Freshman Survival Guide
Who to See and Where to Go for Answers
by Sharon Puello
Issue date: 9/1/08 Section: Student Life
Going through college and dealing with all the various rules and regulations can be confusing, but once you know the basics and where to get help, the process becomes a lot clearer. From academic advisement to financial aid, what follows is a brief guide to where you can get help for many of the problems you may encounter.
One of the most important tasks to complete is registering for classes online at cuny.edu. There, if you have not already done so, you will be asked to create a username and password. Once you have signed in, click the link that says eSIMS. Once on eSIMS, you can search through the "open sections" page to see which classes are being offered, and how many seats are available. After finding a class that you like, copy the four-digit code next to the section number. You will type that number into one of the boxes that appears after you have clicked the registration link on the left sidebar of the eSIMS page.
If there are any problems when registering for classes, read the reason carefully. You may need permission for that particular class. Sometimes a class may be full even though the "open sections" prompter says that seats are available. If there are any questions, contact the particular department directly. If you need more help with accessing CUNY Portal or eSIMS, visit the IT Center in Carman Hall.
Registration is not complete until you validate your bill. Even if you have a zero balance, you must still visit the Bursar's office in Shuster Hall 031 by the validation deadline, or all of your classes will be dropped. But, if you pay online through eSIMS with a credit card, or fax-in payment, you are validated. Print the page and save it as a receipt.
Before choosing classes, it is crucial that you see an academic advisor in Shuster 280. They will help you choose the right classes that go toward your degree. There is also the Freshman Year Initiative Program, or FYI, located in Carman Hall 337. Registration for the FYI Program is done in person and classes are chosen in groups, not as separate classes. Freshmen are required to take certain classes in the first semester, known as general education courses. There are also LEH classes and writing intensive classes which are required in order to graduate. The subjects covered in general education are diverse, therefore allowing you to try many different fields of study before deciding on a major. If you have already chosen a major, an advisor in the department will be able to help you map out exactly what classes you need to take each semester.
One of the most important tasks to complete is registering for classes online at cuny.edu. There, if you have not already done so, you will be asked to create a username and password. Once you have signed in, click the link that says eSIMS. Once on eSIMS, you can search through the "open sections" page to see which classes are being offered, and how many seats are available. After finding a class that you like, copy the four-digit code next to the section number. You will type that number into one of the boxes that appears after you have clicked the registration link on the left sidebar of the eSIMS page.
If there are any problems when registering for classes, read the reason carefully. You may need permission for that particular class. Sometimes a class may be full even though the "open sections" prompter says that seats are available. If there are any questions, contact the particular department directly. If you need more help with accessing CUNY Portal or eSIMS, visit the IT Center in Carman Hall.
Registration is not complete until you validate your bill. Even if you have a zero balance, you must still visit the Bursar's office in Shuster Hall 031 by the validation deadline, or all of your classes will be dropped. But, if you pay online through eSIMS with a credit card, or fax-in payment, you are validated. Print the page and save it as a receipt.
Before choosing classes, it is crucial that you see an academic advisor in Shuster 280. They will help you choose the right classes that go toward your degree. There is also the Freshman Year Initiative Program, or FYI, located in Carman Hall 337. Registration for the FYI Program is done in person and classes are chosen in groups, not as separate classes. Freshmen are required to take certain classes in the first semester, known as general education courses. There are also LEH classes and writing intensive classes which are required in order to graduate. The subjects covered in general education are diverse, therefore allowing you to try many different fields of study before deciding on a major. If you have already chosen a major, an advisor in the department will be able to help you map out exactly what classes you need to take each semester.
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