Unlocking Opportunity: The Unmatched Value of a CUNY Degree – Insights from the CUNY University Faculty Senate

With graduation season upon us, students often hear that a CUNY degree is “priceless.” Why? It mainly comes down to the quality of courses, skilled faculty, and administrative support that helps shape students’ education. However, this integrity is at risk from various external pressures.

Recently, University Faculty Senator Kimora from John Jay College shared an alarming article about student aid fraud in California. Scammers posing as students have been infiltrating community colleges, aiming to steal financial aid. According to reports, up to 34% of applicants for aid last year turned out to be fraudulent. John Hetts, executive vice chancellor for the California Community Colleges, remarked on the severity of this issue.

This situation raises questions about the traditional model of higher education, which relies heavily on faculty oversight. As more education moves online post-pandemic, there’s a growing concern about maintaining academic integrity. The rise of asynchronous online courses may lead some students to take shortcuts, affecting the true learning experience.

One notable incident from the article involved a professor who noticed four students submitting generic assignments. When he requested Zoom meetings, two students vanished, while another struggled with technical difficulties. These scenarios underline the need for faculty vigilance in online settings. Although there haven’t been reports of similar fraud at CUNY, the risk is present in any college with online courses. Faculty who suspect scams can seek help from their campus’s Provost’s office.

Moreover, there’s a popular perception among students that asynchronous courses are “easy.” This raises another question: Are these courses indeed easier? Is it because AI tools, like writing apps, reduce the effort needed for assignments? Or are expectations simply lower?

Shifting gears, I’m concerned about the impact of ePermit processes on academic integrity. The ePermit system allows students to take courses at different campuses. Recent discussions among faculty have highlighted the need for clearer policies on student conduct and how academic integrity issues are handled across campuses. Without clear guidelines, faculty may struggle with how to uphold these standards.

Also troubling is how the ePermit policy allows students to bypass prerequisite requirements. This shift promotes speed over academic rigor and distances students from instructional oversight, which should ideally remain with faculty experts.

Additionally, new programs, like the partnership between City College and Braven, are emerging to promote economic mobility among students. Participants earn credits through online modules and virtual labs. While these initiatives are beneficial, they could potentially dilute the faculty’s role in shaping meaningful education.

In conclusion, a truly valuable degree relies on faithful knowledge transmission, and it’s a collective responsibility to maintain this. Faculty must ensure that credits signify genuine learning, while students should approach their education with integrity.

We all share the responsibility of protecting the value of our diplomas. What are your thoughts on these trends? Let’s foster a conversation about the future of academic integrity.



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