As the month ends—Happy Halloween!—I write with updates concerning recent events and activities that you may find of interest. Since my last communication, I have been engaged in advocacy for our campus and the students we serve.
For several days, over the past two weeks, I have been actively engaged in chairing the search committee for the next CUNY Executive Vice Chancellor and University Provost. The work has been time-consuming but rewarding and the interview process has surfaced outstanding candidates who can have an important role in leading our system in the coming years. I thank my colleagues on the committee—including University Faculty Senate Chair and CSI Professor John Verzani (Mathematics)—for their dedication and contributions to our deliberations. I am confident that one of the finalists whom we have forwarded to the Chancellor for his consideration will represent the interests of CUNY’s roughly 20,000 faculty members well.
Speaking of our faculty, I want to congratulate Professor Kathleen Cumiskey (Psychology) for her recent acknowledgment by our Chancellor for the transformative work she and her colleagues are doing with Public Interest Technology. Professor Cumiskey’s work—like that of the dozen DST professors whose work was highlighted by Elsevier and Stanford University as being among the top 2% globally in their respective fields—demonstrates the impact and power of our faculty and their research.
Last week also saw the first contractual Labor Management Meeting, where members of the administration met with CSI’s PSC Chapter Chair Professor Jonathan Cope (Library) and the PSC Executive Committee to discuss matters related to facilities issues, campus signage projects, and reassigned time for faculty. It was a productive conversation, and I am happy to report that some of the issues raised are already being remediated. I look forward to continuing partnership with the PSC and other bargaining units, which will be a necessity during these challenging fiscal and political times.
On Wednesday, I, and a strong contingent from CSI, joined hundreds of other attendees at the State of the University address held at Hostos Community College where we drew inspiration from Chancellor Matos Rodríguez and other speakers as they reminded us of how important our mission is to our city and to our students. Our Chancellor unveiled CUNY Beyond, a comprehensive plan to prepare students across the University for success in their careers. It is highlighted as the nation’s most sweeping effort to elevate and integrate a focus on career outcomes into every undergraduate degree. This was a message that reverberated the following evening when I joined other CUNY leaders for a meeting with Governor Kathy Hochul in midtown Manhattan, where the Governor reaffirmed the vital role we play in advancing affordability and social mobility, emphasizing these priorities as central to New York’s mission.
Responding to these challenges is made easier when we center our students and remain laser-focused on our mission. This week saw a number of events where we did just that: Sunday’s Open House (and thank you to those who dedicated the time to plan and host this event) was attended by several hundred prospective students, and our showing certainly convinced many of them that CSI was their future home. The week also saw a fantastic alumni event hosted by the Department of Performing and Creative Arts, where recent graduates returned to share their stories of professional accomplishment and to inspire our current students to realize their potential (and their dreams)! This was reinforced at Tuesday evening’s Scholarship Reception, where I hosted a number of generous donors and their student beneficiaries. We heard from several donors who appreciatively shared stories of the impact that CSI made on their lives and of their desire—no, obligation—to give back and pay it forward, as well from as several outstanding students who shared how this generosity made their personal and professional academic journey so much easier. The work that we are doing, individually and collectively, was similarly called out by the Staten Island Non-Profit Association, a local organization that champions the work of local agencies. I was humbled to be presented with the 2025 Community Voice Award at their 13th Annual Staten Island Nonprofit Conference, in recognition of the work we do collectively to elevate underrepresented voices in our community. As a dedicated Borough steward and champion of higher education as a public good, I was pleased and proud to accept that award on behalf of the campus.
A few reminders to end the week. Election season is here, and it is an important time to participate in the democratic process. If you are eligible, take a moment to learn about the issues and candidates, and plan to vote Tuesday. And in the spirit of Halloween, don’t forget to support our students and the Drama Program of the Performing and Creative Arts Department and purchase your tickets to Alice In Slasherland, directed by Professor Lee Papa (English).
Finally, our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica, Cuba, and all communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. We are only beginning to see the profound impact this storm has had in the region. For our staff and students who may be directly or indirectly affected, we encourage you to access the following resources: students seeking support are encouraged to contact the Counseling Center at 718.982.2391. Faculty and staff may contact the Employee Assistance Program, CCA@YourSide, at 800.833.8707.
Until next time (and with a reminder to set your clocks back by an hour on Sunday and replace your fire alarm batteries—thanks, dad),
By Timothy G. Lynch, Ph.D. (he/him/his)
