NYC Gazette

The City University of New York (CUNY) has commenced the 2024-2025 academic year with a renewed focus on fostering unity and mutual respect across its 25 campuses. This initiative includes the launch of a new unity campaign, distribution of a campus-climate survey to all students, and enhancement of safety measures for students, faculty, and staff.

“The start of the school year always brings a spirit of renewal to our campuses,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “We’re looking forward to finding new ways to learn and grow together, sustaining a campus culture defined by tolerance, inclusivity, safety and opportunity for all.”

Over 233,000 students are welcomed this year at CUNY, including more than 60,000 freshmen, transfers, and new graduate students. Chancellor Matos Rodríguez marked the beginning of his sixth full academic year by visiting Hunter College alongside its new president Nancy Cantor.

This week sees the launch of “Our CUNY: Hate Divides Us, Diversity Defines Us,” a student-developed social media campaign aimed at combating hate and promoting diversity within CUNY's community.

“Seeing the evolution of the #OurCUNY campaign...has been incredibly valuable in building the CUNY we all want to see,” said Carrie Ebbin from Brooklyn College. Milton Gordon from Baruch College added that he was excited to work on visuals for the campaign that celebrate differences as unifying elements.

A key component is a University-wide campus climate survey assessing inclusivity and discrimination issues. Results will guide future initiatives. Additionally, professional development opportunities will be provided for faculty and staff on navigating difficult conversations.

Safety preparations have also been emphasized with recent discussions involving campus leaders and state representatives. Governor Kathy Hochul addressed CUNY presidents about preparedness for the school year.

CUNY has bolstered its security workforce with 23 new public safety recruits and approximately 50 additional private officers deployed across campuses. Annual recertification on crisis intervention is mandatory for peace officers.

Chancellor Matos Rodríguez joined President Cantor in welcoming students at Hunter College. Cantor brings extensive leadership experience from her previous roles at Rutgers-Newark, Syracuse University, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Classes began this week at most CUNY campuses; Guttman Community College, Kingsborough Community College, and LaGuardia Community College will start next week on September 5th.

Looking ahead to November’s election season, CUNY plans initiatives like debate watch parties under its "CUNY Votes" program to raise voter awareness among students. Campuses will also serve as polling sites during early voting periods.

“I’m full of hope for the year ahead...Let’s use these opportunities to grow...and never forget that we’re stronger when we come together as a community,” said Chancellor Matos Rodríguez.

Founded in 1847 as America’s first free public institution of higher education, CUNY now serves over 233,000 undergraduate and graduate students across New York City’s five boroughs through seven community colleges, eleven senior colleges, and seven graduate or professional institutions.

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