As we near the start of the fall semester, I know that you have many questions about campus plans. Please know that we have prioritized the health, safety, and well being of our campus community, and that is why we are primarily offering courses through distance learning. While we may not be face-to-face, the CSI faculty, staff, and administration are still here for you.
To help you understand what the fall semester will look like at CSI, we have provided answers to the most frequently asked questions below. If you have questions that were not included, please email studentaffairs@csi.cuny.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How will instruction be delivered during Fall 2020? Instruction will be delivered primarily through distance or remote learning. In fact, more than 90% of all sections have already been moved to this format.
What is distance learning or remote learning? Distance learning or remote learning occurs when students and their instructors are in different geographical locations, and the instruction occurs on an electronic device, such as a computer or mobile phone. The learning can happen in a synchronous environment, in which all participants are connected at the same time or in an asynchronous environment, when participants are engaged in learning at different times. An example of synchronous is when the course meets virtually on the same day and at the same time as listed in the Catalog. An example of asynchronous is when faculty members record their lectures and students may view them at any time.
Where can I learn more about the CSI resources available for distance or remote learning? There are many Online Resources and IT Help and Support available to students. There is also a survey you may take that will help you be successful when distance learning.
Will any courses be held in-person during the Fall semester? NYC entered Phase 4 of the New York Forward Reopening Plan. Phase 4 covers the reopening of higher education. Thus, there may be a few courses that are held in-person. Those courses might be those that require professional equipment, performing and studio arts, and clinical placements. The College is preparing the campus to hold this very limited number of in-person classes safely. Students who still have a course(s) coded as in-person in CUNYfirst will receive specific information regarding the start date for in-person meetings. Therefore, do not come to campus for an in-person class until you are directed to do so.
If I have an in-person course and I cannot take it due to COVID-19 concerns for myself or a member of my household, what can I do?
Please send an email explaining your situation to coronavirus@csi.cuny.edu. A staff member will follow-up to discuss your options.
How will student services offices assist students in the fall? Given CSI’s large campus footprint and many buildings, it will take some time before we can accommodate large numbers of students on campus. Fortunately, student service offices successfully migrated to the virtual environment. From advisement to counseling to financial aid to student life, these offices and many others will continue to serve our students remotely.
Will any student services be provided in-person in the fall? Essential services like the CSI Food Pantry, which must have an in-person component, have remained open all summer and will continue to accept appointments.
To the extent possible, the College is taking the necessary safety steps to provide other in-person services such as childcare, computer labs, and library services. More details will be forthcoming.
How will library services be provided in the fall? Although the Library in the 1L Building is not slated to be open when the fall semester begins, it is still here to help you with your research and to complete your assignments. You can reach us using our 24/7 chat reference services.
The majority of our materials are also available 24/7 through our database and journal subscriptions, open access platforms, and ebooks. Access to these online resources are available by using your SLAS log in.
Search for books and articles more directly from the homepage using OneSearch.
Access databases for articles and ebooks using our A-Z list.
We also created subject, topic, and course-specific research guides/Websites.
Library faculty also developed a growing suite of video and interactive tutorials to teach information literacy concepts and skills:
Please don’t hesitate to contact us while the building is closed, we are still here to help.
I am feeling stressed and anxious about the upcoming semester. Are personal counseling services available? All students have virtual access to the Counseling Center to minimize the interruption to the learning environment caused by mental health concerns. Secure video or telephone counseling is available, medication services continue, same-day virtual drop-in appointments may be made, and after-hours services remain in place. Also, the virtual group program will commence once the semester begins. For more information, contact the Counseling Center at counseling@csi.cuny.edu. If you have an immediate need to speak to a counselor, please call 718.982.2391.
I want to utilize the services provided in Health and Wellness Services. Are any options available?
Health and Wellness Services, including the Student Health Center, is also available to all students virtually. Health and Wellness offers telehealth–a safe and easy way to connect with the nurse practitioner and nurse via secure video. The provider will assess and evaluate your condition and/or concern. Most students will be able to have a physical exam for programs, sick visits, consultation, or STI testing. In the case of confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19, the Student Health Center can remotely monitor students daily via temperature checks and symptom screening, and they may recommend a visit to a medical provider for an in-person clinical evaluation, if severe symptoms present.
Why do official email notifications go to my CIX account and not my personal email? For security purposes, emails will NOT be sent to personal accounts. You should check your CIX email frequently for official communications and updates.
By Jennifer S. Borrero, JD
