Davia Willis of CUNY Student Senate testifies on Seal credit and access

Next panel.

Ashley Perguero.

Davia Willis.

If I butcher your name, give me grace.

Hazel, I can't read the last name.

Aqua.

Jared Fajardo.

And Alan Sherman.

First of all, welcome.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

I was texted and told you are the new leadership.

Congratulations and welcome.

We look forward to working with you.

Likewise.

Past administration, we work hand in hand to deliver some good wins for CUNY.

Yes.

So I look forward to that.

And you are a prime example as to young people that are involved.

In all things politics.

We love it.

You may begin.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Good afternoon, Chairpersons Joseph and Dinoids and members of the New York City Commission.

Council's Committees on Higher Education and Education.

My name is Davia Willis, Chairperson-Elect of the CUNY University Student Senate for the 2026-2027 academic year.

I am honored to testify today regarding the Seal of Civic Readiness, Academic Credit Recognition, and the expansion of civic education opportunities for New York City students.

The CUNY University Student Senate believes there is tremendous value in exposing students to civic education and engagement early in their academic journeys.

When students are introduced to how the government works, the legislative process, and the importance of community involvement, they are not simply learning about democracy, they are developing the knowledge and confidence to actively participate in it.

As a graduate student from CUNY John Jay College, I have witnessed firsthand the benefits of civic engagement through my experience with the CUNY University Student Senate.

Over the years, our organization has gained significant momentum because of students who have brought their leadership experiences, community involvement, and passion for advocacy to the work.

Into the work that we do.

A clear example is the CUNY University Student Senate Omnicard campaign, where student advocacy and engagement with elected officials helped secure $700,000 from the New York City Council toward a student omnicard program.

This achievement demonstrated what students can accomplish when they understand the legislative process and recognize that their voices have the power to influence

public policy.

This is why we also support the Next Gen Civics Act, which would introduce more hands-on project-based education, civic education in high schools.

We believe students should have the opportunities to apply what they learn rather than simply reading about government and civic responsibility in the textbooks.

Furthermore, the CUNY University Student Senate agrees that students who have already demonstrated civic competencies and earned the seal of civic readiness should enter college knowing that their work has academic value.

We also recognize that CUNY has established pathways for awarding credit for prior learning and that civic readiness can be demonstrated through different experiences.

Therefore, the consideration of what constitutes appropriate college credit must account for these differences while ensuring that students are evaluated fairly and consistently against established academic standards.

As CUNY continues to explore these pathways, I would encourage the university to ensure that any credits awarded meaningfully

Any credits awarded meaningfully contribute towards students'degree requirements, potentially reducing their financial burden and bringing them closer to graduation.

The CUNY University Student Senate equally supports expanding access to SEAL across New York City.

Access to the seal across New York City public high schools because opportunities for civic education and recognition should not be determined by which school a student attends.

Civic education should not simply prepare students to understand democracy, but empower them to participate in it.

As we recognize the work students have already accomplished, we must also continue creating opportunities for them to become the leaders and advocates of tomorrow.

Thank you for your time and consideration.