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SUNY STUDENTS: Take Action on SUNY Funding

Level of Government: Governor

As a SUNY student, I am concerned about the impact of the of the General Fund cut of $148 million in state funding to the State University's state-operated campuses. I am alarmed about the magnitude of the cuts, and SUNY's practice of applying reductions on a proportionate basis to all programs and institutions – regardless of priority or relationship to its core mission. I urge you to review the University's plan for implementing these cuts.

As you know, SUNY was founded more than 60 years ago to help ensure that baccalaureate and graduate degree programs of quality would be available to every qualified student in New York State, regardless of ability to pay. That remains SUNY's core mission. However, years of underfunding – coupled with soaring demand for admission – have caused the number of full-time faculty to plummet and have eroded SUNY's mission. More cutbacks will surely force SUNY to deny admission to thousands of qualified applicants, and delay graduations for thousands of others. Education delayed is education denied. I am counting on you to ensure that SUNY lives up to its mission.

I believe the SUNY operating budget can protect academic and student services from further cutbacks, but only if SUNY management institutes a prioritized and detailed examination of every item of expense – and is committed to protecting SUNY's core academic mission.

Thank you for your continued commitment to SUNY.

Sincerely,

Your Name Here