by Nathan Gonyea, Officer in Charge

On behalf of the faculty, staff, and administration at SUNY Empire State College, I am delighted to welcome you to the college’s spring 2020 term.

Our highest priority is the health and safety of our SUNY Empire community, and we will continue to adhere to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines until we receive state guidance that it is safe to resume in-person instruction. As a national leader in online and blended education, we adapted more quickly than most to the “new normal” of the pandemic, while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality education for busy adults.

You also stepped up in extraordinary ways. You persevered – and continue to do so – through the extraordinary challenges of this past year. Many of you are working, raising a family, volunteering in your community (or all three) while pursing your degree. Your determination and energy inspire all of us.

In our effort to keep you informed and engaged, SUNY Empire expanded its offerings and programs over the past year to include:

• SUNY Connects, a weekly series of virtual events for students, faculty, and staff
• Increased open educational resources to reduce course-material expenses
• The Empire Opportunity Program 
• The Shirley A. Chisholm Center for Equity Studies
• The statewide Center for Autism Inclusivity
• New virtual study groups that meet in real time
• Seamless transfer programs for all SUNY community college students
• An online bookstore

I wish everyone a healthy, successful spring semester.  

Sincerely,

Nathan Gonyea

Officer in Charge