Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
New York City Council
Committee on Higher Education
Mar 13, 2025
·
01:00 PM
2 hr 38 min
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Summary
A hearing on CUNY's fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget.
Discussions focused on the $85 million decrease in CUNY's budget compared to the previous year, the impact on key programs like CUNY Reconnect, ASAP, and ACE, and the need for capital improvements across campuses.
Features testimony from CUNY officials, including the Interim Executive Vice Chancellor and University Provost, Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer, and Senior Vice Chancellor for Budget and Finance, as well as student representatives and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Eric Dinowitz opens hearing on CUNY's fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget
Council Member Eric Dinowitz, chair of the committee on higher education, opens the hearing on CUNY's fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget. He outlines the key points to be discussed, including …
0:00:46
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3 min
Alicia Alvero's personal connection to CUNY
Alicia Alvero, the interim executive vice chancellor and university provost, shares her personal connection to CUNY. She recounts her journey from joining Queens College as a faculty member to her …
0:06:21
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32 sec
CUNY's substantial economic impact on New York City and State
CUNY graduates significantly contribute to New York City's economy and workforce. The speaker highlights the economic benefits of investing in CUNY education. - Over 80% of CUNY's 50,000 annual graduates …
0:06:54
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57 sec
CUNY Transfer Initiative improvements
The CUNY Transfer Initiative has made significant improvements to the transfer process for students moving from community colleges to four-year programs. These changes aim to streamline the transition and save …
0:07:52
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52 sec
Strengthening career pathways and employer partnerships
CUNY has made significant strides in strengthening career pathways for students and partnering with employers to address workforce needs for the city and state. These efforts aim to enhance students' …
0:08:45
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43 sec
Expansion of healthcare education programs
CUNY has expanded its healthcare education programs to meet growing workforce needs and provide more opportunities for students in the healthcare field. These expansions cover various areas of healthcare education. …
0:09:28
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38 sec
Launch of CUNY Beyond career success program
CUNY is preparing to launch CUNY Beyond, a comprehensive career success program that will connect classrooms to careers throughout students' academic journeys. This initiative makes CUNY the first system in …
0:10:07
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39 sec
Success of the CUNY Reconnect initiative for adult learners
The CUNY Reconnect initiative, introduced by Speaker Adams, has become a transformative force in expanding educational access for adult learners seeking to return to college. The program removes barriers to …
0:10:46
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54 sec
Achievements and expansion of the ASAP program
CUNY's pioneering Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) has seen significant growth and continues to demonstrate strong outcomes. The program is expanding its reach and inspiring similar initiatives in other …
0:11:41
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50 sec
Outcomes and benefits of the ACE program
The Accelerate, Complete, Engage (ACE) program, a sister program to ASAP, continues to demonstrate strong outcomes for CUNY students. The program shows significant benefits in terms of graduation rates and …
0:12:31
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50 sec
CUNY's national recognition and rankings
CUNY continues to receive national recognition for its role in providing educational opportunity and social mobility. The university's campuses have dominated national rankings of colleges that deliver the best return …
0:13:22
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31 sec
CUNY's research achievements and funding growth
CUNY has seen remarkable growth in its research efforts, with increased funding and recognition for its research activities. The university's commitment to advancing inquiry and discovery in the public interest …
0:13:53
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79 sec
Implementation of CUNY Accommodate disability management system
CUNY is implementing CUNY Accommodate, a new disability management system, in spring 2025. This platform aims to streamline the management of requests for accommodations and services provided by disability services …
0:15:16
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37 sec
Support programs for underrepresented students
CUNY is committed to supporting underrepresented students through targeted academic assistance programs. These initiatives aim to increase enrollment, retention, and graduation rates among these student populations. - The Black Male …
0:15:54
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24 sec
Childcare centers and food access programs for CUNY students
CUNY provides crucial support services for students, including childcare centers and food access programs. These initiatives aim to address basic needs and enable students to focus on their studies. - …
0:16:19
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31 sec
Mental health services and support for student veterans
CUNY prioritizes addressing the mental health needs of its student body and provides dedicated support for student veterans. These services aim to ensure the well-being and success of all students. …
0:16:51
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21 sec
CUNY's partnerships with New York City public schools
CUNY continues to strengthen its partnerships with New York City public schools through various initiatives. These programs aim to support high school students in their post-secondary planning and preparation. - …
0:17:12
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32 sec
Factors contributing to CUNY's structural deficit
Batista outlines the key factors that have contributed to CUNY's structural deficit, providing context for the university's financial challenges. He emphasizes that addressing this deficit has been a top priority …
0:18:33
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122 sec
Progress on financial stabilization efforts
Batista reports on the significant progress made in reducing CUNY's structural deficit through various measures and factors. He highlights the substantial reduction achieved over the past few years. - Nearly …
0:20:36
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33 sec
Enrollment trends and revenue impact
Batista presents recent enrollment data and explains its positive impact on CUNY's revenue. He also acknowledges the uncertainties that still exist in the budget cycle. - 2% enrollment growth this …
0:21:10
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38 sec
Efficiency initiatives and shared services
Batista outlines various system-wide shared service initiatives that CUNY is implementing to improve efficiency and reduce costs. These initiatives are part of CUNY's strategy to address its financial challenges. - …
0:21:48
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43 sec
Preliminary budget impact and collective bargaining agreements
Batista discusses the impact of the preliminary budget on CUNY's operating budget, focusing on recent collective bargaining agreements and their funding. He expresses gratitude for the administration's support in funding …
0:22:31
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56 sec
Program to Eliminate the Gap (PEG) and its effects
Batista explains the significant impact of the Program to Eliminate the Gap (PEG) on CUNY's budget, particularly for community colleges. He emphasizes the importance of restoring these funds to maintain …
0:23:29
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67 sec
Budget priorities and restoration requests
Batista outlines CUNY's top budget priorities, focusing on the restoration of PEG cuts and funding for various student success programs. He emphasizes the importance of these programs for CUNY's mission …
0:24:37
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36 sec
Facilities condition and capital budget needs
Batista addresses CUNY's ambitious goals for improving its facilities and the current state of its capital budget. He highlights the progress made and the ongoing needs for facility maintenance and …
0:25:13
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120 sec
Conclusion and appeal for support
Batista concludes his testimony by expressing gratitude to the City Council for their support and reiterating CUNY's need for continued investment. He emphasizes the importance of CUNY's success to the …
0:27:14
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38 sec
Council member emphasizes the importance of investing in education
Council Member Eric Dinowitz opens the hearing by emphasizing the critical importance of investing in education, particularly in CUNY. He highlights both the moral imperative and the strong fiscal case …
0:27:52
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125 sec
Discussion on CUNY's budget deficit and management of expenses
Council Member Dinowitz and CUNY officials discuss the university's budget deficit and how it's managing expenses in light of recent budget cuts and restorations. - CUNY faces a $24 million …
0:30:00
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169 sec
CUNY enrollment projections and actual enrollment figures
Council Member Dinowitz questions CUNY officials about their enrollment projections, the accuracy of these projections, and their impact on the budget. - CUNY reports a 2% increase in enrollment for …
0:32:49
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3 min
Impact of budget cuts on CUNY Reconnect, ACE, and ASAP programs
Council Member Dinowitz inquires about the impact of budget cuts on key CUNY programs such as CUNY Reconnect, ACE (Accelerate, Complete, Engage), and ASAP (Accelerated Study in Associate Programs). - …
0:36:12
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4 min
Stabilization needs for ACE and potential impact of baseline funding for CUNY Reconnect
The discussion focuses on the stabilization needs for the ACE program and the potential impact of baseline funding for CUNY Reconnect. - Officials explain that ACE needs stabilization in terms …
0:40:18
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3 min
Implementation of CUNY Accommodate disability management system
Council Member Dinowitz inquires about the implementation of CUNY Accommodate, a new student disability management system. - CUNY Accommodate has been fully implemented and is currently accessible to students - …
0:44:00
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169 sec
Discussion of Local Law 18 of 2023 and improving transition for students with disabilities
Council Member Dinowitz discusses Local Law 18 of 2023 and explores potential collaboration between CUNY and the NYC Department of Education to improve the transition for students with disabilities. - …
0:46:50
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126 sec
ASAP program graduation rates and COVID impact
Council Member Brewer inquires about a decrease in ASAP graduation rates over the past three years. CUNY officials explain that while there has been a decline, ASAP students still graduate …
0:48:57
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72 sec
ACE program graduation rates
Council Member Brewer seeks clarification on graduation rates for the ACE program compared to ASAP. CUNY officials provide information on ACE program performance. - ACE program maintains strong graduation rates …
0:50:10
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27 sec
Gutman Hall and North Building space issues
Council Member Brewer raises concerns about space issues at Gutman Hall and inquires about the status of the North Building near John Jay. CUNY officials provide updates on the situation …
0:50:38
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154 sec
CUNY Medical School independence and facilities
Council Member Brewer inquires about the status of a new building for the CUNY Medical School. CUNY officials provide an update on the process of making the medical school independent …
0:53:12
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55 sec
CUNY dormitory situation
Council Member Brewer inquires about the current status and future plans for CUNY dormitories. CUNY officials provide information on recent acquisitions and initiatives to create affordable dorm spaces. - CUNY …
0:54:07
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73 sec
High school partnerships with CUNY campuses
Council Member Brewer expresses strong support for high school partnerships with CUNY campuses and inquires about current efforts and future plans. CUNY officials provide information on ongoing initiatives and upcoming …
0:55:19
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170 sec
CUNY CARES program funding and budget breakdown
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the funding and budget for the CUNY CARES program. CUNY officials explain that the total budget is $1,480,000, with funding coming from various sources …
0:58:12
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129 sec
CUNY CARES program expansion plans and impact evaluation
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the expansion plans and impact evaluation of the CUNY CARES program. CUNY officials provide limited information on the program's evaluation and expansion. - The …
1:00:22
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122 sec
CUNY application fees and waiver program
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about CUNY application fees and the potential cost of eliminating them for all New York City residents. CUNY officials provide information on current fee waiver …
1:02:24
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106 sec
Discussion of CUNY budget cuts since mayor took office
Council Member Lincoln Restler and CUNY's Senior Vice Chancellor Sherif Soliman discuss the extent of budget cuts to CUNY since the current mayor took office. They clarify that despite some …
1:04:40
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115 sec
Update on CUNY enrollment trends
Council Member Restler inquires about current CUNY enrollment figures, and Senior Vice Chancellor Soliman provides an update on recent trends. The discussion reveals that CUNY's enrollment is increasing despite budget …
1:06:35
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52 sec
Impact of budget cuts on CUNY workforce
Council Member Restler and Senior Vice Chancellor Soliman discuss the impact of budget cuts on CUNY's workforce, particularly focusing on reductions in staff and faculty positions at community colleges. - …
1:07:28
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117 sec
Exploring partnerships between City Tech and Downtown Brooklyn
Council Member Restler inquires about potential partnerships between City Tech and economic engines in Downtown Brooklyn to create opportunities and utilize vacant office space. Executive Vice Chancellor Batista responds with …
1:09:26
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128 sec
Clarification on Palestinian studies position at Hunter College
Council Member Restler expresses concerns about the handling of a Palestinian studies position at Hunter College, particularly regarding academic freedom. Senior Vice Chancellor Owen provides clarification on the situation. - …
1:11:34
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126 sec
Federal research grants at CUNY and potential cuts
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the federal research grants CUNY has received and the potential cuts they're facing due to the current federal administration's policies. CUNY officials provide information …
1:14:00
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166 sec
CUNY's response to federal funding uncertainty
CUNY officials explain their approach to managing the uncertain situation with federal funding, including their communication processes and contingency planning. - CUNY has implemented a process to keep the community …
1:16:49
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86 sec
Potential impact of federal policies on CUNY's equity programs
Council Member Dinowitz raises concerns about how federal anti-DEI policies might affect CUNY's equity-focused programs. CUNY officials respond by emphasizing their commitment to their mission and compliance with state and …
1:18:15
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136 sec
Funding allocation for CUNY Mexican Studies Institute
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the recent $1.5 million state allocation to the CUNY Mexican Studies Institute and how it complements the existing $1 million city council funding. CUNY …
1:20:54
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87 sec
CUNY's implementation of Lippman Report recommendations
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about CUNY's progress in implementing recommendations from the Lippman Report on combating hate and discrimination. CUNY officials detail various actions taken, including centralizing policies, creating …
1:22:22
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166 sec
Status update on new discrimination reporting portal
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the progress of the new reporting portal for discrimination complaints at CUNY. CUNY officials provide an update on the RFP process and implementation timeline …
1:25:08
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70 sec
CUNY's response to Governor Hochul's opportunity promise scholarship proposal
Council Member Erik Bottcher inquires about CUNY's anticipation and preparation for a potential influx of students due to Governor Hochul's proposed opportunity promise scholarship. CUNY officials Sherif Soliman and Alicia …
1:26:21
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141 sec
Council Member Bottcher inquires about CUNY Reconnect enrollment and real estate projects
Council Member Erik Bottcher questions CUNY officials about the enrollment numbers for the CUNY Reconnect program and updates on public-private partnerships and real estate asset management. CUNY officials provide explanations …
1:28:43
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167 sec
CUNY's capital project completion rates and improvement efforts
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about CUNY's current completion rate for capital projects, and Executive Vice Chancellor Hector Batista provides detailed information on the progress and challenges in this area. …
1:31:55
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151 sec
Funding requests and challenges for CUNY's capital projects
Council Member Eric Dinowitz seeks clarification on CUNY's funding requests to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for capital projects, and Executive Vice Chancellor Hector Batista explains the ongoing …
1:34:26
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80 sec
Impact of capital investments on CUNY's student attraction and retention
Council Member Eric Dinowitz emphasizes the importance of capital investments in CUNY, highlighting how they affect both new facilities and basic infrastructure needs. Executive Vice Chancellor Hector Batista agrees on …
1:35:46
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123 sec
Internal rating system for CUNY campus buildings
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the progress of CUNY's internal rating system for campus buildings, which was discussed in the previous year's hearing. Executive Vice Chancellor Hector Batista provides …
1:37:49
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91 sec
Bronx Community College's infrastructure issues and allocated funding
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the funding allocated to Bronx Community College in the five-year capital plan, given its significant infrastructure and deferred maintenance issues. Executive Vice Chancellor Hector …
1:39:20
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108 sec
Status update on Science Park and Research Campus redevelopment
Council Member Eric Dinowitz asks for an update on the status of the Science Park and Research Campus redevelopment project. Executive Vice Chancellor Hector Batista provides details on the project's …
1:41:09
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134 sec
Closing remarks on CUNY's initiatives and funding challenges
Council Member Eric Dinowitz delivers closing remarks, thanking CUNY representatives for their testimony and expressing his views on the challenges facing CUNY due to funding issues. - Dinowitz highlights important …
1:43:26
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111 sec
Testimony by James C. Davis, President of Professional Staff Congress (PSC-CUNY) on CUNY's Budget and Federal Challenges
James C. Davis, President of PSC-CUNY, testified about CUNY's budget needs, enrollment increases, and challenges faced due to federal funding cuts. He emphasized the importance of continued investment in CUNY's …
1:57:13
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143 sec
Testimony by Madison Pinckney, Legal Fellow of the Disability Justice Program at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, on CUNY's Accessibility for Students with Disabilities
Madison Pinckney, representing New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, testified about discrimination faced by students with disabilities at CUNY campuses and the need for improved accessibility services. She highlighted …
1:59:42
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102 sec
Discussion on CUNY's budget needs and program funding
Council Member Dinowitz engages in a discussion with James C. Davis about CUNY's budgetary needs and the funding required for various programs. Davis explains the rationale behind their request for …
2:01:42
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3 min
Q&A on disability services and accommodations at CUNY
Council Member Dinowitz engages in a brief Q&A with Madison Pinckney about disability services and accommodations at CUNY institutions. - Dinowitz inquires about whether Pinckney's organization has sued CUNY over …
2:04:51
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42 sec
Testimony by Samantha Ventura, Student Senator from Bronx Community College
Samantha Ventura, a student senator from Bronx Community College, testified on behalf of the University Student Senate (USS) about the need for free metro cards, disability services, and expanded academic …
2:07:11
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57 sec
Testimony by Dainma Martinez, Vice Chair for Community College Affairs of University Student Senate and SGA President of Hostos Community College, CUNY
Dainma Martinez, a CUNY student leader, testifies against proposed budget cuts to CUNY community colleges, emphasizing their devastating impact on essential student services and the widening of educational gaps for …
2:08:17
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126 sec
Testimony by Davia Willis, Student at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY
Davia Willis, a criminal justice major at John Jay College, testifies about the financial challenges CUNY students face, particularly regarding transportation costs. She urges the legislature to fund free MetroCards …
2:10:37
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96 sec
Testimony by Akkeem Polack, Vice Chair of Legislative Affairs for University Student Senate at CUNY
Akkeem Polack, a student at York College and Vice Chair of Legislative Affairs for the University Student Senate at CUNY, testified about the financial challenges facing CUNY students, particularly focusing …
2:12:17
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129 sec
Council member thanks students for advocacy and notes focus on non-academic needs
Council Member Eric Dinowitz expresses gratitude to the student advocates for their testimony, particularly highlighting their focus on social-emotional health and non-academic needs. He acknowledges the challenges of advocating for …
2:14:27
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50 sec
Discussion on academic needs and CUNY budget cuts with Akkeem Polack
Council Member Eric Dinowitz engages in a Q&A session with Akkeem Polack about academic needs and CUNY budget cuts. Polack elaborates on the financial challenges faced by CUNY and their …
2:15:17
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68 sec
Inquiry about the CUNY CARES program
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the CUNY CARES program, seeking clarification on whether it was explicitly mentioned in previous testimonies. Samantha Ventura responds with information about her school's personal …
2:16:26
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32 sec
Dainma Martinez shares personal experience with CUNY CARES
Dainma Martinez provides a detailed account of her experience with the CUNY CARES program, emphasizing its importance and the need for its implementation across all campuses. She shares personal struggles …
2:16:58
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95 sec
Council member's closing remarks on CUNY CARES metrics and panel conclusion
Council Member Eric Dinowitz concludes the panel discussion with remarks on the importance of comprehensive metrics for CUNY CARES and expresses gratitude to the panelists. He then calls the next …
2:18:34
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98 sec
Testimony by Tahisha Fields, Vice Chair of Fiscal Affairs for CUNY University Student Senate
Tahisha Fields, a graduate student at Baruch College, testified about the financial challenges faced by CUNY students, particularly regarding transportation costs and balancing academic responsibilities with work and internships. - …
2:20:12
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124 sec
Testimony by Daniel Reden, Chairperson of University Student Senate and Student Trustee at City University of New York (CUNY)
Daniel Reden, representing over 230,000 CUNY students, urged the committee to fully fund CUNY as an investment in New York City's future. He highlighted transportation costs as a significant barrier …
2:22:23
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134 sec
Why students choose CUNY despite challenges
Council Member Eric Dinowitz asks CUNY student representatives why they continue to attend CUNY despite the challenges they've mentioned. The students explain their reasons for choosing and staying at CUNY: …
2:24:37
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130 sec
CUNY alumni in leadership positions
Council Member Eric Dinowitz highlights the prevalence of CUNY alumni in leadership positions: - 21 council members attended CUNY - The public advocate and mayor of New York City are …
2:26:47
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24 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public
Christopher Leon Johnson testified about freedom of speech in relation to CUNY organizations and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He advocated for maintaining CUNY funding regardless of student organizations' political stances, while …
2:27:53
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127 sec
Testimony by John Hara, Vice Chair of International Student Affairs at USS and LaGuardia Community College Student, on CUNY Budget Cuts and Student Needs
John Hara, a LaGuardia Community College student and USS vice chair, testified about the impact of CUNY budget cuts on student services and resources. He urged the council to restore …
2:30:03
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138 sec
Testimony by Sharon Brown, Member of the Public
Sharon Brown provided testimony advocating for measures to combat antisemitism in CUNY schools and promote Jewish and Israeli education. She emphasized the need for funding to support these initiatives and …
2:32:22
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129 sec
Council member asks students about budget priorities
Council Member Eric Dinowitz engages with student representatives to understand their budget priorities. He asks them to identify the most impactful program or change that needs investment. - Students prioritize …
2:34:31
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78 sec
Council member delivers closing remarks on funding CUNY
Council Member Eric Dinowitz delivers closing remarks, emphasizing the importance of funding CUNY and the positive impact it has on the community's future. - Stresses that funding CUNY is an …
2:36:10
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116 sec