SUNY Canton puts $2.7M in funding to work

CANTON, N.Y. (WWTI) – With investments from New York State, the State University of New York and an increased full-time enrollment SUNY Canton can pursue more innovative initiatives.

The college received over $2.7 million in total:

• Over $1 million increase in operational funding from the State;
• Nearly $1 million from the SUNY Transformation Fund; and
• An additional investment of over $720,000 designated for specific projects.

“ Substantial funding increases and additional allocations help us continue our college mission of providing an affordable and accessible education that engages students where they are, ” SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran said. “ Combined with a modest uptick in spring enrollment, the new funding serves as an investment in the continuing success of SUNY Canton. ”

Total spring enrollment is 2,758 students, which includes an increase of over 40 full-time students when compared to last spring.

According to Shawn K. Miller, the college’s Vice President for Administration and CFO, the $1 million in State funding will be used for institutional expenses or fixed costs, including:

• Salaries for existing employees;
• New hires; and
• For the continuing student support efforts.

“ Historically, SUNY Canton budgets very conservatively for the fiscal year ,” Miller said. “ By continuing this strategy, we are in a solid position to pursue new and innovative revenue sources while maintaining our high-quality educational offerings. We are also able to invest heavily to support the success of our students .”

SUNY’s Transformation Fund provided about $940,000. Most of the allocation is being used for the Advancing Completion through Engagement Program , which is operating at projected capacity. ACE provides qualifying students with additional advising, extra support services and scholarship funding, in addition to money for textbooks, groceries and transportation while attending college.

Part of the Transformation Fund money will also support workforce development and the college’s microcredential programs . Microcredentials serve as targeted learning pathways, allowing students to acquire specific skills aligned with the needs of employers. Microcredentials are available for both traditional degree and non-degree-seeking students.

The Transformation Fund will also be used to support the summer Jump Start program , which increases access to students who may be underprepared for college.

Other SUNY and State funding was designated for specific projects, including:

• $250,000 for mental health support , allowing the college’s Counseling Center to hire more staff and expand programming;
• $250,000 to support students with disabilities ;
• $193,000 for the college’s internship programs , allowing for more on-campus internships and stipends for off-campus positions; and
• $33,400 to combat food insecurity among students . The funding will be used to support the college’s Renzi Food Pantry .

“ SUNY Canton continues on an upward trajectory of success ,” said College Council Chair Ronald M. O’Neill. “ I’m inspired by the college’s ability to continually adapt to a changing academic landscape while maintaining its commitment to providing an affordable education that prepares students for careers in high-needs fields. The forward-thinking approach by the college’s faculty, staff and administration is the key to creating skilled and successful graduates .”

Additional information on all things SUNY Canton is available on the college’s website .

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