Q: Why do I receive progress reports for my student-athletes?
A: Throughout the semester (typically every two weeks), Athletics distributes progress reports to monitor the academic performance of student-athletes and identify concerns as early as possible. These reports allow our office to provide timely support before minor challenges become more significant. If there are no updates or are unable to estimate a grade at the time, a response is not required, as these reports serve as a periodic check-in.
If academic concerns are noted (e.g. attendance issues, missing assignments, declining performance, overall work quality, etc.), our office will follow up directly with the student-athlete and their coach to determine appropriate support, which may include academic coaching, tutoring referrals, or additional campus resources. Faculty are also encouraged to use the comments section to share observations that may not warrant a formal concern but could benefit from additional support.
Q: A student-athlete has missed class, and I am unsure whether the absence was related to athletics. What should I do?
A: Student-athletes are responsible for notifying faculty in advance of any anticipated class absences due to athletic competition. If a student-athlete misses class without prior communication and you are unsure whether the absence was athletics-related, or if you have concerns regarding a student-athlete's academic performance, attendance, or communication, please contact the Student-Athlete Academic Support Supervisor at 718-960-1188. Our office is available to verify travel schedules, answer questions, and work collaboratively to support the student's academic success.
Q: I need to travel for a game and will miss class. Is there a letter I can send to notify my professor?
A: Student-athletes are responsible for notifying faculty of anticipated absences due to athletic competition. Notification should be provided at least two weeks in advance whenever possible. Students may use the provided email template on the home page when communicating with professors. Practice is not considered an excused academic absence and should not be referenced when requesting accommodations.
Q: Who do I contact for permission to enroll in a course?
A: The approval process depends on the course. In most cases, students should contact the appropriate department chair. Certain courses, such as language courses, may require approval from a departmental advisor instead. Students who are unsure of the appropriate contact should visit APEX 253 for assistance.
Q: Who receives priority registration?
A: All student-athletes receive priority registration. Appointment times can range within the first two hours of enrollment, you will receive this time through email and can be viewed under the Course Planning and Enrollment tile in CUNYFirst.
Q: Why do I have an athletic hold on my account?
A: Athletic holds help ensure NCAA and institutional eligibility requirements are met. To remain eligible for participation, student-athletes must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and remain enrolled as full-time students.
Q: Do winter courses count toward full-time enrollment for the spring semester?
A: No. While winter courses are listed under the spring semester on CUNYFirst, winter session enrollment does not count toward full-time status for the spring semester. Student-athletes must be enrolled full-time during the current academic semester to maintain eligibility.
Q: What happens if I withdraw from a course?
A: Withdrawing from a course may affect both athletic eligibility and financial aid. Students should consult with the Financial Aid Office before making any changes to their enrollment. Depending on the circumstances, withdrawing from a course may result in:
Q: I am considering taking a gap semester(s). What should I do?
A: Students considering a leave of absence or gap semester should meet with an academic advisor to discuss the academic and financial implications before making a decision.
Q: I was injured and have limited ability to write, type, walk, or complete coursework. What should I do?
A: Students with temporary or permanent injuries that affect their ability to participate in coursework should contact the Office of Student Disability Services to explore available accommodations. The accommodation request process can be started by completing the online application. Students are also encouraged to notify the Student-Athlete Academic Support Supervisor so Athletics can assist in coordinating appropriate support.
Q: How do I find scholarships that I may qualify for?
A: Students should visit the Scholarship Office, located in the T3 Building, Room 104, to learn about scholarship opportunities and eligibility requirements.
Q: What are book vouchers?
A: The Basic Needs Center offers book/course material vouchers each semester for eligible students experiencing financial need. Applications are typically available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as the application opens and review the eligibility requirements before submitting. More information can be found here.
Q: I received a WN grade. What should I do?
A: A WN (Withdrawn Never Attended) grade indicates that a student did not participate in an academically related activity at the beginning of the semester and was administratively removed from the course. This is most common in asynchronous courses. Students who receive a WN should contact the instructor immediately to determine whether reinstatement is possible. If reinstatement is approved, students should copy the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) on their outreach. Students enrolled in 12 credits should act promptly, as losing a course may reduce enrollment below full-time status and affect athletic eligibility.
