Union members of United University Professions as well as elected leaders are rallying in support for Buffalo State and Fredonia — two of 19 SUNY campuses they cite as facing projected budget deficits.

Dr. Frederick Kowal, United University Professions Statewide president, says it started with an enrollment decline.

“You have institutions that are driven by tuition and fees, and when you start to see an enrollment decline, that's going to affect the revenue side, then COVID hit and you had a real dramatic impact on enrollment,” said Dr. Kowal.

He says now the challenge is to bring them back. Kowal called for a $350 million new investment into campuses. He also urges state leaders to take action to provide the necessary funding.

“We need to invest in the institutions to make sure students are attracted and want to stay,” said Kowal.

He says they're encouraged SUNY is reporting application rates are at record levels, but what's needed is resources to turn applicants into enrolled students. Kowal also says the institutions could potentially face job layoffs if the deficits aren't resolved.

“I think that what's imperative is for the funding to come in so that we can attract and retain high quality and professional staff and a diverse staff,” he said.

Dr. Kowal says students can also be affected by such deficits.

“I was just at UB and even there they had staff losses for instance at the library, and because of that, students don't have access like they had previously to do the research that they need to be able to do,” he said. “That's the kind of under-funding issue that can arise, even at a well-funded university. 

In a statement to Spectrum News 1 about the state's current budget, a spokesperson for SUNY says it is receiving about a $300 million increase in operating aid and $660 million in new capital. 

The college system said in full:

"The most recently enacted state budget included the most significant investment in higher education in a generation. SUNY alone is receiving about a $300 million increase in operating aid and $660 million in new capital, which will enable campuses to construct state-of-the-art classrooms, as well as research and lab space and continue to fulfill its mission to provide an affordable, high-quality, academic experience for all students. This significant funding supports the Governor’s vision to secure SUNY’s place as a global leader in higher education and workforce development, and - most importantly - includes unprecedented funding to support students, campuses, faculty, and researchers across all public colleges and universities.”