FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I take a Summer Session course?
The Summer Session will allow you to satisfy requirements for your degree and will help you step up your progress toward graduation.

What courses are offered?
CUNY is offering a number of courses in a wide range of disciplines. View a complete list of available courses. 

When will courses be held?
Course offerings and the number of sessions vary by campus.  There are no classes scheduled on July 3rd or July 4th. Please refer to the campus calendar for more information .

When and where can I register?
CUNY students can register online via the CUNY Portal for Summer Session at their scheduled appointment, usually the same time they are registering for the Spring Semester. Visiting students may register online via the CUNY Portal registration system (ESIMS) after filing the visiting student application at the campus for which they intend on enrolling and have provided the college registrar or admissions office with all required documentation and/or permissions. Summer Course Registration Guidelines.

What do I need to register for a course?
CUNY students need only to have access to the CUNY Portal registration system, ESIMS. The course listings are searchable online.  Visiting students must fill out a visiting student application.   After applying and receiving any necessary permission visiting students will be provided with the information that will allow them to use the CUNY Portal online registration system (ESIMS). 

What about "prerequisites" for a course?
You must satisfy prerequisites prior to registering for a course. Prerequisites for each course can be found in the College's Schedule of Classes or College Catalog. Check with the college registrar for more detailed information on prerequisites.

Once I register, when do I have to pay for the Summer Session courses I take?
After completing your registration, your tuition bill is posted on ESIMS or you may stop by the Bursar's Office at the individual CUNY campus. 

How much will the courses cost? Will there be fees as well?
Students will be billed tuition by credit in accordance with the college tuition and fees schedule.  All non-matriculated and Visiting Students attending the Summer Session only will be charged fees based on credits enrolled.  Detailed tuition and fee information and payment options.

Will my financial aid apply to the Summer Session?
If you are enrolled part-time in the Fall, you will be able to use your remaining Pell Grant from your financial aid for the Summer Session. If you have Federal student loans, you may receive your Spring disbursement earlier to cover Summer Session tuition charges. Financial Aid Information.

Are there scholarships or grants that I can apply for to cover the Summer Session?
Students who receive scholarships from the College should contact the College's Financial Aid Office about using funds for the Summer Session.

When will the summer grade be calculated into my overall GPA?
Dates for grade postings and GPA calculations to student records will vary by campus.  Consult with the campus registrar's office for information on postings to student records. 

If I am unable to complete my Summer Session course and receive the grade of Incomplete, when must the course work or final be completed before the grade changes to a failure grade?
Incompletes obtained in the Summer Session must be completed before the end of the regular spring semester.

Will the bookstore be open?  When can I get my books for summer classes?
Campus bookstores will be open.  Please refer to the campus website for bookstore hours, location and additional information.

Will there be classes on July 4th?
The University is closed in observance of Independence Day on Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th. No classes are scheduled on the holiday.

I just applied and it will be my first semester in the Fall, can I register for Summer Session classes?
Students admitted for the Fall 2009 semester may only take courses in the Summer Session with special permission.  Please see the individual CUNY campus college registrars or admissions offices for more information.

What do I do if there is a stop/ hold on my record?
Students who have stops/holds on their records must contact the office that placed the hold on their record and reconcile the situation with that office before enrolling.

Since the Summer Session is attached to the fall semester can an International Student Advisor report International Students as full-time since they will be taking additional classes during the fall semester?
No.  International students who are required to be full-time must carry a minimum of 12 credits or equated credits during the regular semesters.

For health benefits, am I considered full-time with the combined Summer and Fall sessions?
Requirements may vary by college.  You should check with your college Registrar for credit requirements related to health benefits.  In general students will be considered full-time when the combined credits from Summer and Fall are 12 or more.

For unemployment benefits, am I considered full-time with the combined Summer and Fall sessions? How will you handle my certification letter (599 letter)? 
Requirements may vary by college.  You should check with your college Registrar for credit requirements related to unemployment benefits. In general, students will be considered as full-time when the combined credits from Summer and Fall are 12 or more.

Will students be able to apply for graduation and graduate during the Summer Session?
Graduation application dates and procedures vary by campus.  Consult with the campus registrar's office for graduation filing deadlines and degree conferral dates. 

If my CUNY College is not participating in the Summer Session, can I take a course on permit in the Summer at another CUNY College?
Yes.  If you are a matriculated student, you need only to file an e-permit. 

Is student housing available during Summer Session?
Summer housing options through the University are extremely limited.  On campus student housing is currently offered at The City College, Hunter College, and Lehman College.

Do I need a CUNY e-mail or computer account to register?
No. Once your application is processed and approved you will receive information on how to register using the on-line registration (ESIMS) system.  If you need further assistance accessing ESIMS, contact the Registrar's Office of the campus you would like to attend during Summer Session.

Is there a maximum amount of credits I can take during Summer Session?
The amount of credits permitted during Summer Session varies by CUNY campus.  Consult with the Registrar's Office of the campus you would like to attend during Summer Session.

Can I audit a course during Summer Session?
You should consult with the Registrar's Office at the time of course registration for permission to attend course as an auditor.  Auditor status cannot be changed to credit status after the closing date for late registration. Likewise, credit status cannot be changed to auditor status after late registration.

If I register and decide not to attend course(s) for Summer Session, what should I do?
If you are not going to attend Summer Session after registering, you must officially drop your class(es).  Refer to the refund schedule on the college's academic calendar or consult the individual CUNY college bursar's office.

Will I receive a refund if I decide to drop or withdraw from Summer Session?
Refer to the refund schedule on the college's academic calendar or consult the bursar's office.

Who can attend Summer Sessions?
All CUNY students as well as students who attend other institutions and non-degree students can enroll in summer classes.

Can high school students take summer classes?
College Now is a free program designed to prepare New York City's public high school students for college. Through College Now, over 300 public schools collaborate with CUNY’s 17 colleges to provide students with high school and college-credit courses, college-preparatory activities, experiential-based programs, and access to campus facilities. More than 24 summer programs, from science and art, to television production, to rowing on the Hudson River, are available for eligible NYC public high school students.

Is a summer camp offered for young students?
Prepare your children for life-long success in one of CUNY's many summer programs. Students of all ages benefit academically, socially, and creatively through engaging activities with experienced instructors

Is childcare available during the summer?
Childcare is a critical component to ensuring the success of CUNY students while they are enrolled in college. Childcare is available to meet the students individual needs including providing services to children of various ages and providing child care during weekend and evenings if needed. Availability and programmatic offerings vary by campus. The CUNY website has Child Care Services listing and contact information for each child care center.