Special Learning Opportunities
LaGuardia offers a number of special learning opportunities to students prior to starting college, during their college careers as well as during the summer.
Prior To College
New Student Orientation: My First Day
College life is an ongoing process of learning and adapting. Get the tools you’ll need to not just survive –but thrive--at LaGuardia’s orientation for new students. This is a day on campus you do not want to miss!
New students will attend the Academic Expo where they will be introduced to faculty and staff from various academic and student service departments to begin their on-campus network. Students will also have the opportunity to learn more about the transition into college life and helpful resources from upper classmen, as well as engage in some social activities.
University Skills Immersion Program (USIP)
The University Skills Immersion Program (USIP) provides a variety of programs and support services for new and first-year continuing students during their first-year experience. All courses, instructional materials, and services are offered to eligible students at no tuition cost.
To learn more, or for current contact information, please see the website at: www.laguardia.edu/Academics/First-Year-Institute.
During College
Accelerated Study in Associate Program
Room: BA22
Phone: (718) 482-5921
Email: asaprecruitment@lagcc.cuny.edu
The Accelerated Study in Associate Program (ASAP) began in the fall of 2007 and is sponsored by the Mayor’s Office of New York City. The goal of ASAP is to graduate 50% of its students within two to three years by offering academic and financial support.
All ASAP students must be New York City residents, enroll full- time (12 credits in session I and 3 credits in Session II minimum) in an ASAP-approved major, maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA, have completed the FAFSA application and have no more than two developmental course needs and participate in ASAP blocked course scheduling. Continuing and transfer students must meet the program eligibility criteria and have no more than 15 credits at the start of the program.
ASAP students meet in one-on-one appointments with their personal Academic Advisor to receive academic and programmatic advisement, as well as referrals to resources on campus. The ASAP Career Employment Specialist assists students by providing career counseling, workshops, resume building and interview preparation.
ASAP sponsors co-curricular, social enrichment activities, tutoring and academic enrichment workshops throughout the year to promote academic development and the success of its students.
Learn more: www.laguardia.edu/asap
College Discovery (CD) Program
Room B236 (718) 482-5270
Website: www.laguardia.edu/cd/
Email: college_discovery@lagcc.cuny.edu
College Discovery (CD) was developed at CUNY to assist students who have the potential to succeed in college but lack the educational foundation and economic resources necessary to pursue a degree. At LaGuardia, CD helps students see new paths and open new doors, not only academically but also in social and occupational endeavors through a variety of support services, including counseling, new student seminars, tutoring, supplemental instruction and financial aid. College Discovery students receive help paying for college in addition to extra academic support at LaGuardia and beyond. CD program benefits will continue once students transfer to a senior college all the way up to the graduate level.
To learn more, students can visit the College Discovery website at: www.laguardia.edu/academics/college-discovery/. We can be reached at: 718-482-5270 or college_discovery@lagcc.cuny.edu.
CUNY Edge
Room: MB13
Phone: (718) 482-5479
Website: www.laguardia.edu/Academics/CUNY-EDGE
CUNY EDGE, formerly known as the COPE Program, has expanded its student services to provide new benefits and support. CUNY EDGE’s mission is to help CUNY students achieve academic excellence, graduate on time, and find employment.
CUNY EDGE provides academic, personal and career planning support; encourages full-time enrollment in courses each semester and enrollment in intersession classes, as needed, so that students complete their degree in a timely manner.
Tools and procedures are incorporated to help students remain compliant with all HRA rules and regulations. HRA school letters are completed at least once a semester during the academic year.
CUNY EDGE is a partnership between the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the University. In order to qualify for CUNY EDGE, you must be a matriculated CUNY undergraduate student who receives cash assistance from HRA. Contact the CUNY EDGE office in room MB13 or by calling (718) 482-5479.
Honors Program
M201B (718) 482-5225; x5922; x5658;
Website: www.laguardia.edu/honors
email: honorsprog@lagcc.cuny.edu; kkoh@lagcc.cuny.edu
LaGuardia Community College’s growing Honors Program is designed to provide a rigorous and rich academic experience for talented, intellectually curious, motivated, and ambitious students. One of the fundamental goals of the Honors Program is to prepare students to be successful graduates and transfer students.
Honors courses are smaller in size, and emphasize critical thinking, intensive analytical writing, speaking and research skills, including the use of primary source material and information literacy. These classes give students the tools to be successful in four-year colleges. Honors students also receive mentoring and advisement from Honors faculty.
The Program also provides students with leadership and research opportunities through its inclusive, student-driven collective, the Honors Student Advisory Committee (HSAC).
Eligibility Requirements:
Students with at least 12 completed credits and a minimum GPA of 3.2 are eligible to register for Honors courses. There are two ways to participate in the Program:
1. Enroll in an Honors course and get an “Honors course designation” on your transcript after completing the course and a “Certificate of Completion” at the annual Honors Ceremony.
2. Participate in the Honors Program Concentration. If you are a Liberal Arts (AA or AS) or Business (AS or AAS) student, you may take fuller advantage of the Program by completing 7 Honors courses (20-22 credits) to receive an Honors concentration transcript notation.
Additional Opportunities
The Vassar College "Exploring Transfer" Program
This is a five-week summer program designed to give qualified LaGuardia students the opportunity to explore their transfer opportunities while experiencing education at a four-year residential college. Students enroll in two interdisciplinary courses team-taught by LaGuardia and Vassar faculty, earning six academic credits. In addition, special transfer counseling is provided, as well as social and recreational activities. All expenses are paid for students. Since 1985 over 225 LaGuardia students have benefited from this award-winning program, going on to continue their education at outstanding colleges such as Vassar, Columbia, Yale, Middlebury, New York University, Clark and Smith.
CUNY BA/BS Program
Established in 1971, the CUNY Baccalaureate Program (CUNY BA/BS) is the only University-wide alternate degree program that allows students, working with faculty mentors, to design a program of study tailored to their unique individual academic interests and goals. Students may take courses at any of CUNY’s 17 colleges and at The Graduate School. The program is administered by The City University of New York Graduate Center.
The CUNY BA/BS Program accepts up to 60 transfer credits earned at a community college toward the 120 credits needed for the degree. Qualified LaGuardia students can be in the CUNY BA/BS Program at the same time that they are taking courses at LaGuardia toward their associate’s degree. To be eligible for admission to the program students need 15 college credits and a GPA of at least 2.50. For further information contact the CUNY BA/BS Program at (212) 817-8239.