An Economic Engine for the Region
With an annual general budget of $106 million, SUNY Oneonta is an economic engine for the Oneonta region. SUNY Oneonta employs a work force of more than 1,250 and enrolls approximately 6,000 students, many of whom purchase goods and services from businesses in Otsego County.
SUNY Oneonta collaborates with a variety of community organizations to enhance the quality of life in our region. We offer space on our campus, financial and in-kind support, and the enthusiasm and expertise of our faculty, staff and students, who volunteer in the community and present educational and cultural events ranging from science fairs to theater productions.
Local and regional internship partnerships give area businesses and nonprofits an extra pair of hands, and the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent.
Regional Innovation Council
In an effort to strengthen the symbiotic relationship between the university and surrounding community, SUNY Oneonta established a new Regional Innovation Council (RIC) in spring 2022. With a membership comprising representatives of the business, government, education and nonprofit sectors, the RIC aims to identify collaborative projects to support community development and help the Greater Oneonta region grow economically and culturally.
Government Relations
SUNY Oneonta is actively involved in public education advocacy at the local and state level. We are committed to using our voice to improve higher education access and opportunity, and to establish partnership programs that strengthen both SUNY Oneonta and the Oneonta community. We frequently host local and state government representatives on campus. For more information about the university’s government relations efforts, please contact SUNY Oneonta Chief of Staff Danielle McMullen at danielle.mcmullen@oneonta.edu.
Community Partnerships
SUNY Oneonta is committed to developing strategic partnerships with community business and organizations. The university and community are stronger, together.
Leaders Announce Economic Development Initiative
Joined by regional leaders, SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle announced on March 15 the launch of a new Regional Innovation Council that aims to increase coordination between anchor institutions on economic and community development initiatives and address opportunities for continued collaboration within the region.
Teacher Partnership with Sidney School District
SUNY Oneonta and the Sidney Central School District have teamed up to create an innovative teacher training program that aims to give Oneonta elementary education majors immersive, in-depth field experiences while addressing the teacher shortage in the region.
Exercise Workshop for Little Red Dragons Program
More than 40 SUNY Oneonta students provided sports and exercise workshops to local children during a new “Little Red Dragons” program held from Nov. 28 to Dec. 5 at the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club (OBGC).
Researchers Monitor Harmful Algal Blooms on Otsego Lake
Teaser text: A $9,695 grant from the Fernleigh Foundation is allowing staff at SUNY Oneonta's Biological Field Station to conduct regular testing of Cooperstown's Otsego Lake, monitor the effects of harmful algal blooms (HABs), and mitigate risk for the community.
Student Volunteers Go “Into the Streets"
SUNY Oneonta students headed “Into the Streets” for the university’s annual volunteer day on Saturday, May 7, bringing back a long-running tradition that had been on hiatus for two years due to the pandemic.
MVCC and SUNY Oneonta Create Partnership
Mohawk Valley Community College and SUNY Oneonta signed an agreement that extends an existing agreement between the college and university and creates a cohesive pathway for students to complete all their grades 1-6 requirements.
Community Resources
From science activities to fine arts events to hiking and biking trails, SUNY Oneonta offers many resources open to members of the Oneonta community.
Planetarium
SUNY Oneonta’s planetarium features a digital projector system capable of bringing you sharp views of the stars, planets, constellations visible in the night sky. Shows are offered each semester to the general public, school groups, and can be booked for private events.
Science Discovery Center
SUNY Oneonta's A.J. Read Science Discovery Center is a free, hands-on museum for people of all ages and abilities. Its mission is to connect visitors to the joy and power of the scientific process through a variety of authentic, interactive exhibits.
Observatory
The College Camp Observatory offers regular public events. weather permitting, beginning at 8:30 pm after each public planetarium show, The Observatory is home to the largest optical telescope in the state of New York, and several smaller telescopes.
Art Galleries
Located in the Fine Arts Center, SUNY Oneonta’s Martin Mullen and Project Space galleries offer several exhibitions each year by nationally and internationally recognized artists, faculty and students. Major exhibitions include an opening reception and artist’s talk.
Theater Productions
The Mask and Hammer student theater club and Theater Department stage several productions each year, including a musical and at least two student-directed shows. All productions are presented in the 487-seat Goodrich Theater or the “black box” Hamblin Theater.
College Camp
Located adjacent to campus at 119 Hoffman Road, the College Camp consists of 276 acres of former farm and woodland. It includes trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing and has a lodge that can be rented for picnics, weddings, retreats and other events.
Oneonta Opportunities
SUNY Oneonta employs a work force of 1,200, connects local organizations with volunteers and enriches the region with educational and cultural events.
Employment Opportunities
SUNY Oneonta offers a wide variety of employment opportunities for faculty, professional staff and maintenance and clerical positions. The university’s indeed.com rating is 4.5, with one recent review noting that it is the people that make SUNY Oneonta so special.
CSRC
The Center for Social Responsibility and Community provides a variety of opportunities for students, faculty and staff to work together on service-learning courses, individual community-service activities and group volunteer efforts such as the annual Into the Streets event.
Campus Events
From theatre productions and art exhibitions to nationally known speakers, SUNY Oneonta is a hub for cultural and educational events. Annual events include the Mills Distinguished Lecture, Cornell-Gladstone-Hanlon Kaufmann Lecture and Red Dragon Reading Series.