College of Liberal Arts News

WHEC-TV highlights RIT students participating in Rochester’s fourth annual Italian Heritage Day, where they led language lessons and connected with the local Italian American community through food, culture and conversation.

Hinda Mandell, professor of journalism, appeared on Notre Dame's Designed for Learning podcast to discuss using crochet and other hands-on activities to engage students, support learning, and draw their attention away from digital spaces.

Technical Theatre Pathways, a new course offered by RIT’s School of Performing Arts, gives students a full picture of the varied behind-the-scenes roles that help bring a stage performance to life.

Rochester Business Journal highlights RIT School of Communication lecturer Julio Sáenz, WXXI’s chief content officer, who was named the 2026 Hispanic Business Person of the Year by the Rochester Hispanic Business Association.

Rochester Beacon speaks with Amit Batabyal, the Arthur J. Gosnell Professor of Economics and interim director of the Golisano Institute for Sustainability, about concerns over new federal visa rules and their potential impact on international students, university programs, and recruitment.

Tech Policy Press features an essay by RIT professors Evan Selinger, professor of philosophy, and Divya Ramjee, assistant professor of criminal justice, examining why growing public opposition to Flock surveillance cameras and AI data centers may reflect concerns about privacy, autonomy, and the increasing visibility of technology’s impacts.

WHEC-TV highlights Janet Lomax-Smith, Journalist in Residence in the College of Liberal Arts and retired News10NBC anchor, as she receives a lifetime achievement award from the Rochester Association of Black Journalists for her decades of impact in journalism.

Rochester Business Journal features an essay by Amit Batabyal, the Arthur J. Gosnell Professor of Economics and interim director of the Golisano Institute for Sustainability, examining research suggesting that test-optional college admissions may disadvantage high-achieving students from less-advantaged backgrounds.

The Conversation features an essay co-authored by Mattia Caldarulo, assistant professor of public policy, examining how greater broadband adoption can reduce time spent waiting for services, particularly for women, while highlighting disparities in those benefits for low-income Americans.

Looking forward to the year ahead and the crucial role our college will play in helping students ready for AI in the real world.

The widespread adoption of AI systems and tools has undeniably altered human life and the workforce, but RIT is making sure students are confidently prepared to navigate these changes.