Mount to Host Independent Democratic Conference (IDC)
3/8/2017
Senator Jeff Klein To Lead Discussion on College Affordability
Riverdale, N.Y.–The University of Mount Saint Vincent will host the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) of the New York State Senate on Thursday, March 9, 2017. Led by Senator Jeff Klein, the IDC will present proposals aimed at making college affordable and reducing student debt. The presentation will take place at 11:00 a.m. in the President’s Reception Room in the College’s Founder’s Hall. All are welcome.
Attendees will include Alex Canals, Dean of Admissions and Student Services at Monroe College, King Graduate School, Bronx Campus; Vanessa J. Herman, Assistant Vice President of Government and Community Relations at Pace University; Dr. Timothy L. Hall, President of Mercy College; and Lesley A. Massiah-Arthur, Associate Vice President for Government Relations and Urban Affairs at Fordham University.
“We welcome initiatives that can ease the challenges faced by working and middle class families and maintain student choice,” said Charles L. Flynn, Jr., President of the College. “The Mount proudly serves many students of every background. Affordability and debt are nationally important issues. We believe strongly that a college education should be a right; it is not a luxury.”
New York State’s existing student aid initiatives, including the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), help families from low-income families, but do not reach most students from working or middle class backgrounds. However, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s plan to offer free SUNY tuition to students from families making less than $125,000 has drawn criticism from education advocates concerned over the initiative’s effect on independent colleges.
In New York State, independent colleges are a critically important engine of upward mobility, with a greater percentage of students earning degrees than from public institutions. According to a comprehensive new study on student economic mobility by UC Berkeley and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the College of Mount Saint Vincent shares third place among 578 selective independent colleges and universities nationwide. Mount students experience greater upward mobility than those of all but two colleges and universities across the country.
About the University of Mount Saint Vincent
Founded in 1847 by the Sisters of Charity, the University of Mount Saint Vincent offers nationally recognized liberal arts education and a select array of professional fields of study on a landmark campus overlooking the Hudson River. Committed to the education of the whole person, and enriched by the unparalleled cultural, educational and career opportunities of New York City, the College equips students with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for lives of achievement, professional accomplishment and leadership in the 21st century.