Your college provides special services, such as writing centers, to help improve your skills. There are many services available for CUNY students, including international student services, health and counseling services, writing instruction, career planning, child-care, disability services, student activities, and athletics.
International Student Services at CUNY
CUNY takes special pride in its international student body and offers many resources to assist them. The staff in the International Student and Scholar Services Office at each campus is available to advise you on your college’s orientation program, course registration procedures, and international student immigration issues. Whether you are in F-1 or J-1 status, you should always contact your International Student Advisor (Designated School Official-DSO, Responsible Officer-RO or Alternate Responsible Officer-ARO) before and upon your arrival in the U.S. Here is the list of CUNY International Student Advisors.
Health Services
It is the mission of CUNY’s Student Health Services Division to assist students in receiving quality health care. Each CUNY campus has a health center where you can go for medical referrals, immunizations and basic first aid. Health services center can also assist students with questions about health insurance and provide referrals to medical providers in the community. Staffs in this office are trained to be sensitive to the cultural diversity of the CUNY population. Here you can find the list for campus health advisors.
Counseling Services
It is not uncommon for students studying in a foreign country to experience homesickness, cultural adjustment issues, and stress. If you have any of these feelings while studying at CUNY, you may visit your college’s counseling office for help. Services are free and confidential and provided in a safe environment in which students may address personal and other issues that may inhibit them from attaining their academic goal. Counseling Centers are staffed with multi-culturally sensitive counselors, who can help you learn how to adapt to your new environment and enjoy your time in the U.S.
Writing Services
At your college’s writing or language center, you can meet English instructors and tutors who will help you improve your writing skills. They can also provide feedback on papers that you have written. The ability to write well can drastically improve your grades and help you to do well in your professional life. You should take advantage of this service as much as possible.
Career Services
For career information and help with job searches, you can visit your college’s Career Development Office. You can also obtain assistance in writing a resume, interviewing for jobs, and finding internships.
Child-Care Services
CUNY currently operates 19 licensed campus-based child care programs that provide services to over 2,000 student-parents and 2,200 children of CUNY students. Programs are designed to improve the quality of life for student parents and their families. Educational programs created by the child care centers focus on the children’s cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. More details are located on: Child Care
Disability Services
Based on nationally regarded best practices, CUNY is deeply committed to ensuring equal access and equal opportunity for students with disabilities through innovative support programs. Each CUNY campus features an Office of Disability Services, managed by a director who oversees the delivery of reasonable accommodation and support services for students with disabilities. They also provide counseling and medical referrals, and arrange crucial auxiliary aids and services, including assistive technology services, sign language interpretation, distance learning networks, priority registration, and alternative testing arrangements. For further information please visit the Office of Disability Services website.
CUNY Malave Leadership Academy
The CUNY Leadership Academy (CLA) is the principal source for leadership education, research, and opportunities at the City University of New York (CUNY). The Academy is where students come together with faculty and other leaders to develop the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to become global leaders. For more information please go to the The Malave Leadership Academy (MLA) website.
Student Activities/Life
All CUNY colleges have a student life or student activities office. This office provides students with the opportunity to participate in student government, join student clubs, and engage in various events and activities.
Participating in student organizations and activities will help you become an integral part of the CUNY campus community, and build a network of friends. It will also help you become a more effective and influential leader on campus as well as in the global marketplace.
Most CUNY colleges have a wide variety of student clubs from which to choose. However, if you cannot find a club that matches your interests, you can often start your own club by visiting your Student Life Office for guidance.
Joining a student organization is beneficial because they:
- provide you with leadership training and
- allow you to meet American students as well as those from your home country and other countries.
- give you the opportunity to learn from other students by sharing academic interests and hobbies with one
- help you to improve your English Language communication
- provide you with the opportunity to become more academically well-rounded, gain work experience, and enhance your
If you have an interest in writing, broadcasting or other forms of media, check with your student life office to find out how you may become involved with the student-operated newspapers, magazines, television stations, and/or radio stations. Contact information can be found the student student life on campuses page.
CUNY Athletics
Many CUNY colleges have free athletics facilities where students can exercise or play sports. The City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) consists of ten institutions in the senior college division and five institutions in the community college division. CUNYAC promotes the highest standards of intercollegiate athletic competition at the Division II and III levels. The Conference recognizes championships through tournament and league play in more than 11 sports for men and for women (including soccer, basketball, swimming, volleyball, tennis, etc.). Each year over 2,500 student-athletes participate on the athletic teams of the CUNY institutions. Visit the CUNY Athletics website for more info.
This information was developed by the City University of New York Athletic Conference and is used with their permission.