SUNY Potsdam Career Services Coordinator Nichelle Burnett Co-Leads Session on Student Success at New York State Disabilities Services Council Conference
Nichelle Burnett, John Robinson and Tamara Mariotti co-presented at the New York State Disabilities Services Council Conference
SUNY Potsdam Career Services Coordinator Nichelle Burnett recently shared the College's innovative work to support students with disabilities at the New York State Disabilities Services Council Conference, presenting alongside leaders in disability advocacy and higher education from across New York State.
Burnett joined disability rights advocate John Robinson, CEO of OUR Ability, and Tamara Mariotti, assistant director of resources for students with disabilities at SUNY System Administration, for a session titled “Advancing Disability Inclusion and Employment Pathways through Campus Partnerships,” at the conference, held in Lake George, N.Y.
Burnett and the other presenters spoke about the SUNY-wide Pathways to Inclusion Project, and the SUNY Potsdam Career Services Office’s work to advance those goals, including its collaboration with Robinson. SUNY Potsdam was one of only six campuses from across SUNY that were chosen for the inaugural cohort of the initiative (which has since expanded to 20 campuses across the state), reflecting the College's commitment to expanding career readiness and employment opportunities for students with disabilities.
Participating campuses identify priority areas for growth and receive guidance and resources to build sustainable, inclusive pathways to competitive employment. The Pathways to Inclusion Project is supported through SUNY via the Enhancing Supports and Services for Students with Disabilities for Postsecondary Success (SWDPS) Program funds.
As part of the Pathways to Inclusion Project, Robinson visited the Potsdam campus in April 2025 to lead professional development sessions for students and staff and present a career readiness workshop.
Career development resources for SUNY Potsdam students and alumni with disabilities are located under the specialized resources area of the College’s career services website.
SUNY Potsdam’s Lougheed Center for Applied Learning is the first integrated academic opportunity center of its kind in SUNY. Its formal mission is to provide coordinated experiential learning opportunities that broaden and integrate students' knowledge and skills, and to foster self-discovery, for engaged and life-long academic, personal and career success. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/appliedlearning.
About SUNY Potsdam:
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America’s first 50 colleges—and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.