City University of New York
Overview
The City University of New York (CUNY) is a public university system in New York City, and the largest urban university system in the United States. Founded in 1847, it comprises 25 institutions: eleven senior colleges, seven community colleges, one undergraduate honors college, and seven post-graduate institutions. While its constituent colleges have their own campuses spread across the five boroughs of New York City, the administrative offices are located in Midtown Manhattan.
History
The history of CUNY can be traced back to the Free Academy, established in 1847 by Townsend Harris, a New York merchant and philanthropist. The Free Academy was an experimental institution, aimed at providing higher education to the working class of the city. It was the precursor to what would eventually become the City College of New York (CCNY), the first of the CUNY colleges.
Governance and Organization
The governance of CUNY is vested in a Board of Trustees, appointed by the governor of New York. The board is responsible for the overall policy and direction of the university. The Chancellor, appointed by the board, is the chief executive officer of the university, responsible for the day-to-day operations.
Academics
CUNY offers a wide range of academic programs, from associate degrees to doctoral degrees. The university is known for its strong programs in liberal arts and sciences, but also offers courses in professional and technical fields. The academic year follows a semester system, with fall and spring semesters and a shorter summer term.
Research
CUNY is a major center for research in a variety of fields. The university's research efforts are supported by the CUNY Advanced Science Research Center, which provides state-of-the-art facilities and resources for researchers.
Campus Life
Each of the CUNY colleges has its own campus, with facilities for academics, research, and student life. Campus life at CUNY is vibrant and diverse, with a wide range of student clubs, organizations, and activities.
Notable Alumni
CUNY has produced many notable alumni, including several Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and leaders in various fields.
See Also
State University of New York (SUNY) Higher Education in the United States Public University