Revoke SUNY Geneseo's decision to cut Speech Pathology!

The elimination of the Communicative Disorders and Sciences (CDSc) department is a devastation to not only the prestigious and dedicated faculty that help to shape Geneseo's academic climate, but to the community as a whole. Their jobs will be terminated in three years as a result of our college's inability to manage its budget deficit. Without the aid of the Communicative Disorders Clinic, we are abandoning clients who would go without rehabilitative services so essential to normal functioning. Think not only about our undergraduate and graduate students, but the people of Western New York who will be left out to dry by the elimination of this program.

"As you may have heard, President Dahl has deactivated our program effective immediately and it will be phased out in three years. What this means is that we can no longer accept any majors or graduate students, but the students in process can continue. I am very sorry about this and also shocked. I am sure we will have more details in the future and I will promise to keep you posted."
-Linda House in a letter to the CDSc department, 11/18/10

This decision to "deactivate" the program in three years will have short and long term effects. Not only will the current students, faculty, and clients be affected by this cut, but international students seeking informal ESOL services will no longer receive this essential and beneficial assistance. Geneseo seeks to diversify its student body, priding itself on an increased matriculation of students from overseas. With an increased number of international students attending Geneseo, who will help them gain confidence and adjust to college life in a foreign environment? The Speech Buddies program is run by students and faculty of the CDSc Department and alleviates the difficulties students experience in our challenging academic setting.

Livingston County, where SUNY Geneseo is situated, is one of the poorest counties in all of New York State. There are countless residents who lack sufficient funds to receive therapy. Geneseo's clinic is their only hope for rehabilitation and care, at a fee that is not a burden to families.

Please voice your opinion by sending an e-mail or calling the following people:

President Christopher Dahl
(585) 245-5501
cdahl@geneseo.edu

Provost Carol Long
(585) 245-5531
long@geneseo.edu

Deborah Glick - Higher Education Chair for the New York State Assembly
Tell her to support the Maintenance of Effort Act which would give us the money that the State steals from our tuition.
(518) 455-4841

Seantor Charles Schumer
(212) 486-4430

Senator Kristen Gillibrand
(212) 688-6262

Chancellor Nancy Zimpher
State University of New York
(518) 320-1355
chancellor@suny.edu

UUP (United University Professionals):
(518) 640-660 or
(800) 342-4206

CSEA (Civil Service Employees Union):
(518) 257-1000 or
(800) 342-4146

 

Please sign this petition to show your support!
Don't let the SUNY budget cuts take away such an essential program to the Livingston County Community.