[Student Life & Development]

Do I have to attend the New Student Orientation?
It is highly recommended but is not required. Should you decide to not attend you will miss an opportunity to meet your faculty and other students. This is a connection that would put you on the right path. Additionally, you will miss out on information that will help you become a successful student.

Is there a fee for New Student Orientation?
No, there is no cost associated with the New Student Orientation Program.

Do I need to register to attend New Student Orientation?
No, registration is not required. However, it is useful to us if you register so we have an idea of how many people to expect.

When is the New Student Orientation and what time does it begin?
Orientation for new freshmen will take place August 14, August 16, August 20 and August 22, depending on your major. Please go to http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/orientation/ to find the appropriate date for your major.

Can I bring my parents and family?
We will have a special program for parents and family for the fall 2018 orientation. An invitation will be sent out in mid July.

Will I be able to view and/or pay the tuition bill during the orientation?
You will be able to make payments and attend to other financial issues without any hindrance; however we recommend that you do so at the conclusion of the orientation program.

I have questions about Financial Aid, Testing, Class Schedules, etc. Will I be able to get answers during orientation?
Yes. You will have the opportunity to speak with various departments at the college, after you attend your Academic Department Information Session and workshops.

Will my parents be able to view student grades or financial information?
If you are over the age of 18 your grades and registration information are not legally available to parents or others without your written permission. To allow this access, you will need to complete a FERPA form and submit it to Enrollment and Student Affairs in N300.

FERPA Form

Do you have any information on financial assistance or avoiding debt?
Yes, members from our Financial Aid department will be available for any questions. To assist you we have collected some tips for minimizing your debt as a college student. See the link “Managing Your Finances During Your College Career” for more information.

What day does the semester start?
The fall semester begins Monday, August 27, 2018, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the college calendar, as there are several days during early part of the semester where classes are not in session.

Fall 2018 Calendar

When do I buy books for my classes?
Most instructors will hand out a syllabus the first day of class. This will indicate what books are required for your class. The City Tech bookstore will be open extended hours during the first two weeks of school, and many textbook may be pre-ordered at the college bookstore.

Do I need to come to campus every day?
Unlike high school, college classes are often only two or three days per week. Truthfully, it depends how you schedule your course load and how you plan your daily activities. Work and family are leading factors on how you plan your schedule and the obvious is course availability. We recommend registering early and accurately. Staff will be on hand to assist you with scheduling classes; however, keep in mind your personal needs. You only need to be on campus on the days and times that you have class or to participate in student activities.

How do I change my major?
To discuss changing your major we suggest that you make an appointment with one of the counselors in the Counseling Center, N-108 or 718-260-5030. I have a class in the morning and then one later in the afternoon. What do I do between the two classes? This is your free time; we recommend utilizing the time to study, checking out the Library, visiting the Learning Center, or getting involved in campus activities such as: Student Life & Development, Clubs, the Student Government Association, and/or City Tech Times (the official campus newspaper).

How can I get involved at City Tech?
A good place to start is the Office of Student Life and Development (OSLD) in room G-516 or 718-260-5391. OSLD staff will talk with you about various ways a student can get involved on campus. Students who are involved on campus are more likely to succeed academically.

How safe is the campus? Is there sufficient security?
Our campus is located in Downtown Brooklyn. We have sworn Campus Peace Officers with the powers of arrest. They are not just security, but are members of the Public Safety Department. From bike officers to general patrol officers, they are located in each of our campus building entrance ways. We take public safety very seriously and the College has sufficient security staff for any contingency. Each campus location requires identification for entry into our buildings. For further information regarding safety and crime statistics please feel free to visit the Public Safety site at http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/publicsafety. We recommend that students register with CUNY A!ert, CUNY’s system that notifies students and staff of emergency situations, including weather emergencies. It is not used for any other purpose! CUNY A!ert will send emergency information to your phone, to your email address or to mobile devices of your choosing. Please help us keep you safe.

Will I be able to get a Student ID at Orientation?
Yes. The Public Safety Office will be issuing City Tech IDs during orientation and throughout the first few weeks of school.

I am unclear about my status as a new student, what do I do?
unsure of being accepted to City Tech:
contact the Office of Admissions in NG-17 or 718-260-5500.
not registered for classes:
contact the New Student Center in N-104 or 718-260-5013.
questions about financial aid:
contact the Financial Aid Office in NG-13 or 718-260-5700.