UTICA, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) will host College of Arts and Sciences (COAS) Week from March 23–27, 2026, a campus-wide celebration highlighting the achievements of students and faculty, partnerships with alumni and community organizations, and the collaborative research that drives innovation across disciplines.
Throughout the week, SUNY Poly’s College of Arts and Sciences will present a series of lectures, panels, workshops, and interactive experiences that showcase the impact of the college’s programs while connecting students with researchers, alumni, and community partners. The events reflect the college’s commitment to workforce development, interdisciplinary learning, and preparing the next generation of leaders and scholars.
“COAS Week is a celebration of the curiosity, creativity, and collaboration that define the College of Arts and Sciences at SUNY Poly,” said Dr. Babak Elahi, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “Our students and faculty are engaging with complex challenges—from advances in artificial intelligence and biomedical research to questions of accessibility, immigration, and community impact. These events highlight the ways in which the arts and sciences contribute directly to society whether that be building workforce for regional sustainability, conducting foundational research that drives innovation, or contributing to the arts.”
The week’s programming will bring together scholars, community leaders, students, and alumni to explore topics ranging from AI and machine learning to astrophysics, immigration research, biomedical science, and community engagement.
Exploring Ideas, Community, and Impact Several events during COAS Week emphasize the college’s commitment to community partnership, inclusive scholarship, and real-world impact, including:
• An Accessible Future (March 23, Noon-2 p.m., Gannett Gallery) Presented by COAS faculty Dr. Ana Jofre and Dr. Kristina Boylan, this talk at SUNY Poly’s Gannett Gallery examines how artists and emerging technologies can expand access to creative expression and envision a more inclusive future for the arts.
• Refugee Families and Career Choices (March 24, 10-11:30 a.m., Cayan Library Mele Room) Hosted by SUNY Poly’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Research Center, this panel led by Dr. Kathryn Stam and featuring alumni and current students, explores how refugee-background families navigate academic majors and career pathways, offering insight into the educational and social experiences shaping their decisions.
• From Partnership to Practice: How UCP and SUNY Poly Are Building Community Impact
(March 25, 2-3:30 p.m., Donovan Hall G152)
This panel discussion explores how SUNY Poly students and faculty collaborate with Upstate
Caring Partners (UCP) to create experiential learning opportunities that also address
community needs across the Mohawk Valley.
• Beyond Innovation: How Maintenance Sustains What We Value Most (March 26, 6-7:30
p.m., Student Center Multi-Purpose Room) As part of the SUNY Poly Spotlight Series, SUNY Poly Provost Dr. Andrew Russell will discuss how a “maintenance mindset” complements innovation by emphasizing the ongoing care and stewardship required to sustain communities, organizations, and technologies. Additional events throughout the week will highlight topics including biomedical research, microgreen farming, artificial intelligence, and student scholarship. All events are open to the public. Explore the full schedule of SUNY Poly College of Arts and Sciences Week Events
About SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly):
SUNY Polytechnic Institute, located in Utica, N.Y., is a vibrant and inclusive community where students, faculty, and staff are empowered through a forward-looking STEAM education and dynamic campus experience. Founded in 1966, SUNY Poly is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of impact, innovation, and service to the Mohawk Valley and beyond. As New York State’s premier public polytechnic, SUNY Poly fosters innovation and interdisciplinary learning across its four colleges—Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Health Sciences—preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Guided by a bold vision for societal impact, SUNY Poly advances use-inspired research and transformative collaborations that drive economic development, technological progress, and humanitarian solutions—locally in the Mohawk Valley and globally across diverse communities. For more info, visit http://www.sunypoly.edu.
