SUNY Chancellor Visits ESF for ‘Speak Out’ with Students

02/27/2015

SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher met with three dozen SUNY students Friday (Feb. 27) for a "Student Speak Out," a wide-ranging conversation that focused on the students' experiences in the university system.

The students, about half of came from SUNY Oswego to join their ESF counterparts, were invited to share thoughts about why they chose SUNY, how their experience has been so far and what they expect to get out of their education. They were also invited to comment on how they managed finances, including tuition.

Zimpher said the students she met with in ESF's Gateway Center are among the "best and brightest" of SUNY. She said she would take the students' comments to the state Legislature as budget talks are underway.

"I want to underscore that your voice matters," she said at the start of the 90-minute session. "Tell me, and I will tell the Legislature. I'm listening to help us move forward."

When Zimpher asked the students to mention one concern they would like the Legislature to consider, their comments included support for the Educational Opportunity Program and Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program, scholarships, need-based financial aid, cultural diversity, sustainability, rational tuition, marketing of the system both in the United States and internationally, study-abroad opportunities, access to transportation for students traveling to internships and student-teaching assignments, and new facilities.