The Circle of Success, a select group of graduates from the Alumni Engagement Council (AEC) at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS), introduced a new three-part series of mentoring workshops in Spring 2024 for students in the School’s SEEK program to help them successfully finish the semester.
The webinars, which drew an average of 10-15 SEEK students each, were designed to provide them with tools for their studies as well as their lives outside of college,
For the first workshop, AEC member Lisa Sheridan (BA Communications and Media '20) produced a writing boot camp on April 9. During the lunch-and-learn session, student participants were invited to bring in their term papers along with any questions they had about the writing process. Additionally, students received guidelines for other writing basics, including APA formatting.
Sheridan explained her motivation for devising the workshop. "As a first-generation student and recent graduate, I understand how overwhelming college-level writing can be. When I first came to CUNY SPS, it took me forever to work up the courage to ask for help." Sheridan added, "I got so much support from the School’s community. So, it is super-important for me to give back and assist a new generation of students."
In the following segment on May 7, CUNY SPS graduate and recent "50 Under 50" inductee Kris Senior (MS Business Management and Leadership '20) presented a course in financial literacy. "I taught a lesson on the fundamentals of budgeting and personal finances," shared Senior. "The students really responded to the realistic, guilt-free view of budgeting I tried to convey." Students received a custom-designed budget worksheet to help establish a financial guide that Senior described as "reasonable, attainable, and included future planning."
The final installment, held on May 13, combined a mini-panel discussion with an end-of-the-year celebration. Alums Nini Larkin (BA Human Relations '22) and Cariahnna Collazo-Cintron (Sociology '23) teamed up to field questions about best study practices and academic success strategies for the assembled SEEK students.
Larkin, who was recently promoted to assistant director of student affairs at Columbia University, described her experience with the event. "This is the type of work that fills your cup and explains why I recently moved into a student affairs role."
After the series concluded, Rianna DeFreece, associate director of admissions access programs and SEEK, expressed her delight with the series' outcome. "Launching this alumni collaboration series with the Circle of Success Program for SEEK students was a terrific boost as they approached the end of the semester," said DeFreece. "The students were able to pick up helpful pointers for their academic work, as well as their lives beyond college. Our SEEK students found the presentations enriching, and they look forward to more events in the future. The timing was perfect as we had our first two cohorts of SEEK graduates these past fall and spring semesters."
About the SEEK Program
The SEEK program at CUNY SPS, founded in January 2023, provides personalized and focused support for eligible part-time and full-time students in online degree programs. In May 2024, a cohort of 6 students became the first group of CUNY SPS SEEK graduates. To learn more, visit the CUNY SPS SEEK information page.
About the CUNY School of Professional Studies
As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.
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Prerna Dar
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Prerna.dar@cuny.edu