State University of New York Chancellor Jim Malatras Makes Second Visit to SUNY Canton
Canton, NY (09/08/2021) — For the second time this year, State University of New York Chancellor Jim Malatras visited SUNY Canton.
SUNY's top administrator discussed vaccination rates and the future of education with college officials and students during a brief meeting held Wednesday, Sept. 8 in SUNY Canton's Richard W. Miller Campus Center.
"As we welcome back our new and returning students to SUNY Canton, we are excited for what this semester holds for them, as they once again participate in all the robust campus life activities," Malatras said. "We know what works in the fight against COVID-19-getting vaccinated and being on top of current health and safety practices to keep each other safe. President Szafran is working with local health officials to get the remaining unvaccinated students vaccinated. Now that students are back on campus, they want to stay here, and all of us at SUNY will help make sure that happens."
Currently, 86% of residential SUNY Canton students have received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine and most of that percentage are fully vaccinated. New York State has mandated that all students at SUNY campuses are required to be vaccinated if they have a physical presence on the campus.
Additionally, Malatras discussed barriers to education, including housing insecurity and food insecurity, and discussed SUNY Canton's mission as an access institution to help alleviate these issues. "You are innovators in this area," he said.
As a die-hard supporter of lifelong learning, Malatras suggested that the college continue to investigate workforce development options. "Education is no longer defined by a finite period of time," the Chancellor said, explaining that nontraditional students excel at technology colleges.
SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran told the chancellor about his vision for the future of SUNY Canton, which mirrors SUNY's concepts.
"The Chancellor's focus fits well with SUNY Canton's plans now and for the next several years," Szafran said. "There are a lot of opportunities for New Yorkers to improve their career prospects, and we are the place that can help."
SUNY Canton plans to invite the chancellor back at a later date to help celebrate the grand reopening of Dana Hall, which is the new home of the Center for Criminal Justice, Intelligence and Cybersecurity.
About SUNY Canton
As Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs, SUNY Canton delivers quality hands-on programs in digital design, engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. As SUNY's leader in online education, SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as 23 online degree programs. The college placed first in 14 categories in a SUNY-Wide Student Opinion Survey, most notably in career services, tutoring, library resources, and classroom facilities. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos 15 traditional athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level as part of the North Atlantic Conference. SUNY Canton also features varsity esports and cheerleading.
Media Attachments
Pictured is SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras during an on-campus meeting at SUNY Canton. The Chancellor emphasized the importance of student vaccination to help continue the robust student life options at the college. Pictured in the background is SUNY Canton student Andrew P. Fitch, who was one of three student leaders to attend the meeting.
SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras being interviewed by WWNY 7 News Reporter Keith Benman at the conclusion of a meeting at SUNY Canton.
SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran gives SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras two of the college’s challenge coins traditionally given to students for each year they attend college. The two administrators also exchanged jazz albums from their respective collections.