ASAP
Until further notice, CSI ASAP|ACE will be operating virtually during regular business hours on Monday through Friday, between 9am and 5pm. Please DO NOT visit the office in person. You may reach out to us by emailing ASAP@csi.cuny.edu from your CIX email or leaving a message at 718.982.3200. When reaching out to us, please provide your full name, 8-digit CUNY ID number, and phone number, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Important:
- We are here for you – Please connect with us!
- Check your CIX email regularly for communications from CSI and ASAP|ACE.
- Please visit the Return to Campus website frequently for updates.
Thank you, and be well,
CSI ASAP|ACE Team
CSI ASAP students are assisted in earning their associate’s degree in three or fewer years with financial, academic, and personal support. ASAP students who earn their associate’s degree within three years will have the opportunity to apply to CSI ACE for two additional years of support for the completion of their bachelor’s degree. Find out more and begin the application process below.
We invite you to review our website and reach out if you wish to learn more about us and how we can support your success at CSI.
Contact Information
Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP)
ASAP Criteria, Admission, and Enrollment
Email ASAP Criteria, Admission, and EnrollmentOffice Hours
Monday - Friday
9AM - 5PM
ASAP Events
Am I Eligible for CSI ASAP?
- Be a New York City resident and/or eligible for in-state tuition (as per the CUNY tuition and fees manual);
- Be proficient in Mathematics or English (Reading and Writing). To find out your skills proficiency information, visit your Student Center in CUNYfirst and look under “Milestones" for the subjects in which you have been deemed proficient.
- Students who have developmental needs in English or Math must enroll in skills Immersion or MATH Start during the summer or winter.
- All ASAP students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (NYS-TAP) application each year, and accept any federal and state grant aid awarded (Pell, SEOG, TAP).
- Students who are unable to complete FAFSA/TAP due to immigration status must complete the NYS Dream Act application.
- Students not in receipt of financial aid, but otherwise eligible, may join ASAP; however, they are not eligible to receive a tuition gap scholarship.
- If a continuing or transfer student, have 15 college credits or fewer and a minimum 2.0 GPA.
- Agree to pursue a full-time associate degree program (minimum of 15 credits per semester) in an ASAP-supported major (all majors supported, except nursing), en-route to a bachelor’s degree.
Why Should I Join CSI ASAP?
We are committed to YOUR success! Helping you succeed is a team effort: You and Your Student Success Team!
As an ASAP student, you will receive a variety of supports toward the achievement of your Associate’s Degrees in three or fewer years:
- A dedicated advisor and student success team to guide and support your progress from entry to graduation;
- Enhanced career development and academic support resources;
- Options to take classes with fellow ASAP and first-year students to foster community and build your network;
- Priority registration to help you get the classes you need;
- A tuition gap scholarship for any difference between tuition costs and your financial aid award (for students in receipt of financial aid);
- Opportunity to apply for scholarship for your winter/summer courses to maintain or accelerate your academic momentum;
- Free use of MetroCard or on-campus parking;
- Funding toward textbooks.
- Opportunity to apply to ACE for the same support for your bachelor’s degree studies.
In exchange for all of these resources, and to help you succeed, you will need to:
- Maintain full-time enrollment status (minimum 15 credits) each semester and good academic standing.
- Earn a minimum of 30 credits each academic year (Note: Students may be required to take winter and/or summer courses to meet their yearly credit benchmark.)
- Meet regularly with your advisor and student success team (once or twice per month, unless otherwise determined by your advisor or student success team).
- Participate in required activities/events, including student orientation, career development, student-community engagement, and academic enrichment activities.
- Students who have developmental needs in English or Math, as determined by CUNY and College must complete Immersion, CUNY Start, or MATH Start.
- Complete developmental course needs and reach proficiency in English and Math within the first year.
- Re-apply for financial aid, both FAFSA and NYS-TAP, each year.
- File for associate’s degree graduation as soon as you have all requirements to do so.
How Do I Apply to CSI ASAP?
Follow these six easy steps to get started:
- Apply to CSI at CUNY Undergraduate Admissions;
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (NYS-TAP);
- Get accepted to CSI and accept your offer of admission;
- Complete all admissions requirements and be proficient in Mathematics or English (Reading and Writing). To find out your skills proficiency information, visit your Student Center in CUNYfirst and look under “Milestones" for the subjects in which you have been deemed proficient. Visit CUNY Testing for more information;
- After completing the necessary admissions requirements and being deemed proficient in Mathematics or English, you will be invited to attend an ASAP Information Session. (Note: Attendance is required to apply to ASAP);
- After attending an ASAP Information Session, you will be provided with a link to your personalized ASAP application.
If you are interested in joining complete our recruitment interest form, HERE. Please email us if you have any questions about the ASAP recruitment, application, and enrollment processes.
Programs of Study & ASAP|ACE-Supported Majors
ASAP|ACE at CSI support all majors offered at the College, except for nursing. If the program in which you are interested in pursuing is not listed, please contact us for more information. Visit this page for the full major and courses listing.
Meet Your Success Team
ASAP Staff
If you are interested in learning more about ASAP at CSI, please contact our recruitment team by emailing ASAP.Recruitment@csi.cuny.edu or calling 718.982.3200.
Program Leadership
Ronald J. Oliva, Assistant Director
Student Support and Advisement
Damany Higgs, Academic Advisor
Damaris Hipolito, Academic Advisor
Brittany Jost-Sinodinos, Academic Advisor
Natasha Lauriston, Academic Advisor
Lauren Merenda, Academic Advisor
Matthew Navarria, Academic Advisor
Mary Quezada, Academic Advisor
Melissa Scafiddi, Academic Advisor
Jasmine Smith, Academic Advisor
Christen Trapani-Kern, Academic Advisor
Sheila Harris, Financial Aid Specialist
Career Support and Student Engagement
Program Recruitment
Joshua Sosa, Student Ambassador
Administrative Support
Rosanna Cashin, College Assistant
JeanaMarie Ventrone, Administrative Coordinator
Ronald J. Oliva, Assistant Director
Education: CUNY College of Staten Island, Bachelor of Science in Communications: Media Studies. CUNY College of Staten Island, Master of Arts, Cinema and Media Studies.
What college success tips do you have? When I was a CSI student I always felt that I was being "annoying" by asking questions. This is not true. Asking questions shows that you are proactive and care. Never stop asking questions.
Damany Higgs, Academic Advisor
Education: CUNY Lehman College, Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies.
What college success tips do you have? College is a journey. On a journey no person knows the actual final destination; nobody knows who they will be when they finish the journey. Explore your capacity for change. Explore your capacity for all things.
Damaris Hipolito, Academic Advisor
Education: New York University (Undergraduate) and Teacher's College-Columbia University (Graduate).
What college success tips do you have? Always ask questions! Growing up, I was always afraid to ask questions, but if you don't ask questions, how would you know the answer. It is okay to be curious, and learning how to find the right answer. In a class, if you are not understanding a professor, or if the content is too difficult to understand, or simply if you want to learn more information, it does not it hurt to ask.
Brittany Jost-Sinodinos, Academic Advisor
Education:CUNY Macaulay Honors College (College of Staten Island), Bachelors of Arts in English with a minor in Gender Studies.
What college success tips do you have? College is a time to explore and ask questions! Be open-minded in your classes because you never know what new information will inspire you. Take advantage of all your resources from classmates to professors to advisors. The more you open yourself up to new relationships and opportunities, the more prepared you will be to take new steps into jobs, internships, and graduate school.
Natasha Lauriston, Academic Advisor
Education: CUNY Brooklyn College, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Sociology and CUNY Brooklyn College , Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
What college success tips do you have? I wish more students knew more about the benefit of seeking help. In the case of my work, I am here to help. Also, the resources available on campus are there to help you. Independence and pride are great qualities, but don’t let them discourage you from attending your advising sessions, career employment sessions, campus life events and other opportunities. Yes, we live in a digital world where you may find it simpler to get advice and information online, but simpler isn’t necessarily better. The impact of communicating with people who are here to help is far greater than trying to do it all on your own.
Lauren Merenda, Academic Advisor
Education: University of Connecticut, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; Business Minor. Central Connecticut State University, Master of Science in Counselor Education: Student Development in Higher Education.
What college success tips do you have? Get involved on campus! It is a great way to explore current interests, learn something new, and meet other students. Getting involved can also introduce you to potential careers and is a great addition to a resume.
Matthew Navarria, Academic Advisor
Education: CUNY College of Staten Island, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and CUNY College of Staten Island, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies.
What college success tips do you have? The key to success in college is preparation, hard work, love of learning/open mindset and utilizing all of the resources available (especially advisement and career related services). Its important to balance both day to day items ( studying, tutoring, attending classes etc) while also keeping in mind the "big picture" and long term academic/ career planning. Set realistic, short term and long term goals--- work hard and consistently to achieve them. Take advantage of resources, support services and extracurricular opportunities as well. Lastly, it's very important to have a personal support system ( family, friends, peers etc) to provide motivation and encouragement during challenging times.
Mary Quezada, Academic Advisor
Education: CUNY Baruch College, Bachelor of Business Administration: Finance. CUNY College of Staten Island, Master of Arts, Liberal Studies.
What college success tips do you have? Participate! Just showing up is a great start but the more active you are in class, the more information you will retain.
Melissa Scafiddi, Academic Advisor
Education: Arizona State University: Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with Concentrations in Business and Asian Studies.
What college success tips do you have? Don't be afraid to ask for help and don't wait until it's too late. The CSI staff and professors have all been in your shoes at one point. Even if you are not having difficulties in your class, you should still attend the tutoring centers. The centers not only help you to review class material, but they also offer workshops and opportunities to further develop the skills you already have. It is also important to communicate with your professor if you don’t fully understand something in class.
Jasmine Smith, Academic Advisor
Education:Montclair State University, Master of Arts in Family & Child Education, William Paterson University, Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies and Sociology.
What college success tips do you have?One tip that I can offer students is to access your learning style. Everyone’s brain processes information differently. By figuring out how you learn best and the study habits that suit your learning style, you can help build confidence in your ability to succeed academically.
Christen Trapani-Kern, Academic Advisor
Education: CUNY College of Staten Island, Bachelor of Arts Psychology. CUNY Brooklyn College Industrial/Organizational Psychology: Human Relations.
What college success tips do you have? A tip that I can offer students for college success is to ask for assistance when you are unsure about something.
Sheila Harris, Financial Aid Specialist
Education: CUNY York College, Bachelor of Arts; New York Institute of Technology, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration; St. John's University, Doctor of Philosophy (In-Progress).
What college success tips do you have? Know the tools you need for your success in school. Understand your Financial Aid requirements. Know your academic requirements, and most importantly, know the people in those areas who you can go to for advice. Never be afraid to ask, and never assume anything.
Joshua Sosa, Student Ambassador
Education: CUNY College of Staten Island, Liberal Arts & Sciences AA conferred Spring 2019 and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Sociology/Anthropology conferred June 2021.
What college success tips do you have? Don’t hesitate on opportunities that are open to you. Having doubt on taking up an opportunity or joining a club because you are unsure is a natural feeling. Unless you take the leap, you won’t have the experiences or knowledge that the opportunity may give you. Knowing that you could’ve taken up an opportunity but didn’t is the worse feeling. Take the leap! The more resources you give yourself the better!
JeanaMarie Ventrone, Administrative Coordinator
Education: CUNY College of Staten Island, Bachelor of Arts.
What college success tips do you have?Be yourself! Be proud of where you are, how far you’ve come, and where you are headed. Embrace your authentic self during your college journey! Also, do not procrastinate. Give yourself time to complete all your assignments, and try not to wait until the last minute.