SUNY Chancellor John King made another stop in central New York this week while visiting Cayuga Community College in Auburn.
King visited the campus on Monday, marking his 25th stop on a 64-campus tour. King’s appointment as chancellor and tour of colleges came as community college enrollments are dwindling. King says now is the time to combat this by letting people know that SUNY has something for them.
“We have to make sure that every New York student knows that there is a space for them here at SUNY,” King said. “Might be at one of our two-year institutions, might be at one of our four-year institutions, might be at one of the university centers or graduate programs.”
In a new initiative, SUNY plans on partnering with school districts across the state to send personal letters to twelfth graders to inform them about community college opportunities. King says this is one way to make the enrollment process as personal as possible.
“We think it is important for students to get that personalized communication, to know that college is for them,” King said.
King said many students may not be aware of all the opportunities available to them through SUNY programs. The personalized letters could help bridge that gap.
“SUNY has this wide range of offerings,” King said. “I am not sure students and families always appreciate the breadth of opportunities at SUNY schools.”
After speaking with students at CCC, King noted how important affordability remains for students. King said that should be a focus point for SUNY communications.
“Students talked about, today, the affordability and the high quality of education they are getting without debt,” King said. “And that is an important message for us to get out.”
King reiterated that SUNY has a spot for anyone looking to further their education.
“There is someplace for everyone here, and a great value proposition,” King said.
