Earlier today, President Lola W. Brabham testified before the New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Higher Education during its hearing on Virtual Learning in Higher Education. Representing New York’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities, President Brabham underscored the independent sector’s continued leadership in access, academic excellence, and innovation.
Her testimony highlighted how virtual learning has become an essential part of New York’s higher education landscape—serving more than 450,000 students statewide, including nearly one-third of those enrolled in the independent sector. She emphasized that independent colleges and universities uphold the same academic rigor and quality in virtual formats as they do in traditional classrooms, while expanding opportunities for students across New York and around the world.
President Brabham also spoke to the importance of virtual learning for international students, who rely on these tools to stay connected to their campuses amid global challenges. During the hearing, Assembly members voiced support for greater parity between public and private institutions, recognizing both as vital to serving New Yorkers and strengthening the state’s economy and workforce.
CICU will continue to work closely with the State Education Department and legislative leaders to modernize distance education regulations and ensure equitable access to high-quality higher education for all students.
📄 Read President Brabham’s full testimony here.