Letter to Editor

March 3, 2003

Letters to the Editor
The New York Times
229 West 43rd St.
New York, NY 10036-3913

To the Editor:

In response to your question, does New York need 64 state university campuses ("Lowering Higher Education," Feb. 28), the answer is a resounding yes -- now more than ever.

It's absurd to discuss downsizing when student demand for SUNY is at an all-time high. Strong budgetary support for the state's University during these tough economic times is the only sensible solution. Yet, New York ranks 47th in state spending on higher education operating expenses for every $1,000 of personal income. Not only is this a disgrace, it's bad public policy.

For every dollar the state invests in SUNY, it reaps two dollars in return. And upstate New York depends upon SUNY institutions as the economic engines that will fuel the region's fiscal recovery.

Moreover, the breadth of SUNY's offerings is its strength rather than representing needless duplicity as you suggest. At the 29 state-operated campuses alone, students can pursue programs ranging from teacher education to technology to health sciences, at large research centers or smaller college environments.

It's clear what kind of public university system New York actually wants: the system its citizens flock to. It's time for the state to put its money where its future is -- in an educated work force that will contribute to its economic revitalization and stabilization.

Sincerely,

William E. Scheuerman
President, United University Professions
518-640-6600