The rapid pace of technological advancements and their ripple effects are forcing all of us to confront complex issues around governance, ethics, and societal impact. Unfortunately, in some areas of politics and as reported by the media, the value of liberal arts education has been under attack.

However, as I’ve noted before, it’s precisely during quickly changing times like these that a foundation in liberal arts becomes more important than ever. Critical thinking, effective communication, collaboration, and ethics are essential tools for navigating the complexities brought about by emerging technologies. Take AI as a prime example. It's revolutionizing our world, but it also demands careful examination by educated minds about its potential impacts, uses, benefits, and risks.

As Goldman's George Lee recently stated in a Bloomberg Television interview, “The usage of AI will pave the way for the ‘revenge of the liberal arts.’” He emphasized that “some of the skills that are really salient to cooperate with this new form of intelligence in the world are critical thinking, understanding logic and rhetoric, the ability to be creative.” He further explained, “It will allow non-technical people to accomplish a lot more—and, by the way, begin to perform what were formerly believed to be technical tasks.” 

Therefore, investing in liberal arts education is not just about preserving knowledge, it’s about equipping students with the critical competencies necessary to thoughtfully shape the future. 

President Bill Sanders' comments at his inauguration and State of the University address demonstrates his and RIT's commitment to leading the way in this changing world while championing the enduring value of a liberal arts education. As Sanders noted, RIT will leverage "strategic actions," "community values," and "collective wisdom" to "re-invent the future" and proactively navigate uncertainty. 

Again, we will face many challenges this year, but I’m optimistic we can meet those challenges with reasoned discourse, rigorous analysis informed by data and evidence, and a careful ethical consideration of our actions and the path forward.

 
— Kelly Norris Martin, Ph.D., Dean of the RIT College of Liberal Arts 

Flash forward fifty years, and what will it take for our workforce, our communities, or our societies to thrive? While none of us has a magic crystal ball, the new Global Futures undergraduate degree program developed by the RIT College of Liberal Arts aims to equip grads with the mindset, tools, and skills to anticipate and envision a pathway for future flourishing.

Read more >

With more than 3,000 students participating in the performing arts at RIT, including a record 601 new Performing Arts Scholars and more than 50 performing arts-focused student clubs, there's a wide range of innovative and inspiring instrumental, vocal, theatrical, and dance performances to enjoy this year.

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"The Erie Canal and Ecological Change" was the topic for the tour led by Christine Keiner, Chair of the RIT Department of Science, Technology, and Society, and Associate Professor of History Michael Brown presented "The Strategic and Military Implications of the Erie Canal." 

The excursions were offered as part of Corn Hill Navigations’ “Unlocking the Past: Navigating the Erie Canal’s First 200 Years” speaker series that explores the values, customs, ideas, and creativity sparked by the Erie Canal and its impact on upstate NY, our nation, and beyond.

Photos provided by Tamar Carroll, Kelly Martin, and Nathaniel Bartsch.

Study abroad can be a transformative experience that pushes students outside of their comfort zones, and strengthens problem solving, communication, cultural awareness, and more. Plus, according to a recent U.S. News and World Report article, by building many of the foundational skills employers seek, it can boost career prospects. With travel dates over winter break, spring break, and summer, COLA Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs offer a fascinating range of options. Application deadlines are approaching. Most have October 19 deadlines.

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At RIT, research can pave the way for positive change. One example is double major (Sociology/Anthropology and International and Global Studies) Evangelina Mack’s summer research work, which investigated how systemic discrimination may lead to early deterioration of health.

Read more about research at COLA >

English and film and animation double major Marica Joseph joined members of 600 Black Women this summer for a hands-on workshop and mentoring connection. Based in Brooklyn and founded by RIT alumni Chris Wairegi ’14, the organization is a collective of motion picture filmmakers, still photographers, and publicists in the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 600 guild who are dedicated to building a more inclusive and representative television and film industry. Freshly inspired and newly connected with supportive mentors, Marica reports that the experience has bolstered her confidence in networking with industry professionals, which will serve her well this fall as she participates in the RIT in LA study away program.

Read more > 

On a warm Saturday last November, Paige McKenna went surfing at Venice Beach with Jeff Ho, founder of the Z-Boys and a surfing and skateboarding legend. Earlier that week, she was at Shepard Fairey’s studio documenting new artwork featuring another skateboarding icon, Greyson Fletcher. McKenna, an avid skater aiming for a career in action sports marketing, said these opportunities came from her internship at Juice Magazine. “Making connections with all these legends was so fulfilling,” said McKenna, a fourth-year humanities, computing, and design major from Webster, N.Y. “It felt like a great way to jump into the industry.” There are few places better than LA to get career exposure in the entertainment industry.

Read more > 

“The part of psychology that first drew me in was the idea of using research to understand why and how people make the choices they do. But I also believe that we can use data to improve our communities by empowering vulnerable populations," said psychology student Sayyada Khaki. At this summer's Undergraduate Research Symposium, she presented a poster overviewing her research on maternal health that she completed with her faculty mentor Associate Professor Stephanie Godleski. 

Read more > 

Sugar rush and smiles with President Sanders during Donuts with the Dean at the start of the semester! New and familiar faces mixed and mingled for our first of many Donuts with the Dean events planned for this semester.

Go to the COLA events calendar to see when's next >

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies with a double major in Mechanical Engineering - Aerospace Option (BS/MS).

Vehicle Dynamics Lead of Hot Wheelz, RIT Solar Racing

Former Mentor and Leadership Board Member of WE@RIT

Shameless brag:  This summer, I was an astrophysics research intern at the Carnegie Science Earth and Planets Laboratory in Washington, DC. I created Python simulations using novel ADP opacity input methods to model circumstellar debris disks, and I will present my research at the AAS (American Astronomical Society) conference this winter!

Three foods I can’t live without: Guacamole, hummus, and strawberry shortcake!

A goal or dream I’m working towards: I dream of pursuing a PhD in physics so I can conduct research and create new products. My goal is to always keep in mind the people who may be impacted by my creations, especially those underrepresented in the fields of physics and engineering!

Advice for a younger me: Always go for it! You never know what may come from putting yourself out there.

On your perfect day off, I’m most likely to be found: Rock climbing, then going out for a BBQ with friends and family.

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Human-Centered. Tech-Forward.
Contemporary Liberal Arts for a Complex Digital Age. 

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