1. Graduate Student Orientation August 17th, 2016 (10-12 pm)
Welcome to Mechanical Engineering
Kate Gleason College of Engineering
Rochester Institute of Technology
Dr. Agamemnon Crassidis
Graduate Director
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 ‘04
Sept ‘14
BS ME
350
689
BS / Aero
126 85
BS / Auto
132 38
BS/ Energy 24
BS / Bio 12
BS / PT 1
BS / MS 64 10
BS / MEng 6 82
BS / Dubai 26
UG Total
724
967
MS ME 34 14
MEng ME 69
BS/Masters 70 92
PhD
MEng / Dubai
GR Total
120
176
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
> Over 1100 Students total in Mech E
>176 Graduate and Dual Degree Students
> 151 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 Engineering
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. Risa Robinson, ME Department Head
Dr. Alan Nye, Assoc. D. H. For Outreach
Dr. Agamemnon Crassidis, G. D. & Research Methods
Dr. Michael Schrlau, Graduate Seminar
Ms. Jill Ehmann, Senior Staff Assistant
Ms. Diane Selleck, Student Records/Information Specialist/Dual-Degree Academic Advisor
Ms. Venessa Mitchell, Admin/Fin Services Coordinator
Dr. Ed Hensel, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, Director PhD in Engineering, Professor, PE
Ms. Sarah Burke, 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
Policy related to Incomplete “I” grades

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 2014, that degree must be completed by the end of the summer term of 2020.)

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 Application for Graduation is located in your SIS account in the dropdown menu under other academic.

14. Institute Policies GRADES (D05.0)
For each degree or diploma credit hour, the following number of quality points will be awarded based upon the grade received and will be calculated in the current term and cumulative grade point averages (GPA):
A grade of C- is considered a failing grade for a Graduate course and cannot be counted for Graduate degree requirements
Grade
Description
Quality Points A
Excellent 4 A-
3.67 B+
3.33 B
Above Average 3 B-
2.67 C+
2.33 C
Satisfactory 2 C-
1.67 D
Minimum Passing Grade 1 F
Failure

15. Institute Policies GRADES (D05.0) INCOMPLETE GRADES
Incomplete - When an instructor observes conditions beyond the control of a student such that the student is unable to complete course requirements in the given term or session, the instructor may assign an Incomplete notation (“I”) to a student. The instructor determines and advises the student of the due date, not to exceed two terms including summer session but excluding intersession, by which the student must complete course requirements. If the registrar has not received a "Change of Grade" form from the professor after two terms including summer session but excluding intersession, then the Incomplete becomes an "F" grade or a “U” grade if the “I” was associated with an “R” or “S” graded graduate course. An extension of time may be granted at the discretion of the instructor. Credit hours are not earned and the GPA is not affected until a permanent grade is assigned.
If there are extenuating circumstances which render an instructor unable to assign a grade or evaluate a student's work and assign a grade to replace an "Incomplete" notation, the head of the academic unit in which the course was taught will select an instructor to act in the place of the original instructor. After appropriate evaluation of the student's work, that instructor will assign a grade in place of the "Incomplete" notation.

16. 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-707 Engineering Analysis (Fall/Spring/Summer Semester)
MECE-709 Advanced Engineering Mathematics (Fall/Spring Semester)
Three Concentration Courses - 9 SCH credits
courses from an area including business, controls, mechanics-design/materials, manufacturing, thermo/fluids engineering, 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 (no more than 3 courses outside the ME department can be taken, at least 7 courses must be MECE-6xx or MECE-7xxx)
Graduate Co-op program is an option!

17. Master of Engineering Degree Capstone Requirement
4 Capstone/Culminating Element Options are Available
MECE-730 Design Project Leadership (reserved only for B.S./M.Eng. Students)
expectation is being a team leader in Multidisciplinary Senior Design
MECE-701 Research Methods (for students who considered the M.S. but decided to complete the M.Eng.)
only students who have a serious commitment about transitioning to the M.S. program will be allowed to register for Research Methods
MECE-792 Project with Paper (option for all M.Eng. and B.S./M.Eng. Students)
MECE-777 Graduate Internship (option for all M.Eng. and B.S./M.Eng. Students)
must complete at least 18 credits (6 courses) or graduate course work counting towards the M.Eng. degree to be eligible for Internship
must maintain a 3.0 CGPA or higher to be eligible for Internship
must complete Graduate Internship Form and be approved by the ME department and Internship industry supervisor to register for MECE-777

18. Master of Engineering Degree
Ideal Example for degree completion
Fall 2161
Spring 2165
Summer 2168
MECE-707 Eng. Analysis
MECE-709 Adv. Eng. Math
Graduate Coop
MECE-xxx Focus Course
MECE-xxx Grad Elective
MECE-795 Grad. Seminar
Fall 2171
Spring 2175
Summer 2178
Capstone
Begin Career!

19. 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.

20. Admission/Transition to the Master of Science Program
Develop a Thesis Proposal and Receive Approval
Not a thesis but rather a documented plan on how to complete the thesis
faculty advisor has been identified
thesis committee has been formed (body to approve thesis proposal)
thesis topic is identified and approved by the advisor (thesis topic must be unique)
literature review has been completed and well documented
thesis work plan has been fully developed and documented
Successfully orally defend the thesis proposal to the thesis committee
A Thesis Proposal template/guideline is available for use
Thesis proposals should be completed and approved at least one week prior to the start of the term for which thesis credit is to be registered for. You may not be allowed to register for thesis credits without a fully approved thesis proposal.
The GRE exam is required for admission to the Master of Science program. If you have not signed up for the GRE please do so ASAP. A minimum score of 302 combined for the new scale (or 1100 old scale) is required for admission/transition.

21. Admission/Transition to the Master of Science Program
Students who transition to the Master of Science program are expected to remain on campus fulltime until the degree requirements are completed.
Graduate co-op option may not be available to students who wish to complete the M.S. program.
Students should not accept full time employment until the degree requirements are completed. The thesis requirement should be completed prior to the start of a job. The potential employer must be informed the thesis completion plan.
Transition back to the Master of Engineering program is NOT guaranteed once transitioned into the Master of Science program.
If students are working on a funded they are expected to complete the work for the funded program.
Unfair to the Faculty advisor who has put time and effort into preparation of the thesis proposal and student prep work.

22. 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)
MECE-707 Engineering Analysis (Fall/Spring/Summer Semester)
MECE-709 Advanced Engineering Mathematics (Fall/Spring Semester)
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 (no more than 3 courses outside the ME department can be taken)
MS Students expected to publish their results as a conference or journal paper with their advisor

23. Master of Science Degree
Ideal Example for degree completion
Fall AY 2161
Spring AY 2165
Summer AY 2168
MECE-707 Eng. Analysis
MECE-709 Adv. Eng. Math
Summer Research
MECE-xxx Focus Course
Proposal Approved by Advisor
Independent Study Course with faculty member of interest
Proposal Approved By Thesis Committee
Thesis Proposal Started
Grad. Symposium
MECE-795 Grad. Seminar
GRA
Fall AY 2171
Spring AY 2175
Summer AY 2178
Thesis (3 SCH)
Defend Thesis
Begin Career!
MECE-xxx Grad Elective
MECE-795 Grad. Seminar
GRA

24. Thesis Presentation and Completion Deadlines
Academic Year
Fall Last day to distribute final draft to committee – Tuesday, November 22nd, 2016
Last day to post thesis announcement – Monday, November 28th, 2016
Last day for oral presentation of Thesis – Friday, December 2nd, 2016
Last day for copies to the library, Friday – December 16th, 2016
Spring Last day to distribute final draft to committee – Friday, April 28th, 2017
Last day to post thesis announcements – Monday, May 1st, 2017
Last day for oral presentation of Thesis – Friday, May 5th, 2017
Last day for copies to the library, Friday – May 19th, 2017
Summer Last day to distribute final draft to committee – Friday, July 21st, 2017
Last day to post thesis announcement – Monday, July 24th, 2017
Last day for oral presentation of Thesis – Friday, July 28th, 2017
Last day for copies to the library, Friday – August 11th, 2017
Students completing their thesis after these dates will be considered for degree certification in the next academic semester.
** Upon completion of the thesis, students must submit a PDF version of the their thesis that is an exact copy of the final print (excluding handwritten signatures) to ProQuest: (
Failure to comply will result in a delay for degree award and certification.

25. First Semester Choices (Examples)
Everyone fulltime or fulltime equivalent student is required to take
MECE-795 Graduate Seminar each term (0 cr)
Automotive Systems Focus
Business Focus
Controls Focus
Manufacturing Focus
MECE-707 Engineering Analysis
MECE-623 Powertrain Sys & Design
ACCT- 603 Accounting for Decision Makers
MECE-643 Classical Controls
ISEE-741 3D Printing
MECE-739 Alternate Fuels Energy Efficiency
MGMT-740 Orgnztnl Behavior & Leadership
MECE-658 Intro Engineering Vibrations
ISEE-626 Contemporary Production Sys
ACCT-706 Cost Management
EEEE-602 Random Signals and Noise
ISEE-789 Special Topics(Computer Aided Design & Manufacture)
Please take 3 courses per semester until you identify a thesis!

26. First Semester Choices (Examples)
Everyone fulltime or fulltime equivalent student is required to take
MECE-795 Graduate Seminar each term (0 cr)
Mechanics-Design/Materials Focus
Product Development Focus
Sustainability Focus
Thermo/Fluids Focus
MECE-707 Engineering Analysis
MECE-785 Mechanics of Solids
ISEE-771 Engineering of Systems I
MECE-629 Renewable Energy System
MECE-731 Computational Fluid Dynamics
MECE-605 Finite Elements
ISEE-750 Systems and Project Management
ISEE-787 Design for the Environment
MECE-795 Graduate Special Topics (B&C)
MECE-644 Intro Composite Materials
ISEE-781 Excellence in New Product Development
ISEE-785 Fundamentals of Sustain Eng
MECE-629 Renewable Energy Systems
Please take 3 courses per semester until you identify a thesis!

27. First Semester Choices (Examples)
Everyone fulltime or fulltime equivalent student is required to take
MECE-795 Graduate Seminar each term (0 cr)
Vibrations Focus
MECE-707 Engineering Analysis
MECE-658 Intro Engineering Vibrations
MECE-643 Classical Controls
EEEE-602 Random Signals and Noise
Please take 3 courses per semester until you identify a thesis!

28. Graduate Seminar Series
Attend the weekly graduate seminars is required of all full time and FTE graduate students every semester you are enrolled as a full time or FTE student, no exceptions!
Online course is available with course conflict – permission is required to register
Thursdays at 12:30 pm, Room BOO 1350
MECE-795 (0 credits)
Dr. Schrlau 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

29. 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!

30. 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.

31. 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 C-, D & 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.
Extension of scholarship requires CGPA of at least 3.5

32. 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 3 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 9 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!

33. 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 GRA and may include additional tuition remission benefit
Recent Professor/Student publications can be seen in the display case next to the M.E. PC Lab, Room GLE

34. Graduate Co-op Opportunities
Graduate co-operative (co-op) education is available but not required (0 credit, no financial cost).
Provides an avenue for gaining full-time employment in the US.
Cannot be considered for co-op until two full-time graduate terms have been completed (6 courses completed) and maintain a graduate CGPA>3.0.
Must include a program plan to complete the graduate degree.
Help is available in finding a graduate co-op:
Sarah Burke: (585)
RIT Co-op Website:

35. 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.

36. 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

37. 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!

38. 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. Recent Professor/Student publications can be seen in the display case next to the M.E. PC Lab, Room GLE

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

40. R∙I∙T … The University of Choice

41. RIT Mechanical Engineering
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