Enacts The New Deal for CUNY; increases the ratio of faculty and mental health counselors to full-time students; requires that certain amounts of tuition be replaced by federal, state, and city funds.
Summary
Bill A01727, titled 'The New Deal for CUNY', aims to amend the education and state finance laws to enhance the City University of New York (CUNY) system. The legislation seeks to restore free tuition for in-state undergraduate students, ensure adequate staffing levels of full-time faculty and mental health counselors, and align student support services with national standards. It emphasizes the importance of educational justice and economic transformation for disadvantaged New Yorkers, addressing the growing needs of a diverse student population amid rising enrollment and insufficient investment in higher education.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the funding structure for CUNY by mandating that tuition and student fees for qualifying students be fully reimbursed by state, federal, and city funds. It would also establish minimum staffing ratios for faculty and mental health counselors, thereby improving the educational and mental health support available to students. This could lead to a more equitable and supportive learning environment, potentially increasing graduation rates and overall student success.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A01727 appears to be largely positive among its sponsors and advocates, who view it as a necessary step towards revitalizing CUNY and ensuring access to higher education for all New Yorkers. However, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications of the bill and its feasibility, particularly in terms of securing the required funding from state and federal sources.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise around the funding mechanisms proposed in the bill, particularly regarding the reliance on state, federal, and city funds to replace lost tuition revenue. Critics may question the sustainability of such funding and the potential impact on the state budget. Additionally, the requirement for increased faculty and mental health staff may lead to debates about hiring practices and budget allocations within CUNY.
Same As
Enacts The New Deal for CUNY; increases the ratio of faculty and mental health counselors to full-time students; requires that certain amounts of tuition be replaced by federal, state, and city funds.
Enacts The New Deal for CUNY; increases the ratio of faculty and mental health counselors to full-time students; requires that certain amounts of tuition be replaced by federal, state, and city funds.
Enacts The New Deal for CUNY; increases the ratio of faculty and mental health counselors to full-time students; requires that certain amounts of tuition be replaced by federal, state, and city funds.
Requires at least a ratio of one clinical, non-student mental health staff member per one thousand students on all SUNY and CUNY campuses and for state colleges and universities to update such ratio every five years.
Relates to improving student mental health and mental health literacy in institutions of higher education in the state; requires the amendment or adoption of related protocols, policies and programs in SUNY, CUNY and independent institutions of higher education.
Requires SUNY and CUNY institutions which offer a master of social work degree program to offer a maternal mental health elective course to students to provide comprehensive training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and instruct students how to apply best practices in screening, referral and treatment.