University at Buffalo - The State University of New York

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• “Within SUNY resides the hope and passion to create a new and sustainable economy for New York State.”

  Presidents

  State-supported SUNY campuses

By SUE WUETCHER

Published: November 12, 2008

The presidents of the 29 state-operated SUNY campuses and Gov. David A. Paterson are seeking increases in undergraduate tuition, beginning with the coming spring semester.

The presidents, in a letter to H. Carl McCall, chair of the SUNY Board of Trustees’ Finance Committee, have asked trustees to seek a $1,090 annual increase in tuition, beginning with a $545 hike for the spring 2009 semester.

Paterson has proposed that tuition at SUNY and CUNY increase by $300 for the spring semester and by another $300 for the fall 2009 semester. His proposal is part of a plan to reduce the state’s deficit by $5.2 billion over the next two years.

The SUNY presidents told McCall that their request is part of “a prioritized plan of action” developed to “protect the vital mission of SUNY during these unprecedented economic times.”

“We fervently believe SUNY is the educational and economic asset that can forge a path to recovery and revitalization for our state and its citizens,” the letter says. “Within SUNY resides the hope and passion to create a new and sustainable economy for New York State.”

In addition to the tuition increase, the presidents are recommending:

• An immediate end to cuts in state support for SUNY.

• A limit on future tuition increases to the annual percentage increase reported in the Higher Education Price Index. In years where the state appropriation does not meet increases in fixed costs, increases should be limited to 10 percent.

• Flexibility for SUNY so that it may operate in a more efficient and responsive manner that is afforded other state-affiliated structures.

• A more effective external communications strategy that champions SUNY contributions to the state.

• The state to issue bonds to fund approved campus capital projects.

The presidents also are proposing a variable tuition policy that would allow institutions to charge different tuition to reflect differences in institutional mission and costs, as well as a comprehensive review of the current Budget Allocation Method.