President’s Monthly Update
June/ July 2026
Dear College Community,
I hope that this email greets you in good health and great spirits. I regret that I must begin my June/ July 2026 Update on such a somber note but given the significance to our college community it is important to do so.
As many of you may know, we suffered a tremendous loss on June 3 when Kirk Buddy, a beloved member of the college community passed away suddenly. He was a bright light in the Office of Communications and Marketing and the H-Wing: he was helpful- always will lend a hand or offer a suggestion or new idea; he possessed a wonderful sense of humor; he was humble; and while I thought he was actually a member of the Employee of the Month committee, it turns out he wasn’t, he was just happy to consistently show up to celebrate is fellow colleagues. In turn, we had the opportunity to celebrate and honor Kirk’s life at his service. The turnout of loved ones and colleagues at his services was a testament to the impact he had on everyone who knew him. His presence will be deeply missed. To further honor Kirk’s memory, a gathering will be held on September 29. More information will be forthcoming. This year we mark the 25thanniversary of 9/11. On Friday September 9, we will hold a memorial at the entrance of Guy R Brewer Blvd at the flag poles starting at 8:30am.
Personnel Matters
Kirk served as Interim Communications Publications Design Specialist and at the time of his passing a search was and now continues to be underway for a permanent hire. I am also nearing completion of my search for a permanent Chief of Staff. Consistent with our Financial Recovery Plan, we continue to focus hiring efforts on positions that will increase revenue as well as ensure the health and safety of our campus community. At the time of my last update, I shared that we are awaiting approval from the Central Office to hire a VP for Institutional Advancement (IA). As I shared, the college has not had executive leadership in this area since 2023 and there are many opportunities to generate needed philanthropic funds that we need to pursue. I am happy to report that a search is underway. I am equally excited to share that we have been given approval to commence a search for a Director of Workforce and Continuing Education. Like IA, this is an area rich with opportunities to strengthen community partnerships, respond to workforce needs, and create pathways that improve economic mobility and student success. We are also in the final stages of searches for a Director of Environmental Health and Safety and a Director of Counseling, both of which are currently vacant.
I offer one final note regarding personnel matters. As the need arises, there may be changes reporting structures and, in some cases, staff reassignments. I recognize that change can be challenging. However, I hope it is understood that regardless of position or title, we are one college and one team, united in our commitment to student success and institutional excellence. Every position and every role within the college is essential to achieving our mission and advancing success of students and the institution.
Enrollment and Retention
It’s been said that culture eats strategy for breakfast. I often hear that late registration part of York's culture, and that students always register late. This fall tells a different story. A look at our records shows that on June 1 we were at 66% (1,886) of our target for continuing student registration. By July 5 that number jumped to 74% (2,130) and as of August 9, we fulfilled 88% (2,533) of our target (2,875). The college is demonstrating increases in enrollment for all but one student cohorts (Readmits) and overall is experiencing a 9.7% increase in enrollment (without HS students) over last year at this time. We currently demonstrate the highest year-over-year enrollment increase among CUNY's senior colleges. As of yesterday, our enrollment without high school students is 4,224 compared to 3,285 last year on 8/12.
Culture is shaped by our collective actions, and together we are building a culture that is evolving from last-minute registration to proactive planning and student success. Shout out to our Welcome Center, Admissions, Registrar’s Office, Advisors (SOAR, ACE, SEEK and Faculty), Student Financial Services, the CAPS, IT, the VREADY Crew, Bursar, Health Services, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Building & Grounds, Public Safety, Admin and Finance, the list goes on and on for all their efforts this registration season. You can read more detailed information regarding registration data and related activities in VP Rivera’s Monday Morning Enrollment Reports to the college community. As we approach the first day of classes for the new academic year, let us continue to rise to this moment.
This year I celebrated the big 4-0… 40 years since I graduated from high school in St. Croix, USVI and made my way to Rutgers University. As the baby of the family, I also made trails for higher learning on the mainland, I was fortunate it wasn't my parent's first rodeo; but as you know, for so many of our families of first gen students the college dance can be complex and difficult to navigate. That’s why in June I was excited to attend a breakfast for parents of our College Now students which provided parents with an opportunity to ask questions and get to know even more about York College. Only a small percentage of College Now students matriculate at York, and we are seeking to increase our yield.
This summer we made our marketing efforts up a notch by launching our first enrollment campaign: Your Village Awaitsfeaturing current and recent graduates. The campaign celebrates the power, promise, and vibrancy of our student body and is especially meaningful because it features the true voices and faces of York—our students—who represent the heart of our community and the strength of the “village” behind every success story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jQycA-2U_0
Administration and Finance
The College's FY2027 Financial Plan addresses a projected operating deficit of $9.7 million through a comprehensive approach that combines enrollment growth, revenue enhancement, operational efficiencies, and strategic cost management. The plan is focused on strengthening the institution's financial position while investing in initiatives that support student retention, completion, and workforce readiness and revenue generation. To this end, while the past 2 years have focused on strategic investments in refreshing facilities, strengthen our focus on retention and enrollment, and marketing efforts, priorities for the FY2027 will focus on:
- Reducing the operating deficit and strengthen long-term fiscal sustainability.
- Increasing degree-seeking student enrollment.
- Improving tuition revenue collection rates.
- Expanding Non-Tax Levy revenue to support Tax Levy budget requirements.
- Reducing operating expenditures through attrition and other efficiency measures.
- Diversifying revenue streams through continuing education, workforce development programs, grants, and auxiliary enterprises.
Within our current budget constraints we have limited range regarding capital and facilities improvements; however, we have managed to advance several high-priority projects which will enhance the student experience and campus environment which including painting of the Health & Physical Education (HPE) Building façade, completion of the Student Food Pantry, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for September, and completion of the Student Clothing Closet, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for September. This fall we will continue to make progress on the Academic Core Building (ACB) bathroom renovation project; install new furniture in campus common areas to improve student engagement spaces and enhance branding and campus wayfinding enhancements.
Middle States Update
The Middle States Steering Committee under the leadership of VP Hoeffner and Professor Heather Robinson spent the summer engaging in a little R & R… that is reading and ‘riting of our Self Study. I have had the opportunity to review standard drafts and was impressed by the thoughtful and comprehensive response to the each of the standard criteria. I can say that it has been difficult for the committee to capture the growth of the college since its last MSCHE review in the 10-page limit for each chapter because it there is so much that we have accomplished. Equally as rich is the quantity and quality of supporting evidence- because of your efforts- that accompanies each standard. Once the fall semester is underway there will be opportunities for college wide engagement in the process.
CUNY Beyond
I am pleased to share that York has been selected to join CUNY Beyond, CUNY’s innovative career-connected learning initiative designed to link students with advising, internships, industry mentors, and employment opportunities from day one. As we often say York is Where Futures Take Flight, and CUNY Beyond will serve as a powerful launch pad to get them there. As part of this initiative, we will receive funding to hire key staff to lead the project and to this end, two searches are underway. More information will be forthcoming, but for now we are Beyond excited. You can read more here: https://qns.com/2026/08/cuny-beyond-career-initiative-queens/.
Looking back, looking ahead
Since my last report:
I am excited to host our last community gathering before the start of the semester. Make plans to join us at our Ice Cream Social on August 20 from 12pm -2pm in the Amphitheatre.
As you many of you know, I am an avid volunteer with Habitat for Humanity (HFH). For many years, I spent my summers building houses across the globe for families in need. Unfortunately, I had to cancel a planned HFH build I had intended to do in August… but my fire for this work still burning bright. So, I decided to do some work closer to home, in fact right on campus. The benches at the entrance to the classroom building are in dire need of TLC and I am looking for 15 volunteers to join me at our Paint & Refresh from 3:30pm - 5:00pm Thursday, August 20. Click on the link to sign up. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7LhKdXgL9ASW8rTnBVVjPQJimmze1uWleMhtzqYn5JP10ag/viewform
Finally, please save the date for our Faculty and Staff Convocation on September 8. We are honored to welcome Grace C. Bonilla, Esq. President and CEO of United Way of New York City as our guest speaker. While she is not a York College, graduate, her father’s journey as a student here played significant role in shaping her life and success. Her story is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact that York College has not only on individuals, but their families, and communities. It is especially fitting reminder as we come together to reaffirm our shared commitment to this important work.
Colleagues, I am literally counting the days until the hallways, cafeteria, atrium, library, and classrooms are once again filled with sounds of conversations, laughing, learning, and connection. Solar energy is no match for the energy that our students and each of you bring to campus. We are at our best when we are alive with students, faculty and staff coming together in pursuit of our vision, fueled by our mission and anchored in our values.
See you on campus!
CVSchrader
Claudia Schrader, EdD
President
York College
The City University of New York
94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd
Jamaica, NY 11451
(718) 262 2350
cschrader@PROTECTED
IG: Yorkcunyprez