There’s more to college life than going to campus and attending classes. The time you spend as a college student is intended to broaden your knowledge not only of content presented in classes but also through the many activities offered–the extra (outside) curricular (classes) possibilities. These activities can help you enrich your knowledge and skills, as well as develop academic interests, career support, and connections. They can also be a lot of fun!

When you take advantage of extracurricular activities, you will find yourself working with others, perhaps as a member of a club or a research team. Working as a team toward a common goal will be familiar if you’ve participated in sports, for example. It is a crucial means of developing shared purpose, learning to listen and share your thoughts, and becoming known as someone reliable, hardworking, and worth connecting with.

Your active engagement in a group can also develop your leadership skills as you share your ideas of what should be done, and listen to others’ ideas, consistently helping to direct the shared purpose and activities of the group.

Prospective employers will want to hear about your leadership skills and ability to work effectively on a team. Extracurricular activities not only allow you to hone these important skills, but also give you valuable experiences that you can talk about in a job interview or letter of application.

Involve Yourself in Activities

All students need a sense of belonging and community in college. Getting involved in extracurricular (as well as “co-curricular”) activities at City Tech is one of the keys to your enjoyment and success, leading to professional growth and opportunities.

The following offices will help you become involved in activities beyond the classroom.

Clubs at City Tech

The Office of Student Life and Development (SLD) offers programming designed to support learning outcomes in the areas of Leadership Development, Diversity Education, and Community Service/Civic Engagement. Engagement in SLD programming provides students the opportunity to develop many of the professional abilities that employers are looking for most in candidates’ resumés, second only to credentials demonstrating technical proficiency. These workforce readiness skills include leadership, problem-solving, communication, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

City Tech clubs are an integral part of college life because they allow students with common interests to come together and work toward a shared goal. They are also a great way to meet your peers, get to know the college, expand your college education beyond the classroom, and participate in student-sponsored social events on campus.

There are many clubs that support students’ academic, cultural, and social interests. Join one that’s already formed or talk to Student Life and Development about starting a new one.

Club Hours take place on Thursdays from 12:45-2:15pm. Classes are not scheduled during this time so that students have a common time to meet, no matter what their class schedules are.

For more information about clubs at City Tech: http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/clubs/

Student Government

The Student Government Association (SGA) is the representative body for students on college policy issues. SGA strives to advocate on behalf of the students to administration, faculty, student organizations and the college community. As representatives for the students, SGA provides an opportunity for students’ views to be expressed and heard. The body is comprised of seven executive officers and thirteen senators. The primary function of student government is to uphold the rights of City Tech students. The SGA is also responsible for allocating and managing the student activity fees and assisting all clubs and organizations. The SGA coordinates many extracurricular activities for the student body such as community panel discussions, voter registration drives, cultural programs, club fairs, dances, and more.

Consider running for a position in the Student Government Association. Elections are held annually. Visit G400 to find out more.

Student Government Volunteers reach out to the student body through social media, fliers, and word of mouth to alert students to current happenings and upcoming events around the college. To learn more about these volunteer opportunities: https://www.citytech.cuny.edu/sga/join.aspx

Reach out to the Student Government Association president with questions, suggestions, or for more information about how you can get involved.

Other Possibilities

The Recreation program provides leisure-time activities for students, faculty, staff and alumni. Special classes include fitness, martial arts, and dance. Visit the Academic Complex for information about hours and amenities, which include a dance studio, an exercise room, and a gym.

The New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) is a student-directed education and advocacy organization. NYPIRG advocates for social issues such as affordable tuition and also provides internships.

This resident theatre company at City Tech is comprised of student, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members who perform in the state-of-the-art Voorhees Theatre. Visit their website to learn more and consider becoming involved.

Special Academic Programs

Students in the Honors Scholars program work closely within a collaborative community designed to motivate and challenge talented students and to foster a life-long dedication to learning. Benefits include opportunities for special academic programs and events, as well as trips, presentations at conferences, and professional development workshops. The program also offers early registration, challenging research projects, and enriched Honors courses that include honors distinction noted on your transcript. Admission to the Honors Scholars Program requires students to complete at least 12 credits with a GPA of 3.4 or better.

City Tech students are eligible to participate in 166 programs in 51 countries managed by colleges of The City University of New York. Federal financial aid may be usable in these programs, if coursework to be completed is applicable to the student’s degree program. Study abroad can provide new perspectives and global experiences that are invaluable. Students should make study abroad decisions only after discussion with a departmental advisor, to be sure they understand the impact of their decision on their degree completion.

CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies (CUNY BA) is a University–wide, individualized degree. This degree is a versatile route for motivated, self-directed students whose academic goals transcend traditional majors. Students create their own degree plans by working directly with faculty mentors and academic advisors.

To be eligible for this degree, students must have completed 12 college credits with a minimum GPA of 2.8 and have an idea for one or two individualized areas of concentration. Interested students should be aware that the average GPA of students opting for this degree has risen each year. Entering students currently transfer into the degree program with an average GPA of 3.31 and have completed 66 credits (approximately their junior year of college study).

Undergraduate Research

Conducting research beyond what you’ve completed in the classroom can challenge your learning and be an exciting process. One of the unique opportunities as a college student is to participate in research with professors in fields such as anthropology, astronomy, biology, chemistry, dentistry, health sciences, history, literature, mathematics, philosophy, physics, psychology, robotics, technology, theater, and sociology, among others.

A wide variety of research programs are offered both on- and off-campus throughout the academic year and during the summer. Apply for these opportunities early in the semester. Some research opportunities are paid, while others are on a volunteer basis.

Graduate Studies

What do you want to do after graduation? As a result of your career goals or your studies here at City Tech, you may want to consider pursuing an advanced degree, even if you take some time between getting your Bachelor’s degree and applying to study and learn more.

If you’re interested in further study, speak to your academic advisor or a professor in the field you’re interested in as early as possible in your undergraduate career. Ask about how they became involved in their field, and about courses you can take and activities you can participate in to best prepare yourself for further study. The Honors Scholars program sponsors a Graduate School Event each spring. Plan to attend!