Consistent with SUNY policy, FIT will not inquire into criminal history in admissions applications. Instead, FIT asks about criminal history only when a student seeks to participate in a covered activity. After acceptance, FIT will ask whether a student has previously been convicted of a felony at the time the student seeks to participate in a covered activity. A student who discloses a prior felony conviction is not automatically barred from participation in a covered activity. The student will be required to disclose information regarding the felony convictions for review by a standing committee at FIT, consistent with the legal standards in the New York State Corrections Law. The committee may approve participation in covered activities with or without conditions or may deny participation in covered activities.
Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs. At FIT, some academic programs require the completion of an internship, but in some cases this requirement may be fulfilled by substitute academic work. Additionally, some graduate programs at FIT require international travel. Students who have questions or concerns about academic requirements are advised to contact the academic dean of their intended academic program. More information is available in FIT’s policy on Admission of Persons with Prior Felony Convictions.