Hello, York College community! It's Monday, July 28, 2025, and here's your latest campus news.
York College recently played a pivotal role in Student Empowerment Day 2025, a statewide event advocating for increased funding for disability services in higher education. The virtual gathering saw a full Zoom capacity of 300 attendees, including students, advocates, and policymakers, all pushing 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 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, with a York College pennant proudly displayed behind her, symbolizing the college's unwavering support for students with disabilities.
York College students took center stage at the 2025 CUNY Neurodiversity Conference held at the Borough of Manhattan Community College. Led by Charmaine Townsell, members of 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 used the phrase "The Math Ain’t Mathin" to express the disconnect many neurodiverse and disabled students experience when faced with financial, academic, and social systems that don't seem to add up. The session encouraged all CUNY students who identify as disabled to register with their campus disability services offices and take full advantage of available accommodations, especially with finals approaching.
On April 30, 2025, York College hosted York EmpowerED: Bridging the Gap from High School to College. The event welcomed over 160 students, families, educators, and college professionals, including more than 100 high school students, many visiting a college campus for the first time. The program supports students with IEPs and 504 plans as they prepare for the transition to college, blending early outreach, practical resources, and meaningful student engagement. Highlights included a dynamic peer-to-peer conversation led by the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities at York and hands-on aviation experiences in York’s state-of-the-art flight simulation labs.
Spring 2025's New Student Orientation at York College was a day filled with excitement for incoming freshmen and transfer students. The new cohort was welcomed with essential information packets and encouraged to seek help early, as they listened to presentations from various offices and centers across campus. Dr. Karen Williams, Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, emphasized the importance of utilizing available resources and seeking support when needed. A student panel of mentors encouraged incoming students to join mentorship programs, highlighting the advantages of seeking support early in their academic journey.
The York College Class of 2025 received a grand send-off at their recent Commencement held at UBS Arena on May 28. The event featured speakers celebrating the graduates' accomplishments and urging them to take their places in shaping a better world. CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez congratulated the graduates, acknowledging their perseverance through a once-in-a-century pandemic. York College President Dr. Claudia V. Schrader highlighted the diverse achievements of the class, including the youngest member at 20 years old and the eldest, 75-year-old James Norwood Williams, who earned his degree in Art and plans to pursue a master's degree.
Congratulations to Dr. Diao, who joined York College Library as Head of Cataloging in February 2016 and recently completed his doctoral journey at Capella University. His capstone project focused on improving technical services librarians' teaching preparedness through collective learning. Additionally, the library introduced the Information Literacy FYE Digital Badge, recognizing students who develop essential research and information skills during their first two semesters at York College. The program saw significant participation, with 22 students earning the badge by the end of the spring semester.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening at York College. Remember, your future takes flight here!