BILL NUMBER: S9172

SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to renaming the state aid
for certain independent institutions of higher learning to the Leonard
P.  Stavisky student success grants

 
PURPOSE:

to amend the education law, in relation to renaming the state aid for
certain independent institutions of higher learning to the Leonard P.
Stavisky student success grants

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends section heading for "state aid for certain independent
institutions of higher learning" of section 6401 of the education law,
as amended by the chapter 186 of the laws of 1977 to "Leonard P. Stavi-
sky Student Success Grants."

              

Section 2 adds a new paragraph (a) to subdivision 2 to section 6401 of
the education law to require that the independent institution of higher
learning must submit a report on the use of apportionment and how it
supports student success.

Section 3 adds language to subdivision 2 of section 6401 of the educa-
tion law that the sponsoring college must demonstrate in their report
the use of apportionment and how it supported student success.

Section 4 is the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

State aid for certain independent institutions of higher learning has a
storied history of supporting student success in New York. This program
was created based on the work of the Select Committee on the Future of
Private and Independent Higher Education in New York State that high-
lighted the need to support a broad range of educational options across
the state by supporting private, not-for-profit colleges and universi-
ties. The committee studied private colleges and found: "the value of
these institutions to New York is so great that such assistance is
justified. And we believe that without it there is likely to be serious
deterioration in one of the state's greatest assets-her remarkable array
of strong and diversified private colleges and universities."

The Select Committee's report proposed that the state provide aid,
referred to as Bundy Aid after the author of the report, McGeorge Bundy,
to help students by increasing affordability and strengthening the
academic offerings of campuses in every region. This aid has fulfilled
its purpose for over half a century and has helped tens of thousands of
New Yorkers earn a higher education. Funding levels are based on the
number of degrees and institution awards, incentivizing institutions to
ensure that students graduate and earn degrees.

Despite the program's 54 years of success, the true purpose of the
program is not always readily apparent. Many students from a diversity
of backgrounds rely on this funding to attend some of New York's finest
independent colleges and universities. While the service of McGeorge
Bundy was instrumental in key events in United States History, more
recent figures among us who bestow and embody the successes of more
contemporary scholars and have invested their lives to ensure student
success here in New York State. That is why the state should make clear
what the program does by properly naming it. This funding supports
student success, properly naming it as a Student Success Grant and
requiring that participating institutions report on how the aid was used
in the same manner will clarify both the purpose and provide confidence
that students are benefiting.

Leonard P. Stavisky was a New York City Councilman, State Assemblyman,
and State Senator from Queens who deeply believed in the value of educa-
tion. He was a graduate of City College and earned a master's and
doctorate degree from Columbia University. While serving in elected
office he also worked as a professor and college administrator. His
career in higher education included roles at Colgate University, Long
Island University, Hofstra University, five CUNY campuses, three SUNY
campuses, Virginia Tech, and Columbia University's School of Interna-
tional and Public Affairs. He was a noted scholar of Black history,
particularly in the Antebellum South, before and during the civil rights
movement's national success.

Leonard P. Stavisky embodied the opportunity that higher education
represents for students. He used his education to benefit his community
and create opportunities for others. His commitment to student success
was highlighted by his work as a legislator and educator.

Properly naming the state aid for certain independent colleges and
universities the "Leonard P. Stavisky Student Success Grant" will
provide an example for students to follow while ensuring the program
remains focused on the goals it has achieved for over fifty years.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

This is a new bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act would take effect immediately.