SUNY facing a critical crossroads

(Page 2 of 2)
If SUNY’s state-operated campuses do not get increased state support, they may be forced to reduce programs and courses further. That would be bad, not only for students but also for local economies. Fewer programs will eventually lead to fewer students. Declines in student populations will decrease demand for housing in SUNY communities, and reduce the number of students patronizing local businesses.

SUNY needs more state support
The state must reinvest in SUNY to help it grow and continue to fulfill its mission of ensuring access to eligible students. We urge state lawmakers to amend the 2013-14 proposed budget and increase state support for SUNY’s state-operated campuses by $25 million. The state must make this investment to help SUNY keep the promise of making higher education accessible to all qualified students. It would also shift the balance of state support back to a more equitable share.

It is in all of our best interests to help the thousands of SUNY students and to protect the economic well-being of communities that house SUNY campuses.
I urge you to visit United University Professions’ website at www.uupuinfo.org. There, you can send letters to your state lawmakers asking them to amend the budget and add $25 million in state support for SUNY.

The writer is president of United University Professions, the union representing 35,000 faculty and professional staff at SUNY’s 29 state-operated campuses.

Page 2 / 2