LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Monroe College upon the occasion of
being ranked the top regional university for exceeding predicted gradu-
ation rates by U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor
those exemplary institutions of higher education within the State of New
York for their commitment to the pursuit of academic excellence; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Monroe College upon the occasion of being ranked the top regional
university for exceeding predicted graduation rates by U.S. NEWS & WORLD
REPORT; the designation was reported in the news magazine's "2014 Best
Colleges" rankings; and
WHEREAS, Founded in the Bronx, New York, in 1933, Monroe College is a
nationally ranked private institution of higher learning, offering
Certificate, Associate, Bachelor's, and Master's degree programs; it
opened its New Rochelle campus in 1983, operates a small campus in St.
Lucia, and has about 600 students enrolled online; and
WHEREAS, Monroe College was recognized by U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT as
the regional university with the largest difference between predicted
and actual graduation rates; based on the students served, their test
scores, and other key factors, Monroe College's estimated graduation
rate was 27 percent, but the actual rate was 65 percent, 38 points above
what was predicted; this ranked Monroe first among Regional Universities
that performed above expectations; and
WHEREAS, Schools with an actual graduation rate that exceeds the
predicted rate are seen as boosting student achievement and, as a
result, perform better in the rankings; Monroe College's outstanding
commitment to its students is evidenced in the comprehensive support
system it offers students, including personal counselors assigned to
students at varying stages in their academic journeys, as well as the
flexibility offered to adult students who face the everyday challenges
of juggling work and family; and
WHEREAS, Monroe College was also cited as having one of the best
online bachelor's degree programs in the nation, one of five programs
that made the list in the New York metropolitan area; and
WHEREAS, According to the New York State Education Department's Office
of Research and Information Systems, Monroe College graduates more
minority students than any other college in New York State; and
WHEREAS, Monroe College, along with its President, Stephen Jerome, is
deserving of the highest commendation for its evident commitment to the
well-being of its students; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Monroe College upon the occasion of being ranked the top
regional university for exceeding predicted graduation rates by U.S.
NEWS & WORLD REPORT fully confident that in its future, it will enjoy
the same success which has so characterized its past; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Stephen Jerome, President, Monroe College.