Student Affairs and Services
Directed by the Vice President for Student Affairs the Office of Student Affairs complements the academic and professional mission of the College with the enhancement of student learning and professional development being the primary goal of its programs and services.
The Office of Student Affairs is responsible for student recruitment and admissions, financial aid, student registration and records, personal and academic counseling and well as a wide range of student activities and initiatives.
The Office of Student Affairs further serves as a center of advocacy for students in all areas of student life, both in- and outside of the academic and clinical curriculum. Additional resources available to students from Student Affairs include career planning andplacement, student leadership opportunities, involvement in organized optometry and housing referrals to name a few.
Administrative officers within the Office of Student Affairs are the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Director of Admissions and Marketing, the Registrar and the Director of Financial Aid.
Phone: (800) 291-3937
The Office of Student Affairs and Services administers the following functions at the College:
- Admissions
- Orientation
- Records and Registration
- Financial Aid
- Student Services
- Student Housing Assistance
- Academic and Personal Counseling
- Student Advocacy and Personal Assistance
- Student Leadership Development
- Career Planning and Placement
- Individual and Group Tutoring
- Minority Recruitment and Retention
- Graduate Admissions
Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA)
Member of the President’s Council. The VPSA directs current and long-range planning for the Student Affairs area and is responsible for overseeing all of the activities and services provided by the Office of Student Affairs and its personnel.
Currently, the VPSA is working with current students and staff in an ongoing process to evaluate the overall student experience at SUNY College of Optometry. The creation of new student programs in the area of Organized Optometry and the establishment of SUNY Optometry's new Career Development Center are important aspects of his responsibilities. The VPSA thoroughly enjoys working with SUNY Optometry students and maintains an open door policy to assure that students receive the time and attention necessary to address their individual needs and concerns.
Both the Admissions Committee and the Committee on Scholarships report to this position. The VPSA acts as the advisor to the Student Council and to other student organizations.
Dr. Jeffrey Philpott
Vice President for Student Affairs
Phone: (212) 938-5506
Email: jphilpott@sunyopt.edu
Director of Admissions and Marketing
Responsible for the overarching recruitment plan to bring to SUNY College of Optometry a highly qualified and diverse student body, including students with high leadership potential, students from diverse backgrounds, and international students. The Director of Admissions and Marketing is a member of the Admissions Committee responsible for pre-screening, interviewing, and selecting qualified candidates. The Director truly enjoys coaching students throughout the application process, providing them with valuable tips in how to build strong applications.
Mr. Gui Albieri
Director of Admission and Marketing
Phone: (212) 938-5508
Email: galbieri@sunyopt.edu
Registrar
Responsible for maintaining all student records and files, including grades and transcripts, and submitting University and governmental reports dealing with student census. All requests for grades and transcripts, once approved by the student, are under her confidential control for dissemination as approved. Working with the Department Chairs and the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Registrar develops the schedule of course offerings and creates the College Calendar. All classroom reservations must be approved by the Registrar. The Registrar is an ad hoc member of the Curriculum Committee and the Committee on Course and Standing.
Ms. Jacqueline Martinez
Registrar
Phone: (212) 938-5509
Email: jmartinez@sunyopt.edu
Director of Financial Aid
Responsible for advising and assisting students who seek financial aid, including loans, scholarship, grants and Federal Work Study. The Director of Financial Aid provides students with all necessary information and forms to apply for and receive financial aid and, in turn, submits all appropriate information to lending institutions and governmental agencies. The Director also maintains student financial data, reporting it as required by the University, as well as by state and federal agencies. The Director of Financial Aid is an ad hoc member of the Committee on Scholarships and assists that committee in developing guidelines for the distribution of awards.
Mr. Vito Cavallaro
Director of Financial Aid
Phone: (212) 938-5507
Email: vito@sunyopt.edu
Additional staff members in the Office of Student Affairs include:
Francisco Lucio, JD
Director of Career Development and Minority Enrichment
Phone: (212) 938-5505
E-mail: flucio@sunyopt.edu
Ms. Ellen Povitch
Admissions Assistant
Phone: (212) 938-5501
Email: epovitch@sunyopt.edu
Ms. Sarah Didier
Staff Assistant
Phone: (212) 938-5503
Email: sdidier@sunyopt.edu
