by Meg Benke, Provost

On behalf of the faculty, staff, and administration of SUNY Empire State College, I am delighted to welcome you to the college’s fall 2020 term. This semester is a time of change for all of us as we not only welcome our new and returning students, but introduce Officer in Charge Beth Berlin. Ms. Berlin joined SUNY Empire in December of last year as executive vice president for administration and chief operating officer. As you may know, President Jim Malatras was appointed SUNY Chancellor last month. We wish him all the best, and are so grateful for his leadership, especially as we transitioned to a completely remote format in the spring.

Even though we continue to adhere to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, it has not impeded our commitment to quality education. SUNY Empire is the long-standing leader in online and blended education – we know how to do it right. Please take a few moments to review our fall 2020 restart plan, which details in-person and onsite operations across the state. 

At SUNY Empire, we are continually striving to provide quality education with individualized mentoring combined with excellent educational materials and look forward to serving you as an active partner in your educational journey. We urge you to engage with your faculty and other students to broaden your opportunities. In our unending efforts to keep you informed, engaged, and prepared to meet academic expectations, SUNY Empire has expanded its offerings and programs to include:

• Increased open educational resources to reduce book and course materials expenses.
• New virtual study groups that will meet in real time.
• A new online bookstore.
• Seamless transfer programs for all SUNY community college students.
• Launched the statewide Center for Autism Inclusivity.
• Expanded our Empire Opportunity Program across New York State
• Announced the opening of the Shirley A. Chisholm Center for Equity Studies.
• A more robust SUNY Connects, a weekly collaboration between students, staff, and faculty with multiple live, virtual-engagements.

I wish everyone a successful fall semester and am glad you have made the commitment to empower yourselves with higher educational opportunities at SUNY Empire State College.  

Sincerely,

Meg Benke, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs