Phyllis Schulz

The CUNY Graduate Center's strategic plan, titled 'Scholarship Shaping Society,' outlines a comprehensive roadmap to enhance student support, strengthen research, and expand institutional capital. Key strategic pillars include improving the academic experience, financial well-being, and professional development for students; bolstering research and intellectual achievements with a focus on public impact; and leveraging the institution's values and strengths to foster community engagement, professional growth, alumni connections, and accessibility. The plan aims to position the Graduate Center as a leader in scholarship that actively shapes society.

The Graduate Council meeting agenda includes the granting of degrees and certificates for June 2026 candidates, presentations of nominees for the College Association and Student Complaint Appeals Committee, and the presentation of nominees for standing committees. Key curriculum and degree requirement changes were proposed for several departments including Black, Race, and Ethnic Studies, Nanoscience, Mathematics, and Latin American, Iberian, and Latino Cultures. Additionally, the agenda covers changes to governance for Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences and the presentation of various annual reports from executive and standing committees.

The Graduate Council discussed several operational and academic matters. Key topics included the support resources available for international students, updates on student email migration, and upcoming community-building events at the Graduate Center. The committee reviewed and approved various curriculum changes, including new courses and degree requirement updates for departments such as Classics, Psychology, Music, and Social Welfare. Governance changes for International Migration Studies and Psychology were also addressed. Additionally, the Council received reports on the New York State budget impact on CUNY, concerns regarding the implementation of the ONE RF grants management system, and ongoing discussions surrounding academic freedom and Title VI training.

This Self-Study Report for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education provides a comprehensive overview of The Graduate School and University Center of the City University of New York. It details how the GSUC and its constituent schools meet accreditation standards across seven key areas: Mission and Goals, Ethics and Integrity, Design and Delivery of the Student Learning Experience, Support of the Student Experience, Educational Effectiveness Assessment, Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement, and Governance, Leadership, and Administration. The report identifies institutional strengths, addresses challenges, and outlines opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation in areas such as collaboration, assessment, communications, and budgeting.

This Self-Study Design document outlines the framework for The Graduate School and University Center's accreditation review. It establishes five key priorities for evaluation: fostering innovation in academic and professional development, ensuring student academic and career success, promoting diversity in all aspects, increasing and diversifying funding resources, and elevating the institution's profile. The self-study aims to demonstrate compliance with accreditation standards, facilitate continuous assessment and improvement, and enhance collaboration and shared services among its constituent schools.