SUNY Sullivan trustees voted unanimously to deactivate five under-enrolled academic programs.

This means that no new students will be admitted to the following programs:

• Media Arts (Associate of Science)
• Theater (Associate of Arts)
• Environmental Science (Associate of Science)
• Liberal Arts & Sciences-Biology Concentration (Associate of Science)
• Liberal Arts & Sciences-Mathematics Concentration (Associate of Science)

“Students currently enrolled will have an opportunity to complete their degrees,” said Rose Hanofee, interim vice president of academic and student affairs. “Individual courses in these disciplines can still run where there’s interest.”

The programs were selected for deactivation after a five-year review of enrollment data, completion data, and program costs. The college says this move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the college’s academic portfolio and ensure its long-term viability.

SUNY Sullivan says it will now be able to reallocate resources to more in-demand areas of study, such as health care and business.

“SUNY Sullivan will continue to work closely with local industries and community partners to ensure that its academic offerings align with the evolving needs of the job market, providing students with the skills and knowledge required for success in their careers,” said a statement from the college.

The State University of New York Board of Trustees recently appointed Dr. David Potash as SUNY Sullivan's president. His term will begin on or before July 1.

Rising costs from the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) contributed to the college's financial strain. In 2022, a former employee revealed that SUNY Sullivan had a $6 million backlog in health insurance premiums. Last November, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education issued SUNY Sullivan a notice of noncompliance

See related story, "SUNY Sullivan welcomes new president."