Student Handbook

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

COLLEGE DISCOVERY BILINGUAL STUDIES || C.A.P.E. || COLLEGE NOW || CONTINUING EDUCATION || COPE PROGRAM || CUNY BACCALAUREATE DEGREE PROGRAM || THE FAMILY COLLEGE PROGRAM || H.E.L.M. CENTER || HONORS PROGRAM || NEW START PROGRAM || ADULT STUDENTS MY TURN PROGRAM || WALL OF FAME || THE CENTER FOR WOMEN AND NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS

College Discovery
Bilingual Studies

What is the College Discovery Bilingual Studies Program?
If you are a talented and motivated individual whose academic record does not reflect your full potential, the College Discovery Bilingual Studies program is for you.
This program is one of the CUNY Higher Education Opportunity Programs that provides comprehensive support to students with academic potential who might otherwise be excluded from higher education due to circumstances of academic and economic need.

How do I apply?
You must apply before entering college by completing the Special Program section of the CUNY Admission’s application form.
You are eligible for admission to the College Discovery Bilingual Studies Program if you meet the following criteria:

1. You are a high school graduate or recipient of a state approved equivalency diploma.
2. You have been a New York City resident for at least one year prior to enrollment.
3. You demonstrate economic need which is defined as having a gross family income below the level set by New York State income guidelines.
4. You are considered academically underprepared according to the admissions criteria established by the CUNY College Discovery Program.
5. You are required to attend a Pre-Freshman Summer Immersion Program if you do not meet university standards on any of the CUNY skills assessment tests.
6. You have not previously attended college or any other secondary institution.

What Services are offered?
Throughout their college career, program students receive a broad range of support services, including: academic and career counseling; academic support ranging from basic skills instruction, supplemental instruction/tutoring and college level courses; leadership training and student development workshops; and an enhanced financial aid package which provides a stipend for book expenses as well as additional semesters of aid for degree completion.
The bilingual component offers the student the opportunity to receive support services in their native languages as well as to develop college-level proficiency in English, Spanish, French-Creole and Russian, while pursuing a liberal arts or career skills education.

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C.A.P.E.
What is C.A.P.E.?
CAPE is the Committee to Advance Pluralism and Equity. CAPE provides a means by which to recognize, integrate, communicate, respect, understand, and celebrate diversity. The committee is comprised of counseling and instructional faculty, students, staff, and administration. CAPE functions as a catalyst for maintaining positive inter-group interaction through planned activities and programs. For more information contact Dean Angelo Pappagallo in Room C-123, ext. 5597.

How does C.A.P.E. help build a positive campus environment?
CAPE has various special events planned each academic year. The committee has developed an on-going series of interactive programs and activities. Such events include, but are not limited to, the Annual Club Conference and “My Hero Award Ceremony,” Black History and Culture Month, Italian Culture Month and the Asian Cultural Festival.
CAPE also co-sponsors many club events that promote positive inter-group activities.

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COLLEGE NOW
What is College Now?
The College Now program offers skills enhancement instruction and college-level coursework to students at 27 public high schools in Brooklyn and Staten Island, to help them prepare for the rigors of college. Students participate in the program during their sophomore, junior and/or senior year in high school. All classes are tuition free and most meet at the high school before or after the students’ regular school day. The program, initiated at Kingsborough Community College in 1984, has been nationally recognized for its success in helping students strengthen their academic ability and make a smooth transition from high school to higher education. In 1992, the program was cited by the U.S. Department of Education as an exemplary school-to-college partnership. In 2000, the chancellors of the City University of New York and the New York City Board of Education created the College Now Initiative to increase student access to the College Now program and expanded its mission to include higher standards of academic achievement for all public high school students. The program now operates at CUNY’s 17 campuses and in over 250 New York City high schools.

Where can I get more information about College Now?
Information about the College Now program can be obtained at the Office of Collaborative Programs in Room V-101, by phone at (718) 368-5170, or on the College Now Live Website at: www.collegenowlive.com.

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CONTINUING EDUCATION
What is the Continuing Education Program and what kind of courses does it offer?

The Office of Continuing Education offers a variety of different kinds of courses, activities and certificate programs, which, though they do not provide college credit, do encourage new ways to learn and new curricula to explore. Although some courses in Continuing Education – such as English as a Second Language – meet every day during daytime hours, most courses offered through Continuing Education meet in the evenings and on weekends. There are four semesters each year, and an evening course generally meets once or twice a week.

What kinds of learning activities are offered?
Courses in Continuing Education are designed to serve students from all age groups — pre-teens to senior citizens — and we try to satisfy almost every interest, including courses for people who are thinking about starting college or returning to work.

For those who lack a high school diploma but would like to try for college admission, Continuing Education offers extensive high school equivalency preparatory courses. Each year, hundreds of students earn their GED diplomas through the GED Prep Program. Successful GED graduates can sign up for admission to Kingsborough’s credit and degree programs.

Another route to a college degree that starts with non-degree courses involves the Continuing Education English as a Second Language Institute. KELI (Kingsborough English Language Immersion), also known as the ESL-70 program, offers a full-time, daytime comprehensive ESL program for those who wish to quickly and substantially improve their English skills. Additionally, Continuing Education hosts the CUNY Language Immersion Program (CLIP) which enrolls lawful permanent residents who have already been accepted to CUNY but who would have difficulty in college courses with their current level of English language skills. This program allows students to remain for up to one year and further insures their success once they enroll in college level courses. Furthermore, there are also ESL classes in the evenings and on weekends for those who prefer to study at these times. Continuing Education’s English as a Second Language Institute serves adults from many different nations representing 40 native languages. Classes are offered at every level, from basic (for people who speak no English) to advanced (for people who speak English well but wish to correct an accent).

Many who enroll in Continuing Education courses already have a college degree or credits toward one. Continuing Education offers courses in professional education that can lead to certification in many areas – health technicians, real estate, and insurance. In addition, Continuing Education can provide new opportunities in avocational areas such as fitness – kickboxing, aerobics, Pilates – and the arts – music, painting and sculpting.

Career development courses are another important component of Continuing Education’s offerings. There are courses in new ways to find a job or in examining new and different career paths. Continuing Education also has offerings that appeal to small business owners and managers, those re-entering the work force, or those adjusting to retirement. Also, Career Development Certificate programs are offered: Accounting, Bookkeeping, Practical Paralegal, Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, Clinical Medical Assistant, Medical Administrative Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Patient Care Technician (also accelerated program for CNA’s), ECG/EKG Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Food Service Training, Enterprise Education (E-Commerce), Business and Office Skills Certificate, Real Estate: Sales and Broker, Insurance Broker, Child Care, as well as certificate options in our Computer Institute (Basic Computer, Desktop Publishing and Microsoft Office). Our certificate options include choices from beginner level through high technology.

By proactively reaching out and creating educational partnerships with businesses, industries, and agencies, Kingsborough, through the Office of Continuing Education, contributes to the economic vitality of the region, linking the resources of the college to the workforce development needs of organizations in the community. Kingsborough’s Office of Continuing Education assists with management and support staff training of a variety of community organizations, including local hospitals and educational establishments by: providing needs assessment, course design, evaluations, and certificates of completion. Continuing Education at Kingsborough arranges these programs around employee schedules, on-site, at a convenient location, or on the Kingsborough campus. These activities provide the business community with cost-effective and comprehensive programs which, by encouraging upgrade and re-training, improve competitiveness and create jobs.
Continuing Education continues to receive grants from the Departments of Health, Labor, Employment, Human Resources and the New York State Education Department to train prospective job applicants in a variety of fields including computer technology, medical billing, English, citizenship training and healthcare training in other languages such as Russian, Spanish, Polish, and Creole.

Are there any fees?

All course fees are very reasonable. For more information and current brochures, visit the Office of Continuing Education, (T-4139, ext. 5052) or call 718-368-5052.

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COPE PROGRAM
What is the COPE Program?
The College Opportunity to Prepare for Employment (COPE) Program was established in February 1993 in order to provide special services to a population of students receiving public assistance through the Human Resources Administration (HRA).
The program targets students who are on public assistance or at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. The COPE program offers comprehensive support services to students who enroll in approved, vocationally-oriented associate degree programs. For information contact the COPE office (T-4216, ext. 4660).

What special services are available?
The COPE program offers a variety of services including personal, academic, and career counseling, and job placement services. The program also provides advocacy and assistance in meeting HRA requirements and assistance with training related expenses (transportation and childcare). In addition, a computer lab with internet access is available for COPE students in T-4264. For more information visit the COPE office (T-4216) or call (718) 368-4660.

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CUNY BACCALAUREATE DEGREE PROGRAM
What is the CUNY BA/BS Program?
The CUNY Baccalaureate program (CUNY BA/BS Program), which was established in 1971, is a unique, university-wide individualized degree program intended for self-directed, academically strong students who have well-formulated academic and career goals. Students who are admitted to the program work out an individualized area of specialization (similar to a major) with guidance from a CUNY faculty member. Students must also complete the program’s 13-course liberal arts distribution and other degree requirements. Students are able to incorporate independent studies, internships, graduate level courses and credit by examination into their degrees, and may be able to earn up to 15 credits for documented learning experiences that occurred prior to college. Students in the program must be matriculated at one CUNY college, but they may take courses at other CUNY colleges.

When can I apply to the program?
Students may apply to the program while they are matriculated at Kingsborough. They may be enrolled in the program and keep Kingsborough as their “home college” until they reach 60 credits (or complete their Associate’s degree), at which time they must transfer to one of CUNY’ s senior colleges.
To be eligible to apply, students must have a clear academic goal and must have completed at least 15 college credits with a grade point average of 2.50 or higher. The CUNY BA and BS degrees are fully accredited and are awarded by The City University rather than by an individual college. The program operates under the auspices of the CUNY Graduate Center.

Where can I get more information about the CUNY BA/BS Program?
Applications and additional information may be obtained from Kingsborough’s CUNY/BA program coordinator, Barbara Fairweather, located in the Office of Academic Affairs, (A-218, ext. 5328), the Cuny Baccalaureate Program Office at 365 Fifth Avenue, Suite 6412, New York, NY 10016, (212) 817-8220, or online at www.cunyba.cuny.edu.

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THE FAMILY COLLEGE PROGRAM
What is Family College?
Initiated in 1992 at Kingsborough, Family College is a collaborative program sponsored by the City University of New York (CUNY), the New York City Public Schools (DOE) and the Human Resources Administration (HRA). The program enables parents on public assistance to pursue an Associate Degree while their children attend a pre-kindergarten through second grade Department of Education elementary school located on campus.

Where can I get more information about Family College?
You can contact the Family College program by calling 718-368-5170, sending an e-mail to: familycollege@kingsborough.edu, or visiting the Office of Collaborative Programs in room V-101.

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H.E.L.M. CENTER
What is the H.E.L.M. Center?
The Health Education and Lifestyle Management Center (H.E.L.M.) was established in 1987 in response to increased concern for health, wellness and individual lifestyle management skills among members of the college community.

What services does H.E.L.M. provide?
The H.E.L.M. Center (ext. 4909) brings together all campus efforts and services that promote a healthy lifestyle. Through its health promotion activities, H.E.L.M. assists students to achieve higher levels of wellness through behavioral change. The Center promotes awareness of the importance of student development in all dimensions of campus life.

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HONORS PROGRAM
What is the Honors Program?
Students who achieve a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.20 or better upon earning at least 12 credits, are invited to apply for the college's special "Honor's Program" offering stimulating “Honors” courses, as well as the opportunity to take regular courses on an enrichment basis for “Honors” credits. As participants in this program, students benefit from “Honors” notations on their transcripts, transfer facilitation to prestigious colleges, lecture programs, summer study abroad, internships and the ability to earn “Honors” certificates and special awards. Contact the Honors Office for more information (M-377B, ext. 5365).

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NEW START PROGRAM
What is the New Start Program?
New Start is a program designed to assist students who have had academic difficulty at certain cooperating senior colleges.
Students eligible for New Start are admitted to Kingsborough in good standing. They may enroll in any of Kingsborough’s degree programs and may register for day, evening, or weekend classes on a full-time or part-time basis. Up to 30 previous college credits can be applied toward an associate degree at Kingsborough with no prior grades carried over. New Start students are offered
specialized counseling.
Graduates of the program are guaranteed admission to a CUNY senior college they have not attended before. Also, they may apply for admission to any non-CUNY college or to their previous college for readmission. For additional information see Dr. Elizabeth Basile (C-102, ext. 5115).

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ADULT STUDENTS MY TURN PROGRAM
What’s available for senior citizens?
Kingsborough offers a tuition-free, regular college course program entitled My Turn to individuals who are 60 or older. For information on enrollment, registration, and participation, contact the My Turn Office (F-219, ext. 5079).

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WALL OF FAME
What is the Wall of Fame?
The Wall of Fame, in the College Center lounge area, is a visual display of the outstanding academic and professional accomplishments of KCC alumni. The “Wall” serves a dual purpose: to serve as a vehicle for recognition of alumni achievements and as an inspiration to undergraduates.

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THE CENTER FOR WOMEN AND NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS
The Center is a welcoming and supportive place for women and non-traditional students to gather, to share, to network and to examine and address the changing roles of women and men in our society.
Its main mission is to provide opportunities for students to develop to their fullest potential by offering a supportive environment where they can be encouraged to engage in dialogue, exchange viewpoints and find assistance.

The Center is the focal point of all college, university and community activities concerning women and non-traditional students.

What is a non-traditional student?
A non-traditional student can be any student that does not fit into the description of a "typical" college student, age 18-22 years. They can include returning adult and midlife students, veterans, single parents and displaced homemakers.

SERVICES
* Special programs, projects, seminars, and workshops
for women and non-traditional students.
* Peer support groups
* Brochures and information about health,
education and workplace issues.
* Lending library
* Information about women's study courses, child care and
other significant concerns
* Open house for all students
* Caring and knowledgeable staff available to answer
questions, locate resources, and make referrals for
personal, academic or work-related concerns.
* Consultation with academic departments, organizations and
individuals to expand awareness of gender dynamics
and women's concerns.

PROGRAMS
The Center for Women and Non-traditional Students, in
collaboration with campus and community resources, addresses
the following topical areas through its programming:
* Women's educational issues
* Sexual harassment and personal safety
* Women's health issues
* Women in the work place
* Women and leadership
* Domestic violence
* Stress management
* Sexual assault

When is the Center open?
The Center is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
For additional information contact Dr. Estelle Miller, Director,
(Room M-382) (718-368-4700)

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