New Student Orientation/CLUE
 Frequently Asked Questions

1- Does CSI have an orientation program for new students?

Yes it does.  In fact, New Student Orientation (NSO) is a degree requirement at CSI, and with very few exceptions, all new students are required to participate. Students are expected to fulfill this requirement before the completion of 12 degree credits.

2- How do I satisfy the requirement?

Actually, there are two options. To best meet the needs of our diverse student population, CSI offers both a traditional route and also a unique alternative approach to satisfying this requirement.

When registering for their classes, students choose one of two options to satisfy the NSO Requirement:

Option A: Orientation Course:
Students may choose to complete one of the one-credit freshman orientation courses:
“Issues in College Life,” SPD-101,    or                                     
“Freshman Orientation,” SKO-100, for students in the SEEK Program.

Option B: The CLUE Program:
Students may choose the non-credit CLUE
(College Life Unit Experience) Program:
attend a general orientation session before the start of classes, and
attend four CLUE-certified events.

For a detailed description of these options: See Brief Overview of Orientation Options.

3- What is a CLUE event?

CLUE stands for College Life Unit Experience.  A CLUE event is a workshop, presentation, or other campus event or activity; each usually about one hour in length.  They are not “official” classes.

    Here’s just a sampling of previously offered events:

    Workshops
    Discovering the Counseling Center
    WSIA Radio Station General Workshop
    The Guide to the CPE
    Using CSI’s E-Mail and CUNY Portal

   Pluralism and Diversity
   Asian Culture Day
   Domestic Violence Clothesline
   The Sixties & America’s Civil Rights Movement
   The Native American Story Tellers

   World on Wednesday Series
    U.S. & Globalization
    Educational Opportunities in Australia
    Democracy Italian Style
    First Impression on China
    The Peace Corps

    Working Out for Fun and Health
    Salsa
    Yoga
     Warrior Workouts
     Aqua Aerobics (in our beautiful pool)

    CLUES BY APPOINTMENT
      Alcohol 101
     Experiments in Psychology Language
     Preventing Sexual Harassment
     What’s Race Got To Do With It?

Numerous performances in the Center for the Arts including:
    Broadway Stage Productions
    Opera and Jazz
    Drama and Comedy
    Student Recitals

4- May I Choose any four (4) CLUE events?

All CLUE units are classified as either PG or CC. Your four (4) CLUE units must be comprised of your choice of 2 PGs and 2CCs.

• Co-Curricular (CC) CLUE units are designed to complement the academic elements of the college experience, focusing on scholarly, cultural, and civic development, such as lectures, concerts, documentary films, and theatrical events based on topics drawn from the humanities, or physical and social sciences.
• Personal Growth (PG) CLUE units focus on other aspects of college, such as career development, study skills, health and wellness issues, and recreational and social development.

5- How do I find out when and where these CLUE events are happening?

All the CLUE events on campus are listed in CLUE News, a weekly CSI publication distributed throughout locations around campus and on the CSI website, here.

There are new CLUEs offered every week at various times; including for your convenience “CLUEs-By-Appointment”. Students must read the CLUE News to find these listing of CLUEs. If it’s not in there, it’s not a CLUE.

6- What if I don't fulfill the requirement?

As an entering freshman, you may choose between the freshman orientation courses or the CLUE Program, as described in this section. You must do one or the other to meet the New Student Orientation degree requirement. If not in compliance with the requirement after 12 degree credits, you may be stopped from registering for the following semester.

Unless you are exempt, you cannot receive a CSI degree without completing one of these options.

7- Which students are exempt*?

Students should check with the Office of New Student Orientation to review their orientation requirement status. Among the exemptions:

• Students in Network Programs
• Students in  CUNY Honors College
• Students with military credits
• Transfer students who bring in 6 or more transfer credits from a prior college or university (this includes 6 or more credits  from “College Now” courses)
• Students who receive CSI credit for a freshman orientation course at another college or university
• Students who entered CSI prior to Fall 1990
• Students who entered the ARC (Adults Returning To The Classroom Program) prior to Fall 2000

Although you may be exempt, you are invited and encouraged to participate in any of the orientation programs. Any questions should be directed to our office.

* Some of the above exempt programs may have their own orientation requirements. Check with the program advisor.

8- Does CLUE sponsor other activities?

Yes. Beyond the basic CLUE requirement, many students also join the CLUE CHALLENGE, in which they agree to complete at least 10 of each CLUE type prior to graduation.  Students who complete the CHALLENGE receive a signed certificate from CSI's President and special recognition from the Vice President for Student Affairs.

9- What are some of the highlights of the CLUE program?

• Encourages a vigorous out-of-classroom life
• Engages students in on-going campus programs and resources                                  
• Increases faculty and student contact
• Introduces students to new interests
• Enhances friendships among students
• Promotes a coordinated calendar of extracurricular activities

10- If you have any questions: 

The Office of New Student Orientation/CLUE is located in the North Administration Building 2A, Room 208. Feel free to stop by our office or call us at (718) 982 - 2529 or 2596. Office hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, Thursday from 9 am to 8 pm. Email us at: csiplus@mail.csi.cuny.edu.