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The Percy Ellis Sutton SEEK Program

Frequently Asked Questions

General

SEEK (Search for Education Elevation and Knowledge) is a special program of The City University, established by the New York State Legislature, to help students, who meet specific income and academic guidelines, to obtain a college education.

SEEK offers students a variety of academic and student support services, which include financial assistance, counseling, tutoring, special courses and workshops. In addition, the SEEK Program has a study hall and high-tech computer lab for the exclusive use of SEEK students

Application to the program is made through UAPC (University Application Processing Center) at the time students apply to the University. Students are eligible if they are first-time applicants meeting SEEK eligibility guidelines or if they are transferring from SEEK, CD, EOP or HEOP programs at other colleges.

No, you do not have to reapply. Once you have applied and have received benefits at another institution, you only need to complete a form to change your place of training. This can be done online through VONAPP website.

Potential SEEK students are informed of conditional acceptance into the program. Students are allocated to the program by The City University. However, whether you actually become a certified SEEK student at City Tech depends on the following: 1) completion of the necessary financial assistance application with the required documentation 2) meeting the program's income criteria 3) participation in a summer academic program if any remediation is needed.

You are assigned to your SEEK counselor according to your major.

The academic advisor discusses your degree requirements with you and recommends the courses you must take to obtain your degree in a timely manner. Your SEEK counselor helps you develop a comprehensive educational and career plan that meets your specific needs. Your counselor also provides individual and group counseling on personal issues as needed.

SEEK Program guidelines state that all SEEK students must see their assigned counselors regularly. New SEEK students should see their assigned counselors even more frequently during the first semester. Successful SEEK students consult regularly with their counselors on a variety of issues, concerns and problems.

As a College Discovery/SEEK student, you must contact your assigned counselor and request an SPTR form to be completed and sent to the SEEK Program at City Tech. We will then reach out to you to set up an intake interview. Please have SPTR forms emailed to seektransfer@citytech.cuny.edu or seek@citytech.cuny.edu.

Counselors

Simply call the SEEK office (718-260-5680) or even better, stop by (250 Jay Street, M 500) to make an appointment. An appointment ensures that your counselor will dedicate a specific date and time to meet with you.

We recommend that you make an appointment to see your counselor; an appointment insures that the counselor will see you on a specific date and at a specific time. Without an appointment there is no guarantee the counselor will be available to see you.

No. If you have an urgent matter in which you need to speak with your SEEK counselor, call or visit the SEEK office immediately. Your counselor, or another counselor if your counselor is unavailable, will speak with you.

Academic Support

Tutoring provides academic assistance in various college courses. Tutors are generally advanced students in the subject and have been trained in tutoring techniques.

Tutoring is not a lecture, and the tutor is not an "answer man" or an editor of your papers. S/he is like a friendly coach who, through a process of explaining, questioning and checking for understanding, will help you become an independent learner. Our tutors are committed to you, but the final responsibility for your success is yours.

No. We help students at all levels - those who are struggling to pass as well as those who are doing well in a course but want to earn top grades.

Just ask for it. The SEEK receptionist will refer you to tutoring personnel. Counselors can also sign you up.

Currently, we offer assistance in writing, math, the sciences, ESL, reading, electrical engineering and (in the Study Hall) psychology, philosophy and speech.

The usual limit is two hours a week per subject; exceptions are made depending upon student demand and tutor availability.

Incoming freshmen and transfer students meet with an advisor in the New Student Center (N 104) to discuss not only class registration, but to explore career interests and how to select a major that's right for you. All continuing students must meet with a faculty advisor in their academic major department where conversations about personal interest, major selection and career trajectory are continued.