The CUNY York College Podcast

York College Leads in Disability Advocacy, Student Empowerment, Campus Improvements, and Athletic Achievements in 2025

Good morning, York College community! It's Monday, September 8, 2025, and here's what's happening on campus. Earlier this year, York College played a pivotal role in Student Empowerment Day 2025, a statewide event advocating for increased funding for disability services in higher education. The event gathered students, advocates, and policymakers to push for a $4.1 million increase in the state operating budget to enhance disability services across CUNY. York's strong presence was highlighted, with multiple attendees noting its engagement and leadership during the event. A significant moment came when CUNY Vice Chancellor Dr. Denise Maybank provided testimony from York's Center for Students with Disabilities, symbolizing the college's unwavering support for students with disabilities. In May, York College students showcased their leadership at the 2025 CUNY Neurodiversity Conference held at the Borough of Manhattan Community College. Led by Charmaine Townsell, students from the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities delivered a powerful presentation titled "CCSD’s Roadmap to Strengthening Neurodiverse Communities at the City University of New York." They emphasized the importance of registering with campus disability services and utilizing available accommodations, especially with finals approaching. On April 30, York College hosted "York EmpowerED: Bridging the Gap from High School to College," welcoming over 160 students, families, educators, and college professionals. The event supported students with IEPs and 504 plans as they prepared for the transition to college, blending early outreach, practical resources, and meaningful student engagement. Highlights included dynamic peer-to-peer conversations and hands-on aviation experiences in York’s state-of-the-art flight simulation labs. In February, York College's men's volleyball team made history by sweeping the CUNY Athletic Conference weekly honors for the first time since 2016. Senior David Heyliger Jr. was named Player of the Week, and freshman Sebastian Gomez earned Rookie of the Week. Their outstanding performances in matches against City College of New York and Sarah Lawrence College were instrumental in achieving this recognition. The City University of New York has allocated $30 million to address groundwater flooding issues at York College. This funding is part of a broader effort to tackle infrastructure challenges across CUNY campuses. While this allocation is a reallocation from existing projects, it underscores the commitment to improving campus facilities and ensuring a safe environment for all students and staff. In November 2024, Interim President Claudia Schrader delivered her first State-of-the-College address, outlining immediate and near-future goals for York College. Plans include enhancing enrollment and retention, expanding access to majors leading to high-demand careers, and developing online programs. Additionally, significant capital projects are underway, such as renovations to the cafeteria, upgrades to the Health and Physical Education Complex, and a $40 million renovation of the Milton G. Bassin Performing Arts Center. That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around York College.

York College News: Disability Advocacy, Neurodiversity, Campus Improvements, Rising Enrollment & Student Success – September 2025 Update

Good afternoon, York College community! It's Monday, September 1st, 2025, and here's what's happening on campus. First, let's talk about the weather. Today in Jamaica, Queens, we're enjoying sunny skies with a comfortable 72 degrees Fahrenheit. As the day progresses, temperatures will rise to a pleasant 80 degrees by mid-afternoon, perfect for any outdoor activities you have planned. In recent news, York College has been at the forefront of advocating for students with disabilities. Earlier this year, our college played a pivotal role in Student Empowerment Day 2025, a statewide event that gathered students, advocates, and policymakers to push for a $4.1 million increase in the state operating budget to enhance disability services across CUNY. York's strong presence was highlighted, with multiple attendees noting its engagement and leadership during the event. A significant moment came when CUNY Vice Chancellor Dr. Denise Maybank provided testimony from York's Center for Students with Disabilities, symbolizing the college's unwavering support for students with disabilities. In May, York College students made a significant impact at the 2025 CUNY Neurodiversity Conference held at the Borough of Manhattan Community College. Led by Charmaine Townsell, students from the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities delivered a powerful presentation titled "CCSD’s Roadmap to Strengthening Neurodiverse Communities at the City University of New York." They highlighted the challenges neurodiverse and disabled students face, emphasizing the importance of education in building economic mobility. Their message was clear: understanding and addressing these barriers is essential for a better future. In infrastructure news, CUNY has allocated $30 million to address groundwater flooding issues at York College. This funding is a reallocation from existing projects and aims to provide long-term solutions to the college's infrastructure challenges. However, significant funding gaps persist, with CUNY estimating a $6.2 billion need for repairs across its facilities. On the academic front, York College is proud to welcome a new cohort of students this fall. Among them is Lamis Fawaz, who was inspired to join York after seeing a CUNY advertisement. She plans to major in aviation management, taking the first step toward her goal of becoming an airline pilot. Lamis is also planning to reactivate York's chapter of Women in Aviation International, contributing to the vibrant student life on campus. In enrollment news, York College has seen a 3.7% increase in transfer students in Fall 2023 compared to the previous year. This success is attributed to in-person outreach efforts, with Enrollment Management Director Nick Jones emphasizing the importance of tangible conversations and community engagement. Looking ahead, while specific events at York College for September 2025 are still being finalized, students and faculty can participate in various CUNY-wide events. For instance, the CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies (CUNY BA) has several workshops scheduled, including a Study Abroad session on September 5th. These events are great opportunities to engage with the broader CUNY community. That's all for now. Stay tuned for more updates, and remember to check the York College website and your student portals for the latest information on events and news.

York College Champions Disability Advocacy, Celebrates Student Achievements, and Secures Major Funding in 2025 Campus Highlights

Hello, York College community! It's Monday, August 25, 2025, and here's what's happening on campus. Earlier this year, York College played a pivotal role in Student Empowerment Day 2025, a statewide event advocating for increased funding for disability services in higher education. The event gathered students, advocates, and policymakers to push for a $4.1 million increase in the state operating budget to enhance disability services across CUNY. York's strong presence was highlighted, with multiple attendees noting its engagement and leadership during the event. A significant moment came when CUNY Vice Chancellor Dr. Denise Maybank provided testimony from York's Center for Students with Disabilities, symbolizing the college's unwavering support for students with disabilities. In May, York College students made a significant impact at the 2025 CUNY Neurodiversity Conference held at the Borough of Manhattan Community College. Led by Charmaine Townsell, students from the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities delivered a powerful presentation titled "CCSD’s Roadmap to Strengthening Neurodiverse Communities at the City University of New York." They highlighted the challenges neurodiverse and disabled students face, emphasizing the importance of education in building economic mobility. Their message was clear: understanding and addressing these barriers is essential for a better future. On April 30, York College hosted York EmpowerED 2025, an initiative supporting students with IEPs and 504 plans as they transition from high school to college. The event welcomed over 160 participants, including more than 100 high school students, many visiting a college campus for the first time. The program featured dynamic peer-to-peer conversations led by the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities at York, hands-on aviation experiences in York’s state-of-the-art flight simulation labs, and robust dialogues with college leadership. The event underscored the importance of collaboration among high schools, colleges, and advocacy organizations to create equitable and informed transitions to college. On July 24, York College's Student Wellness and Resources joined 457 participants from across CUNY to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Hosted by the Queens College Committee for Disabled Students, the event reflected CUNY’s commitment to accessibility, advocacy, and partnership. York College proudly celebrated the achievements of Luis “Junior” Alvarez and Isaac Augustin, student leaders of the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities at York, who were recognized with citations from multiple elected officials for their impactful leadership and advocacy. In May, the City University of New York (CUNY) allocated $30 million to address groundwater flooding issues at York College. This funding is a reallocation from existing projects and aims to provide a long-term solution to the college's infrastructure challenges. CUNY officials emphasized the importance of strategic planning and collaboration among stakeholders to address pressing infrastructure issues across its campuses. In February, York College's men's volleyball team achieved a significant milestone by sweeping the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) weekly honors for the first time since 2016. Senior David Heyliger Jr. was named Player of the Week, and freshman Sebastian Gomez earned Rookie of the Week. This marks the first time since 2016 that York College has earned two weekly awards, highlighting the team's dedication and talent. That's all for now. Stay tuned for more updates, and remember to check the York College website and your student portals for the latest information on events and news.

York College Update: Neurodiversity Conference Success, Presidential Search, and Upcoming CUNY Events for August 2025

Hello, York College community! It's Monday, August 18, 2025, and here's what's happening on campus. First, congratulations to our York Cardinals who made a significant impact at the 2025 CUNY Neurodiversity Conference held at the Borough of Manhattan Community College. Led by Charmaine Townsell, students from the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities delivered a powerful presentation titled "CCSD’s Roadmap to Strengthening Neurodiverse Communities at the City University of New York." They highlighted the challenges neurodiverse and disabled students face, emphasizing the importance of education in building economic mobility. Their message was clear: understanding and addressing these barriers is essential for a better future. In other news, York College is currently in the process of selecting a new president. The nationwide search has attracted a highly qualified pool of candidates. The Search Committee, chaired by Trustee Herminia Palacio, is reviewing and vetting candidates throughout the fall semester. The committee is committed to maintaining confidentiality during this process and appreciates the community's input and support. Looking ahead, while specific events at York College for August 2025 are still being finalized, students and faculty can participate in various CUNY-wide events. For instance, the CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies (CUNY BA) has several workshops scheduled, including a New Student Orientation on August 19th and a Study Abroad session on September 5th. These events are great opportunities to engage with the broader CUNY community. That's all for now. Stay tuned for more updates, and remember to check the York College website and your student portals for the latest information on events and news.

York College Updates: Neurodiversity Advocacy, Presidential Search, and Upcoming CUNY Events for Fall 2025

Hello, York College community! It's Monday, August 11, 2025, and here's what's happening on campus. First up, congratulations to our York Cardinals who made a significant impact at the 2025 CUNY Neurodiversity Conference held at the Borough of Manhattan Community College. Led by Charmaine Townsell, students from the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities delivered a powerful presentation titled "CCSD’s Roadmap to Strengthening Neurodiverse Communities at the City University of New York." They highlighted the challenges neurodiverse and disabled students face, emphasizing the importance of education in building economic mobility. Their message was clear: understanding and addressing these barriers is essential for a better future. In other news, York College is currently in the process of selecting a new president. The nationwide search has attracted a highly qualified pool of candidates. The Search Committee, chaired by Trustee Herminia Palacio, is reviewing and vetting candidates throughout the fall semester. The committee is committed to maintaining confidentiality during this process and appreciates the community's input and support. Looking ahead, while specific events at York College for August 2025 are still being finalized, students and faculty can participate in various CUNY-wide events. For instance, the CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies (CUNY BA) has several workshops scheduled, including a New Student Orientation on August 19th and a Study Abroad session on September 5th. These events are great opportunities to engage with the broader CUNY community. That's all for now. Stay tuned for more updates, and remember to check the York College website and your student portals for the latest information on events and news.