Debate Flares Over Proposal For a CUNY Online College
by Kewe Mbengue
Issue date: 3/1/10 Section: News
In December 2009, Assembly Member Joseph Lentol introduced a bill proposing that CUNY and SUNY establish online colleges. Both university systems offer a limited number of online classes, and, Lentol argues that our systems will soon fall behind if we do not establish the mean by which a student can obtain a Bachelor's or Master's Degree completely online.
"The internet has changed the world around us, yet for the most part the process of getting a college degree has remained stagnant," states Lentol. "Universities resist taking advantage of the leaps and bounds in modern technology while tuitions soar, putting a college degree out of the hands of many would be college students." According to City Hall news, Lentol is planning on using federal stimulus funds set aside specifically for education.
Lentol does not have a 100% backing from the CUNY academic governing body. Barbara Bowen, the President of the Professional Staff Congress Union, believes that CUNY and SUNY students, coming from a plethora of international backgrounds, would rather be a part of the campus community.
Kenesha Phillip, a political science major, agrees. "Sure, it would be convenient, but having an education in a classroom, surrounded by fellow students and campus life cannot be replaced."
Deborah Glick, the chair of the Higher Education Committee in the State Assembly, believes that no matter how great the alternative to higher education may be, Lentol should have thoroughly thought through his proposal. Glick states, "I'm not sure which gap [in the CUNY and SUNY systems] Assembly Member Lentol thinks he's filling."
In the midst of a financial crisis, many feel that colleges should be carefully using budgeted money for improvements that will help students in the short-term. Ricky Esposito, an accounting major, states, "Wasting money on an online college would be unintelligent right now; they are making budget cuts and raising tuition, it just doesn't make any sense."
As broadening the horizons of the SUNY and CUNY systems starts to take shape, the next step in approving the proposal will be addressing it to the SUNY and CUNY Board of Trustees.
"The internet has changed the world around us, yet for the most part the process of getting a college degree has remained stagnant," states Lentol. "Universities resist taking advantage of the leaps and bounds in modern technology while tuitions soar, putting a college degree out of the hands of many would be college students." According to City Hall news, Lentol is planning on using federal stimulus funds set aside specifically for education.
Lentol does not have a 100% backing from the CUNY academic governing body. Barbara Bowen, the President of the Professional Staff Congress Union, believes that CUNY and SUNY students, coming from a plethora of international backgrounds, would rather be a part of the campus community.
Kenesha Phillip, a political science major, agrees. "Sure, it would be convenient, but having an education in a classroom, surrounded by fellow students and campus life cannot be replaced."
Deborah Glick, the chair of the Higher Education Committee in the State Assembly, believes that no matter how great the alternative to higher education may be, Lentol should have thoroughly thought through his proposal. Glick states, "I'm not sure which gap [in the CUNY and SUNY systems] Assembly Member Lentol thinks he's filling."
In the midst of a financial crisis, many feel that colleges should be carefully using budgeted money for improvements that will help students in the short-term. Ricky Esposito, an accounting major, states, "Wasting money on an online college would be unintelligent right now; they are making budget cuts and raising tuition, it just doesn't make any sense."
As broadening the horizons of the SUNY and CUNY systems starts to take shape, the next step in approving the proposal will be addressing it to the SUNY and CUNY Board of Trustees.
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