Chair Joseph on CUNY savings and missing program restorations
Joseph discusses the $21.5 million in one-time savings from community college supply reductions and the $15 million in baseline funding for academic advisement and wellness programs, expressing disappointment that ACE, ASAP, and Reconnect were not restored.
One-time saving of $21.5 million was added in the fiscal 2027
from spending reductions on supplies and other materials at community colleges, of which CUNY is still determining exactly how to allocate these savings across community colleges.
Although the executive plan also includes baseline funding, $15 million to support academic advisement, mental health and wellness,
career readiness, and workforce preparation program, it is disappointing that the plan did not restore any of the essential programs like CUNY Reconnect, ACE, and ASAP.
There is no doubt that these programs have proven to be effective in bringing individuals back to pursue a degree as well as providing financial and academic support to unlock higher education.
It is unacceptable that we have to fight every year for the administration to restore funding for these programs.
We are eager to hear why CUNY, Reconnect, ACE, and ASAP are not funded beyond fiscal 2026 and whether CUNY has included them in their fiscal 2027 budget priorities to OMB.