he Alfred State community gathered to celebrate the successful launch of the SUNY ASAP (Advancing Succes in Associate Pathways) and ACE (Advancing Completion through Engagement) programs. The programs are designed to provide students with the support they need to finish their degrees on time.
ASAP|ACE Press Conference photos
ASAP|ACE Full Press Conference video
“Alfred State College has a long history of supporting student success both in and outside the classroom,” commented Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Carrie Cokely. “Through these programs we are able to provide not only financial support for students, but also academic workshops, individualized advising and coaching, engagement opportunities, and career coaching to ensure that students thrive both as students and in employment following graduation.”
Since launching the program in June, Alfred State has 150 students enrolled. 73% are in the ASAP program (54% are pursuing degrees in the School of Applied Technology) and 27% are in ACE. 47% of the students are first generation college students.
First-year criminal justice major Zion Gardner-Cruz (Queens, NY) is finding his potential through his involvement in the ACE program. He credits ASAP|ACE Director Charles Infurna and Academic Advisor Meagan Fawley with guiding him into the program.
“Growing up, I was always told that I had amazing potential. As I move through the school year, I realize that ACE is helping me become the best student I can be. ACE can help you get on track; it gives you a community of people who are looking out for you and there are plenty of fun events and opportunities to get involved.”
Dr. Jennifer Bashant, SUNY’s Director for ASAP and ACE, shared that these programs serve over 10,000 students across the system this year. She also commented that eleven different states have replicated this program.
“At the heart of SUNY’s mission is a deep commitment to student success and programs like ASAP and ACE are helping us realize that commitment in life-changing ways. The ASAP|ACE model, which aligns perfectly with Chancellor (John) King's vision for student success, is a proven rigorously evaluated model that increases retention and completion due to the wraparound supports that it provides to students. It is real people, real lives, and real futures being transformed.”
Alfred State is one of ten new schools that launched these programs this year and joined forty-four campuses across SUNY that offer this opportunity for students.
New York State Senator George Borrello and New York State Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski attended the celebration and shared their excitement and support for the program.
“These programs are key to making sure that little problems don't become big problems and that students are given the support to meet their needs,” added Borrello. “This program is about ensuring that someone can have success. Support like this is key to creating more success stories.”
“Programs like this are such a smart use of resources,” commented Sempolinski. “When a student comes to Alfred State, they're making an investment in themselves, the state is making an investment in them, and we want to make sure that it's a successful endeavor. We want to make sure that everybody that wants to have that opportunity is given the help and support they need to live to their highest potential.”
Cokely concluded, “We are grateful to our colleagues at SUNY and to our state elected officials for advocating for the expansion of these programs to our campus.”