State-of-the-College Address Unveils Big Plans for York’s Near and Not-so-Near Future

Interim President Claudia Schrader recently presided over her first State-of-the-College address at York College, presenting her vision of York with an emphasis on immediate and near-future needs and goals.

^{Members of the college community pay rapt attention at the 2024 State Of the College address.}

Interim President Claudia Schrader recently presided over her first State-of-the-College address at York College, presenting her vision of York with an emphasis on immediate and near-future needs and goals.

A summary of the overall presentation, as reported here, highlights the College’s success to date this academic year. It looks at plans for the upcoming semester and the next few years, setting the stage for continued excellence.

On the academic front, the president revealed that York will continue to enhance enrollment and retention and strengthen academic support. This includes providing 24-hour access to Tutor.com, Early Alerts, and supplemental instruction with embedded student instructors in some courses for learning support.

The State of the College address underscored the institution’s commitment to expanding access to majors leading to high-demand careers and online program development. Existing programs, such as the bachelor’s in Community Health Education and master’s in Clinical Trials Management, will be joined by a bachelor’s in Finance, master’s in Health Administration, and master’s in Midwifery.

There will be additional opportunities for 4+1 programs (accelerated combined bachelor’s and master’s degrees). York offers programs in journalism in association with the CUNY Newmark School of Journalism. Additionally, there are plans for a master’s in Public Health in association with the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy. According to the president, York College is “looking to expand our relationship with the CUNY School of Public Health and Health Policy to include pathways to the M.S. from more of our B.S. programs.”  Credit will also be considered for undergraduates with prior learning.

Additional presenters included Dr. Karen Williams, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management; Dr. George White, interim dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, who presented for Academic Affairs on behalf of Provost Derrick Brazill; Eduardo Rios, vice president for Finance & Administration, Chief Financial Officer/Chief Facilities Officer; Nyisha Howell, interim chief of staff and interim vice president for Institutional Advancement; and Dr. Lori Hoeffner, vice president, Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Strategic Planning.

Dr. Williams presented on the state of enrollment, with some numbers starting to trend upward, and she revealed plans to retain first-year students who may have taken a gap semester or transferred. Dean White gave the Academic Affairs report. Ms. Howell discussed the enhancement of staffing and productivity in Institutional Advancement.

Vice President Rios highlighted ongoing and new capital projects, such as renovation and energy-efficient appliances for the cafeteria; ADA-compliant measures for the Health and Physical Education Complex (HPEC or “the gym”) for the restrooms; and upgrades for the lockers. Other areas for major or modest upgrades or creations are on the schedule, such as a game room and space for graduate students’ leisure or study time. Projects such as the expansive replacement and enhancement of the Academic Core Building roof and the extensive renovation and upgrading of the Milton G. Bassin Performing Arts Center (the PAC for short), which is a $40 million project. Overall, York is in the throes of a combined $100 million capital enhancement project.

VP Rios discussed areas of the campus that could generate income for the college. Spaces such as conference halls, athletic fields, and the Performing Arts Center will resume as a reliable source of revenue for the College when it reopens.

In her presentation, Dr. Hoeffner reminded the community that York’s Middle States self-study process will begin in 2025 and continue to 2027.