Last Day for oral presentation of thesis
Friday, Week 11: Last Day for corrections to thesis completed and copies to library
Summer Last day to distribute final draft to committee and post thesis announcement – Friday, July 18th, 2014
Last day for oral presentation of Thesis – Friday, August 1st, 2014
Last day for copies to the library, Friday – August 15th, 2014
Students completing their thesis after these dates will be considered for degree certification in the next academic semester.

20. First Semester Choices (Examples)
Everyone should take MECE-789 Graduate Seminar (0 cr)
Systems and Controls Focus
Mechanics and Design Focus
Thermo- Fluids Focus
Other Courses to Consider
MECE-601 Math 1
MEC-701 Research Methods
MECE-643 Continuous Control Systems
MECE-785 Mechanics of Solids
MECE-738 Ideal Flows
MECE-623 Powertrain Sys & Design
MECE-658 Intro Engineering Vibrations
MECE-746 Engin Properties of Materials
MECE-789 Graduate Special Topics (B&C)
MECE-739 Alt Fuels Energy Efficiency
EEEE-602 Random Signals and Noise (EE Dept)
MECE-629 Renewable Energy Systems
Please take 4 courses per semester until you identify a thesis!

21. Full Time Equivalency Requirements
Full Time Graduate Enrollment Status is 9 credits per semester. (One tuition price for semester credits)
F1 Visa Holders must be Full-Time Equivalent. New rules may reduce number of semesters that F1 visa holders can use FTE without actually enrolling in 9 credits.
Graduate Assistants must be Full-Time Equivalent.
3 hrs/week of assistantship may be used toward 1 FTE credit (20 hrs/wk = 6 credits FTE)
Following 2 semesters of FTE study, F1 Visa holders may be eligible for Curricular Practical Training through graduate co-op placement off campus.
Every year, many students change their course load to only two courses per semester and achieve FTE … however they jeopardize their degree completion by getting behind schedule!

22. Academic Conduct
READ THE GRADUATE MANUAL! Understand your responsibilities.
Unless your professor specifically tells you differently, you should assume that all graduate course work is to be completed individually.
Most professors expect graduate students to work individually on homework problems.
All professors expect graduate students to work individually on take-home and in-class exams.
When in doubt, DO NOT TALK TO YOUR PEERS about assignments.
Every year, we have some graduate students who do not follow the KGCOE Honesty Policy.
If you are not in good academic standing, you are not eligible to have a GTA or GRA or Graduate Scholarship.
Do not compromise on ethics.

23. Academic Scholarships
Most academic scholarships are paid out of RIT funds allocated to the ME Department.
A limited number of scholarships are available from sponsored contracts.
All academic scholarships require satisfactory grades.
If your GPA drops below a 3.0, your scholarship will be reduced.
Grades of D and F do not count towards your degree. You must repeat that course, if it is a required course.
Grades of C are considered poor performance for graduate students.

24. Graduate Teaching Assistantships
Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) are typically paid by the department to support the undergraduate education program.
GTAs are selected by the department.
GTA Grad students will maintain their 4 courses per semester track
All GTAs will be evaluated by their faculty supervisor each semester.
Continued support depends upon satisfactory performance evaluations.
All GTAs are expected to complete at least 12 SCH each semester. Failure to do so jeopardizes your GTA.
GTAs are RARELY renewed for a second year!
Most GTA awards are only for one year – so do not delay your proposal if you plan to change to the MS program!
20 hr/week GTA has 50% tuition remission benefit.
NEW OFFER! GTAs who get two semesters of GTA support and complete 8 courses (24 SCH) of courses with GPA > 3.0 are eligible for 100% academic scholarship during the summer semester if they can demonstrate that they will complete the M.Eng. Degree by next summer!

25. Graduate Research Assistantships
Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs) are typically paid by the professor from sponsored programs and contracts.
GRAs are selected by individual faculty members.
GRAs are usually funded by an external sponsor, who has a contract with a faculty member.
GRAs almost always require the student to work on a thesis topic specified by the faculty member.
All graduate assistants will be evaluated by their faculty supervisor each semester.
Continued support depends upon satisfactory performance evaluations.
Make sure that the faculty member supporting your GRA approves of your course load and plan of study! Some faculty members want their GRA to carry 9 SCH, others desire 12 SCH.
20 hr/week GTA has 50% tuition remission benefit

26. A Special Note; and a Challenge to EXCEL…
As part of the RIT ME Department’s process of continual improvement, the bar is raising on expectations of our graduate students.
Admissions standards have risen annually for three years both at the undergraduate and graduate level.
We intend to raise our Master’s program to the same level of National Prestige that our undergraduate program enjoys.
Maintain the highest standards of Academic and Professional Integrity – Other students look up to you, and will follow your leadership.
I expect our MS Students to submit at least one technical conference publication with their advisor prior to graduation.
I expect our MEng Students to become student leaders in the department. Seek out opportunities to demonstrate leadership.

27. Graduate Seminar Series
Attend the weekly graduate seminars is required of all full time and FTE graduate students.
Thursdays at 1:00 pm.
MECE-789 (0 credits)
Dr. Walter is the Instructor
Please add this class to your schedule every semester (no cost), so that you can get announcements and about the seminars via

28. Mech Eng Web Site Notice there is now a research tab on the web site
I would like to include a bio, photo, and abstract of all MS thesis topics in the department on the web site.
Please let me know if there are additional things you would find useful on the graduate programs portion of the web site
I appreciate feedback on information that would have been useful to you when you were looking for schools

29. Become a Student Member of the Rochester Engineering Society!
What are the benefits of student membership in the RES?
Develop your professional network by getting to know local engineering professionals.
Learn about engineering and technology career opportunities in Rochester!
Stay informed about local events and opportunities to meet practicing professionals from Rochester.
Make connections with future employers!
Get the inside track on what an engineering career can offer to you!
Visit local companies that employ engineers -- in fields such as consulting, research and development, manufacturing, design, environmental, healthcare, transportation, telecommunications, transportation, sustainability, and more! Special Program for First Year and Graduate Students
Sign up to get a professional mentor -- an engineer to help guide you through the process of entering the professional world of engineering practice!
Participate in social events, technical seminars, and inspirational talks by leading engineering professionals.
Each student member receives electronic subscription to our monthly magazine - The Rochester Engineer!
Scholarships!
The Rochester Engineering Society administers several scholarships on behalf of our affiliate organizations. By becoming a collegiate member of the RES you will get timely information about how to apply for scholarships that you are eligible for!
Who is eligible to join the RES as a Collegiate Member?
Students who are currently enrolled in RIT Engineering are eligible for collegiate student membership in the Rochester Engineering Society. Students do not have to be from the Rochester area to apply for membership. In fact, membership in the RES is a great way to make local professional connections for students who are not originally from Rochester! International and domestic students are eligible for membership.
How do I join?
Simply fill out the membership form included in this issue of the magazine, and submit it to the RES office or the ME Department Office with your dues payment. Or, if you prefer, you can fill out your application on-line ( Student membership dues are only $30 per year. The Mechanical Engineering Department will subsidize $15 of the membership cost for your first year!

30. An Important Tip for MS Students…
Do not delay your selection of a thesis topic, preparation of thesis proposal, and starting your literature review and research. Most students who get in financial trouble during their Master’s degree did not heed this advice. After you get started on your thesis topic, KEEP WORKING, do not let the deadlines of classwork homework interfere with your self-imposed deadlines for making progress on your thesis.

31. Questions for Chinmay Patil
2nd year Graduate Student
Studying under Dr. Satish Kandlikar
Design and Manufacturing Concentration
Taking last course this semester
Currently working on Master’s Thesis
Development of artificial surfaces for enhancement of heat transfer
Expect to finish end of spring/mid-summer

32. Summary All set for Fall Semester
We’re pleased to have you here at RIT with us.
Remember to finalize schedule changes with Diane or Diedra in the M.E. Office
Questions?

33. R∙I∙T … The University of Choice

34. RIT Mechanical Engineering
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