Maritime College Family,
It was a busy and productive week at Fort Schuyler. Wednesday brought our World Mental Health Run, followed by the GBAT Conference on Thursday. We also had a productive meeting with SUNY Construction Fund and GENSLER, the firm leading the development of our Facilities Master Plan. We have completed the first two phases, Campus Profile and Assessment of Conditions, and are now moving into Phase 3, which will be the analysis of space needs which will occur over the next several months.
This past week, I also had the privilege of presenting an update on the College to the College Council and to OBMG at its Annual General Meeting. Both relationships are important to Maritime, and I am pleased with the continued engagement and growing strength of these partnerships. Another special highlight was the opportunity for Captain Zola and me to present Filomena Magovera with her induction into Heritage Hall. I hope you saw the photos on social media. It was a meaningful moment for Filomena and for the College as we recognized her many contributions and celebrated the lasting legacy she built at Fort Schuyler.
And, of course, Empire State VII is back home! She arrived at Fort Schuyler last night. Over the next several days, we will complete the turnover from TOTE to the College as ship operator and return to our normal routines, with the vessel once again fully integrated into our academic and instructional programs. It is great to have her back where she belongs. Here are a few additional highlights and updates from around campus:
Title IX and Title VI Responsible Employee Training. A big thank you to our teammates (71%) who completed the 2026-2027 SUNY Employee Title IX and Title VI Training. Unfortunately, we did not me the mandate for 100% completion by October 31, 2026. If you have not completed the training, a mandatory component of our compliance and fulfills the UUP Collective Bargaining Agreement, please do so. The training is in Brightspace under My Courses/Professional Development.
Expanded Facility Access Update. Riesenberg Hall's weight and cardio rooms will be accessible seven days a week from 5:00 AM to midnight with a valid College ID. The Student Union game room will also be open daily from 6:00 AM to midnight, with card readers planned to provide 24/7 access in the coming months. These expanded hours reflect our commitment to student life, health, and wellness. Please help us take care of these facilities and the investments we have made by using them responsibly, keeping them safe, and reporting any damage or unauthorized use. Access to Olivet Pier can now be made through the turnstile with your campus ID.
Scholarships. Mark your calendars, the scholarship application window for SST 2027 and AY2027/2028 will open November 16.
Expanded Riesenberg Gym Access. Effective today Riesenberg Hall weight and cardio rooms hours will be extended to better support the health and wellness of students, faculty, and staff. Standard facility hours will be Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, while the weight and cardio rooms will be accessible seven days a week from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM for members of the campus community with a valid ID. During extended hours, entry will be restricted to the front lobby door using a valid College ID, with each individual required to swipe in separately; all other designated exterior entrances will remain secured and accessible for exit only. These expanded hours reinforce the College's "Students First" commitment while maintaining campus security and promoting responsible use of athletic facilities.
J-START. The 2027 J-Start Program (LEAD 102) application is now open for students seeking an opportunity to become part of the Regiment and experience the traditions, leadership development, discipline, and professional growth that distinguish Maritime cadets. Students interested in learning more about the J-Start Program prior to submitting an application are encouraged to contact the Regiment directly at regimentalinquiries@sunymaritime.edu. If you are ready to challenge yourself, build lifelong connections, and begin your journey toward earning a USCG license, please submit your application before December 11, 2026.
Music at Maritime Concert Series. Don't miss Palo En Cuero, featuring Jonathan Troncoso, Monday, November 9 at 5:00 PM in the Special Events Room. This concert is free and open to the entire Maritime College Community.
Open House. Saturday, November 14 is our next Open House of the year. Please plan to attend and help greet prospective students and their families. The Ship should be back and open for tours!
Leadership Lecture. Mark your calendars, the next James Harvey Tomb Leadership Lecture Series is Tuesday, November 17, featuring Stephen Payne, the renowned naval architect who led the design of the Queen Mary 2. A faculty, staff and student presentation will be from 3:00–4:00 PM, followed by a meet-and-greet reception from 5:30–6:30 PM in the Special Events Room, and a public lecture at 7:00 PM in the Maritime Academic Center's Multipurpose Room. Register for the event here.
2026 Colors of the World Fashion Show. The Annual Cultural College will host its annual fashion show on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Riesenberg Gym. Students and participants are invited to showcase cultural and international attire, casual wear, western wear, loungewear, sportswear, formal wear, and military uniforms. Interested participants can contact Ms. Pat Norman to sign up to model.
Digital IDs. The Digital ID is here! To get started, download the TouchNet 360u app and follow the setup instructions. Once activated, your Digital ID can be used anywhere your Maritime ID is accepted and will replace the physical card. Over the coming months, we will transition away from physical ID cards as the Digital ID becomes our standard campus credential. Download your Digital ID today and make the switch to a faster, more convenient way to access campus services.
Athletics. It was another fantastic week in Athletics! The Rugby Team secured a dominant 62–0 semifinal victory over Hofstra, earning a spot in the finals against Kings Point this weekend. The Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving teams also celebrated impressive victories over Sarah Lawrence on Saturday. Congratulations to Jefferson Blanco on being named to the Second Team All-Skyline Men’s Soccer Team for the second consecutive year and Joan Anastasiades on being selected as the Skyline Libero of the Week! Check out the latest results and full schedule for the upcoming week on the Athletics website.
With Great Respect,
John