Post-Orientation Checklist
Immediate
- Check CUNYfirst to view your schedule.
- Check CUNYfirst to check your bill.
- Check the e-mail you provided on your FAFSA—your financial aid adviser will contact you to introduce themselves. If you cannot locate that e-mail, send us an inquiry to find out who your assigned financial aid adviser is.
- Check out the online BC Bookstore.
- Get your ID card and download the BC Navigator app.
Before Classes Start
- Be sure that your Brooklyn College e-mail account is active and working. It is the primary mode of communication for the university and your professors. To set up your e-mail account, click the yellow "BC WebCentral" button at the top navigation bar on this page.
- Activate your BC Webcentral Account. BC WebCentral is an informational portal, giving you access to useful tools. Detailed Instructions (pdf).
- Make sure your CUNYfirst account is active and working. CUNYfirst allows all students to register for courses, pay bills, manage personal information, file for graduation, and more.
- Log into Blackboard to see if any of your courses will be using Blackboard as part of the classwork.
- Check your financial aid status and tuition bill on CUNYfirst. 24/7 access to CUNYfirst allows students to review their financial aid awards and disbursement information on-line. This quick guide (pdf) will walk you through the process to review your financial aid information in CUNYfirst.
- Print your class schedule by logging into your CUNYfirst account (under the Student Center). Make note of where each class meets and the name(s) of your professor(s).
- Buy a planner or use an electronic calendar. Write down known responsibilities (class times, work schedule, recurring activities and meetings). Also, check the BC academic calendar for important dates and closures.
First Week of Class
- Textbook ordering is done entirely online at the Brooklyn College Online Bookstore. Digital or reserve copies may be available for free at the Brooklyn College Library. You can also borrow books from other CUNY campuses and have them sent to the Brooklyn College Library.
- Attend every class! Don't buy into the myth that the first class isn't important. Every class is important!
- On your first day of class, you will receive your syllabus, which outlines the course description and all assignments, readings, and any additional requirements.
- Establish a regular reading and study schedule for all of your courses.
- Learn the names of your professors and their office hours. Office hours are dedicated to meeting with the professor outside of class time. Office hours are usually listed on the syllabus. If office hours conflict with your schedule, e-mail the professor to request an appointment.
- If you must change your schedule visit CAASS in 3207 Boylan Hall. Check the BC academic calendar for deadlines.
- Note: The last day to add a class is September 2. It is also the last day to drop for a 75% tuition refund.
- Experiencing financial difficulties?
- Visit the Scholarships Office or call 718.951.4796.
- You may be eligible for Federal Work-Study (FWS) job placement at an approved on or off campus site. After completing your FAFSA, review your CUNYfirst account to find out if you were given a FWS award for the academic year. Call 718.951.5178 for general FWS Program information and funding availability for appeals. Visit the Financial Aid staff in 308 West Quad Center during regular office hours for assistance. Send an e-mail inquiry about placement and the appeal process.
- Having a financial emergency? BC provides the Petrie Student Emergency Grant Fund. For more information, visit the Office of Student Affairs (2113 Boylan Hall).
September
- Important dates:
- September 2: Add/Drop Deadline; College closed (Labor Day)
- September 5: Conversion Day - Monday schedule
- September 9: Last day to drop a course for 50% refund.
- September 16: Last day to drop for a 25% tuition refund.
- September 17: First day to withdraw from a course with a "W." Please see an academic advisor in 3207 Boylan Hall.
- September 30-October 1: No classes scheduled.
- You've gone to every class, right? If you haven't already, try sitting in the front of the classroom to minimize distractions.
- By now you should be checking your Brooklyn College e-mail and Blackboard on a daily basis. If not, it is time to start. Keep an eye out for course updates that will be e-mailed to you and/or posted on Blackboard.
- Exchange contact information with at least one other student in each of your classes. That way you have a resource if you miss class or want to form a study group.
- Struggling with your course work? Be proactive!
- Visit the Learning Center for free tutoring for all students. The center provides specialized support in writing and across all disciplines. It also provides midterm and final exam reviews. For a full overview of all the center's services, call 718.951.5821 or send an e-mail.
- Visit the Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success (CAASS). Speak to an adviser if you have questions about your schedule, academic requirements, and how to withdraw from a course. Make an appointment through BC WebCentral, call 718.951.5471, or visit the CAASS office in 3207 Boylan Hall.
- The library also provides writing and research support. It also has a vast collection of material, CUNY-wide, at your disposal. Lean more about how a librarian can help.
- Personal Counseling provides workshops covering a range of topics, including note taking, test anxiety, time management, etc.
- Don't forget to have fun! It is important for all students to balance their academic lives with meaningful activities outside of the classroom. How are you spending your time when you are not in class or studying? Have you joined any clubs or organizations? Are you meeting new people and are you getting experiences that your classes don't offer?
- Clubs, organizations, student government: Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership, 302 Student Center, 718.951.5550 / 5712.
- The Office of Recreation, Intramurals, and Intercollegiate Athletics
- First College Year offers a number of events, including “First Year Thursdays,” which highlights selected campus resources, student clubs and activities. Connect with FCY for updates on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
- In addition to the many student organizations that have events related to careers/majors, each semester the Magner Career Center hosts several events that provide free lunch, great career advice, and the opportunity to meet other students with similar interests. To get help with your résumé or be connected with an alumni mentor, contact the center at 1303 James Hall or 718.951.5696 for next steps.
Note
All incoming students are required to complete Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Response Course (SPARC) training. Failure to do so will affect future registration. Please go to your CUNYfirst student to do list where you will find a direct link to SPARC. SPARC should take about 30 minutes to complete and should be taken on devices with a tablet size screen or larger.
