The City University of New York has created a website that enables interested members of the public to e-mail legislators directly about the impact that budget cuts will have on The City University of New York and on its constituent campuses. I urge you to log on to www.supportcuny.org today and send a letter to New York State legislators in support of the budgetary needs of CUNY and its six community colleges.
We need your help to urge legislators to support the University’s request of $5 million ($125 per FTE in base aid) for its community colleges to hire more full-time faculty, enhance library support and student service areas such as counseling, child care, and services to students with disabilities.
Write to our lawmakers to support an increase for the College Discovery Program. This program is designed for students who need economic and academic support in order to compete successfully in college. There are currently over 2,000 students enrolled in the College Discovery Programs throughout CUNY and nearly 500 at BMCC.
In addition, please take the opportunity to remind Albany that the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is a critical safety net that allows financially disadvantaged students to attend the University. The University strongly recommends that any modifications to state financial aid programs be need-based in order to assist those students and families with the greatest hardship.
Please take immediate action on these issues.
Sincerely,
Antonio Pérez
