Outlining the vision for SUNY’s Future

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)—- In his State of the State University Address, State University of New York Chancellor, John King, said for the first time in more than a decade SUNY enrollment increased.

“Enrollment grew in every sector of the systems— doctoral granting institutions, to comprehensive campuses, to community colleges. And nowhere more, than in our colleges of technology,” explained King.

In the New York State budget, $275 million was allocated to create the Empire AI Consortium which will be located on the University of Buffalo’s campus. Another $1.29 billion was set aside for SUNY and CUNY capital projects and $409 million for SUNY and CUNY operations.

Fred Kowal, President of United University Professions, said despite record funding over the past two years, he’s concerned about how money is being allocated to campuses facing financial difficulty.

“In both years, the chancellor has put forward a plan where the resources are not going to those campuses that have suffered the most during those Cuomo years and that only exacerbate a budget crisis that’s hitting right now, 19 campuses,” Kowal said in a News 10 interview. “Those deficits need to be addressed, so that the whole system can grow to a better future.”

After his address, King was asked about struggling campuses. He said 5 schools have been identified with challenges as a result of losing 40% enrollment over the past decade.

“In 3 of those cases— Potsdam, Fredonia, and Buffalo State. They are all implementing financial stability plans to close those deficits. Now each of them have gotten double digit increases over the last two years, significant state resources but they have to tackle the mismatch between student enrollment and their staffing and programming,” said King.

To help make college more affordable, the state expanded eligibility for the tuition assistance program and raised the minimum award to $1,000.

SUNY is also helping students complete forms for federal student aid.

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