Advisement FAQs

You can access your courses in Brightspace. Visit www.cuny.edu and click Login on the top menu bar. Next, select Brightspace. Your login credentials are the same as your CUNYFirst account. If you need assistance, please contact the Help Desk at (646) 664-8592 or via email at helpdesk@sps.cuny.edu.

In an online class, much like a traditional classroom, the instructor determines the guidelines for the course and how it is taught. You are given a syllabus that summarizes the goals and objectives of the course. Courses include group discussion, papers, group or individual projects, and exams. There are deadlines for all assignments.

No, courses are completely asynchronous. This means that you can choose any time of day or night to do your work, as long as you fulfill individual course requirements designated by the instructor. On the average, you will need to devote between 9 -12 hours a week per each course.

The time it takes to complete your degree varies depending on your transfer credits and the number of courses that you complete each semester. It is important to discuss your timeline with your advisor who can help you plan accordingly.

You need to submit your graduation application at the beginning of your final semester. Be sure to consult the instructions and deadlines on the website.

You register for classes in CUNYfirst. You also use this system to view your class schedule, financial aid and much more. For more information, refer to our step by step registration guide.

You can find your GPA in CUNYfirst and DegreeWorks.

Reach out to your instructor with specific questions. You should also contact your academic advisor to discuss the resources that are available.

Reach out to the instructor to see what you can do to pass the course successfully. If you are thinking of withdrawing from a course, be sure to contact your academic advisor. Withdrawing results in a W for a grade, which does not carry academic penalty, but could impact your financial aid. Please visit our Academic Calendar for withdrawal dates, and review our Withdrawal Policy on our website.

If you failed a course, you will need to retake it so that the F is replaced by the new passing grade. In order for the grade to be replaced, you must earn at least a C. The number of failing credits that can be replaced is limited to 16 for the duration of your undergraduate enrollment at CUNY. Visit our Grading Policy page for a complete breakdown of our grading policies.

The contact information for your professor can be found on your syllabus. In most classes you are able to post questions in a designated discussion board area in your course. If you are unable to reach your professor contact your academic advisor for assistance.

We encourage you to view the College Catalog and Handbook for degree requirements, course descriptions, and academic policies.

Students are required to earn 120 credits for graduation. After you have completed your General Education and Major requirements, General Electives may be needed to reach 120 credits. A General Elective can be any course you have not previously taken or transferred into CUNY SPS. This is your opportunity to explore a course subject that you may find interesting or possibly a minor. Please consult with your advisor to discuss possible options for electives.

Online courses are rigorous and require most students to spend 9-12 hours per week on coursework. Additionally, there is a lot of writing required for all online courses. While there are no “easy” classes, your advisor can help you select the correct combination of classes that create an appropriate balance based on your demands, schedule, and strengths.

If you wish to change your major or add a minor consult with your academic advisor. Since the requirements for each major vary, your advisor will inform you how your credits will apply to the new major. Once you have discussed your options with the academic advisor, complete the change of major form.

Yes! CUNY SPS recognizes several college level subject-area examination programs, such as CLEP, DSST Exams, and Excelsior/UEXCEL Exams. CUNY SPS also awards credit for licenses and certifications in numerous fields. If you have a certification that you don’t see on the list, be sure to inform your advisor. We also have an opportunity to prepare portfolios that reflect the knowledge and expertise learned outside the classroom and earn credit.