On-Campus Resources
Poly Pantry is a campus-based food pantry available to all students to help supplement basic needs. Poly Pantry is located in Kunsela Hall in the Wildcat Den, items that can be found in the pantry include: soup, vegetables, cereal, rice, snacks, and various hygiene items (subject to change). There are also various grab and go locations throughout the campus. Poly Pantry is supported by the SUNY Polytechnic Institute Foundation and is funded by donations from local businesses and faculty and staff.
For more information, visit the Poly Pantry webpage.
Care is a SUNY Polytechnic Resource Team that addresses challenging, disruptive, or harmful behavior and situations by providing helpful interventions that are aimed at community safety and student success.
Care exists to promote and maintain safety and health by identifying and assisting struggling students to become more connected to services. For more information, visit the Care Team webpage.
SUNY Poly contracts with Akademos powered by TextbookX to provide various options for textbook purchases. Students can log in to https://sunypoly.textbookx.com with their SitNet ID and password and access new, used, rental and digital textbook options based on course offerings. Please be aware that the physical campus store does not sell textbooks.
For more information, visit https://sunypoly.textbookx.com/institutional/index.php
The Cayan Library maintains a variety of textbooks on loan for students to reference. The library updates the list of available textbooks each semester and students are allowed to check out the book in 2-hour increments. For more information, visit the Cayan Library webpages.
In partnership with Akademos and the SUNY Poly Foundation, electronic vouchers are available to give assistance for textbook purchases. Students apply through the SUNY Poly Foundation. Vouchers are awarded on a case by case basis and preference is given to those students that have financial need. Students are notified of available assistance through their SUNY Poly email, each semester.
Laptops are available on a semester basis for eligible students that do not have a personal computer, while supplies last.
PLEASE NOTE: Students in academic programs that require specific specifications are encouraged to contact the financial aid office to inquire about an increase in their cost of attendance (which may result in additional loan availability) to accommodate the purchase of the required laptop.
Students may contact studentaffairs@sunypoly.edu for an application. If approved, students are notified to schedule a time to pick the laptop up.
The laptop comes preloaded with Windows and students are allowed to download software for educational purposes only. Students will be required to sign a Laptop Use Agreement upon pickup.
The Student Emergency Fund provides a one-time institutional grant for students to pay for urgent expenses triggered by unforeseen events that threaten their ability to stay in college. Funding is limited and awarded through committee review. The maximum one-time award is $1,000.
For more information, visit the Student Emergency Fund webpage.
Wildcat Dollars is an optional spending account administered through the student’s ID card. Funds can be added through excess financial aid funds, or through get.cbord.com/sunypoly. Family members can also deposit money to the card as a guest. Wildcat Dollars can be used on sunypoly.textbookx.com to purchase textbooks and other supplies, in the Wildcat Den, with all campus vending machines, and at campus food service locations and some local restaurants.
For more information, visit the Wildcat Dollars webpage.
Off-Campus Resources
Research has shown that if a student’s parents did not attend college, the student is half as likely to attend college as their peers. If that student grew up in poverty, their likelihood of attending college decreases even further. On Point for College is a local organization that works tirelessly to offer students a chance to overcome the odds and achieve a college education. On Point offers a full suite of higher education support services from application through admission, to graduation, and beyond.
For more information, visit onpointforcollege.org
Bargain Grocery – local grocery store dedicated to serving the community. The store offers fresh, healthy food at an exceptionally affordable price, creating food access and diverting food waste. For more information, visit https://www.bargaingrocery.com/
Johnson Park Center – (JPC) – At the JPC Food Pantry, they aim to meet the need of basic food supplies to prepare nutritious meals. Any person or family who is low-income can come to their Pantry. There is no referral or identification needed, and no residency requirement. The Food Pantry is located at 1402 West Street (adjacent to the JPC main building), and is open in the evenings to meet the needs of working families. During open hours, visitors can pick up a selection of nutritious staple foods. Each household may come twice per month, and more frequently if in a time of special need. For more information, visit www.johnsonparkcenter.org/nutrition/
New 2 U, Thrift Store – offers a variety of second-hand items with proceeds benefiting local youth bureau and Veteran’s Outreach Center. Located at 726 Washington St, Utica
The Bird’s Nest – offers a variety of household, furniture and personal items. Proceeds benefiting the Abraham House an organization that serves the needs of the terminally ill. Located at 1203 Kemble St, Utica
The Boutique on Main Street – offers gently used women’s clothing, home décor, gifts and accessories. They also buy gently used items for re-sale. Located at 105 Main St, Whitesboro, NY 13492
