The City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) is an athletic organization that governs and promotes intercollegiate sports for the City University of New York (CUNY) system. Founded in 1987, CUNYAC primarily serves student-athletes and institutions within the CUNY system. It operates across all five boroughs of New York City, providing leadership, resources, and opportunities for athletic competition among its member colleges. Its mission centers on fostering excellence in academics and sportsmanship while enhancing the educational experience of student-athletes.
The City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) was established in 1987 as a unified governing body for athletic competition among the City University of New York’s (CUNY) member colleges. It was created to provide structure, governance, and opportunities for student-athletes within the sprawling CUNY system, which encompasses several public colleges across New York City. CUNYAC’s foundation aimed to provide equitable competition, enrich student-athlete experiences, and build camaraderie among its diverse network of institutions.
Throughout its history, CUNYAC has been instrumental in elevating the profile of collegiate sports within New York City. It oversees championships in various sports, such as basketball, soccer, and track and field. CUNYAC’s commitment to student-athlete welfare, gender equity, and inclusivity is evident through its initiatives. The conference collaborates with national organizations like the NCAA to offer student-athletes opportunities for regional and national recognition, scholarships, and academic accolades. In particular, the conference has prioritized academic achievement, with many of its student-athletes earning distinctions like the CUNYAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award.
In recent years, CUNYAC has reinforced its role as a leader in collegiate athletics by embracing digital transformation, improving media coverage, and hosting various events to engage communities. The conference is presently a respected member of Division III of the NCAA. It continues to guide member institutions in providing quality athletic programs while emphasizing academic excellence. Despite the challenges of an urban setting and fierce competition, CUNYAC remains focused on offering student-athletes a platform to thrive both on the field and in the classroom.
What is City University of New York Athletic Conference?
The City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) is a collegiate athletic association that oversees sports competition within the CUNY system. Founded in 1987, it fosters academic and athletic excellence, organizes championships, and supports student-athletes in New York City’s unique urban setting.
The lettering “CUNY” is the centerpiece of the City University of New York Athletic Conference logo. The first three letters look completely generic and belong to a simple, perfectly legible sans serif type. It is the last “Y” that makes the wordmark stand out. The glyph is formed by a ribbon featuring the pattern of the Flag of the United States.
To make the emblem better understandable for those unfamiliar with intercollegiate sports, there is the lettering “Athletic Conference” over the blue background.