A Message from the President

Fellow Dolphins:

Welcome to the College of Staten Island (CSI), and to The City University of New York (CUNY)! All of us here are committed to providing transformational educational opportunities that will allow you to succeed as students and to grow as individuals. Since their founding, CUNY and CSI have served students like you by providing the strong foundation and necessary support systems to further your academic pursuits and career goals.

CSI is built on a legacy of access: its predecessor institutions include Staten Island Community College and Richmond College, which merged in the 1970s to provide students from all walks of life the opportunity to earn Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. Today, more than 10,000 students pursue degrees in several dozen programs of study, sponsored by nearly 30 academic departments. Thousands more pursue certificates and industry-recognized credentials that will allow them to further their career development and workforce potential.  Many of our students join numerous clubs and organizations, reside in our residential dormitories, are involved in community service and other activities, participate in NCAA Division II sports, and avail themselves of our rich cultural and artistic offerings: I encourage you to do the same.  Our conveniently located St. George’s campus allows students to take courses in the heart of downtown Staten Island, and our rich array of in-person, online, and hybrid/hyflex courses provides additional flexibility for today’s busy students.

CSI has a rich tradition of borough stewardship. More than three-quarters of Staten Island residents have a direct connection to the College, either through personal attendance, or having a close family member who is an alum.  We embrace our role as the only institution of public higher education in the borough by partnering with local schools, agencies, and employers to develop pipelines from K-12 through CSI, and into meaningful employment. Another example of our commitment to the Island and its heritage is seen in our work to commemorate the legacy of the Willowbrook State School, site of the main CSI campus, which was the touchstone for the civil rights movement for individuals with cognitive, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. We are committed to honoring the legacy of those who advocated for a more inclusive society, one that allows all persons to live to their full potential.

The College also has a rich history of world-class research and scholarship. Our faculty include Pulitzer Prize winners, National Book Award finalists, and internationally renowned scientists. The recently created Lucille and Jay Chazanoff School of Business features innovative teaching and learning spaces, and current and planned campus facilities include an Advanced Imaging Center, Genomic Research Facility, Offshore Wind/Green Energy Complex, and an Engineering Makerspace. Faculty are active in these and many other areas, and often include students in their research projects, allowing for hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. Along with workplace-based learning, internships and apprenticeship opportunities allow for immersive educational and co-curricular engagement.

I encourage you to seek support from offices such as the Center for Academic Support, the Counseling Center, the Office of Career and Professional Development, and others as appropriate. Do not feel shy about asking for help or assistance: while college is challenging, you are not alone—there are many folks on this campus who are committed to your success and well-being. On behalf of all of them, I extend a warm welcome to the College of Staten Island and wish you the very best as you begin or continue your collegiate journey!

Warmly,

 Timothy G. Lynch, Ph.D. (he/him/his)
Interim President, College of Staten Island
The City University of New York
2800 Victory Blvd, SI, NY 10314
718.982.2400