2016_SUNY_Optometry_PRR

 Tuition: With State support for operations covering a smaller part of program costs, there has been an increasing dependence on tuition. Historically, SUNY health professions degree programs were highly competitive with low tuition levels. Over the past five years, those tuition levels have increased significantly and now fall in line with public higher education benchmarks nationally. While still competitive, the College’s tuition advantage for recruitment is no longer as great. Because of this and the uncertainties of state legislative action, tuition increases are unlikely to be a reliable source of revenues in the future. Increased Competition (Standard 5, 8, 9, 10): In the last six years, the number of optometry programs nation ‐ wide increased from 17 to 22 and two additional programs are in development. This has created a highly competitive environment for recruiting students, faculty, and senior administrators.  Students, (Standards 8 & 9): In the past decade, the number of doctor of optometry programs has expanded from 17 to 22. The total number of entering students and similarly the number of graduates has increased approximately 25% while the applicant pool has lagged. The College of Optometry has historically attracted students from the top tier. Maintaining this edge will be a significant challenge.  Faculty and Administration  ‐ Hiring & Retention (Standards 5 & 10): The increase in the number of programs nationally has made recruiting faculty and academic administrators much more competitive. This challenge is compounded by the cost of living in New York City. We have reviewed and are upgrading our faculty compensation packages in order to attract the most qualified clinical faculty. While we are currently in a financial position to do so, many competing programs in lower cost of living cities are improving their compensation packages as well. Diversity (Students & Faculty) (Standards 8 & 10): Diversity is an identified priority of the SUNY System generally and on the College of Optometry campus specifically. The College has a very diverse staff with 69% of staff coming from minority populations (55% are under ‐ represented minorities), and a culturally diverse student body (AY 2016 – 47.7%), but increasing the number of under ‐ represented minority students remains challenging. While the student body is becoming more diverse, further improvement is desired (currently 10% under ‐ represented). Extramural Funding for Research: Over the past decade the College’s research program has been challenged by significant cuts in federal research funding. Nevertheless, the College’s research faculty has successfully competed for federal grant funding, and through targeted resource allocation it has broadened the research mission to include alternative funding sources including industry sponsored funding. The College has also made initial investments into developing clinical research infrastructure and intends to increase translational and clinical research activity. Accomplishments, Opportunities & Challenges With these environmental forces in mind, the following section will look at our institutional strengths, chief accomplishments, opportunities and challenges within the context of MCHE Standards.

10