President Commends SUNY for Slashing Tuition for Puerto Rican and U.S. Virgin Island Students

President Rodriguez applauded SUNY's decision to allow students from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to have their tuitions lowered to SUNY's in-state rate. (Photo by Carlo de Jesus)

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 10, 2017) — President Havidán Rodríguez has applauded a decision by the State University of New York, at the directive of Governor Cuomo, to offer in-state tuition for the current academic year to students from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands who have been displaced by Hurricanes Maria and Irma.

In a written statement, Rodriguez said, “I want to commend Governor Cuomo, SUNY Board Chairman McCall, the SUNY Board of Trustees and Chancellor Johnson for their leadership in offering in-state SUNY tuition for college students in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands whose studies have been disrupted by Hurricanes Maria and Irma.

“I am proud to be part of a state and a university system that are demonstrating both compassion and action for students suffering from the devastating impacts of these disasters.

"The University at Albany stands ready to welcome these students—and we will work closely with SUNY and the State of New York to create a seamless transition for them to enroll at our campus."

The Board of Trustees’ action was announced on Friday, authorizing its state-operated campuses to immediately ensure that all displaced students from the two U.S. territories receive the in-state tuition rate. The board also encouraged its 30 community colleges and its statutory colleges at Cornell University and Alfred Ceramics to take similar action.

“SUNY has a responsibility, as a public institution, to step in and help students when circumstances beyond their control may affect their ability to attend, pay for, and succeed in college,” said McCall. “This is SUNY’s call now, as our students and their families are challenged by the devastation left in Hurricane Maria’s path. The SUNY Board of Trustees is proud to do what it can for these displaced students.”

“Today we see SUNY and New York State at their very best, as we stand together and extend assistance to a community in need,” said SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson. “It is our hope that by easing the financial burden for students displaced by Hurricane Maria, they can stay in school and continue to work towards a degree.”

A copy of the resolution adopted by the SUNY Board is available online.

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