The Campus Community:
Below are the latest Finance & Administration Division Updates:
Budget:
The FY25 Q1 Financial Report indicates a projected budget shortfall of $11.8M, an increase of $1.2M from the FY25 Financial Plan. This adjustment is primarily due to YORK not meeting its revenue targets, caused by lower than expected enrollment numbers and changes in the projected revenue calculation rates. As a result, YORK is facing difficulties in achieving its financial reduction target. The Budget team is thoroughly analyzing the current financial situation in preparation for the FY25 Q2 Financial Report and is exploring various strategies to address the shortfall. These strategies include identifying cost-saving opportunities across the college to mitigate the impact and ensure financial stability moving forward.
Scholarship Processing:
We have made updates to the scholarship process at York College to enhance efficiency and ensure timely disbursement of checks to students. These improvements are designed to streamline the workflow, reduce processing delays, and facilitate quicker issuance of funds to students. Our goal is to provide a smoother and more efficient experience for all involved.
Staff:
- We are excited to announce the appointment of Yasmina Moore as the new Procurement Director at York College. With extensive experience and expertise in procurement and supply chain management, Yasmina is well-equipped to lead our procurement efforts. In this role, she will manage the college's procurement operations, focusing on efficient sourcing, contract management, and cost-effective purchasing strategies. Her leadership will be instrumental in enhancing operational efficiency and supporting York College's commitment to fiscal responsibility and resource optimization. She can be reached by phone 718-262-2916 or email ymoore@PROTECTED. Please join us in welcoming Yasmina to the team!
Building & Grounds (Facilities):
Projects in the pipeline for January 25
Capital Projects Currently in progress or in the pipeline:
As we strive to modernize our campus, below is the latest updates for capital projects currently under way and those in the pipeline.
Due to limited resources we have been strategic in the sequence of projects undertaken. Projects that improve health and safety are the priority,include roof replacement, elevator repairs, escalator upgrade, ADA accessibility.
The next wave of capital improvements will address obsolete infrastructure, such as the ACB mechanical equipment upgrade, the installation of a new BMS system,updates the chemistry and biology labs and updates to the main lecture hall.
HPE - ADA Restroom and Lockers Upgrade
- Project at 75% completion
- Anticipated completion April 30, 2025
- SoW includes new women’s and men’s showers, lockers, and ADA toilet.
- New ceiling tiles at lower-level corridor
- New egress corridor from changing facilities
- New LED lighting fixtures
ACB Roof Replacement and Upgrade
- Project at 99% completion
- Anticipated substantial completion March 1, 2025, due to the addition of new lighting fixtures at exterior low roofs.
- Project close-out and punch list to follow completion
- SoW replacement of roofing material and accessories throughout all ACB
- All roofs complete
Performing Arts Center (PAC)
- Mechanical upgrade at 90% completion/ Interior at 60% completion, note new work added to upgrade fire alarm system.
- Anticipated completion of work Spring 2026
- SoW includes complete mechanical equipment upgrade, interior upgrade, elevator upgrade, ADA lift and toilet room upgrades.
- Upgrade of stage lighting and controls to IP (Internet Protocol) standard
- Moisture proof for water infiltration from driving rains at exterior additional work being addressed.
- Freight elevator repair and utility electrical power disruption also unanticipated additional work currently being addressed.
- Project at 45% completion
- Vendor RFP process – Draft contract submitted to CUNY Legal Counsel for review, ongoing in parallel with construction. Food options under development.
- Demolition work started by Construction Force Services (CFS), next task removal to create space for new appliances.
- Dining furniture purchased and waiting for delivery.
- Flooring at dining area purchased and waiting for delivery.
- New appliance vendor procured.
- Miscellaneous additional scope finalized, and installation commencing shortly
- Anticipated date for substantial completion of the project is January 2025
- Project close out and punch list no later than January 24, 2025
- Appliance replacement to comply with today’s energy code
159th Street DRI- Pedestrian Walkway Upgrade - The Overpass
- Project site mobilization on hold pending approval of construction manager by CUNY board
- Scope of work includes new architectural lighting, benches, and pavers.
- Anticipated substantial completion August 15, 2025 (This date may shift due delay by board.)
Future Funded Capital Projects
Human Resources
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT for CUNY Employees
Online resources to support your professional development needs
DCAS Citywide Learning & Development
DCAS Citywide Learning & Development is the central source of training within New York City government for employees at all levels, from all agencies. Classes are taught by a mix of government, university, and private sector experts, and span the following portfolio areas including executive development, supervisory skills, technology and more.
LinkedIn Learning
York College provides all students, faculty and staff with a free subscription to the vast collection of instructional video resources of LinkedIn Learning. Their online library of content covers a wide range of subjects including leadership development, effective communications, workplace success techniques, stress management, business writing, Office 365, Adobe Suite and so much more. I encourage you to explore the many topics and videos provided by this resource. Faculty can use the content for classroom learning and discussion with students. Supervisors and employees can use this tool to further their professional development goals. Faculty and employees can access LinkedIn Learning using their York credentials.
Public Safety
1. Enhancing Campus Safety, Especially at Night
- Improved Lighting: Campus lighting has been upgraded across high-traffic pathways, entrances, and parking areas to enhance visibility, particularly during evening hours.
- Crosswalk Assistance: Public Safety has stationed an officer at the Guy R. Brewer Blvd crosswalk during the 5 PM rush hour to assist pedestrians, especially as it gets darker earlier.
- Virtual Escort Program: Available 24/7 via the Cardinal App or Public Safety webpage, this program connects students with a Public Safety officer via live video for added security when walking to buses, trains, or parking lots. In-person escorts are also available upon request.
- Traffic Safety Progress: Through ongoing collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOT), we have achieved:
- Installation of ADA-compliant crossing devices with audible tones.
- Re-timed traffic lights to allow pedestrians extra crossing time.
- Improved crosswalk designs to define and secure high-risk intersections.
- Off-Campus Lighting Enhancements: We are working with the DOT to improve lighting in key off-campus areas, particularly around the Gym Building, 160th Street, and Guy R. Brewer Blvd toward South Road, to ensure better visibility and safety for students and staff traveling near campus.
2. CCTV and Access Control System Upgrades
- Ongoing Capital Project: We are awaiting funding approval from NY State for a comprehensive capital upgrade, which includes over 200 state-of-the-art cameras and a keyless access control system throughout the college. We are optimistic that the project will begin on campus in Fall 2025.
- Immediate Progress:
- Implemented eight new state-of-the-art cameras in key areas identified as high-traffic or of concern.
- Moving forward with installing 6 additional cameras in critical areas to further enhance campus safety over the spring semester.
- Child and Family Center: In coordination with the larger project, the center is adding nine cameras of the same caliber to ensure seamless integration and improve safety for children and staff.
Addressing Transportation Needs
- Metro Cards for Students: In partnership with the Office of Student Affairs, Public Safety provides Metro Cards to students on a case-by-case basis. While supplies are limited, this initiative reflects our commitment to addressing transportation challenges for students in need.
- Proposed Shuttle Service: Athletics and Student Activities are collaborating with Public Safety to procure vans for student athletics, with the aim of developing this into a shuttle program in the future.
- Current Transportation Options: York College remains a well-connected hub in Jamaica, with:
- Access to the Q112 bus, E and J subway lines, and Long Island Railroad.
- NYC electric scooters and bike stations strategically placed around campus for additional convenience.
Supporting Students with Disabilities
- Access-A-Ride Zones: Designated pick-up and drop-off areas are located on Guy R. Brewer Blvd, Liberty Avenue, and 160th Street.
- ADA Accessibility Improvements: Collaborating with the DOT to install ADA-compliant traffic devices, ramps, and pathways across campus.
- Fire Evacuation Chairs: Public Safety is researching new fire evacuation chairs to assist the campus community with mobility challenges during emergencies. These stair chairs would be strategically placed on upper floors to help anyone with mobility issues safely descend.
Next Steps and Advocacy
- Ongoing Traffic Safety Requests: We are working with DOT, City Council, and local partners to prioritize additional measures, including:
- Red light and speed cameras.
- Enhanced underpass and street lighting near critical areas.
- Traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps and flashing lights, on Guy R. Brewer Blvd.
- Reconfiguration of Archer Avenue and 159 Street walkway.
- Monitoring and Expanding Resources: We remain focused on exploring partnerships to support campus services, additional MetroCard access, and further safety enhancements.
These initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to improving campus safety, accessibility, and transportation options for the College
Office of Sponsored Research & Programs
November
December in progress
- Proposal to NY State Dept. of Education
- Reviewing PSC-CUNY applications submitted thus far
- Working on ORSP Newsletter for the Spring
- HR issues
- Finalizing CAYUSE info for conversion
- Working on GRTI equipment for new faculty
- Working on developing an ORSP Handbook
- Gathering information for ORSP proposal due in January
The division updates are reflective of our continuing efforts to support and collaboration with the college community as we implement critical initiative and improvements.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.

Eduardo Rios Office: 718-262-2104
Vice President for Finance & Administration Cell: 929-720-2167
Chief Financial Officer/ Chief Facilities Officer Email: erios9@PROTECTED
MS Teams: eduardo.rios09@PROTECTED
94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. Jamaica, NY, 11451.
