Admission of Persons with Prior Felony Convictions

Policy No: EM001

Policy Statement

Higher education plays a critical role in promoting good citizenship, expanding economic opportunity, and improving the quality of community life. The State University of New York (“SUNY”) was founded to provide the people of the State of New York with broad-based access to high-quality educational services. It is in the interest of the State to facilitate the admission of individuals with previous criminal convictions because improved access to higher education can enhance public safety by reducing recidivism and facilitating successful reintegration into society.  Such efforts must be balanced with reasonable actions to protect the safety of the campus community. In accordance with SUNY-wide policy, FIT prohibits admission applications from inquiring into an applicant’s prior criminal history.  After an applicant has been accepted as a student, FIT shall inquire if the student previously has been convicted of a felony to determine whether a student may participate in campus housing or in clinical or field experiences, internships, or study abroad programs.  The information required to be disclosed pursuant to this policy regarding such felony convictions shall be reviewed by a campus committee consistent with the legal standards articulated in New York State Corrections Law.

Who is Affected by This Policy

• All prospective FIT students
• Admissions Office

Policy Information

• Responsible Administrator(s): Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success; Vice President for Academic Affairs
• Responsible Office(s): Enrollment Management and Student Success; Academic Affairs
• Implementation History: Issued January 2018; Updated August 2018, July 2019
• Contact(s): Office of Enrollment Management and Student Success; Office of Academic Affairs

View Official Policy

EM001, Admission of Persons with Prior Felony Convictions (.pdf)
*This PDF document is the official version of this policy.