Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Higher Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Corning Community College president briefs Steuben legislators on enrollment, ACE and SUNY Reconnect
Summary
Corning Community College President Terrence Finley told Steuben County legislators that campus enrollment has declined while concurrent-enrollment (ACE) and workforce programs have grown; presenters highlighted ACE credit value, SUNY Reconnect benefits and local workforce ties.
Dr. Terrence Finley, who became Corning Community College’s president about 45 days before the meeting, gave legislators an overview of college programs and enrollment trends and thanked the county for its ongoing support.
Finley said the college offers degree programs, certificates and about 17 micro-credential programs and noted a shift in the higher-education landscape toward online and concurrent-enrollment options. "I've been on board for about 45 days...and it's been an outstanding 45 days," Finley said, outlining program areas and workforce ties to local employers.
Kim Frock, who identified herself as the interim administrator in charge prior to Finley’s arrival, told legislators that CCC has seen a significant decline in on-campus enrollment and a rising share of students taking concurrent-enrollment (ACE) courses. The presenters said about 36% of the college’s students come from Steuben County and that ACE credits over five years have a value the presenters estimated at $5,100,000.
Presenters also described SUNY Reconnect, a state program offering last-dollar scholarships for adults 25–55 in workforce-aligned programs. Finley and staff said SUNY Reconnect helps cover tuition, fees and supplies and can make adult learners more likely to re-enroll in local programs aimed at advanced manufacturing and healthcare.
Legislators asked questions about FTE (full-time-equivalent) counts and county funding; presenters said an FTE equals 30 credits and explained that FTE figures directly influence state and county support. The presentation closed with student testimonials praising the college’s flexibility for adult learners.
Next steps: County staff will continue routine engagement with the college; no vote or direct financial action was taken at the meeting.
