The New Community College Initiative

In early 2008, Chancellor Matthew Goldstein began a process to develop a model for a new CUNY community college. Driving this effort was the need to considerably improve graduation rates. After an exploratory phase, A New Community College Concept Paper <pdf> was produced. This document describes the key features of an innovative model.

Following the concept paper, Chancellor Goldstein approved the planning for the full development of a new community college. Next, phase II planning began. This phase involved the CUNY community and outside experts to elaborate on virtually every aspect of the college.

In August 2008, the first round of research <pdf> on the majors proposed in the concept paper was completed. Nearly nine months later, a second round of research <pdf> was completed.

In August 2009, over 300 faculty and staff responded to a University-wide invitation to participate in the development of the new college. Following a careful review of applicants, Stage I and Stage II committees were established to design models for the ideas presented in the concept paper. Stage I committees completed their work in January 2010. Stage II committees completed their work in June 2010.

In April 2010, Stage III committees were established to develop the preliminary foundation of each major. These committees were comprised mainly of faculty from CUNY's two-year and four-year colleges. Their work concluded in August 2010.

Throughout the planning process, working groups convened to address the needs of English Language Learners and explore the First-Year Curriculum and Liberal Arts and Sciences.