Speech Outline
Topic: The Evolution of Tuition at City College of New York (CCNY) from Free to Affordable
Purpose: To inform the audience about the historical context of tuition fees at CCNY and advocate for the reinstatement of free tuition.
Specific Purpose: To explain the transformation in tuition fees, emphasizing the impact on students and the need for accessible higher education.
Organizational Pattern: Chronological
Introduction:
Attention Getter: “City College of New York (CCNY) charges me about $3,465 per semester to study here. The Excelsior scholarship covers everything but the $200 technology fee. The only way I can justify this since I don’t use any CUNY technology is to pay to use the school’s wifi.”
Reason to Listen: Understanding the historical context of tuition fees and how it impacts students’ accessibility to education is crucial for advocating for change.
Thesis Statement: The evolution of tuition fees at CCNY, from being free in the past to the current ‘affordable’ status, highlights the need for free education to ensure accessibility for all New Yorkers.
Preview of Main Points: I will delve into the historical context of free tuition at CCNY, the impact of changes in fees, and why reinstating free tuition is crucial.
Body:
- Historical Context: Tuition Evolution at CCNY
- Past state of free education at CCNY
- 1969 student protests advocating for open admission and inclusivity
- Transition from Free to Affordable Tuition
- Financial pressure leading to the introduction of tuition fees
- The impact of economic crises on the shift from free to affordable education
- Current Affordability Issues
- Personal anecdote about scholarship coverage and its limitations
- The struggle for students without scholarships, financial burdens, and lifestyle adjustments
- Importance of free tuition for economic mobility and accessibility
Conclusion:
Conclusive Remark: Reflecting on the journey from free education to the current state of ‘affordable’ tuition.
Summary of Main Points: Highlighting the historical significance, the impact of financial changes, and the current issues of affordability at CCNY.
Restatement Thesis: The progression from free to affordable education at CCNY underscores the need for free tuition to ensure equitable access to higher education.
Clincher/Final Statement: Advocating for free tuition is not just a return to the past but a stride towards a future where education is a right, not a privilege.
References:
Unknown. “City Facts Fall 2018.” City College of New York, City College of New York, 5 Mar. 2019, www.ccny.cuny.edu/sites/default/files/institutionalresearch/upload/CityFactsFall2018.pdf.
Unknown. “The Five Demands.” CUNY Digital History Archive, May 1969, fivedemands.commons.gc.cuny.edu/.
Unknown. “Tuition and Fee Listing – Fall 2022 and Spring 2023.” The City College of New York, The City College of New York, 3 May 2023, www.ccny.cuny.edu/bursar/tuition-and-fee-listing-fall-2022-and-spring-2023.
Unknown. “WHEN TUITION AT CUNY WAS FREE, SORT OF.” CUNY Matters, 12 Oct. 2011, www1.cuny.edu/sites/matters/2011/10/12/when-tuition-at-cuny-was-free-sort-of/#:~:text=In%20fall%201976%2C%20amid%20the,rescue%20the%20city%20from%20bankruptcy.
Text Messages
- Yooooo dumb rant but tuition is so expensive omfg. The excelsior scholarship takes care of like everything but they still make me pay the technology fee. Do y’all have to pay for it too? It’s so dumb, I don’t even use CCNY tech the only thing I think it goes towards is the wifi bc ykdw its not for the escalators.
- Ugh almost four K for tuition is so greedy bro. CCNY literally used to be free. I would be swimming in cash rn if it was. At least we’re not the Fordham losers that have to pay an arm and leg but its not like everyone can afford tuition. How are they gonna call themselves a college of New York and not even have New Yorkers in it????
- In class I learned abt this protest in 1969 where the black and puerto rican students were tryna get open admission for everyone. CCNY wasn’t even a PWI it was OWI w like 10 non-white students in undergrad. The protestors opened up the school which was totally game changing, its not like I’m gonna go to DSA but im glad it’s there.
- Those mfs in offices thought our sexy school was a waste of money, yeah the country’s economy was in its flop era but c’mon.
- I came to CCNY bc the other colleges only offered me loans instead of actually paying for my tuition like Exelsior does. Needing 30 credits is like a normal amount I guess but I can’t even do summer/winter classes bc it doesnt cover it. And its so hard to work w 5 classes a semester, they want to stop my bag.
- We need to bring back free tuition. Four K for four months. Thats a thousand a month. Literally life changing. Its so hunger games that we can’t all just go college, get careers, and get them big bucks.
- Wheres the New York pride? Don’t these politicians want us to be on top? Bc theyre always talking abt being “one of the ppl” or wtv. Not to be James Madison but education’s a right, and it shouldn’t just be from K-12
- Woo okay rant over. Y’all think we could start something? Idk anyways thanks for not killing me for blowing up your phone.
