
Maritime College Family,
Last week was a steady week across campus as we hosted 20 High School Counselors from Long Island on Tuesday. I appreciate everyone’s patience as we pivoted to the MAC and Food Trucks for dining services on Wednesday to allow for deep cleaning and sanitation of the galley and scullery. I anticipate we will reopen tomorrow afternoon. Here are a few additional highlights and updates from around campus:
Open House. This Saturday, November 14 is our Open House. With nearly 700 students and family members registered it should be our largest open house ever. Due to the large numbers, we are shifting the morning session to the gym. Please plan to attend and help greet prospective students and their families. The Ship will be open for tours!
Music at Maritime Concert Series. Don't miss Palo En Cuero, featuring Jonathan Troncoso, Today, Monday, November 9 at 5:00 PM in the Special Events Room. This concert is free and open to the entire Maritime College Community.
State Fire Drills. Fire drills will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the following times: Baylis (0900), Gym (0915), McMurray Hall (0930), Fort (0945), MAC (1000), William Austen Seamanship Center (1015), Vanderclute/Student Union (1415), and Marvin-Tode (1445). Dormitory fire drills will be conducted after 2200 in accordance with regulations. All personnel must evacuate the building during the drill.
Veterans Day Morning Formation. The Regiment of Cadets will host a Veterans Day recognition ceremony during morning formation on November 11 at 0715, welcoming veterans from the campus community. The ceremony will recognize and honor the dedication, sacrifice, and service of our nation’s veterans, with attendees welcome to wear their military uniforms as we come together as one Maritime family to express our gratitude.
Nursing Center Visit. Volunteers are needed to bring smiles to our seniors at the Throggs Neck Rehabilitation Center on November 16, between 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Help brighten the holiday season! If you are interested contact Ms. Pat Norman.
Scholarships. The scholarship application window for SST 2027 and AY2027/2028 will open next Monday, November 16.
Leadership Lecture. The James Harvey Tomb Leadership Lecture Series is next 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.
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.
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.
SEFA. New York’s State Employees Federated Appeal (SEFA) provides an easy and reliable way to support hundreds of vetted nonprofits through small, automatic payroll deductions, helping to provide year-round funding for causes such as cancer research, food security, environmental initiatives, and after-school programs. If you donated through payroll deduction last fall, your pledge will automatically continue into 2026. You may update or discontinue it at any time through the SEFA website or by contacting Human Resources. For questions, please reach out to SEFA Campaign Manager Lu-Ann Plaisance.
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.
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.
Athletics. What a week for the Privateers. The Sailing Team captured 11th place at both the War Memorial (hosted by Navy) and the MAISA Fall Women’s Championship. The finish at the War Memorial secured an automatic bid to the America Trophy, the Spring championship event. The Rugby Team finished up a tremendous season, unfortunately losing in close-fought championship match against KP yesterday. In the pool the men’s and women's swimming and diving team topped the 100-point total against Baruch, with the men setting a school record of 115 points. They also captured three skyline awards last week with Kelly Kelly and Johnny Walz named Divers of the Week, and Matt Klimek named Men’s Swimmer of the Week. The women’s volleyball team capped off their season with a dominant 3-0 win over Yeshiva. Also, the Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country Teams capped off their season with a strong showing at the ECAC North Championships, the men finishing second and the women sixth. Chase Miller continued his historic freshman campaign on Saturday, becoming the first member of the men's cross country team ever to win the ECAC North Championship. Don’t miss the tip-ff to the men’s basketball season, this Wednesday, 7:30 PM, at home against Ramapo. Check out the latest results and full schedule for the upcoming week on the Athletics website.
Please join me in welcoming aboard our newest teammates this past month: Patricia Borrell (Admissions), Matthew Mangroo (Admissions), Raymond Reichel ’88 (UPD), Maureen Corbett (Institutional Advancement), Geoffrey Bridgman (Library), and Deonarine Chan (Facilities)!
With Great Respect,
John