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.
Impact
If passed, S08165 will directly amend the education law related to staffing requirements in public universities, which could result in a significant impact on operational budgets and funding allocations within SUNY and CUNY. The bill underscores the importance of mental health in educational settings, potentially paving the way for increased funding opportunities to comply with its requirements. However, it specifically states that the ratio requirements will not be funded through student fees instituted after the bill becomes effective, indicating that institutions will need to seek federal or private funding to meet the new mandates.
Summary
Bill S08165 aims to enhance mental health support on state university campuses in New York by mandating a minimum ratio of one clinical, non-student mental health staff member per one thousand full-time equivalent students at all SUNY and CUNY institutions. This legislation seeks to address increasing mental health concerns among students by ensuring adequate professional support is available to them, thereby facilitating a healthier campus environment. Additionally, the bill requires state universities to revisit this staffing ratio every five years based on actual data and benchmarks, providing a framework for ongoing assessment and adjustment as necessary.
Contention
Notably, the bill may elicit debate regarding the feasibility of implementation, as colleges and universities may face challenges regarding budget constraints and staffing availability. While many advocates argue for the necessity of mental health resources, concerns around the potential financial burden on educational institutions, especially during times of constrained budgets, could be significant. The discourse around this bill reflects broader societal issues related to mental health and its recognition within educational frameworks, as stakeholders assess the implications of mandated staffing ratios on the quality and accessibility of mental health services for students.
Same As
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.
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 the mental health educational opportunity program and the mental health higher educational opportunity program to provide additional educational opportunities for students at certain universities and colleges in the state to enroll in academic programs that lead to a degree or degrees required for licensure in any of the mental health professions.
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.
Requires opioid antagonists in student gathering places at colleges and universities; requires college and university emergency medical services to carry and have readily available opioid antagonists.
Designates campuses which are operated by the state university of New York with at least sixteen thousand enrolled students and an on campus dormitory as early voting sites and polling sites; provides that such designation requirements shall not apply where an early voting site or polling site is already designated within one mile of the geographic boundaries of such campus.
Designates campuses which are operated by the state university of New York with at least sixteen thousand enrolled students and an on campus dormitory as early voting sites and polling sites; provides that such designation requirements shall not apply where an early voting site or polling site is already designated within one mile of the geographic boundaries of such campus.