Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is SEEK?
SEEK (Search for Education Elevation and Knowledge) is a special program of The City University, established by the New York State Legislature, to help students, who meet specific income and academic guidelines, to obtain a college education.
What services does SEEK provide?
SEEK offers students a variety of academic and student support services, which include financial assistance, counseling, tutoring, academic coaching, special courses and workshops. In addition, the SEEK Program has a high-tech computer lab for the exclusive use of SEEK students.
How do students become eligible for SEEK?
Application to the program is made through UAPC (University Application Processing Center) at the time students apply to the University. Students are eligible if they are first-time applicants meeting SEEK eligibility guidelines or if they are transferring from SEEK, CD, EOP or HEOP programs at other colleges.
Do I have to reapply for benefits if I am transferring into CUNY?
No, you do not have to reapply. Once you have applied and have received benefits at another institution, you only need to complete a form to change your place of training. This can be done online throught VONAPP website.
How do I know that I am a SEEK student?
Potential SEEK students are informed of conditional acceptance into the program. Students are allocated to the program by The City University. However, whether you actually become a certified SEEK student at City Tech depends on the following: 1) completion of the necessary financial assistance application with the required documentation 2) meeting the program’s income criteria 3) participation in a summer academic program if any remediation is needed.
How am I assigned a SEEK Counselor?
You are assigned to your SEEK counselor according to your major?
What is the difference between an academic advisor & counselor?
The academic advisor discusses your degree requirements with you and recommends the courses you must take to obtain your degree in a timely manner.
Your SEEK counselor helps you develop a comprehensive educational and career plan that meets your specific needs. Your counselor also provides individual and group counseling on personal issues as needed.
Why must I see my assigned counselor?
SEEK Program guidelines state that all SEEK students must see their assigned counselors regularly. New SEEK students should see their assigned counselors even more frequently during the first semester. Successful SEEK students consult regularly with their counselors on a variety of issues, concerns and problems.
If I am a SEEK/CD student at another CUNY college, and plan on transferring to City Tech how do I transfer my SEEK/CD status?
As a College Discovery/SEEK student, you must contact your assigned counselor and request a SPTR form to be completed and sent to the SEEK Program at City Tech. We will then reach out to you to set up an intake interview. Please have SPTR forms emailed to seektransfer@citytech.cuny.edu or seek@citytech.cuny.edu.
Counselors
How do I arrange to meet with my SEEK counselor?
Simply call the SEEK office (718-260-5680) or even beter, stop by the SEEK Office (300 Jay Street, NAMM Hall, Room N401) to make an appointment. An appointment ensures that your counselor will dedicate a specific date and time to meet with you.
Must I make an appointment to see my counselor?
We recommend that you make an appointment to see your counselor; an appointment insures that the counselor will see you on a specific date and at a specific time. Without an appointment there is no guarantee the counselor will be available to see you.
If I have an urgent matter to discuss with my SEEK counselor, do I need an appointment?
No. If you have an urgent matter in which you need to speak with your SEEK counselor, call or visit the SEEK office immediately. Your counselor, or another counselor if your counselor is unavailable, will speak with you.
Academic Support
What is “tutoring” at SEEK?
Tutoring provides academic assistance in various college courses. Tutors are generally advanced students in the subject and have been trained in tutoring techniques.
Whether you are struggling or excelling in class, tutoring provides you with the opportunity to clarify subject concepts, increase understanding, improve test performance, and change your attitude about learning.
What is “academic coaching” at SEEK?
Academic Coaching provides one-on-one assistance to help you build the skills needed for academic success and can provide you with the guidance, feedback and support necessary to take ownership and accountability for your success.
What happens in a tutoring/academic coaching session?
Tutoring is not a lecture, and the tutor is not an “anwser man” or an editor of your papers. They are like a friendly coach who, through a process of explaining, questioning, and checkinf for understanding, will help you become an independent learner.
In academic coaching, you will sit with one of our coaches as they provide you with guidance, feedback, and support necessary to take ownership and accountability for your academic success through various skills and techniquies for studying, assignments, self care, time management, and more.
Our tutors and academic coaches are committed to you, but the final responsibility for your academic success is yours.
How do I get tutoring/academic coaching?
Just ask for it! You can sign up by visiting the SEEK Center for Learning (N406) or by texting SUPPORT to 929-242-7244.
The SEEK front office staff and your counselor can also help sign you up!
