Sherry Prabhudial
Course: E98.2131
HIGHER EDUCATION AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Dr. Laurie Behringer
A
Guide for
The City University Of New York
SEEK
Freshman
1
Sherry Prabhudial
Course: E98.2131
HIGHER EDUCATION AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Dr. Laurie Behringer
Table of Contents
Page
Going to College… Introducing CUNY
3
What is CUNY?
4
What’s in CUNY for ME?
5
SEEK and Ye Shall Find!
6
Understanding SEEK Program Requirements
7
Features of the SEEK Program
8-9
Financial Aid & SEEK
10-11
SEEK-ing the Benefits… How does this program help ME?
12
SEEK-ing Perspective:
Baruch College Freshman Year
13-14
Additional SEEK Information
15
References
2
Sherry Prabhudial
Course: E98.2131
HIGHER EDUCATION AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Dr. Laurie Behringer
Going to College in
Where…CUNY???
You are a native-New-Yorker-soon-to-be-college-freshman and you decided that
New York is where your heart is. What do you do next???
Its time to choose a college! Your Choice? City University of New York (CUNY).
...What does that mean?
Choosing the right college can be a hard choice... But you're not worrying about that!
You have found your niche and made up your mind that you would like to attend the
City University of New York (CUNY).
CCoonnggrraattuullaattiioonnss!!
You are now a freshman about to enter the world of City
University of New York. College here you come! And the best part is you have been
accepted into the SEEK Program! Now what is SEEK and how did you get in?
AND… what does CUNY & the SEEK program mean?
RESEARCH FACT:
Researchers Kinzi, Palmer, Hayer, et al. (2004) states that, "A number of factors also
constrain students’ consideration…college choice decisions by filtering college options through
a lens of economic circumstances, academic achievement, personal values or future plans
(Braxton, 1990; McDonough, 1997; Terenzini, Cabrera & Bernal, 2001). McDonough (1997)
found that “the patterns of students’ aspirations ... were shaped by the class context of the
communities, families, and schools in which students lived their daily lives” (p. 151) "
Remember: Understanding the importance of where you are attending college is just as
important as why you are attending college. Why, you ask? To help make your transition process from
high school to college easier and more importantly to make college the best experience of your life!
3
Sherry Prabhudial
Course: E98.2131
HIGHER EDUCATION AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Dr. Laurie Behringer
WHAT IS …
City University of New York (CUNY) is the nation's leading urban public university,
serving 540,000 students – more than 271,000 degree-credit students and nearly 270,000 in
adult, continuing and professional education — at 24 institutions in New York City. The
University includes 11 senior colleges, seven community colleges, the William E. Macaulay
Honors College at CUNY, the Graduate School and University Center, the CUNY Graduate School
of Journalism, the CUNY School of Law, the CUNY School of Professional Studies, and the CUNY
School of Public Health 1.
The University
A CUNY education far surpasses the confines of a classroom. The impact of living in New
York City, a worldwide hub of business, finance, technology, research and culture, adds to the
overall education of students. Founded in 1847, The City University of New York consists of 23
unique institutions, including 11 four-year, six community colleges and the Macaulay Honors
College. CUNY is the nation’s leading urban university system and each CUNY ‘college’ is
different. The most important part of the college search for students is finding the school that
fits. The variety of options at CUNY, from campus setting to programs of study and class size to
educational goals, ensures that each student can find the right fit. At CUNY, students can
choose from over 1,750-degree programs, allowing them to truly shape their education. CUNY
offers academic programs leading to the associate, bachelor’s and graduate degrees 2
From the hard sciences to professional programs and interdisciplinary work in the
Humanities to selective programs in Engineering, Architecture and Medicine, CUNY students
can customize their education and a tailored college experience. Eighty percent of CUNY faculty
have the highest possible degree in their field. Years of teaching and real world experience have
distinguished CUNY professors as leaders in their respective fields as well as in the classroom 3
4
Sherry Prabhudial
Course: E98.2131
HIGHER EDUCATION AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Dr. Laurie Behringer
What’s in CUNY for ME?
According to researcher and professor, Marcia Roe Clark (2005), of Buffalo State
University, “success for college freshmen is often defined in terms of making the transition to
the college student role.”
Translation. . .
The process of attending college can be daunting and you may at times feel lost in the
shuffle. It is important to gather, as much information as you can to be sure that you are clear
on what is required to begin your transition into your freshman year as a college student. For
SEEK students this begins with understanding and knowing what CUNY and the SEEK Program is
all about!
CCU
UN
NYY FFAACCTTSS
City University of New York (CUNY) provides: 4
“…Education…Sprawling the five boroughs of New York City, CUNY’s 23
institutions comprise 300
buildings with almost 26 million square feet of space. Each CUNY college has a unique identity, with
campuses ranging from The City College’s neo-gothic buildings on St. Nicholas Heights to the idyllic 205-acre setting of the
College of Staten Island. Each CUNY campus is surrounded by easy
access to NYC subways, buses and other mass
transit to transport you through the vibrance and excitement of New York City. The campuses also offer a
multitude of student life opportunities that can broaden your horizons ranging from athletics and clubs to study
abroad experiences. And remember, no matter which college you choose, you’ll have access to the resources and
benefits of all 23 institutions.”
”What’s more? While you attend CUNY, you won’t just study with the best – you will learn from the best. Eighty
percent of our 6,700 full-time teaching faculty members hold the highest degrees in their field, including experts in virtually
every field of human endeavor. “
”An essential part of your academic success is affordability. CUNY increases your opportunities with a
long-standing tradition of meeting the financial and educational needs of its students. From federal work-study programs to
federal, state and city grants and scholarships, CUNY offers a
wide variety of financial aid options. We also
provide an easy and affordable application process, which allows you to apply to as many as six CUNY
colleges with just one application and fee.”
5
Sherry Prabhudial
Course: E98.2131
HIGHER EDUCATION AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Dr. Laurie Behringer
SEEK…
and Ye Shall Find!
SEEK stands for Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge. It is the
higher education opportunity program offered at the senior (four year) CUNY
colleges. It was established to provide comprehensive academic support to assist
capable students who otherwise might not be able to attend college due to their
educational and financial circumstances. Students are admitted without regard to
age, sex, sexual orientation, race, disability, or creed 5.
The SEEK Program MISSION
The shared mission of the SEEK is to assist in providing equality of higher
education to students who otherwise would not have such access. The effort is
intended to increase the level of education, social capital, and workforce expertise
in New York City and State. 6
SEEK OBJECTIVES:
To provide on each campus a permanent, structured program to assist
selected students with specifically defined educational and economic needs to
achieve a quality college education and expand their social and career
capabilities
To provide a range of intensive support services including supplemental
instruction, counseling, and enhanced financial aid to enable students to
bridge the gap between remedial programs and the regular college curriculum.
Did you know?
Approximately
80% of
incoming SEEK
freshmen finish
their first
semester in
good academic
standing
CUNY
Proficiency
Exam pass rates
were higher in
SEEK than for
regular admits
SEEK students
have higher
graduation and
retention rates
than nonprogram
students
SEEK six-year
graduation rates
have risen by
18% since
1995.
To develop, utilize, and demonstrate innovative educational techniques that will
enable fundamentally capable students to overcome the handicaps of educational underpreparation and other relevant disadvantages with the goal of obtaining a college
education. 7
Research Fact:
Based on a study conducted by Marcia Roe Clark (2005), for first year college students
and the challenges that they experience, programs like the CUNY–SEEK Program provide an
opportunity to deal with negating negative challenges that can harbor student success. As
stated in the Journal of Student Development, “…during the first year of college…students
became aware of opportunities that would allow them to gain invaluable experience or
progress toward a desired goal. Taking advantage of these opportunities can help to develop
social networks and gain desired skills…”
WHAT does this mean for the SEEK student?
Simply stated. This is what the SEEK program can do for you!
6
Sherry Prabhudial
Course: E98.2131
HIGHER EDUCATION AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Dr. Laurie Behringer
SEEK Program Requirements
Are YOU Ready?
7
Sherry Prabhudial
Course: E98.2131
HIGHER EDUCATION AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Dr. Laurie Behringer
Features of the SEEK Program
CUNY
Senior Colleges
Who are they?
Baruch College
Brooklyn College
City College
of
New York
College of Staten
Island
Hunter College
John Jay College of
Criminal Justice
Lehman College
Medgar Evers College
New York City
College of
Technology
Queens College
According to the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, in a
special report printed in 2010, the gap between enrolling in college and being
ready for college are significantly distinct. Many students that have met the
necessary eligibility requirements for college but are not ready for the post
secondary experience. As the article states, “lack of readiness for college is a
major culprit in low graduation rates, as the majority of students who begin in
remedial courses never complete their college degrees. As a result, improving
college readiness must be an essential part of national and state efforts to increase
college degree attainment.”
Students in the SEEK Program have an opportunity to capitalize on the benefits
of a post secondary education with the many features that the progam has to offer
such as tutoring, financial assistance and freshman seminar to help them grasp an
understanding of what the SEEK program entails.
The power of the importance of the CUNY-SEEK program and the benefits that it
provides in shaping students are highlighted in a featured article in 2011 in the
New York newspaper- The DailyNews (2011). The article features David Zheng, a
troubled student who graduated from DeWitt High School in the Bronx who
applied to Brooklyn College and got accepted under the SEEK program. David
Zheng utilised the tutoring, couseling and financial help that he received in order
to help him pursue his goal of attaining a college degree.
York College
8
Sherry Prabhudial
Course: E98.2131
HIGHER EDUCATION AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Dr. Laurie Behringer
Features of the SEEK Program
Other great benefits that are offered via the SEEK program for students include:
COUNSELING SUPPORT
Upon admission, a student is assigned to a SEEK/CD counselor who is available
throughout the student’s stay in college. Counseling services assist Program students with
issues that might be an impediment to their academic success and retention. Through
individual and group sessions, counselors actively engage their students and assist them in
identifying and setting goals for achieving their personal, academic, and career objectives. 8
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The SEEK Program offer students a variety of academic support services aimed at
strengthening their basic skills, bolstering their academic success in all upper level college
courses, and maximizing their retention and persistence through to graduation. Supplemental
instruction and tutoring support services are available, such as: individual, group, and
classroom tutoring; supplemental instruction hours attached to high-risk academic courses;
peer study groups; course review groups; and computer assisted academic instruction. 9
SEEK collaborates with college academic departments in order to create learning
communities and to identify specific courses where the attachment of supplemental instruction
would most benefit SEEK/CD students. Various SEEK/CD Programs also integrate classroom
instruction with such activities as field trips, cultural events, leadership training workshops, and
student presentations at academic conferences. 10
9
Sherry Prabhudial
Course: E98.2131
HIGHER EDUCATION AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Dr. Laurie Behringer
Financial Aid & The SEEK Program
General Information
An Affordable High-Quality College Education
CUNY Undergraduate Tuition
New York State Residents
Yearly full-time tuition at a four-year college is $4,830 and at a community college is $3,300.
Tuition for part-time students is $205 per credit at a four-year college and $140 per credit at a community college.
Out-of-State Residents
Yearly full-time tuition at a four-year college is $13,050 ($435 per credit) and $6,600 ($220 per credit) at a
community college.
Fees at the various CUNY colleges range from $150 to $240 per semester 11.
.
There are various
Types of Financial Assistance that you should be aware of
Grants–Money that does not have to be repaid and is usually based on financial need.
Scholarships – Money that does not have to be repaid and usually is awarded on the
basis of academic merit.
Loans–Money that is borrowed for college and must be repaid with interest.
Work-Study–Money earned from a job that is provided by the Office of Financial Aid at
the college12.
Financial Aid
To determine
eligibility for financial aid, the following applications must be completed each year:
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). To learn more visit www.fafsa.gov to apply for
federal financial aid.
TAP (Tuition Assistance Program). Visit www.tapweb.org to apply for this New York State
resident financial aid program.13
R
10
Sherry Prabhudial
Course: E98.2131
HIGHER EDUCATION AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Dr. Laurie Behringer
Financial Aid & The SEEK Program
Receiving certain types of financial aid is positively associated with student persistence
(St. John, 1991; Chen & DesJardins, 2008). Receipt of a Pell grant or merit aid – two forms of
financial assistance that do not need to be repaid – significantly increases the likelihood that
…students will complete their bachelor’s degree …(Chen & DesJardins, 2008).
S
SE
EE
EK
KF
Fiin
na
an
nc
ciia
all A
Aiid
d
Note to Self:
www.cuny.edu
To be eligible for SEEK based the
financial assistance aid program,
students must:
-Be a United States citizen or
eligible non-citizen (check the
admission requirements to
determine status)
-Fill out a FAFSA form online and
complete a Opportunity Programs
Worksheet for SEEK located in the
admissions application to
determine qualification status
The SEEK Program awards
assistance for educational expenses
books, supplies, and college fees
economically eligible to receive such
addition to financial aid available
students. 14
supplemental financial
such as transportation,
to students who are
additional aid. This is in
to regularly admitted
The sample eligibility income chart below helps you
identify if you qualify for SEEK based on your family’s total
financial income. 15
-Apply and gain admission to a
degree-granting program
-Maintain good academic
standing and earn satisfactory
progress toward the completion
of a degree.
-Not be in default on a federal
student loan or owe a refund of
financial aid
VISIT:
www.cuny.edu/seekcd for more
information.
11
Sherry Prabhudial
Course: E98.2131
HIGHER EDUCATION AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Dr. Laurie Behringer
SEEK-ing the Benefits…How does this program help ME?
Search
Enlightenment
Elevation
Knowledge
…Learning &
Development=
Managing Time
Maintaining Wellness
Choosing a Career
Selecting a Major
Coping with stress
Providing academic
& emotional support
High School to
College transition
Applying to
Graduate School
Understanding
College Policies
and Procedures
12
Sherry Prabhudial
Course: E98.2131
HIGHER EDUCATION AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Dr. Laurie Behringer
SEEKing Perspective…
Baruch College: Freshman Year
Studies demonstrate that first-year experience programs increase persistence and success by
emphasizing social integration with faculty and peers and by offering academic help and
advising to new students (Pan, Guo, Alikonis & Bai, 2008). In research related to first-year
experience programs, such as freshman orientation programs, a number of studies have
demonstrated the benefit to students of taking an orientation or “college success” course upon
enrollment in college. Research has shown that retention is significantly affected by the "sense
of belonging" that develops in a student when students in learning communities "interact
around common challenges and stressors". It results in support among peers (Hoffman et al.,
2002-2003).
Many studies have been conducted and reveal that factors such as early academic
performance, attitudes toward higher education, goal and institutional commitment, social and
academic interaction, residence life experiences, faculty and staff interaction with the student,
and the student's sense of community affect retention. Potts, G., & Schultz, B. (2008)
As a student in the SEEK Program, you will be encouraged to develop your own sense of self. At
Baruch College your freshman year will probably be the most challenging and most exciting of
your college career—if you are in the SEEK Program, you will have a support system in place to
help ease your transition, beginning with the SEEK Summer Experience. To learn more about
this program visit: www.baruch.cuny.edu/studentaffairs/seek. 16
RESEARCH FACT
According to the American Educational Research Association (1993), the greater the integration
and assimilation into the academic network of student peer groups, informal faculty-student
activities, counseling, and tutoring services, the more likely the student will succeed
academically (Astin, 1984; Clarke, 1987; Fox, 1987; Francis& Kelly, 1990; Tinto, 1975).
13
Sherry Prabhudial
Course: E98.2131
HIGHER EDUCATION AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Dr. Laurie Behringer
SEEKing Perspective…
Baruch College: Freshman Year
Freshman Seminar
According to the Baruch SEEK Freshman Experience (2012), Freshman Seminar is different than
the Freshman Seminar that general students attend in that it is lead by your counselor, as well
as one or more peer mentors. The peer mentors are generally successful sophomores or juniors
in the SEEK Program. They will share their experiences and insights with you and be there to
answer your questions. They will be especially helpful to you during your adjustment period,
introducing you to their lives and helping you establish your own place in the program and at
the college in general. 17
Your Freshman Community
During your freshman year, you will take most of your classes with the same people, those in
your Freshman Seminar. Some courses will include only those in your Freshmen Seminar;
others will have a larger student population including both SEEK and non-SEEK students in
addition to your seminar group. This means that you will get to know a cohort of students
whom you can study with and rely on for support. Research has shown that having this support
system in place is essential for success in higher education. Most students develop friendships
that continue throughout their college careers and often after they graduate. 18
Basically, your freshman year allows you to explore the options and opportunities you will delve
into during your college years. You will have the chance to study a variety of general education
courses that will help you build your foundation of knowledge and help you develop the
thinking skills you will use throughout college and the rest of your life. You will meet and
interact with a cross-section of the university in campus-wide social and cultural events. You
will attend lectures and workshops concerning professional careers and interact with important
leaders in business, politics, both on a national and international level. 19
RESEARCH FACT
Several aspects of first-year college performance and enrollment are also related to degree
completion. Grade Point Average (GPA) and number of credits accumulated in the first year are
important early college predictors of persistence and ultimate baccalaureate completion
(Adelman, 2006; Herzog, 2005). Students who enroll immediately after graduating from high
school, enroll full time, and attend summer school are also more likely to earn a bachelor’s
degree (Adelman, 2006; McCormick & Carroll, 1999; O’Toole, Stratton, & Wetzel, 2006).
14
Sherry Prabhudial
Course: E98.2131
HIGHER EDUCATION AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Dr. Laurie Behringer
Additional SEEK Information
HOW OFTEN DO I MEET WITH MY SEEK COUNSELOR?
You meet with your advisor at least twice a month. You can opt to meet with your advisor
more frequently to discuss your academic course load, financial aid, your transition process
from high school to college or any issues you may have. Be sure to have your advisor’s contact
information, both email and phone to schedule an appointment to see your advisor as needed.
DO I GIVE BACK THE MONEY THAT I RECEIVE FROM SEEK?
No. Most SEEK Students receive the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), which covers all or most
of their tuition, and the PELL Grant, which provides money to meet college expenses, such as
carfare, lunch, and clothing. SEEK students are eligible for ten semesters of TAP, two more than
regular students receive.
DO SEEK STUDENTS HAVE TO TAKE SPECIAL COURSES?
SEEK students take the same courses as all students. However, during the freshman year,
students are required to enroll in-group tutoring for some courses. SEEK also has a special
intensive Freshman Seminar and a structured freshman year program at the eleven senior
CUNY Colleges in which entering students are registered for a set schedule of carefully selected
courses in order to help them successfully adjust to college.
WHAT DO I DO IF I AM IN THE SEEK PROGRAM BUT DON’T KNOW WHO MY ADVISOR IS?
You can go to your CUNY College’ SEEK Office and request and request to speak with a SEEK
advisor or SEEK administrator or you contact your college SEEK office via phone or email to
explain your concern(s). If you did not receive assistance via the aforementioned method, you
can contact your CUNY College’ Admissions office for further information.
For more information about the SEEK program, access www.cuny.edu/seekcd or you can
contact your designated CUNY College SEEK office directly.
15
Sherry Prabhudial
Course: E98.2131
HIGHER EDUCATION AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Dr. Laurie Behringer
REFERENCES
Potts, G., & Schultz, B. (2008). The freshman seminar and academic success of at-risk students.
College Student Journal, 42(2), 647-658.
https://ezproxy.library.nyu.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/236526391?ac
countid=12768
Pan, W., Guo, S., Alikonis, C., & Bai, H. (2008). Do intervention programs assist students to
succeed in college? A multilevel longitudinal study. College Student Journal, 42(1), 90- 98.
Boudreau, C. A. & Kromney, J. D. (1994). A longitudinal study of the retention and academic
performance of participants in freshmen orientation course. Journal of College Student
Development, 35, 444-449
Chellman, C., Crook, D., Holod, Aleksandra H., Schwartz, A., Stiefel L., (2011). At-Risk At College:
Achievement Gaps at CUNY. CUNY Office of Policy Research Working Paper, 1-15
Hoffman, M., Richmond, J., Morrow, J., & Salomone, K. (2002-2003). Investigating "Sense of
Belonging" In First-Year College Students. Journal of College Student Retention: Research,
Theory & Practice, 4(3), 227 -256.
Marcia, R. C. (2005). Negotiating the freshman year: Challenges and strategies among first-year
college students. Journal of College Student Development, 46(3), 296-316.
https://ezproxy.library.nyu.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/195177260?ac
countid=12768
Kim C. F, Kelly, R.J.,Bell M. (1993). Success in School: A Research Agenda on Student Attrition
and Retention in the SEEK Program. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, Vol. 15, No. 4
(Winter, 1993), pp. 437-441. Published by: American Educational Research Association. Article
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/1164541
Schwartz, Ashley. “Getting it Right - Brooklyn College Freshman Channels Rocky Past into Play.”
DailyNews, 26 October 2011. Print.
Kinzie J., Palmer. M., Hayek, J., Hussler, J., Jacob, S., Cummings, H.(September 2004). Fifty Years
of College Choice: Social, Political and Institutional Influences on the Decision Making Process.
Lumina Foundations for Education, New Agenda Series, Vol. 5 No. 3.
HERI Research Brief (2007). College Rankings and Choice - How important are college rankings
in the college choice process? Higher Education and Research Institute, 2007.
Cowan-Pitre C. (June 2009). Increasing Underrepresented High School Students College
Transitions and Achievements. Higher Education and Research Institute. National Association of
Secondary School Principals, NASSP Bulletin, 96-110.
16
Sherry Prabhudial
Course: E98.2131
HIGHER EDUCATION AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Dr. Laurie Behringer
REFERENCES
Keup J.R. (2007). Great Expectations and the Ultimate Relaity Check: Voices of Students During
the Transition from High School to College, NASPA Journal, Vol. 44, No.1.
Goodman K. and Pascarella, E.T., (Summer 2006). First Year Seminars Increase Persistence: A
Summary of the Evidence from the How College Affects Students. Peer Review. Washington..
Vol 8, Issue 3, pp. 26, 3 pgs.
(June 2010). Beyond the Rhetoric: Improving College Readiness Through Coherent State Policy.
A special report by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education and the Sothern
Regional Education Board. The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education.
Sorrentino D. (2007). The SEEK Mentoring Program: An Application of the Goal-Setting
Theory. Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice. Vol.8, N2, 20062007, p.241-250.
*WEBSITES:
http://www.cuny.edu
http://www.cuny.edu/seekcd
http://www.cuny.edu/admissions/undergraduate/downloads/SeekCD-Worksheet-CUNY2011.pdf
http://www.cuny.edu/admissions/undergraduate/downloads.html
http://www.cuny.edu/academics/programs/notable/seekcd.html
http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/
http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/studentaffairs/seek/index.htm
http://www.cuny.edu/admissions/undergraduate/explore.html
http://www.cuny.edu/admissions/financial-aid.html
*Citations done with footnote style numbering from 1-19 were referenced utilizing the
following main websites: and their web pages:
http://www.cuny.edu
http://www.cuny.edu/seekcd
17