Students Begin a New Chapter in Their Academic Journey at SUNY Canton
A new degree program and expanded enrollment partnerships drive the new academic year forward.
Canton, NY (08/22/2025) — Warm weather and blue skies welcomed SUNY Canton students as they began the first week of the fall 2025 semester.
New students and student-athletes began moving on campus on Monday, August 18. Returning students moved back into their homes-away-from-home on Wednesday, August 20. Classes began on Thursday, August 21, both on campus and online.
"It's always exciting to begin a new semester and welcome our first-time and returning students to the campus," said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. "There's a lot going on, with a new degree program in Data Science and Analytics, brand new and upgraded facilities, and an ever-expanding range of community partnerships. All of this illustrates the college's commitment to providing our students with even more opportunities for success, on campus, online and through internships."
Approximately 2,800 students are enrolled at the college, including about 1,000 new students. About half of the students take courses online, with the other half opting for face-to-face instruction.
In addition to students, the college welcomes more than 40 new employees. Approximately half of the new hires are beginning faculty positions in SUNY Canton's three schools.
"We are delighted to welcome a talented group of new faculty members to SUNY Canton this fall," said SUNY Canton Provost Peggy A. De Cooke. "Their expertise and energy will enhance our academic programs and help us continue to deliver an exceptional learning experience for our students."
Some students opted to come to campus with a four-legged friend. According to the college's Residence Life staff, there are more than 50 cats and 10 other small animals living in Mohawk Hall. There are also 11 dogs living either on Rushton Hall's dog floor or other residence hall buildings.
"It's not uncommon to see students walking their dogs across campus," said SUNY Canton Director of Residence Life John M. Kennedy. "The pets provide emotional support for more than just their owners."
The academic year brings several exciting updates to campus. A new four-year degree in Data Science and Analytics began this semester. The program blends mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence, computer science, and analytics. It is a direct extension of the college's highly successful Cybersecurity program.
SUNY Canton has a new partnership with St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES. A dozen juniors and nine seniors from the Seaway Tech Computer & Information Sciences Career and Technical Education program will now be spending part of their week on campus. This new partnership allows the BOCES students to enroll in a college-level course, participate in hands-on research through the Advanced Information Security & Privacy Lab, and explore college life.
Through both dual enrollment and college-level coursework, students enrolled in the computer and information services program at BOCES will earn 12-15 SUNY Canton credits that can be applied toward Cybersecurity, Data Science, or any other degree offered at the college.
"This is a first-of-its-kind collaboration for the North Country," said Executive Director of Workforce Community & Industry Partnerships Elizabeth A. Brown. "The long-term goal is to expand these pathway partnerships between St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES and SUNY Canton, providing students with a seamless transition to college."
The campus community is benefiting from improved campus facilities, including two newly constructed covered staircases connecting the residence halls to the academic buildings. The project enhances both accessibility and safety while providing convenient routes to classes and activities.
Construction is continuing on the Roselle Academic Plaza, where crews are updating the central hub of campus with new pavers, lighting, and seating areas. The front entrances to the Roos House Convocation, Athletic, and Recreation Center are also undergoing renovations.
Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college's career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 25 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.
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SUNY Canton student-athletes Maddie Armstrong of Lisbon and Markel Mosley of Plattsburgh walk up one of the college’s two new covered stairways.
Early Childhood Lecturer Kayla M. Merchant teaches a class in SUNY Canton’s Cook Hall.
Students walk between classes near SUNY Canton’s Nevaldine Hall building.
SUNY Canton Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology major Ciara McDougal of Gouverneur surveys elevation during a lab session.
SUNY Canton’s Roselle Academic Plaza is undergoing extensive renovations.