Student Academic Support Services

Academic Advising Philosophy

Upon entering York College, every matriculated student is assigned an academic advisor who, through experience, professional background and example, is qualified to assist the student in planning the coursework of the program of study, in developing strategies for academic success, and in providing guidance and information in preparation for the student’s career and life goals.  At York College, this process is guided by the Academic Advising Center. Faculty members serve as advisors for students who have declared a major within their programs of study. Professional advisors advise students who enter the college as pre-nursing or who are exploring majors or who are undeclared. 

While academic advisors assist students in their academic planning, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to meet the academic requirements for graduation. Students are expected to meet regularly with their advisor to discuss the development and implementation of a plan of short- and long-term academic goals. The final responsibility in meeting graduation requirements rests with the student.

Undeclared Student Advising

Though many students declare a major program of study upon admission to York College, some students who are interested in a competitive major, have not decided on a major, or are unsure of a specific major, may declare “undeclared” and then declare another major at a later point in time. The undeclared student will work closely with an assigned academic advisor in the Student Success Division to discuss interests and goals, explore appropriate resources, and ultimately identify the major that is the right fit. Undeclared students will also be assigned a peer advisor, an upperclassman who will provide support in the transition to college and aid in the exploration of majors.

Pre-Medical/Pre-Professional Advising

For students seeking a career in medicine, dentistry, optometry, or other health professions, the Department of  Biological Sciences  provides information and advising relative to program requirements and admissions procedures and standards. The department can provide assistance to students regarding MCAT and DAT exams, as well as, school information and application process. Interested students should contact the Department of Biological Sciences for more information.

Pre-Law Advising

Students seeking admission to law school following graduation and/or information and guidance regarding the LSAT or admission procedures to law school may contact the Pre-Law Advisory Committee for special support and academic assistance. Interested students should contact the Career Development Center for referral to a member of the Committee.

Declaring a Constellation

Students ready to declare their chosen Constellation should complete a Change in Student Record Form from the Academic Advising Center. College policy requires a student to declare a constellation by the completion of 60 credits. The student must complete four courses (12 credits) within the declared constellation, which represent a minimum of three disciplines.

Declaring or Changing a Major

College policy requires a student to declare a major by the time they have earned 60 credit hours. If there is a delay in declaring a major or there is a change in major, the time needed to complete degree requirements may be extended. To declare or change a major, a student should contact the Academic Advising Center to complete a Change in Student Record Form and an academic advisor will be assigned for the new major. The student must follow all degree requirements in the major as stated in the college catalog active during the semester they have matriculated to the College.

Declaring a Minor or Double Major

A student interested in pursuing a minor or a double major should contact the Academic Advising Center and complete a Change in Student Record Form. While the student declaring a second major continues to work closely with the academic advisor in the primary major field of study for careful academic planning, it is also important to meet with an academic advisor in the second major to make certain that all degree requirements are fulfilled in the additional major or minor.

Academic Support Center

The Academic Support Center (ASC) is a student-focused space providing free academic support programming to all York College undergraduates.  We help students reach their educational goals through tutoring services, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction.

In the ASC students may schedule one-on-one appointments and/or attend review sessions with a math tutor.  Students may also consult with our Academic Coaches, learning about strategies they can use to successfully complete their coursework. Peer tutors, recommended by professors of select courses, meet with students daily to explain concepts and enrich student learning.  In addition, first-year Chemistry and Biology students may attend supplemental, out-of-class workshops,  hosted by our STEM Professional.

The ASC is open weekdays and evenings when classes are in session. An appointment system, and a listing of drop-in hours and  contacts of available tutors are accessible online.  The ASC is located in the Humanities Center, room 01.

Student Accessibility Services

York College and Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is dedicated to providing an inclusive campus environment and a quality learning experience that is equally accessible to students with disabilities.  The College will not discriminate against any qualified student with a disability and will provide appropriate accommodations and support services to help students meet their academic potential.

Students are encouraged not to take the “wait and see” approach when it comes to establishing academic accommodations.  Students can request accommodations by completing and submitting the SAS online application, along with their disability documentation.  The application, documentation requirements, and additional information can be found at www.ycp.edu/sas.  The student will then be invited to meet with an SAS staff person to discuss appropriate accommodations and plan a strategy for academic success.

Writing Center

The Writing Center (WC) offers support for students working on writing for any class, or for personal or professional purposes. Appointments are available with peer or professional tutors, both in-person or online.  The WC’s Drop-Off Essay Review service allow students to upload a copy of an assignment and receive feedback from a tutor to help them revise.  Students can get help at any stage of the process; from brainstorming and organizing or developing their writing, to editing and proofreading their work or addressing instructor feedback.  Students can work with tutors on all types of composition from traditional papers, to presentations, to multi modal projects like research posters or websites.   In addition, the WC offers workshops, both for all students and for specific classes, on topics such as; citation, developing an effective writing process, and peer review. 

The Writing Center has in-person and Zoom appointments available during weekdays and evenings and Drop-Off Essay review appointments are available seven days a week.

Library and Technology Services

Library and Technology Services provides state-of-the-art information systems and library resources to students, faculty, and staff.  All members of the York College community are assigned a network account that provides access to the MyYCP portal, YCP Gmail and Google Apps, printing, file storage, and networked programs. General purpose computer labs, specialty labs, and smart classrooms that use projection systems and multimedia equipment complement the learning process.  All residence halls include cable TV ,as well as, full wireless Internet access for personal devices.  Library resources and services include journal databases, books, ebooks, and DVDs, research assistance, interlibrary loan, media production, as well as group study rooms, quiet study areas, and computer access.

Career Development Center

The Center assists students with career exploration and development through individual appointments, workshops, services, resources, and special events as well as a comprehensive web based career management system (Spartan Career Path) and website. The Center guides students through the process of selecting a major, identifying and securing an internship, developing resumes, refining interviewing skills, and locating full-time employment opportunities. Exposure to employers for career exploration, networking and professional development is emphasized through a variety of events.  The Career Development Center also provides information and support for students considering and navigating the graduate and law school application process.

Using the Center’s program, Plan To Succeed, students are asked to personalize their own academic and career plans during their York College experience. Students are encouraged to Engage, Explore, Experience, and Emerge as professionals in their chosen field or discipline as they develop career readiness competencies for post graduation success. We encourage skill development including self-assessment, job search skills, and preparation for life after college, which students will use throughout their lives. All of the services, resources, and events available through the Career Development Center are designed to empower students to be active participants in their own academic, career and professional development and life planning.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Matriculated students at York College are encouraged to explore the opportunities for academic study in another country as part of their degree program through short-term, summer, semester, or full year study abroad programs.  With hundreds of programs to select from, students are able to participate in a study abroad experience that meets their specific academic and personal goals.  The College has affiliation agreements with specific institutions and providers.  These partnerships are made with a commitment to the study abroad experience and in many cases, offer pre-approved semesters abroad for certain majors.  These institutions and providers include:

• Kufstein University in Kufstein, Austria
• CPI Spanish Immersion School in Monteverde, Costa Rica
• York St. John University in York, England
• Sacred Heart University in Dingle, Ireland
• Nouvo Accademia di Belle Arti in Milan, Italy
• Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan
• Universidad Del Sagrado Corazon in San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA) in Argentina, Australia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hungary,  Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, South Africa and Spain
• Academic Programs International (API) in Argentina, Australia, Bhutan, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, England, France, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, and U.A.E
• SAI programs in France, Italy and Spain

Students are not limited to affiliated programs and are encouraged to identify study abroad opportunities that best meet their individual goals.  In addition to the affiliation agreements and traditional study abroad opportunities, York College has several faculty-led, short term study abroad programs ranging from 10 days to 3 weeks.These courses cover a variety of multidisciplinary topics that fall within the Generation Next Constellations.  For more information about these York College courses and other study abroad options, contact the Study Abroad Center.

Students must work with their academic advisor and the Registrar’s Office to determine the details of how courses taken abroad will transfer back to a student’s York College program of study.  All students studying abroad must complete an Off-Campus Study Approval Form and pay a $100 study abroad fee before going abroad.  Students are able to utilize appropriate State and Federal Financial Aid.  Regular information sessions and events are held by the Study Abroad Center to assist students in exploring and identifying appropriate study abroad opportunities.

Service Learning

York College is committed to providing service learning opportunities that will allow students to contribute to the community while obtaining valuable experience and enhanced employment credentials. Volunteer programs at York reflect that students can obtain valuable life experience through service learning and that employers frequently seek graduates who have been constructively involved in their community. Service learning opportunities are available in a variety of organizations and can be selected based on a student’s major or area of academic interest. Students interested in participating in service learning should contact the Center for Community Engagement or the Student Activities Office.