Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I take a Winter Session course?
The Winter Session will allow you to satisfy requirements for your degree and will help you step up your progress toward graduation.
What courses are offered?
CUNY is offering a number of courses in a wide range of disciplines. View a complete list of available courses.
When will courses be held?
Course offerings and the number of sessions vary by campus. There are no classes scheduled on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Please refer to the campus calendar for more information.
When and where can I register?
CUNY students can register online via the CUNY Portal for Winter Session at their scheduled appointment, usually the same time they are registering for the Spring Semester. Visiting students may register online via the CUNY Portal registration system (ESIMS) after filing the visiting student application at the campus for which they intend on enrolling and have provided the college registrar or admissions office with all required documentation and/or permissions. Winter Course Registration Guidelines.
What do I need to register for a course?
CUNY students need only to have access to the CUNY Portal registration system, ESIMS. The course listings are searchable online. Visiting students must fill out a visiting student application. After applying and receiving any necessary permission visiting students will be provided with the information that will allow them to use the CUNY Portal online registration system (ESIMS).
What about "prerequisites" for a course?
You must satisfy prerequisites prior to registering for a course. Prerequisites for each course can be found in the College's Schedule of Classes or College Catalog. Check with the college registrar for more detailed information on prerequisites.
Once I register, when do I have to pay for the Winter Session courses I take?
After completing your registration, your tuition bill is posted on ESIMS or you may stop by the Bursar's Office at the individual CUNY campus.
How much will the courses cost? Will there be fees as well?
Students will be billed tuition by credit in accordance with the college tuition and fees schedule. All non-matriculated and Visiting Students attending the Winter Session only will be charged fees based on credits enrolled. Detailed tuition and fee information and payment options.
Are there scholarships or grants that I can apply for to cover the Winter Session?
Students who receive scholarships from the College should contact the College's Financial Aid Office about using funds for the Winter Session.
When will the grade be calculated into my overall GPA?
Dates for grade postings and GPA calculations to student records will vary by campus. Consult with the campus registrar's office for information on postings to student records.
If I am unable to complete my Winter Session course and receive the grade of Incomplete, when must the course work or final be completed before the grade changes to a failure grade?
Incompletes obtained in the Winter Session must be completed before the end of the regular spring semester.
Will the bookstore be open? When can I get my books for winter classes?
Campus bookstores will be open. Please refer to the campus website for bookstore hours, location and additional information.
Will there be classes on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
The University is closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. No classes are scheduled on the holiday.
I just applied and it will be my first semester in the Spring, can I register for Winter Session classes?
Students admitted for the Spring 2012 semester may only take courses in the Winter Session with special permission. Please see the individual CUNY campus college registrars or admissions offices for more information.
What do I do if there is a stop/ hold on my record?
Students who have stops/holds on their records must contact the office that placed the hold on their record and reconcile the situation with that office before enrolling.
Since the Winter Session is attached to the fall semester can an International Student Advisor report International Students as full-time since they will be taking additional classes during the fall semester?
No. International students who are required to be full-time must carry a minimum of 12 credits or equated credits during the regular semesters.
For health benefits, am I considered full-time with the combined Winter and Fall sessions?
Requirements may vary by college. You should check with your college Registrar for credit requirements related to health benefits. In general students will be considered full-time when the combined credits from Winter and Fall are 12 or more.
For unemployment benefits, am I considered full-time with the combined Winter and Fall sessions? How will you handle my certification letter (599 letter)?
Requirements may vary by college. You should check with your college Registrar for credit requirements related to unemployment benefits. In general, students will be considered as full-time when the combined credits from Winter and Fall are 12 or more.
Will students be able to apply for graduation and graduate during the Winter Session?
Graduation application dates and procedures vary by campus. Consult with the campus registrar's office for graduation filing deadlines and degree conferral dates.
If my CUNY College is not participating in the Winter Session, can I take a course on permit in the Winter at another CUNY College?
Yes. If you are a matriculated student, you need only to file an e-permit.
Is student housing available during Winter Session?
Winter housing options through the University are extremely limited. On campus student housing is currently offered at The City College, Hunter College, and Lehman College.
Do I need a CUNY e-mail or computer account to register?
No. Once your application is processed and approved you will receive information on how to register using the on-line registration (ESIMS) system. If you need further assistance accessing ESIMS, contact the Registrar's Office of the campus you would like to attend during Winter Session.
Is there a maximum amount of credits I can take during Winter Session?
The amount of credits permitted during Winter Session varies by CUNY campus. Consult with the Registrar's Office of the campus you would like to attend during Winter Session.
Can I audit a course during Winter Session?
You should consult with the Registrar's Office at the time of course registration for permission to attend course as an auditor. Auditor status cannot be changed to credit status after the closing date for late registration. Likewise, credit status cannot be changed to auditor status after late registration.
If I register and decide not to attend courses for Winter Session, what should I do?
If you are not going to attend Winter Session after registering, you must officially drop your classes. Refer to the refund schedule on the college's academic calendar or consult the individual CUNY college bursar's office.
Will I receive a refund if I decide to drop or withdraw from Winter Session?
Refer to the refund schedule on the college's academic calendar or consult the bursar's office.