<div dir="ltr"><span id="gmail-docs-internal-guid-e113c353-7fff-79e6-08f5-505eade20b25"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt">Dear SUNY Plattsburgh Community,</span><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">We are pleased to share exciting news that marks a significant milestone for our institution – SUNY Plattsburgh has officially received approval to launch the Master of Social Work (MSW) program, commencing in the fall of 2024</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">The introduction of the MSW program is a testament to our commitment to expanding educational opportunities and addressing the critical needs of our community. During the development of our Plattsburgh Next strategic plan,community stakeholders consistently emphasized the need for an MSW program in the North Country. This new program will equip students with the advanced skills and knowledge required to make a profound impact in the field of social work, preparing them to become leaders and advocates for social justice and well-being.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Now, more than ever, there is an urgent need for dedicated professionals in social work to support and uplift individuals, families, and communities. Our new MSW program is designed not only to benefit our students and our campus but also to have a far-reaching positive impact off campus as well. Graduates of our MSW program will provide essential services in areas such as mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, child and family services, healthcare social work, and support for vulnerable populations. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">And this news couldn’t be more timely. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Recent national studies have projected significant deficiencies – upwards of 200,000 – in the number of healthcare and social workers needed to care for children, the elderly, and those with addiction and related mental health issues by 2030. Additionally, an audit published by the Office of the New York State Comptroller in August 2022 revealed that 80% of the state’s public schools fell short of the recommended student-to-social worker ratio, with over 27% of districts failing to employ a single professional in this capacity. We are confident that our MSW graduates will be well-prepared to meet the growing demands of the profession and to make meaningful contributions to society.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">For the past year, our faculty and staff have worked tirelessly to develop a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum that aligns with the highest standards of social work education. Dr. Julie Richards, associate professor and chair in the Department of Social Work, Dr. JoAnn Gleeson-Kreig, associate vice president for Academic Affairs and Dr. Denise Simard, dean of Education, Health and Human Services were instrumental in leading this effort on our behalf, and their dedication and expertise were vital to this accomplishment. The development process was extensive and required countless hours of research, collaboration, and refinement to ensure the program meets the needs of our students and the demands of the profession. Their commitment to our students and faculty has been evident throughout this lengthy process, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a deep investment in launching this program. Additionally, Penny McQuinn, and Kim McCoy Coleman invested a great deal of time and expertise in this process, and we recognize their essential role in this shared success.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">We also appreciate our partnership with Dr. Janet Acker and Maureen Rotundi from the College of Saint Rose; their guidance in acquiring Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Accreditation and in establishing our teach out agreement were pivotal.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Please join us in celebrating this achievement and share the great news about this exciting new opportunity at SUNY Plattsburgh. Additional information about the MSW program, including admission requirements and application deadlines, is available on our newly launched </span><a href="https://www.plattsburgh.edu/programs/social-work-masters.html" style="text-decoration-line:none"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline">MSW webpage</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Thank you for your continued support and dedication to SUNY Plattsburgh. Together, we are making strides toward a brighter future for our students and our North Country community.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Sincerely,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Dr. Alexander Enyedi</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><br></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">President</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Dr. Brent Carbajal</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"><br></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Interim Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs </span></p><br></span><div><br></div><br></div>