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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Daniel Reden, Chairperson of University Student Senate and Student Trustee at City University of New York (CUNY)
2:22:23
ยท
134 sec
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 to student success and proposed a student commuter grant pilot program to provide MetroCards to students.
- Advocated for a $500,000 city budget request for a student commuter grant pilot program
- Highlighted the poor condition of CUNY campuses, especially older schools and community colleges, citing issues like flaky ceilings, mold, and non-functional elevators
- Emphasized that these poor conditions are barriers to learning and compromise student safety and well-being
Daniel Reden
2:22:23
Good afternoon, chair Denowitz and esteemed members of the New York City Council Committee on Higher Education.
2:22:28
My name is Daniel Redden and I have the honor of serving as the chairperson of the University Student Senate and as a student trustee on the City University of New York's board of trustees.
2:22:38
Today, I stand before you representing over 230,000 CUNY students across our 25 campuses.
2:22:44
Students who despite facing numerous challenges are unwavering in their pursuit of higher education.
2:22:50
I want to thank you all for your time and your commitment to the students of CUNY and I also urge the committee to fully fund CUNY as it's an investment as you mentioned earlier in not just in this institution but the very future of New York City.
2:23:02
As my colleague said before me, transportation costs present a significant barrier to student success.
2:23:08
Many CUNY students struggle to afford community expenses, they need to miss classes and lower graduation rates.
2:23:13
And to address this, the University Student Senate has proposed a student commuter grant pilot program, which is included in the CUNY city budget request for $500,000.
2:23:21
This initiative aims to provide MetroCard to students based on their program affiliations, thereby alleviating financial stress and promoting equity, equitable access to education.
2:23:31
The proposed 2025 people's budget also recommends extending free or reduced cost metro cards in the amount of $75,500,000 for all CUNY students highlighting the critical need for transportation equity.
2:23:41
A city funded partnership between CUNY and the MTA would reduce fare evasion which disproportionately impacts low income students, improve graduation rates by ensuring students can attend class, and strengthen our workforce by supporting student success and eventual graduation.
2:23:56
CUNY has made progress in reducing the structural deficit of our campuses, but our campuses specifically older schools and community colleges are also in alarming disrepair.
2:24:07
Students contend daily with flaky ceilings, mold, elevator and escalators that make facilities not accessible to all.
2:24:13
These conditions are more than just inconveniences, there are barriers to learning and potential threats to health.
2:24:19
Such environments are antithetical to academic excellence and compromise the safety and well-being of our community.
2:24:25
Students should feel proud of the school that they go to, how it looks, how it feels, and from my perspective which is a good one, that's not the overall sentiment.
2:24:34
So thank you guys for your time and I look forward to answering your questions.
Eric Dinowitz
2:24:37
Thank you.