SUNY Oswego professor gets more funding for battery research

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OSWEGO — A SUNY Oswego physics professor will continue his research on lithium-ion batteries with grant funding of $15,000. The Syracuse Center of Excellence (CoE) in Environmental Energy Systems awarded the funding for Mohammad Islam’s work. The effort seeks to improve the range of lithium-ion batteries, so electric cars can “better compete with gas-powered vehicles,” […]

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OSWEGO — A SUNY Oswego physics professor will continue his research on lithium-ion batteries with grant funding of $15,000.

The Syracuse Center of Excellence (CoE) in Environmental Energy Systems awarded the funding for Mohammad Islam’s work. The effort seeks to improve the range of lithium-ion batteries, so electric cars can “better compete with gas-powered vehicles,” SUNY Oswego said in its news release.

SyracuseCoE, located at 727 E. Washington St. in Syracuse, focuses on research pertaining to water, environment, and energy.

SyracuseCoE also awarded Islam a grant in 2020 to develop new batteries for electric vehicles that ran on sodium, or salt, which can be extracted from the ocean. In the U.S., the material is more accessible than lithium, SUNY Oswego said. However, Islam has now shifted his focus to improving the existing lithium-ion technology.

“The previous 2021-2022 research on sodium-ion batteries was a new technology, and hopefully that can develop further later on into a market technology, but this year’s 2023 Syracuse CoE grant that I received is basically falling back onto lithium-ion batteries because of the urgency,” Islam said in the release.

Lithium-ion batteries are found in many everyday products, such as electric cars, cell phones, and laptops. However, their battery life makes long-term use, like on a road trip, challenging, the school said.

“If you’ve ever driven an electric car, they have a short range,” Islam said. “Most electric cars are hybrid cars, so they run on gas and electric, and the car decides when to go from electric to gas. The ranges are somewhere between 200 to 250 miles with a fully charged battery. That’s less than from [Oswego] to New York City.”

Islam worked with one SUNY Oswego physics student, Joel Turallo, on this research project throughout the summer, and that will continue through the fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters.

“I do feel good about research, and research is something you do because you enjoy it, but at the same time I feel a responsibility to our students, especially physics students,” Islam said.

Research developments

Since receiving his initial Syracuse CoE grant in 2020, Islam and his research team have had “groundbreaking discoveries that could change the way the world gets its power,” SUNY Oswego said.

One of the major developments in his latest research into lithium-ion batteries is replacing the positive terminal, or anode, of the battery with a more sustainable material.

“We are replacing the graphite anode with silicon anode,” Islam explained. “Silicon is a material that is found everywhere. The sand in sea beaches is basically silicon that can be purified. It’s a material that has been used everywhere… We’ve known a lot about silicon for the past forty years because that’s how computer chips were developed.”

Not only is silicon a more readily available material, but Islam also believes it will “significantly outperform” traditional graphite anodes.

“The good thing about a silicon anode is that, theoretically, its capacity is ten times that of a graphite anode,” Islam noted.

Impacts of the research

When asked about why the public should care about his research, Islam says electric cars are “here to stay, whether people want them or not,” per the SUNY Oswego release. He went on to say this new technology will “not only help the environment but people’s bank accounts as well.”

“Even if you don’t care about the environment, the amount of gas available under the earth is shrinking,” Islam said. “The less amount of gas available under the earth, the harder it gets to extract it, which means the price is going to be transferred onto you and me as consumers. The only way to mitigate this imminent threat to both our pocketbook and our environment is to move on to renewable energy technology.”

OCC graduates can transfer into select SU programs in new pact

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SYRACUSE — A new direct-transfer admission agreement allows eligible graduates of Onondaga Community College (OCC) to pursue degrees in certain programs at Syracuse University (SU). The agreement guarantees eligible OCC graduates with admission to academic programs in SU’s College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering and Computer Science, School of Information Studies, and College

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SYRACUSE — A new direct-transfer admission agreement allows eligible graduates of Onondaga Community College (OCC) to pursue degrees in certain programs at Syracuse University (SU).

The agreement guarantees eligible OCC graduates with admission to academic programs in SU’s College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering and Computer Science, School of Information Studies, and College of Professional Studies, where they can complete a bachelor’s degree in four semesters, per SU’s Aug. 21 announcement.

To be eligible for the program, OCC graduates must have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0. Those with GPAs of 3.25 or higher will be awarded a merit-based scholarship of at least $10,000.

“Syracuse University is proud to partner with Onondaga Community College to offer a new pathway to prepare students for emerging careers,” Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud said in a statement. “To fully take advantage of the economic opportunities developing in the region, we need a workforce with the training and knowledge to meet the needs of emerging industries. This new agreement makes it easier for learners from OCC to benefit from the outstanding educational opportunities available at Syracuse University while building a ready workforce for the region’s employers.”

Both OCC and SU will establish advising guidelines and course-transfer recommendations to support students in the program and “ensure their ability to complete their degrees in a timely manner.” The institutions will also work together to recruit students to the program from the Syracuse City School District and other regional schools.

“We’re honored to partner with Syracuse University on this Direct Transfer Admission Program,” OCC President Warren Hilton said. “As the community’s college, we are committed to giving students access to higher education pathways, and ultimately the opportunity to enjoy rewarding careers at places like Micron’s new chip fabrication facility right here in Onondaga County. This agreement gives our students a clearly defined pathway to one of the top institutions in the country, and we are proud to collaborate with Syracuse University for the betterment of our students and the Central New York region.”

Participants in the program may study a range of disciplines, but an “emphasis on pathways to STEM-related (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) majors will serve to prepare students” for careers at high-tech companies, including Micron Technology. The Boise, Idaho–based firm plans to build a $100 billion semiconductor fabrication facility in the town of Clay.

In this way, the program “dovetails” with OCC’s new associate degree in electromechanical technology and related electromechanical-technology certificate program, as well as existing degrees in engineering science and liberal arts: mathematics and science, SU said.

Lewis named project manager of SouthWorks development

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ITHACA, N.Y. — Robert Lewis has joined the SouthWorks team in Ithaca as a development project manager for SHIFT Capital. The SouthWorks site is a 95-acre property at 620 South Aurora St./810 Danby Road, that formerly housed Emerson Power Transmission. The site is in both the city and town of Ithaca and has been vacant

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ITHACA, N.Y. — Robert Lewis has joined the SouthWorks team in Ithaca as a development project manager for SHIFT Capital.

The SouthWorks site is a 95-acre property at 620 South Aurora St./810 Danby Road, that formerly housed Emerson Power Transmission. The site is in both the city and town of Ithaca and has been vacant since 2012. SouthWorks will be developed over the next seven to 10 years as a new mixed-use neighborhood to include the adaptive reuse of more than 800,000 square feet of former industrial buildings, as well as about 1 million square feet of new construction, according to a news release from SHIFT Capital.

Lewis, who lives in Ithaca, most recently served as finance director for GreenStar Cooperative and has been chair and member of the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board for more than eight years. Before that, he worked for a variety of startup companies and in multi-family real estate, the release stated. Lewis studied urban and regional economics at Cornell University and completed his undergraduate work at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in economics and real estate. Lewis joins Vicki Taylor Brous, SouthWorks’ project coordinator for the development. She is also an Ithaca resident.

SHIFT Capital says it is a Philadelphia–based, neighborhood investment group that executes real-estate projects and financing strategies to “create equitable communities for the long-term.” SHIFT is partnering with L Enterprises, US Ceiling Corp, and Xylem Projects on the development after purchasing the Ithaca site in December 2022. The SouthWorks ownership group brings together extensive experience in development, construction, and placemaking, along with proven track records in delivering equitable community-serving projects.

“I’ve been excited about this project since it came to the planning board years ago. It’s rare to see this scale of opportunity for real mixed-use development so close to a working downtown,” Lewis said in the release. “SouthWorks has the opportunity to meet some of Ithaca’s most important needs: for housing, for affordability, for innovation space, for industrial space, and more.”

“For neighborhood investments like SouthWorks, we believe in building a team who brings both a diverse set of experience and local intimate knowledge of the community and neighborhoods we are serving,” Brian Murray, partner and CEO of SHIFT Capital, added. “Rob brings extensive experience with local municipalities, finance, and a dedication to seeing this project meet and exceed the community’s expectations.”

The new SouthWorks mixed-use neighborhood is undergoing a design and development phase in 2023, with an anticipated groundbreaking in 2024, according to SHIFT Capital. The site has a completed generic environmental impact statement, a planned unit development (PUD – City of Ithaca) and a planned development zone (PDZ – Town of Ithaca). The site also has an approved site-management plan issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, after undergoing environmental remediation. Several buildings on the site have site plan approval from the City of Ithaca. The project has received grant funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission for infrastructure planning, Restore NY funds for abatement and demolition, and NYSERDA funding for energy upgrades to the site. More information on the development is available at southworksithaca.com.

VIEWPOINT: Demystifying Market Research: Data-Driven Insights for Mid-Market Firms

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Leading a mid-market company has never been more challenging than it is today. Barely having had the time to adjust to a post-pandemic market — with its massive impact on buyer needs and the customer journey — companies are now confronted with a looming recession and record inflation. So what can CEOs do? Only data-driven

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To get data, you need market research. Sadly enough, mid-market companies’ market-research initiatives are much too often without directional assurance, which causes the data output of their research to be of subpar quality. Six very persistent market-research myths will often lead mid-market market research initiatives astray — in what follows, we will examine and dispel these myths.

Myth 1: We Won’t Learn Anything New

This misperception is one of the biggest reasons people choose not to conduct research. Unfortunately, making decisions based on internal opinion versus getting an objective, outside view from relevant prospects and customers has led more than one business to throw good money after bad on product development and marketing.

Myth 2: Research Takes Too Long

With the right learning plan and research design, market research doesn’t have to take months or weeks to complete. Some research, for example, getting an audience’s opinion on a new logo, can take as little as a single day.

Myth 3: It is Too Expensive

The cost of market research depends on several factors. The first is scale. How many people do you need to reach? How narrow is the target? Do you need to buy access to a panel, or will you be conducting research among your customers? Another factor is the learning objectives. Not all research requires a large number of respondents or complex surveys. Access to professional online-survey panels to garner enough responses to have statistically significant crosstabs is available at about $5,000.

Myth 4: We Can Do It Ourselves on SurveyMonkey

This myth is the most widely held and the most dangerous to believe. Failing to understand the scientific aspects of market research can lead to inaccurate findings, resulting in lost time and money. Effective market research requires objectivity, professional questionnaire design, strong interviewing capabilities, expertise in survey platform coding, analytics, and reporting, and the ability to perform advanced statistical analysis. Furthermore, the surveyors must recognize patterns to glean actionable insights. Therefore, it is better to leave the market research and analysis to the professionals.

Myth 5: We Can’t Get the Right or Enough Respondents

In today’s digital world, numerous ways exist to reach the right targets. However, they vary in quality, size, geographic, demographic, and firmographic reach as well as cost. Therefore, understanding the right qualifying questions to ask a provider is essential. In addition, businesses must include practical screening questions to ensure that results reflect the intended audience (i.e., customer profile). A quality provider will help balance the respondent total across your desired segments and help ensure statistical validity.

Myth 6: Participants Don’t Tell the Truth

Participants don’t tell the truth. Knowing the most objective way to set up questions can help avoid this problem. In addition, research participants often respond differently depending on the medium used. Interestingly, people tend to be more honest online than on the phone for quantitative surveys using a scripted questionnaire. This phenomenon is known as the “mode effect,” meaning that for very sensitive topics, online surveys yield more accurate feedback than phone interviews.

One might argue that these myths hold some validity and that market research is not always a reliable or cost-effective strategy. However, we must understand that when market research is conducted correctly and managed by experienced professionals, it yields valuable insights and data to inform marketing decisions. Moreover, the perceived drawbacks of market research can be addressed and mitigated through careful planning, informed provider selection, and thoughtful survey design. In summary, the benefits of market research far outweigh the potential limitations, making it a vital tool for mid-market businesses seeking to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

In conclusion, our exploration of the six common market-research myths sheds light on the importance of data-driven decision-making for mid-market companies striving to stay competitive in today’s challenging business environment. By dispelling these misconceptions, we have demonstrated that market research is feasible and essential for businesses to make well-informed decisions, allowing them to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Furthermore, businesses will be better equipped to invest in and direct their market research as they recognize and address these myths.

Beth VanStory and Beth Somplatsky-Martori are chief marketing officers (CMOs) with Chief Outsiders, a fractional CMO firm.

Hamilton’s Sept. 5 Common Ground event discussed U.S. ag policy

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CLINTON, N.Y. — A conversation between U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Congressman G.T. Thompson, chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, moderated by journalist Edvige Jean-François, kicked off this year’s Common Ground series at Hamilton College. This event — which was held Sept. 5, at 7 p.m. in Wellin Hall (Schambach Center) —

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This event — which was held Sept. 5, at 7 p.m. in Wellin Hall (Schambach Center) — offered a discussion on bipartisanship and the speakers’ respective careers in agriculture, and the current state of agricultural policy in the U.S.

Vilsack, a 1972 graduate of Hamilton College, was confirmed as the U.S. secretary of agriculture in February. 2021, a return to the position after serving as secretary from 2009-2017 under the Obama administration. Prior to returning to USDA, he served as president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. “Vilsack is spearheading a transformation of the food system to ensure that future markets are more resilient and Americans have access to affordable, nutritious food grown closer to home,” the release stated. He received his law degree from Albany Law School.

Thompson (R) was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008 and represents Pennsylvania’s 15th District. He is the chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, which he has been a member of for more than a decade. He’s also served as chairman of the Subcommittees on Conservation and Forestry and Nutrition, and ranking member of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.

Common Ground Moderator Jean-François is a global journalist and 1990 graduate of Hamilton College. During her more than 20 years as a journalist and television producer, she held positions at ABC News in New York City, Associated Press Television News in Washington, D.C., and CNN International in Atlanta. Last year, Jean-François began a career in academia when she was appointed the inaugural executive director of the Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora (CSAD) at Georgia State University’s College of Arts and Sciences in Atlanta. In June 2023, Jean-François was elected to Hamilton College’s board of trustees.

Common Ground is Hamilton’s multi-format program designed to explore cross-boundary political thought and complex social issues. Topics intertwined with the college’s curriculum are chosen to foster critical thinking and holistic examination of difficult and often contentious national and global policy issues. The primary theme Common Ground will explore this academic year is climate change, with some events spotlighting other hot topics, the college said.

Work starts on sanitary-sewer project in the town of Oswego

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OSWEGO, N.Y. — Construction work is underway on a $4.8 million sanitary-sewer project in the town of Oswego.. The effort is part of the state’s Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI), the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Aug. 30. Once complete, the project will establish a municipal sewer-collection system for the

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OSWEGO, N.Y. — Construction work is underway on a $4.8 million sanitary-sewer project in the town of Oswego..

The effort is part of the state’s Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI), the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Aug. 30.

Once complete, the project will establish a municipal sewer-collection system for the residents and businesses situated along portions of County Route 89, State Route 104, and Fred Haynes Boulevard — adjacent to Lake Ontario and SUNY Oswego.

The new system will serve about 176 users, including an estimated 140 homes, and seven businesses with sewers along Fred Haynes Boulevard for future commercial development.

“This is the largest infrastructure project the town has undertaken, and the benefits of the project are far reaching for future commercial development along the Fred Haynes Corridor and for town residents,” Oswego Town Supervisor Daniel Gurney said in a New York State news release. “This process has been an excellent example of the feats we can accomplish when state and local government work together.”

The project’s resiliency measures will include about 33,000 linear feet of mainline pipe and lateral connections to establishments, as well as the installation of two primary pumping stations to transmit wastewater to the City of Oswego.

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation is administering the $4.8 million grant for the project.

High lake levels and inadequate subsurface conditions have significantly affected onsite private treatment systems, especially for many local businesses. Affected business owners have had to install holding tanks and/or complex onsite treatment systems “thus hindering sustainability and future development,” Hochul’s office said.

“This transformative sewer-collection system project will benefit hundreds of users including homes and businesses in the Lake Ontario shoreline community,” Assembly Minority Leader William Barclay (R–Pulaski) said in the release. “I am thrilled to share my support for this infrastructure initiative, which will contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment and cultivate future economic development opportunities for the region. The REDI fund remains a welcome investment in our community as these projects provide significant upgrades and improvements to the coastline area.”

T5 Insurance uses technology to connect with clients

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UTICA, N.Y. — Stephen Turnbull always knew he wanted to work in the insurance industry, and a year ago, he made his vision of creating a new insurance experience with a more modern approach a reality when he opened T5 Insurance Services. While his insurance agency has an office, located at 287 Genesee St., most

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While his insurance agency has an office, located at 287 Genesee St., most of the work takes place elsewhere, he notes.

Clients today want faster service in different ways. While he wants that same connected feel of sitting at the dining-room table with a client, Turnbull says as a young consumer himself, he knew he needed to interact with clients where and how they needed to fit into their lifestyle.

“I think we’ve done that,” he says of the formula T5 has perfected in the one year it’s been open.

First and foremost, the experience needs to be educational for clients and not just feel like a transaction, Turnbull notes. It’s about developing a relationship and trust, and then proving that trust through the client experience.

Clients can request a quote online, and Turnbull will research and compare carriers, and then present options to the client. His motto is understand, educate, and protect. That means understanding clients’ needs, educating clients on their options, and making sure whatever product clients select provides the protection they need.

“One thing we’ve implemented that we have had huge success with is video proposals,” he says. Rather than that dining-room table meeting, Turnbull uses 10 minute pre-recorded presentations that he sends to clients. “It allows customers to do this on their own time.”

What he has found is that most people open the videos between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. and almost 90 percent of the videos are rewatched, he says. The videos allow spouses to watch at different times and take time to digest the information before making any decisions, he adds.

Customers can then reach out — with texting as an option — to move forward. And in-person meetings are still an option for those who want something more traditional, Turnbull adds.

The formula must be working, Turnbull says, because he is gaining clients and his agency boasts nearly 120 five-star reviews on Google. Word is getting out about the agency from both existing clients and from Turnbull’s efforts to be active in the community.

He is a past president of the Utica Rotary Club, serves on the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce board, and has been involved with organizations like Business Networking International.

“I’m very happy with where things are,” he says, but of course, he also has plans to grow the agency. “I want to grow a large, impactful agency.”

By impactful, he means both for clients and for the people he hopes to employ one day. Insurance might not seem like a “sexy” industry, but Turnbull says he can create a fun and inviting place to work where employees can enjoy their jobs while knowing they are helping clients.

Right now, Turnbull is the agency’s only employee. “I’ve been very lucky and blessed to have mentors,” he notes.

As an independent agency, T5 represents numerous carriers ranging from national companies to New York–based ones. The agency offers personal and commercial lines.

Turnbull is a 2016 graduate of St. John Fisher University, where he majored in business management and financial services.

Connecticut insurance company plans growth in New York

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A Connecticut insurance agency is growing its presence across the Northeast, including in New York state. Hartford–based Smith Brothers Insurance, LLC, which has Empire State offices in Owego, Rensselaer, Vestal, and Waverly, recently acquired the assets of the Palmer Family Insurance Agency in Marathon (Cortland County) from third-generation owner Cassie Mauser. The deal, which closed

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A Connecticut insurance agency is growing its presence across the Northeast, including in New York state.

Hartford–based Smith Brothers Insurance, LLC, which has Empire State offices in Owego, Rensselaer, Vestal, and Waverly, recently acquired the assets of the Palmer Family Insurance Agency in Marathon (Cortland County) from third-generation owner Cassie Mauser.

The deal, which closed on Aug. 1, added 1,000 clients to the Smith Brothers portfolio, says Michael Constantine, the agency’s New York region leader.

“We will hopefully use that as a springboard for more opportunity,” he adds. Smith Brothers employs about 40 people across its Southern Tier locations and has about 250 employees companywide. “We’re super excited about our growth here in the Southern Tier and in the Capital District.”

The agency’s growth is not driven by ego, but rather by a desire to provide for people — employees and clients, alike, Regional Director Jared Carillo tells The Central New York Business Journal.

Growth isn’t just about revenue, he explains. It’s about total development. “Are we growing our skills, our capabilities.” The agency has to be a good place to work, he says, with employees that are valued and encouraged to grow.

That said, the agency is actively seeking out more acquisition opportunities. In July, Smith Brothers acquired Rawson & Sons Insurance Group in Worcester, Massachusetts, further expanding the agency’s footprint in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Many of the acquisitions, like the Palmer purchase, happen because the owner is looking to change careers or retire and doesn’t have anyone who wants to take over the business. That’s where Smith Brothers comes in.

Acquisitions have to be the right fit between like-minded organizations, Carillo says. For Smith Brothers, that means putting people first.

“We feel very, very strongly that our people-first operational model and our diligent processes are what set us apart as truly valuable resources to our clients,” he explains. Agents take the time to learn their clients’ needs and ensure they are getting the product that best meets those needs.

Going the extra mile can prove invaluable to clients, Carillo says. He notes one instance where a client came looking for a bond for a parking-lot paving project. In reading the paperwork, the agent handling the matter realized it stated the paving contractor could be liable for any component of the construction project — not just the paving. The client ended up passing on the deal — and the associated liability, Carillo says.

Founded in 1971 by brothers Bob and Brian Smith, the full-service agency and independent broker is licensed in every state.

SUNY’s new provost begins duties in November

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ALBANY, N.Y. — He earned his doctorate in mechanical engineering from Syracuse University and will begin new duties as SUNY’s executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost on Nov. 6. The SUNY board of trustees appointed Melur (Ram) Ramasubramanian to the role. In addition, the board of directors of the SUNY Research Foundation also

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ALBANY, N.Y. — He earned his doctorate in mechanical engineering from Syracuse University and will begin new duties as SUNY’s executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost on Nov. 6.

The SUNY board of trustees appointed Melur (Ram) Ramasubramanian to the role.

In addition, the board of directors of the SUNY Research Foundation also approved Ramasubramanian as president of the SUNY Research Foundation, SUNY said in a news release.

The SUNY board of trustees and SUNY Research Foundation (RF) board of directors unified these leadership roles “in recognition of the seamless integration necessary to achieve SUNY’s ambitious academic, research, and scholarship goals,” SUNY said.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Ramasubramanian as he joins SUNY to help us push academic excellence to new heights and advance upward mobility for our students and communities,” the SUNY Board of Trustees said. “At the same time, we are grateful to Dr. F. Shadi Shahedipour-Sandvik for her outstanding work and partnership as interim provost in addition to her roles in research and as a faculty member.”

Ramasubramanian recently served as VP for research at the University of Virginia and professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering.

In reaction to the appointment, SUNY Chancellor John King, Jr said, “Dr. Ramasubramanian came to our country with few financial resources but an incredible drive to get the most from his education. He is an inspiration to first-generation college students like himself and to every student taking advantage of what an excellent education at SUNY can provide.”

Ramasubramanian is a “first-generation graduate who arrived in the United States with modest financial resources” after earning his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the National Institute of Technology in Durgapur, India, the release stated. He received a master’s degree in applied science from Miami University and before earning his doctorate at Syracuse University.

Ramasubramanian said he is “honored” that SUNY appointed him to this leadership role.

“This is an exciting opportunity to have a direct impact on upward mobility for students and the growth of research at this tremendous scale,” he added. “I am grateful to SUNY Board Chairman Merryl Tisch, Research Foundation Board Chairman Daniel Tomson, the entire Board of Trustees of SUNY and the RF, and Chancellor King for their support. I am ready to get started with Chancellor King and the team of senior leaders, faculty, and staff to make SUNY the best system of higher education.”

New SUNY union pact with state runs through mid-2026

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ALBANY, N.Y. — Members of United University Professions (UUP) have ratified a new four-year labor contract with New York State that runs until July 1, 2026. The union includes more than 37,000 SUNY system faculty and professional employees. The agreement won the approval of 96.4 percent of UUP members who cast ballots. “This contract fairly

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