Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities

Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities Representing New York's more than 100 private, not-for-profit colleges and universities and their nearly 500,000 students and 400,000 employees. Anglin.

Founded in 1956 by a small group of private, not-for-profit college and university presidents, the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (cIcu) now represents 100+ independent campuses across 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 t

o advance higher education public policy. The Commission is the formal organizational liaison with the New York State Board of Regents, the State Commissioner of Education, and the chancellors of the State University (SUNY) and City University (CUNY); and with the proprietary sector. The Commission is governed by a Board of Trustees composed of chief executive officers or institutional trustees of member campuses who represent the diversity of the cIcu membership in terms of institutional type, size, and geographic location. Its president is Laura L. Since 1981, cIcu's Outreach Programs have produced helpful publications for students, parents, and schools about cIcu's 100+ member private colleges and universities, college admissions, and financial aid. Available free of charge, the latest series includes: Your College Search and Affording College. These publications are distributed to New York State high school guidance and principals' offices; school superintendents' offices; public libraries; and to selected high schools in surrounding states. Our outreach also includes the Sector's admissions and financial aid Web site, www.nycolleges.org, which features profiles of New York's private colleges and universities and degree offerings throughout the state. 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.

🚨 TOMORROW is the day! 🚨We are so excited to be in Albany for Student Advocacy Day to fight for student aid and ensure t...
02/10/2025

🚨 TOMORROW is the day! 🚨

We are so excited to be in Albany for Student Advocacy Day to fight for student aid and ensure that ALL New Yorkers have access to higher education! 🎓📣

Join students from across the state as we rally to protect and expand critical opportunity programs like HEOP, EOP, TAP, CSTEP, and STEP.

These programs change lives, open doors, and create pathways to success.
Let’s make our voices heard loud and clear! 🗣️💙 Use and help us advocate for a brighter future!

📍 Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY
🗓️ TOMORROW – February 11, 2025, at 12 PM

📢 Student Empowerment Day 2025: A Powerful Call for Equity in Higher Education!Today, advocates, students, and higher ed...
02/07/2025

📢 Student Empowerment Day 2025: A Powerful Call for Equity in Higher Education!
Today, advocates, students, and higher education leaders from across New York came together for Student Empowerment Day, calling for increased funding and support for college students with disabilities. 💪🎓
With the support of Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Harvey Epstein—who have been at the forefront of this cause alongside NYSDSC for years—we reinforced the urgent need for $15 million in funding to expand access, inclusion, and essential services for students with disabilities. We also pushed for the passage of S.3369 to expand state financial aid options for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

📸 Swipe through to see:

➡️ First photo: Assembly Member Harvey Epstein and Senator Andrew Gounardes, longtime champions of this cause.

➡️ Second photo: Annalise Simons, a student advocate from Bard College, sharing her powerful perspective.

➡️ Third photo: Beth Myers, Executive Director of the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education at Syracuse University, speaking on the importance of inclusion.

➡️ Last photo: Taryn from CICU, representing our ongoing commitment to advocacy and equity in higher education.

CICU is proud to stand with our partners at the New York State Disability Services Council, student advocates, and legislative leaders to ensure every student—regardless of ability—has the resources they need to succeed.

Thank you to all who joined us in this critical advocacy effort. Your voices are making a difference! 🙌

“Advocating for the future of higher education! 🎓✨ CICU President Brabham, along with our Directors of Education Policy ...
02/05/2025

“Advocating for the future of higher education! 🎓✨ CICU President Brabham, along with our Directors of Education Policy and Government Relations, attended in Washington, D.C. to engage in critical discussions on the evolving higher ed landscape. We had the opportunity to meet with Senator Chuck Schumer, Rep. Gregory Meeks, Rep. Yvette Clarke’s staff, and Rep. Joe Morelle to ensure New York’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities have a strong voice in policy decisions. Advocacy matters, especially in times of change! ”

🌟 **  Spotlight: Hobart and William Smith Colleges** 🌟 Big news from HWS! 🎉 The upcoming **Fish Center for the Sciences*...
02/03/2025

🌟 ** Spotlight: Hobart and William Smith Colleges** 🌟

Big news from HWS! 🎉 The upcoming **Fish Center for the Sciences** will span nearly 40,000 sq. ft., featuring cutting-edge classrooms, labs, and spaces for advanced STEM research. This transformative facility, made possible by a $25M gift from alumna **Cynthia Fish ‘82** and John Fish, will be a hub for innovation and collaboration on campus. 🧪✨
Learn more about this exciting addition to

HWS: New Science Center to be Named for Alumna Cynthia Fish

Link in bio

📢 STAND UP FOR STUDENT AID! 🎓💙Join students from across New York State on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the Legislative...
02/03/2025

📢 STAND UP FOR STUDENT AID! 🎓💙
Join students from across New York State on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the Legislative Office Building in Albany to make your voice heard! 📣✨

We are rallying to protect and expand student financial aid and opportunity programs like HEOP, EOP, TAP, CSTEP, and STEP—lifelines that open doors to higher education and a brighter future. But there’s more work to do. Too many students still face barriers to success, and we must demand more funding and equity in access to education.

Use and be part of the movement to ensure all New Yorkers can attend the college that best fits their goals! Let’s make our voices heard and fight for a stronger, more equitable future! 💪🎓🏛️

“✨ Celebrating Black History Month with CICU! ✨ This month, we honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of ...
02/01/2025

“✨ Celebrating Black History Month with CICU! ✨ This month, we honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black leaders in higher education. Stay tuned as we share Black History Facts highlighting the rich history and impact of our member institutions! 📚✊🏾 ”

“🌙🐉 Wishing everyone a joyous and prosperous Lunar New Year from all of us at CICU! May this year bring success, happine...
01/29/2025

“🌙🐉 Wishing everyone a joyous and prosperous Lunar New Year from all of us at CICU! May this year bring success, happiness, and new opportunities for all. 🎊✨

“Congratulations to the following Senators on their appointment to the New York State Senate Higher Education Committee!...
01/24/2025

“Congratulations to the following Senators on their appointment to the New York State Senate Higher Education Committee! 🎉 We are excited to collaborate with you as we work together to strengthen and improve the higher education landscape in New York State. Here’s to fostering innovation, access, and opportunity for students across the state! 👏
(Listed as they appear in the photo)

Joseph A. Griffo
Patricia Fahy
Andrew Gounardes
Robert Jackson
John C. Liu
Rachel May
Dean Murray
Peter Oberacker
Gustavo Rivera
Lea Webb

🎉 Congratulations to the newly appointed members of the New York State Assembly Higher Education Committee! 🏛️Rodneyse B...
01/23/2025

🎉 Congratulations to the newly appointed members of the New York State Assembly Higher Education Committee! 🏛️

Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Marianne Buttenschon, Monique Chandler-Waterman, Sarah Clark, Chris Eachus, Michael J. Fitzpatrick, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Scott Gray, Judy Griffin, Anna R. Kelles, Donna A. Lupardo, John T. McDonald III, Karen McMahon, Brian D. Miller, Kwani O’Pharrow, Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, Karines Reyes, Nader J. Sayegh, Rebecca A. Seawright, Joe Sempolinski, Jo Anne Simon, Doug Smith, Robert Smullen, and Al Stirpe.

Their pictures are displayed above in order of the names listed. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to advancing higher education and supporting students, faculty, and institutions across New York State. We at CICU are thrilled to collaborate with you to strengthen and champion the higher education sector in our state. Together, we can make a lasting impact! 💪📚✨

🚨 Exciting Announcement! 🚨Join us for the 69th Annual Meeting of the Commission on Independent Colleges & Universities (...
01/22/2025

🚨 Exciting Announcement! 🚨

Join us for the 69th Annual Meeting of the Commission on Independent Colleges & Universities (CICU) in New York, happening March 10-11, 2025, at the Albany Capital Center!

🎤 Plenary Session: 2025 Federal & State Higher Education Landscape
📢 Concurrent Sessions:
✅ Strategic Communications for Higher Ed
✅ International Student Recruitment & Retention

Engage with top experts, policy leaders, and advocates shaping the future of higher education! 📚✨

Don’t miss this opportunity—

On this  , we reflect on Dr. King’s powerful words and his belief in the transformative power of education. At the Commi...
01/20/2025

On this , we reflect on Dr. King’s powerful words and his belief in the transformative power of education. At the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York (CICU), we champion the role of higher education in fostering leaders who drive social change, equity, and progress. Let’s honor Dr. King’s legacy by ensuring access to quality education for all.

Visit CICU.org to learn more.

🎓🎩 *Tip your hats to higher education!* 🎩🎓 This  , we’re celebrating the most important hat of all—the graduation cap! I...
01/15/2025

🎓🎩 *Tip your hats to higher education!* 🎩🎓

This , we’re celebrating the most important hat of all—the graduation cap! In fall 2023, New York’s colleges and universities enrolled an incredible **1.1 million undergraduate and graduate/first professional students**. Nearly **491,000 of those students (44%)** chose the independent sector, making it a cornerstone of New York State’s higher education landscape.

Whether you’re flipping tassels or dreaming of your big day, the graduation cap is more than just a hat—it’s a symbol of perseverance, achievement, and new beginnings. So today, let’s throw our caps in the air for the independent colleges and universities helping students achieve their dreams! 🎉🎓

“Congratulations to Governor Hochul on an inspiring 2025 State of the State Address! It was an honor to be in attendance...
01/14/2025

“Congratulations to Governor Hochul on an inspiring 2025 State of the State Address! It was an honor to be in attendance as you laid out a vision for New York’s future. We look forward to collaborating with you and the State Legislature to advance higher education, particularly within the Independent Sector, ensuring opportunities and excellence for all. ”

🎉 Congratulations to Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman on her appointment as Chairwoman of the NYS Assembly Higher Education ...
01/14/2025

🎉 Congratulations to Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman on her appointment as Chairwoman of the NYS Assembly Higher Education Committee for the 2025-2026 Legislative Session!
We at CICU are excited to collaborate with you to advance opportunities and ensure excellence in higher education across New York State. 👏

🎉 Congratulations to Senator Toby Stavisky on her appointment as Chairwoman of the NYS Senate Higher Education Committee...
01/14/2025

🎉 Congratulations to Senator Toby Stavisky on her appointment as Chairwoman of the NYS Senate Higher Education Committee for the 2025-2026 Legislative Session!
CICU looks forward to working with you to support students, institutions, and the future of higher education in New York State. 👏

Today’s Member Monday Spotlight is a bit more delicious than most, directly from Hartwick College. Late last fall, Hartw...
01/13/2025

Today’s Member Monday Spotlight is a bit more delicious than most, directly from Hartwick College. Late last fall, Hartwick unveiled their Baking Innovation Lab. Set in a 3,500 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility on Dietz Street in Oneonta, the BIL is more than a lab; it’s a hub of collaboration and experimentation. Equipped with a pilot mill, bakery and classrooms, the lab provides reliable, affordable and comprehensive quality testing services for locally produced grains, flour and grain- based products. Key services include grain and flour quality testing, test milling on stone and other mills, and recipe development for whole grain and stone-ground flour. It’s all part of the innovation economy that the Independent Sector supports and enhances statewide.

“The Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York stands in solidarity with the victims of the devast...
01/10/2025

“The Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York stands in solidarity with the victims of the devastating fires in Los Angeles and the surrounding communities. Our thoughts are with the families affected, as well as the courageous first responders working to protect lives and rebuild. Together, we support resilience and recovery. ”

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17 Elk Street Fl 2
Albany, NY
12207

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