Leaders from the United University Professions, which represents more than 42,000 academic professionals across 29 SUNY campuses, are calling for an increase in state funding to help combat multimillion-dollar budget deficits at several Capital Region institutions, including the University at Albany, Empire State College and SUNY Cobleskill.
UAlbany faces a projected $15 million deficit, according to UUP. Empire State College, located in Saratoga Springs, and SUNY Cobleskill, meanwhile, have projected deficits of $8 million and $4 million, respectively. “Without more state funding, campuses are left to consider even more drastic measures, which could include cutting programs, overloading classes, leaving full-time vacancies unfilled and hiring more adjuncts to pick up the slack,” he said.
SUNY in-state tuition currently costs $8,122 per year, a 64% increase from the $4,970 price tag back in 2011.