Options is back for a 100% virtual semester!

Click HERE to view the Fall 2021 catalog!

The staff supporting the Options program will be operating remotely and in person during our regularly scheduled hours, which are Monday – Friday; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.  We are constantly monitoring all communications received via email and voicemail. 

For general office needs, please call 718-982-2245, and email Betty.Bonczek@csi.cuny.edu and Angela.Ramos@csi.cuny.edu.  All calls & emails will receive a response within one business day. 

Thank you, and be well

OPTIONS PROGRAM FOR MATURE LEARNERS

Options is a supportive community and non-degree program for personal enrichment and lifelong learning for members over the age of 55. Exclusively available at the College of Staten Island, Options is a local, low-cost way to stay active, form meaningful relationships, and thrive in a dynamic environment!  

Contact Information

Betty Bonczek
Phone : 718.982.2394
Email Betty Bonczek

Program Highlights: 

  • Unlike traditional college courses, there are no exams, no take-home assignments, and no pathways to a degree.
  • Options is a unique alternative for seniors seeking to audit college classes. 

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be over the age of 55

Schedule

  • Fall Semester: September  – December
  • Spring Semester: January - May 
  • Classes are offered Monday - Friday.
  • Times of day for classes vary 

Tuition

  • $99 per semester. 
  • Donations over $99 are tax deductibe and greatly appreciated.
  • Scholarships are available! Please see The Options Program for Mature Learners Fund announcement below for scholarship application details.
  • The Options program will collect tuition payments via credit card, debit card, and through check routing information, through this PORTAL only. Please do not mail in checks
  • Once the semester starts, tuition is non-refundable
  • Classes with insufficient enrollment are subject to cancellation.
  • You will need your CSI Student ID in order to submit tuition through the Portal. After you register, your CSI ID will be provided to you shortly before the semester starts. Registration directions are below.

How to apply:

  • View the Fall 2021 semester’s catalogue with our course offerings
  • Please register remotely with an email to betty.bonczek@csi.cuny.edu with your:
    • Contact Info: Name, Cell Phone and Email
    • Date of Birth
    • How you heard about us?
    • Ethnicity
    • Course selection for the fall 2021 semester

    •  If you are a new student in the Options Program, or have never completed a Photo & Video Release Form, please CLICK HERE to complete the form.

The Options Program for Mature Learners Fund

The Options Program for Mature Learners Fund awards tuition assistance scholarships for up to $99 for Options students experiencing financial hardship. Scholarship funds will go towards the cost of participation in the program.


In order to apply for the Options Scholarship, please email betty.bonczek@csi.cuny.edu with the following:

  • Number of members in the household:____
  • Gender: _____
  • Ethnicity: ______
  • What is the total scholarship dollar amount you are applying for? (Cannot exceed $99):____
  • Why are you applying for the Options Scholarship? (no more than 2 paragraphs):

Helpful links