New York State Education Law 355(1)(c) provides shared responsibility for community colleges among the SUNY Board of Trustees; the local sponsor; and the local community college board of trustees. This shared responsibility is evident in the vital function of the appointment of a community college president, with New York Education Law 6306(2) specifying that "the board of trustees of each community college shall appoint a president for the college, subject to approval of the State University trustees . . ."
In November 2024, the SUNY Board of Trustees approved a resolution to provide additional transparency and accountability in the presidential search process. This resolution adopted a pilot program to incorporate Chancellor feedback on multiple finalists before a community college board of trustees selects a candidate, and established a process for SUNY review and approval of presidential contracts. Then, in January 2025, a second resolution was approved limiting the duration of temporary leadership.
Following input from community colleges, counties, and other stakeholders, the SUNY Board of Trustees issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on June 18, 2025 to invite additional public comment.
The full text of the initial proposed rule and additional rulemaking documents published June 18, 2025 are available here at the official New York State Register
During the open public comment period, SUNY received 35 written public comments and held five listening sessions both virtually and in-person across the State.
In response to public comment and upon further review, SUNY made several revisions to the proposed rule.
The full text of the revised proposed rule and additional rulemaking documents published January 7, 2026 are available here at the official New York State Register. In addition, the full assessment of public comment is available here.
Key elements of the revised proposed rule on temporary leadership:
SUNY welcomes comments on the revised rule from all interested parties. The public notice and comment process is a critical component of the rulemaking process in New York. All comments received will be carefully reviewed and considered.
Public comments will be received through February 23, 2026. All comments should be directed here.
During the open comment period, any individual or entity may submit a comment on this proposed rule. SUNY will review and consider every comment submitted before the deadline and appreciates that each comment may bring a new or different perspective that may be helpful in developing a final rule.
SUNY will review and consider all comments received within a defined time period known as the open comment period. For this rule, the open comment period will end on February 23, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern time.
Online by sending a comment by email here.
By mail to:
SUNY Office of General Counsel
Attn: Lisa S. Campo
H. Carl McCall SUNY Building, 3 South
Albany, NY 12246
Any information that you feel is relevant will be helpful to SUNY in considering and finalizing this proposed rule. You may consider sharing relevant personal experiences; voicing your support or opposition for the proposal; suggesting alternate language or clarifications; or raising any other considerations.
Pursuant to the State Administrative Procedure Act, SUNY will prepare an assessment of public comments received. This assessment may identify individual commenters where relevant, and all comments – including the identity of the commenter – may ultimately become part of the public record. Any commenter that wishes to be guaranteed anonymity should not include identifying information with their comment.