SUNY Student Association Pushes for Reform, Money
Advocacy Day at the Capitol
On a day of advocacy, students from the State University of New York (SUNY) rallied in Albany to push for better education funding and reforms. The State University of New York Student Association (SUNYSA) presented their plan, known as the Students’ Agenda, which includes investments in campus improvements and fairer rules for financial aid.
Students’ Agenda
The Students’ Agenda was formed after collecting ideas from 1.3 million students from 64 campuses across the state. These students called for:
- $160 million or more in funding to support public colleges statewide, arguing that a stronger workforce would boost the state’s economy
- $114 million in operating aid to fix old buildings and update classrooms
- $30 million to support advice, tutoring, and career help services to ease the transition from high school to college
- $10 million to address mental health concerns on campus, including hiring more staff to improve care
- $5 million for offices focused on diversity and inclusion
- $500,000 to offer one-on-one help for students to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Specific Proposals
SUNYSA also proposed specific legislation, including:
- S1008, the College Suicide Prevention Act, which would require SUNY, CUNY, and independent colleges to upgrade their approach to student mental health, enrollment, leave, and crisis response
- S1421/A2603, sustainable staffing and green infrastructure legislation, which would require SUNY and CUNY campuses to hire staff who manage energy, handle waste, and teach sustainability
- S68, the Student Journalist Free Speech Act, which would give student reporters more control over school media without prior review by administrators
- A4091A, emergency contraception legislation, which would require at least one specialized vending machine on every SUNY and CUNY campus that sells affordable contraception
Reactions and Next Steps
State Sen. Robert Jackson, a member of the Senate Committees on Education and Higher Education, expressed support for SUNYSA’s legislative asks, stating, "I stand with our future leaders—all of you—advocating for a SUNY system that nurtures every student’s health, rights, and academic success. In unity, there is strength."
The Senate committees are currently reviewing SUNYSA’s legislative asks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Students’ Agenda?
A: The Students’ Agenda is a plan proposed by the State University of New York Student Association (SUNYSA) to improve education funding and reforms.
Q: What are the key proposals in the Students’ Agenda?
A: The key proposals include investments in campus improvements, fairer rules for financial aid, and specific legislation to address mental health, sustainability, and student journalist free speech.
Q: What is the goal of the Students’ Agenda?
A: The goal is to create a stronger, more supportive higher education system that prepares students for success and contributes to the state’s economy.
Q: How did students contribute to the Students’ Agenda?
A: Students from 64 campuses across the state contributed to the development of the Students’ Agenda, submitting ideas and proposals for consideration.
