Requires the boards of trustees of SUNY and CUNY to adopt policies requiring institutions thereof to grant course credit to students who serve as election inspectors, poll clerks, or election coordinators.
Summary
Bill S03396 mandates that the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) grant course credit to students who serve as election inspectors, poll clerks, or election coordinators. The bill requires the boards of trustees of both university systems to develop policies that facilitate this process, including establishing verification procedures in collaboration with local election boards. The intent is to encourage student participation in the electoral process while providing them with academic recognition for their civic engagement.
Impact
This legislation will amend the education law to integrate civic duties into the academic framework of higher education institutions in New York. By awarding course credit for participation in election-related roles, the bill aims to enhance student involvement in democracy and may lead to increased voter turnout among young people. The implementation of this policy will require coordination between educational institutions and election authorities, potentially influencing how universities engage with civic education.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill S03396 appears to be generally positive, with discussions highlighting the importance of civic engagement among students. Supporters argue that the bill will not only incentivize students to participate in elections but also help foster a sense of responsibility and community involvement. However, there may be concerns regarding the administrative burden on universities to establish and verify the necessary procedures for awarding credit.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the feasibility of implementing the verification processes required for students to receive credit. Some stakeholders may question the administrative capacity of universities and election boards to manage this new responsibility effectively. Additionally, there could be differing opinions on the appropriateness of awarding academic credit for civic duties, with some arguing it could dilute the value of academic achievements.
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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.
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.
Authorizes SUNY and CUNY to provide emergency aid grants to certain students; provides that the state shall reimburse half of all such grants provided; requires the higher education services corporation to provide an annual report on such programs.
Authorizes SUNY and CUNY to provide emergency aid grants to certain students; provides that the state shall reimburse half of all such grants provided; requires the higher education services corporation to provide an annual report on such programs.
Authorizes, under certain circumstances, full-time college and university students to act as election inspectors and poll clerks in the election district where their college or university is located.
Requires SUNY and CUNY trustees to refrain from investing in and subsequently divest from stocks, debt or other securities of certain publicly traded fossil fuel companies.
Relates to the membership of the board of trustees of the state university of New York; reduces the number of trustees appointed by the governor from fifteen to ten; adds one trustee appointment by the speaker of the assembly, one by the temporary president of the senate, one by a majority vote of SUNY and CUNY staff, and two by a majority vote of SUNY alumni.