CICU Members Gather for Fall Affinity Group Meeting
On October 1, 2026, the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU) brought representatives from New York’s private, non-profit colleges and universities together at First American’s offices in Victor for its Fall Affinity Group Meeting.
CICU Director of Member Services Shelly McCallig and First American CEO Alan Sikora welcomed participants for a day of learning, discussion, and networking. Sessions explored higher education employment law and the evolving Title IX landscape; New York Inspires and its implications for college admissions and student preparedness; AI deployment and collaboration to improve student outcomes; and state and federal higher education developments, including what lies ahead for the 2027 legislative session.
First American also shared strategies for advancing campus priorities through financing, including digital transformation, energy efficiency, donor-supported initiatives, and deferred maintenance projects.
The meeting gave colleagues across member institutions an opportunity to share perspectives, discuss common challenges, and strengthen connections.
A special thank you to First American for hosting us and supporting the meeting. We also thank our sponsors—Pharos, TIAA, Cintas, and IMA—for their generous support, and our presenters and attendees for contributing to a productive day.
