University at Albany’s Legislative Requests

Each year, the University at Albany requests additional operating and capital support from the New York State Legislature.

Below are the requests created in consultation with University's Executive Committee. We will be calling on the UAlbany community to help advocate for these initiatives and restorations as there is considerable competition for state resources.

• Capital Support for the Former Albany High School (Schuyler) Building - $20 Million
  The University at Albany is seeking capital funding to begin renovating the Schuyler building into the new home of our new College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS). As part of UAlbany’s largest academic expansion in 50 years, CEAS leverages our existing strengths in computer science, mathematics, and physics. The NYS Education Department validated these efforts last year when it approved our B.S. in computer engineering, the first of several undergraduate and graduate engineering programs in development. This innovative new college represents a critical growth area for the University, providing high-quality degree programs that are in high demand with students, parents and employers.
   
• NYSTAR Center of Excellence in Atmospheric and Environmental Predication and Innovation – $250,000
  Last year’s Enacted Budget again included $250,000 in funding to establish the NYSTAR Center of Excellence in Atmospheric and Environmental Prediction and Innovation at the University at Albany. Unfortunately, the Executive Budget eliminates this funding and the Center’s designation, similar to the last two years. UAlbany will advocate for the restoration of the designation and $250,000 in funding. This Center, when fully developed, will be home to the largest concentration of atmospheric, climate, and environmental researchers in New York State and one of the largest in the nation, with more than 70 highly regarded faculty, researchers and research staff. This world class Center will help strengthen New York’s economy by supporting a bigger weather enterprise presence including federal laboratories, weather service businesses, and greater academic research.
   
• Predictable Tuition Plan
  Last year, SUNY’s authority to increase resident undergraduate tuition was not extended, beginning with the 2016-17 academic year. This year’s Executive Budget includes a reinstatement of an undergraduate tuition plan at the State-operated campuses, in which SUNY’s Board of Trustees is empowered to increase resident undergraduate tuition by a maximum of $250 per year above the approved amount from the prior year and would run from 2017-18 to 2021-22. The revenue generated from any tuition increase would be reinvested to support faculty, instruction, initiatives to improve student success and completion, and tuition credits for TAP-eligible students. Additionally, the Maintenance of Effort is not included in the Executive Budget. We will be joining SUNY in advocating for this protection from cuts in State aid.
   
• Additional Critical Maintenance Funding for SUNY
  Because nearly three quarters of the facilities at UAlbany are more than 40 years old, significant investment is urgently needed to address critical maintenance issues, including those affecting health and safety on our campus, such as the renovation of classrooms and other student-centered spaces. The University supports the Governor’s increased investment in critical maintenance funding for SUNY from $200 million annually to $550 million over a five-year period. Included in this figure is a $396.6 million lump sum for priority critical maintenance projects. While its allocation is yet to be determined, priority will be given to projects that address life and safety concerns, core infrastructure in need of replacement and upgrading buildings and infrastructure to meet current codes and regulations, such as ADA. $9.4 million in critical maintenance funding is included in the budget for UAlbany.