Establishes an automatic application program for state high school students into SUNY and CUNY.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would have significant implications for state laws regarding education and student data privacy. Under S07590, the application process for high school students would shift, requiring the educational department to comply with federal regulations regarding information sharing. Notably, the program would emphasize the importance of student consent, ensuring that personal data is managed prudently, thereby maintaining compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This legislative change is designed to increase college enrollment rates among high school graduates.
Summary
Bill S07590 aims to establish an Automatic Application Program specifically designed for graduating high school students in New York. This program intends to streamline the college application process by automatically applying eligible students to both the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY). The bill outlines the responsibilities of the educational department to create a centralized academic database that will facilitate this automatic application submission, making access to higher education more straightforward for students in the state.
Contention
While the bill has generally garnered support, there are points of contention among various stakeholders. Proponents argue that the automatic application process will help increase college attendance and improve educational outcomes for students who might otherwise face barriers to applying. Critics, however, might raise concerns regarding the quality of applications resulting from an automated process, fearing it could dilute personal expressions in college admissions. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the adequacy of safeguards to protect student data as more personal information becomes centralized in one database.
Establishes the transitional pathway program for students in higher education at SUNY and CUNY schools with autism spectrum disorder to encourage accessibility and inclusivity in higher education for students with autism spectrum disorder; makes related provisions.
Authorizes SUNY and CUNY to provide emergency aid grants to certain students; provides that the state shall reimburse half of all such grants provided; requires the higher education services corporation to provide an annual report on such programs.
Authorizes SUNY and CUNY to provide emergency aid grants to certain students; provides that the state shall reimburse half of all such grants provided; requires the higher education services corporation to provide an annual report on such programs.
Relates to improving student mental health and mental health literacy in institutions of higher education in the state; requires the amendment or adoption of related protocols, policies and programs in SUNY, CUNY and independent institutions of higher education.
Requires at least a ratio of one clinical, non-student mental health staff member per one thousand students on all SUNY and CUNY campuses and for state colleges and universities to update such ratio every five years.
Establishes a free lifeguard training program in high schools in a city with a population of one million or more and covers all fees and costs of a state-approved lifeguard certification exam for any student upon completion of the training program.