CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez has outlined a roadmap for expanding the university system in the coming year, reflecting on two years of enrollment growth. The 25-school system saw a 3% increase in matriculants this year, with community colleges experiencing a 6% spike and graduate students growing by 4%.
Matos Rodríguez credited the enrollment rebounds to partnerships with local public schools and the CUNY Reconnect program, which has re-enrolled over 40,000 students. The university is also strengthening career development efforts, engaging with over 31,000 employers and connecting nearly 1,000 students to internships.
CUNY’s medical school has seen a significant increase in diversity, with nearly 70% of new students identifying as Black or Latino. Graduates tend to stay in the city, practicing medicine in underserved areas.
However, concerns remain about faculty contracts and budget cuts. The CUNY faculty union is without a contract since February 2023, and negotiations have been ongoing. The university chancellor vowed to address these issues, but few details were provided during Wednesday’s address.
Overall, Matos Rodríguez emphasized the need for continued support from the city and state to ensure CUNY’s success.
Source: https://www.thecity.nyc/2024/11/20/cuny-enrollment-growth-budget-university-contract