Faculty and Staff

Faculty Concerns

From time to time, issues arise in Congress or the state Capitol that, if passed, could have a serious impact on your department or even on the entire University. If you learn of such an issue, please bring it to our attention. We will determine the best way to let our elected officials know of your concerns. Other times, legislative committees invite a specific university official to testify before a panel; our office would help coordinate your appearance.

Tell us about a proposed law or regulation that would affect the University either via e-mail gcr@syr.edu or by phone: 443-3919. Thank you!

Student Lobby Day in Albany

Each February, after the governor releases his budget, Government and Community Relations leads a group of motivated C-STEP, HEOP, and TAP recipient students and their program directors to Albany. In face-to-face meetings with senators and members of the Assembly, students speak honestly about how programs like TAP, C-STEP, and HEOP have helped them be successful in college, with the goal of increasing or stabilizing program funding. This is their chance to affect state business and the all-important funding these critical programs deserve.

Please, if you are aware of any HEOP, C-STEP, or TAP recipient students in your class, encourage them to participate in our Student Lobby Day. The elected officials enjoy speaking with the students and hearing their real stories.

Student-Led Advocacy at Home

Among other groups, HEOP (Higher Education Assistance Program) and OSS (Office of Supportive Services) students are very active in consistently advocating for better state funding. For instance, HEOP and OSS students organized and participated in a letter-writing campaign in the Schine Student Center. 146 students signed on. This is the kind of student activism that turns heads in Albany.

Here are some pictures of the campaign. We are pleased that even Otto got in the act.