The State University of New York at Cortland will soon be home to the $27 million project to renovate the Communication and Media Studies department (@cortlandcms). By January 2026, the Red Dragons will welcome even more film enthusiasts and media lovers alike.
Opinions from current COM students at SUNY Cortland
“I have worked in both the CSTV and WSUC studios, and while both are great, I feel that (especially with the WSUC studio) they are a little small. I am hoping to see some more advanced equipment in the new addition and hopefully some type of studio more tailored to film productions,” said first-year Media Production major Jake Baglio.
“I think it will give COM students a stable environment to learn along with discovering all the different aspects of the department,” said junior Media Production major David Garcia.
“When I first learned about Cortland COM department, it was not the most funded. The department currently has some nice qualities like the TV and radio studios, but they are definitely lacking. I believe the new COM department will benefit me in the sense that I finally feel recognized; it always seemed that PE and teaching had the most recognition. The department is finally getting the funding it deserves, especially to help my interests and passion for my future career,” said sophomore Communication Studies major Kate Rossi.
“It will bring many students and Alumni together as well as increase the creativity among future students. As someone who is a part of WSUC, I’m excited about the new studio, and I’m honestly just happy that the COM department will finally have our own space on campus instead of being spread out across multiple education buildings,” said junior COM student and future President of WSUC 90.5 The Dragon and WSUC Podcasts, Osha Mabilog.
What Else Will the Project Have to Offer?
- Cornish and Van Hoesen C-wing addition will also provide centralized locations for Conley Counseling and Wellness Service, Disability resources and @cortlandeop.
- Outdoor spaces for casual gatherings and educational use.
- Enhanced acoustics and infrastructure for production studios.
- Universally accessible spaces.
- A distraction-free testing area for students.
- Improved energy efficiency.
The future looks bright for those interested in majoring in Cinema Studies, Communication Studies, New Communication Media, and Media Production along with the many concentrations offered in the department.
SUNY Cortland has prominently devoted its attention to their prestigious education programs since its founding. By investing in this project, it shows that the university wants to expand its reach to other majors as well.
The addition will change the dynamic of the university as it will attract prospective Communication and Media Studies students to consider Cortland when making their college decisions.
As the project continues, check out the Cortland CMS Instagram for updates. Thank you to the construction workers for putting in the time and effort to expand campus and aid the COM department through this long-awaited journey.