Governor Hochuls Expanded Support for SUNY Community College on My MBA Career

Last Updated on September 29, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Governor Hochul Expands Transfer Pathways at SUNY Campuses to Aid Community College Students

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced an exciting development for community college students in New York. The Governor revealed that 19 campuses within the State University of New York (SUNY) will now offer expanded transfer pathways, allowing students to seamlessly continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree.

This significant expansion is made possible by the New York State investment through the SUNY Transformation Fund. The goal of this fund is to strengthen transfer opportunities and provide early advisement to more students. With the investment, SUNY campuses can partner with each other to expand much-needed support and streamline the transfer process.

The urgent need for improved transfer opportunities is clear. Currently, only 17 percent of first-year community college students in the United States go on to receive a bachelor’s degree within six years. This statistic highlights the necessity for initiatives like the SUNY Transformation Fund.

The programs supported by this fund will offer personalized advisement for future transfer students, additional support and communication for transitioning students, strengthened transfer opportunities between community colleges and four-year institutions, and the creation of multiple award nursing programs.

SUNY is also implementing initiatives such as SUNY Transfer Match, which provides automatic admission into SUNY baccalaureate degree programs for students who complete their degrees at a SUNY community college. In addition, SUNY has launched a Transfer Task Force to strengthen transfer policies and increase transparency, demonstrating their commitment to improving the transfer experience for students.

The SUNY Transformation Fund received a $75 million appropriation in the 2023-24 budget. This investment will greatly contribute to improving student success and fostering innovation.

State officials and university leaders have praised this investment, recognizing its potential to enhance student outcomes and positively impact New York’s workforce and economic development.

The expansion of transfer pathways is a significant step toward fulfilling SUNY’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable higher education opportunities for all New Yorkers. With the expanded transfer options, community college students can now more easily continue their education and pursue their dreams of achieving a bachelor’s degree.