COLA Connections Newsletter

From the Desk of the Dean

Welcome back! Once again, summer has flown by more quickly than we all imagined it would, and we are now preparing for a new academic year. And what an exciting year this will be!

As we enter the final year of calendar conversion, I am happy to say that Herculean efforts by our faculty and staff have allowed us to complete the conversion of our 17 degree programs and general education offerings. I want to use this opportunity to thank the many, many people who have helped get us this far. Although AY12-13 will surely be busy with advising and additional course conversion, we see the light at the end of the tunnel (and I assure you, it's not a train!).

I am also happy to welcome 17 new faculty members to the college this year. This is a phenomenal group of academics, representing a wide array of diverse backgrounds and interests, as well as innovative and important research and creative activities. We're very glad to have them as part of our COLA community!

In addition to new faculty, we are also welcoming our largest group of freshmen students into COLA degree programs. The college continues to grow as RIT becomes a place where liberal arts is valued and recognized as critically important part of RIT's future.

Lastly, I want to alert readers to the important Wildenhain Exhibit that opened in the Bevier Gallery and Dyer Arts Center in late August and runs until October 2nd. This newsletter features the exhibit and provides a profile of curator, Dr. Bruce Austin (Department of Communication). Dr. Austin has done a phenomenal job at putting together a world-class exhibit.

Once again, it is my pleasure to welcome everyone back for what should be an exciting, productive and successful academic year!

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Student and Faculty Spotlights

		Faculty Spotlight: Bruce Austin For Bruce Austin, many of his academic ventures have originated from asking questions that he couldn't find a ready answer for... Read more...
		Student Spotlight: Meghan Castagno Some people stop at the first sign of adversity. For Meghan Castagno, it's the next opportunity to grow and develop as a student and professional. Read more...

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Feature Stories

		Student Advisory Board With the new academic year beginning, Alexander Van Hook is reaching out to the COLA community. Read more...
		Welcome Back Bash The College of Liberal Arts will kick off the academic year with the Welcome Back Bash on September 13 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Faculty Commons. Read more...