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The Commission On Independent Colleges & Universities In New York (CICU)

CICU is a statewide association representing the public policy interests of more than 100 independent colleges and universities in New York State. Although not a government agency, CICU is an educational corporation formed under the New York State Regents. Its mission is to develop consensus among a diverse membership and to advance higher education public policy. The Commission coordinates its advocacy efforts with the Council of Governing Boards (CGB), a statewide association that represents the policy interests of more than 3,000 independent college and university trustees. .

Tell New York To Protect Student Aid And Reject Tap Cuts

The Federal Government's resistance to providing financial relief to states could jeopardize the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible New York residents pay tuition at approved schools in New York State. Depending on the academic year in which you begin study, an annual TAP award can be up to $5,165. Because TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back.

Because of the looming budget deficit and the Federal Government’s inaction to date to respond to projected state revenue shortfalls due to Covid-19, New York's Higher Education Services Corporation recently announced that the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and other student aid programs could be cut by 20 percent because of projected state revenue shortfalls due to COVID-19.

For the neediest New Yorkers, a 20% cut in TAP would mean a reduction in student aid of over $1,000. The Covid-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted working class New Yorkers and communities of color; the same people that TAP helps. A cut will deepen that pain and could force thousands of low-income students to take out additional loans or modify their college plans.

There are potentially 1,715 ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø students who will be directly impacted by these cuts. For the Fall 2020 academic semester, we have 954 students approved for TAP and 815 students with pending TAP applications.

We need your help! Use this easy online tool to write to your New York State legislator to ask that they reject any proposed cuts to the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Participate in CICU’s e-advocacy by visiting their website. Learn more about how to take action standing up for student aid.

#NextStopÌÒñ«ÉçÇø MTA Petition

Want to help ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø? ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø plans to ask the MTA to revisit their "Legacy Policy" and ask for the school’s name to be included on signage and in announcements at the Fulton Street (2/3/4/5/A/C/J/Z) subway station. Currently, six other colleges in New York City have had their names added to subway stops, including Columbia University, NYU, CCNY, Hunter, Brooklyn, and Lehman Colleges. Get on the train and help ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø! #NextStopÌÒñ«ÉçÇø.

FAQ

Can I advocate for TAP if I do not receive it?
Yes! We encourage all ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø employees and students to join us to advocate for TAP to help ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø students.

Can I sign the MTA Petition if I do not attend ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø's NYC campus?
Yes! All signatures are welcome. Having signage at the Fulton Street subway station will benefit the entire ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø community.

Additional questions can be directed to Madia Bestman, Program Coordinator, Public Affairs at mbestman@pace.edu.