New York City Council
Committee on Higher Education
Feb 27, 2024
·
01:00 PM
2 hr 14 min
Summary
A hearing on streamlined college acceptance for New York City Public High School graduates, focusing on collaborations between CUNY and NYC Public Schools to enhance students’ path to college. The discussion included an automatic acceptance program for high achievers, simplified application processes, and the use of AI and personalized letters to inform students about post-secondary opportunities. Features testimony from CUNY, NYC Public Schools, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Eric Dinowitz opens joint hearing on streamlined college acceptance for NYC Public High School graduates
Council Member Eric Dinowitz, chair of the committee on higher education, initiates a joint hearing with the committee on education to discuss streamlined college acceptance for New York City Public …
0:00:47
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3 min
Council Member Rita Joseph Opens Joint Hearing on College Education and the CUNY Automatic Acceptance Program
Council Member Rita Joseph chairs a joint hearing on college education and the significance of the CUNY automatic acceptance program. - Joseph stresses the critical relationship between New York City …
0:04:36
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119 sec
Phong Yang on the Launch and Impact of Fresno State University's Bulldog Bound Program
Phong Yang discusses Fresno State University's Bulldog Bound, a program offering direct admissions from high schools, emphasizing its partnership model and early impacts. - The Bulldog Bound program facilitates a …
0:07:40
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5 min
What factors led to the creation of Fresno State's program, and why does it start at 9th grade?
Fresno State creates a tailored pathway for students primarily because it's the only accessible four-year public university within a 120-mile radius, serving mostly first-generation students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. - …
0:13:26
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119 sec
How has Bulldog Bound impacted Fresno State University's enrollment?
Preliminary data shows an uptick in Fresno State University's enrollment following the implementation of Bulldog Bound. - Almost 1,800 applicants are part of the Bulldog Bound program. - Applications for …
0:15:25
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86 sec
What is the most significant lesson learned from implementing Fresno State University's program?
Fresno State University identifies the importance of raising awareness and ensuring collaboration with school districts as the key lesson from implementing its program. - Gaining support from school district leadership …
0:16:52
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76 sec
How does Fresno State University collaborate with high schools for data sharing?
Fresno State University collaborates with high schools by sharing data through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), involving the California College Guidance Initiative. - The MOU includes a data sharing component …
0:18:11
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53 sec
Reine Sarmiento, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management, City University of New York (CUNY), on Initiatives Enhancing Access and Opportunity for NYC Public School Graduates
Reine Sarmiento discusses CUNY's efforts to improve higher education access for NYC public school graduates, emphasizing the success of initiatives like the 'Apply for Free' campaign and Governor Hochul's top …
0:19:52
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7 min
Kristen Harris on Enhancing College and Career Pathways for NYC Public School Students
Kristen Harris discusses efforts to enhance college and career pathways for NYC public school students, emphasizing the partnership with CUNY. - The Office of Student Pathways, established in 2022, aims …
0:27:48
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15 min
What are the details and goals of the personalized letter initiative for students?
New York City Public Schools and the City University of New York (CUNY) officials explain the personalized letter initiative aimed at students' academic achievements and potential college pathways. - The …
0:43:27
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7 min
What are the admissions policies for CUNY's 2-year colleges for students with GPAs below 69, and how does it differ for those with GPAs of 70 or above?
Students with a GPA of 69 or below are guaranteed admission into one of seven City University of New York (CUNY) 2-year colleges, while those with a GPA of 70 …
0:50:51
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6 min
What programs help NYC Public School students with the college application and acceptance process?
New York City Public Schools implements programs aiding students in the college application and acceptance process, including personalized advising and diverse support systems. - The city has adopted policies for …
0:57:25
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3 min
How does NYC Public Schools support non-English speaking parents in their child's educational journey?
NYC Public Schools recognizes the challenges non-English speaking parents face and offers resources like multilingual glossaries and culturally responsive training to support their involvement in their child's education. - Provides …
1:01:25
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130 sec
What is the student to advisor ratio in New York City public schools?
The citywide student to advisor ratio in New York City public schools is 1 advisor to 272 students for grades K-12, and 1 to 190 for schools with high school …
1:04:01
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116 sec
How are New York City public schools and the City University of New York (CUNY) supporting students with the FAFSA process?
New York City Public Schools and the City University of New York (CUNY) detail their efforts to support students navigating the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process amidst …
1:05:57
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4 min
How is community engagement implemented for the new streamlined program?
Community engagement for the new streamlined program relies on widespread communication through partners and various platforms. - The Pathways advising coalition, including partners like Goddard Riverside Options and Make the …
1:10:09
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130 sec
What was New York City Public Schools' involvement in creating the CUNY Streamlining Acceptance Program?
New York City Public Schools collaborated with Arcini Partners throughout the process of creating the CUNY Streamlining Acceptance Program, focusing on accessibility, communication, and student engagement. - Collaboration was ongoing …
1:12:31
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3 min
What is the initial feedback from students about the college application program?
Initial feedback from students who have been accepted into the college application program is very positive, highlighting a sense of affirmation and motivation. - The application process is ongoing, with …
1:15:46
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80 sec
Are there workshops for parents to learn about the FAFSA process, and can parents participate without using Zoom?
New York City Public Schools facilitate resources and community events for parents to learn about the FAFSA process, including in-person options. - Schools and districts are equipped with up-to-date FAFSA …
1:17:25
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70 sec
Were school advisors and principals notified of the program and informed about letters going out to students?
Senior Executive Director Melanie Mac explains that school advisors and principals were systematically informed about the program and the sending of letters to students. - The initiative's details were first …
1:19:10
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55 sec
Is there a model being created to create pathways for high school freshmen, similar to Fresno's, in NYC public schools?
The NYC Public Schools aim to ensure students receive the right message at critical transitions, similar to Fresno's model, but with a broader communication strategy. - Initiatives start with the …
1:20:07
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127 sec
What are the completion rates for New York City public school graduates at CUNY, and is there data on SUNY letter offers?
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the completion rates of New York City public school students who enroll in CUNY and the collection of data on SUNY letter offers. - …
1:23:04
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4 min
How does an acceptance letter look for early college program students, and what data is there on transfer students?
Council Member Rita Joseph raises questions about the early college program's acceptance letter and seeks data on transfer students' experiences. - For the 2023 academic year, the welcome letter varied …
1:27:11
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82 sec
Did District 75 and charter schools receive the letter? Who is excluded?
Students in District 75 with standard assessments received a specific letter, while those with alternate assessments and charter schools did not. - Students in District 75 operating under standard assessments …
1:28:35
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115 sec
What is the basis for differentiation in school admissions, and how does it ensure student inclusivity?
The basis for differentiation in school admissions is GPA, chosen for its inclusivity and to prevent unintentional barriers for students. - The decision to use GPA as the criterion for …
1:30:30
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59 sec
How is personalized communication being developed for students with intellectual disabilities?
The aspiration is to develop personalized letters for students with intellectual disabilities as part of a broad support system. - Personalized letters are intended to inform students with intellectual disabilities …
1:31:30
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112 sec
How have Department of Education (DOE) budget cuts impacted student guidance for college, and what role do discretionary funds play?
The Department of Education (DOE) budget cuts have not impacted the discretionary funding for college and career programs, nor the comprehensive college and career planning programs, although the reduction of …
1:33:22
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3 min
Will new initiatives be included in the annual surveys for NYC Public School seniors and faculty?
NYC Public Schools administers annual surveys to seniors and faculty, incorporating new initiatives like the SUNY and CUNY welcome letter. - Annual senior surveys include questions on new programmatic initiatives, …
1:36:47
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4 min
How are Officials Reacting to the SUNY 4-Year Program Admission for Top 10% Students, and How Will They Identify These Students?
Officials express enthusiasm about Governor Hochul's plan for the top 10% of New York City public high school students' admission to the State University of New York (SUNY) four-year programs …
1:41:09
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5 min
How are budget cuts affecting the City University of New York (CUNY) and its student services?
The City University of New York (CUNY) is using strategic funds to mitigate budget cuts, focusing on maintaining student services and infrastructure. - Strategic funds are allocated to colleges for …
1:46:31
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116 sec
How many City University of New York (CUNY) campuses are ADA accessible?
The Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management at CUNY is unable to immediately specify how many campuses are ADA accessible but commits to providing an answer. - Council Member Rita Joseph …
1:48:30
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58 sec
Is the City University of New York (CUNY) in more competition with the State University of New York (SUNY) now?
Vice Chancellor Reine Sarmiento of CUNY views SUNY not as a competitor but as a critical ally in ensuring students have access to higher education. - Council Member Eric Dinowitz …
1:49:38
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53 sec
How is CUNY addressing the rapid development of AI, and how do public schools plan to integrate AI education?
CUNY and NYC Public Schools discuss investments and initiatives to keep up with rapid AI development and integrate AI education. - CUNY invests $75 million in AI education, aiming to …
1:50:40
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5 min
What are the recruitment strategies for City University of New York (CUNY), and is there a partnership with District 79?
City University of New York's recruitment strategy evolves from focusing on former CUNY students to targeting all interested individuals, and highlights a partnership with non-profits. Transportation costs are identified as …
1:56:18
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113 sec
Christopher Leon Johnson on Streamlining CUNY's Admissions for Transparency, Affordability, and Fairness
Christopher Leon Johnson discusses his suggestions for improving the City University of New York (CUNY) admissions process, emphasizing the importance of transparency, fee elimination, affordability of textbooks, and fairness in …
2:00:27
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147 sec
Lorraine Cohen on the Impact of Budget Cuts and Administrative Decisions on Public Higher Education and Student Placement
Lorraine Cohen critiques the budget cuts to community colleges and the implementation of a placement algorithm that adversely affects student placement and preparation. - Cohen, a retired professor from LaGuardia …
2:03:40
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4 min
Paullette Healy, Disability Advocate and Community Organizer, on Enhancing Accessibility and Support in Public Education for Students with Disabilities
Paullette Healy discusses the need for improved accessibility and support systems for students with disabilities in the public education system. - Highlights the inadequate building accessibility and lack of self-advocacy …
2:08:34
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3 min
