Office of the Provost

University-Wide Academic Programs

The office of University-Wide Academic Programs administers system-wide academic and public service programs within a uniform management structure. These programs are organized into three operating clusters: Campus Learning and Scholarly Support; SUNY Academic Centers/Institutes; and University Outreach and Public Service.

 

Campus Learning and Scholarly Support

Learning Environments
Several university-wide programs within the Provost’s Office deploy and support academic technologies dedicated to instruction and faculty development. Specific programs include: SUNY Learning Network (SLN); SUNY Center for Professional Development (CPD); SUNY Faculty Access to Computing Technology (FACT) Advisory Council; Student Computing Access Program (SCAP); and the Academic Software Initiative.

• The SUNY Learning Network (SLN) is the University’s award-winning framework for online instruction. SLN’s broad range of services include integrated learning management systems for offering full and hybrid online courses and programs, or for web enhancement of traditional courses; faculty and student support and training; and technological support services including a Help Desk. Launched in 1995 with 119 students, SLN is now one of the nation’s largest online learning programs in the country with over 100,000 enrollments on 40 SUNY campuses offering 4,300 courses and 100 complete online degree programs and certificates.

• The SUNY Center for Professional Development (CPD) is a cooperative, voluntary organization funded by its members and the State University of New York system. The CPD creates and delivers customized programs for skill and knowledge development in various technical, and teaching and learning areas. Through its diverse programs and services, the SUNY CPD promotes cost savings on a system-wide basis, provides centralized, regional, and local training opportunities, and creates opportunities among campuses for instructional development initiatives.
• The SUNY Advisory Council on Teaching & Technology (FACT2) is an advisory body to the Provost, dedicated to promoting access to technology and professional development programs for faculty and instructional staff. SUNY FACT2, in partnership with the SUNY Center for Professional Development, plans and delivers the annual Conference on Instructional Technologies. The Student Computing Access Program (SCAP) is administered through FACT2 in conjunction with the Provost’s Office.

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Library and Information Services
The Office of Libary and Information Services (OLIS) provides leadership and policy direction for library technology and electronic services across the University.

• A priority focus for OLIS, SUNYConnect is a state-of-the-art library system that integrates the newest technology-based library information systems and digital materials with more traditional library resources. This initiative will provide students with access to the entire State University library collection and ensure the availability of qualified information resources to a community whose research needs can follow a 24-hour per day schedule.

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Nylink
A membership organization serving not only State University libraries, but in total, more than 700 libraries throughout the State, Nylink's mission is to enhance collaboration and cooperation among member institutions as well as to facilitate access to and implementation of, quality, cost-effective information technologies, products and services.

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State University of New York Press
Enjoying an international reputation for excellence, the State University of New York Press (SUNY Press) is the second largest state university press in the country with more than 2,600 titles in print. Founded in 1966, SUNY Press is one of the few university presses that is entirely self-supporting. Particular strengths lie in the fields of political science, philosophy, religion, sociology, and education, with continuing notice in the areas of literary theory, communication, women's studies, and environmental studies. All manuscripts published by SUNY Press must be approved by an editorial board that has jurisdiction over its imprint. The Editorial Board consists of 12 faculty members drawn from campuses of the University and appointed by the Chancellor.

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Academic Centers and Institutes

Rockefeller Institute of Government
The public policy research arm of the State University, the Rockefeller Institute of Government is recognized nationally as a respected source of expertise on American federalism and state and local public management and finance. The Institute, working closely with many state and local agencies in New York, draws on the State University's intellectual resources and relies on academic experts throughout the country. Current areas of concentration include: the capacity of state and local governments and nonprofit organizations to manage social programs; the development and social capital of urban neighborhoods; performance measures and management; state finance, budgeting, and employment; and public higher education, including studies for the Office of the Provost on teacher education, and student preparation and remediation for higher education.

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University Center for Academic and Workforce Development (UCAWD)The University Center for Academic and Workforce Development harnesses the academic resources of the State University to promote the acquisition of education and skills for all state residents. It is responsible for the overall coordination of the University's academic preparation services, workforce development programs and has management responsibility for the University's ten Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC), two Counseling and Outreach Centers and the Bridge Program.

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African American Institute
The African American Institute is a SUNY-wide institute designed to coordinate applied and historical research on African Americans with special relevance to New York State. The Office supports research initiatives that are intended to augment policy making within state government, and to strengthen the teaching of African American Studies statewide. It convenes meetings of scholars, program administrators, policy makers and others issues and topics of special concern to African Americans. The Institute also awards small grants to college and university campuses to support efforts to create a culturally diverse and enriched education climate (speakers, workshops, activities to enhance cross-cultural communication among students and faculty are examples). In addition, the Office plays an active role in planning the New York State Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial observance and other major conferences and events. For additional information, please contact Director Ann Pope at 518/443-5798.

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SUNY Urban Teacher Education Center
The SUNY Urban Teacher Education Center (SUTEC) is committed to serving the needs of the 17 individual SUNY campuses with teacher preparation programs, assisting those students who wish to fulfill their student teaching requirements in New York City schools, and serving as a vital resource for research on urban education. Located at 65 Court Street in Brooklyn, in one of the NYC Department of Education offices, SUTEC offers excellent opportunities for students who are considering an educational career in a dynamic urban setting.

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University Outreach and Public Service

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Since its start in 1984, the expert advisement offered by the New York State SBDC is often recognized as the premier business assistance program in the state. NYSSBDC has worked directly with 161,027 businesses, helping them to invest $1,631,586,760 in the state's economy. They, in turn, have created or saved 72,179 jobs.

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SUNY Applied Research Center

• Training Strategies Group (TSG)
  Using a wide variety of innovative learning modalities, the Training Strategies Group offers educational opportunities, training and support to the state's active and retired workforce. A major portion of program activity within the office is the production of training seminars via video conference. Each conference consists of live panel discussions with experts, on-site activities, footage of childcare and human services programs and resource material. In collaboration with New York Network, the office produces over 100 broadcasts per year. The office also develops a variety of multi-media, computer-based training applications which include text, graphics, audio, full-motion video and interactive exercises intended to support the broad range of adult learning styles.

• The Technical Advisory Group (TAG)
  The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) supports state agencies in their efforts to serve the citizens of New York through a variety of research and technological projects. Current work includes an Office Automation Project for the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, and a web-based adoption photolisting project for State Adoption Services.

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