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Immersion FAQs

During the 2024 Winter Immersion program, all instruction will be completed on campus.

To register in the 2024 Winter Immersion Program, please send an email with your full name and CUNYfirst ID to ImmersionAdvisement@csi.cuny.edu.

What are the benefits of spending my vacation time taking these classes rather than taking them during the regular school semesters?

Immersion classes are FREE—you save time, money and/or financial aid to apply toward your credit-bearing college courses.

How do I know that I am eligible to register in an immersion class?

Your Proficiency Index Score (P-Index Score) may impact your admission status, enrollment in the immersion programs and enrollment at the college.  Please be aware of the following enrollment requirements:

 

Incoming Students

All students who:

  • Are deep developmental in need of support in mathematics (proficiency index score of 49 or below) are strongly encouraged to complete CSI's free Math Immersion (in the summer or January) or the summer Math Start program before enrolling at the College. Students who choose not to enroll in or do not complete these programs will ONLY be enrolled in the Liberal Arts Associate in Arts program until math proficiency is achieved. They will then be able to change to another associate degree program of their choice. To declare a Baccalaureate major, students must acquire CUNY's proficiency in math and English and complete at least 12 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.0. Students might be required to take additional Math courses depending on the major chosen.     Alternatively, these students can enroll in the semester-long CUNY Start* or Math Start program to acquire proficiency without paying college tuition; however, they will not be able to take college credit-bearing classes at the same time.
  • Have a proficiency index score in mathematics of 49 or below, and who have a proficiency index score in English of 47 or below, must enroll in and complete at least one semester of the CUNY Start* program and pass at least one of the subjects (mathematics, English) in order to enroll at the College.

  • Have a proficiency index score in mathematics between 50 and 59, and who have a proficiency index score in English of 64 or below should enroll in mathematics or English in CSI's free Summer or Winter Immersion Programs and take a co-requisite developmental course during the semester following immersion. It is recommended that students do NOT enroll in two co-requisite developmental courses during the same semester.

*CUNY Start is a program of rigorous, intensive instruction which prepares college-bound students to meet CUNY basic skills proficiency in English and mathematics. CUNY Start is designed to help incoming college students minimize their time in developmental coursework and save financial aid for credit-bearing courses. At a low cost of $75 for the semester, the cost includes books and college success advisement in planning, choosing a career path, and paying for College. Full-time CUNY Start students take both English and mathematics developmental courses and College Success Advisement.

 

Transfer Students

All incoming transfer students are exempt from the policies listed above.

 

English as a Second Language (ESL) Students

ESL students (including qualifying international students) are exempt from the policies listed above. All ESL students will be required to complete special English courses for non-native speakers of English. Placement of ESL students in immersion, developmental ESL classes during the semester or the CUNY Language Immersion Program (CLIP) is done based on students’ performance on the ESL Diagnostic Assessment (ESLD). Students with F1 student visa status (international students) cannot enroll in CLIP.

 

Continuing Students

How many opportunities do I have to demonstrate basic proficiency?

According to CSI’s academic guidelines, students must demonstrate basic proficiency in English and mathematics within one year. Students for whom English is a second language (ESL students) have two academic years to demonstrate basic proficiency in English. Remember, the more prepared you are for credit-bearing courses, the greater your chances for success!

Is this considered a college-level class?

The immersion programs consist of classes that do not carry any college-level credit. At the end of the immersion program, you will receive a grade indicating whether you have demonstrated basic proficiency in the area for which you have received instruction.

When does immersion begin?

Classes begin the first week of January for Winter Immersion, and a variety of immersion classes are offered throughout the summer. Please click on either Winter or Summer Immersion links for specific information regarding schedules.

Is there any additional academic support offered during immersion?

Students are offered free in-class and out-of-class tutoring. Counseling services are offered in the form of workshops and/or individual counseling sessions. All students are strongly encouraged to utilize these services to support their academic progress.

When and where do I register?

Winter Immersion Program registration begins in late November or early December, and Summer Immersion Program registration begins in April. To register in the 2024 Winter Immersion Program, please send an email with your full name and CUNYfirst ID to ImmersionAdvisement@csi.cuny.edu.

Where can I get more information?

For more information about the immersion programs, email us at ImmersionAdvisement@csi.cuny.edu or leave a message at 718-982-4188 or 718-982-4221. We will get back to you as soon as possible.