Scholarship Programs

Computer and Mathematics Scholar Support Coalition (CMSSC):

(Stipend of $3,125 per year for each participating student) The Computer and Mathematics Scholar Support Coalition is funded by the National Science Foundation with the goal of providing a community learning group to encourage retention and graduation for students majoring in mathematics, information systems management, or computer science. The activities organized for the Scholars include an annual open house, monthly lunch meetings of scholars, Mathematics and CS faculty, and partners in high technology fields, guest speakers, personalized counseling, an annual scholars' reception and other activities designed to promote exposure to the high technology careers as well as building strong goals among the Scholars. Each Scholar will receive a stipend of $3,125 per year. Any student meeting the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

• Enrolled as a major in Mathematics, Information Systems Management or Computer Science. (Incoming freshmen through seniors are all allowed to apply.)
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the "major" courses and 2.5 G.P.A. overall for on going or transfer students.
• Demonstrated academic potential for incoming freshmen.
• Status as an American citizen, national, refugee alien, or permanent resident at the time of application.
• Demonstrated financial need by filing for financial aid.

Applications and information are available in Room 2C07, or online at: www.york.cuny.edu/cmssc. Questions may be directed to the Department of Mathematics and Computer Studies.

Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology (LSAMP):

(Stipend ranges from $1,000-$5,000 over 2 semesters; $3,500 over the summer)

Funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation in collaboration with CUNY. The goal is to increase the number of underrepresented minority students with undergraduate degrees in a scientific discipline, while fostering scientific inquiry, and interest in study at the graduate level. Since 1992, the Alliance has been uniting the SMET community of CUNY in a common purpose: dramatically increase the number of minority students who earn bachelor’s degrees in SMET discipline.

Student Benefits:

$1,000-$5,000 over 2 semesters (awarded as a personal check twice a semester)

$3,500 over the summer

Paid travel/hotel for AMP affiliated conferences

Student Requirements:

• Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher with F/T status.
• Major in a Science/Applied Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology disciplines.
• Underrepresented minority: American Indian, Black, Filipino, Hawaiian, Latino, and Native-Alaskan.
• US Citizen/Permanent Resident.

For applications and information please contact the Math Department, Room 2C07b, 718-262-2542

For further information visit our web Site at nyc-amp.cuny.edu

Teacher Academy

The Teacher Academy at York College is a four-year program for secondary math and science education majors. Students are offered an intellectually stimulating environment where they can master professional strategies and skills they need to become exemplary teachers in mathematics, biology, chemistry or earth science. Building on forty years of excellence in teaching and research, York College offers students the opportunity to study with renowned educators and researchers in intimate seminar classes in a nationally accredited setting. Participants receive an award covering full tuition and fees; an internship paying up to $1,600 each year; and opportunities to conduct research in math or science with CUNY faculty.

Teacher Academy students will be eligible for a full-time teaching position within the New York City Department of Education upon the successful completion of the Teacher Academy program including course work, field work, and pre-employment screening. For more information please contact the Teacher Academy Office at 718-262-3780.

Honors and Awards

1. The Dean's List will be established as follows:

a. Criteria:

i.                  Cum Laude, 3.5 - 3.69

ii.                Magna cum laude, 3.7 - 3.84

iii.               Summa cum laude, 3.85 - 4.0

b. Full-time status is defined as 12 graded credits per academic semester.

c. Bone fide part-time status is defined as 12 graded credits in an academic year (September to May).

d. Computation of Dean's List nominees will be based on:

i.       The grades of A+ through F

ii.      NC, R, WU and INC are calculated as F grades for Dean's  List

iii.     Administrative grades of PEN, W, WA, *WN, and Z are excluded from calculations, and

iv.     Eligibility will be calculated when all grades have been processed by the Office of the Registrar.

2. Graduation Honors will be established as follows:

a. Criteria

i.    Cum Laude, 3.5 - 3.69

ii.    Magna cum laude, 3.7 - 3.84

iii.   Summa cum laude, 3.85 - 4.0

b. Meet the College's residency requirement of 56 credits

c. Computation of Graduation Honors will be based on:

i.   The grades of A+ through F

ii.   NC, R, WU and INC are calculated as F grades for Dean's List

iv.  Administrative grades of PEN, W, WA, *WN, and Z are excluded from calculations, and

iv.    Eligibility will be calculated when all grades have been processed by the Office of the Registrar.

3. The Graduation Honor of "Presidential Honors" is to be established to:

i.    Recognize students earning an overall GPA of 4.0, and

ii.   Having completed all course work at York College.

The revised Dean's List and Graduation Honors and the proposed Presidential Honors be effective Fall 2011.

Honor Societies

Liberal Arts Honor Society of York College: The purpose of this organization is to recognize students for academic excellence and broad intellectual interests and integrity and to encourage scholarly pursuits.

Every spring the Society elects to membership from the graduating class, and in exceptional cases from the junior class, those students who excel in the above respects.

Phi Alpha Theta, International History Honor Society

Psi Chi, National Psychology Honor Society

Sigma Delta Pi, National Spanish Honor Society

Kappa Delta Pi, National Honor Society in Education 39

York College Honors Program

The York College Honors Program provides the opportunity to learn and grow within a small community of students who share a love of learning and strong academic skills. The program will prepare students for graduate study and exciting professional careers through research experience and individualized attention from faculty members.

The interaction of students and faculty within the program will enrich the college experience and help guide students throughout their college career.

Benefits of Program Membership

Honors students are eligible for a number of scholarships at York College, as well as generous fellowship programs funded by federal grants. Honors courses will be designated with an ‘H’ on the student’s transcript. Successful completion of the Honors Program will be noted on the student’s diploma and final transcript, and Honors students will be recognized at a special awards ceremony and at commencement.

Students in the program will receive other special benefits on campus, such as early registration so that they can choose courses that best fit their schedules. Most important, Honors students will receive the individualized attention of their faculty mentor, as well as the support of the other students within the Honors program community.

Each Honors student will work closely with a faculty mentor in his or her area of interest. This mentor will guide the student through college, developing an individualized academic program and helping the student prepare for graduate study and professional success. Honors students will participate in small interdisciplinary honors seminars on topics of timely interest and attend special programs with visiting scholars.

Students will develop independent honors projects within their major subject. In the senior year, they will compete an independent study project and honors thesis under the guidance of their faculty mentor. Honors students will attend cultural and performing arts programs as a group each semester to make the most of our rich and culturally exciting city.

Criteria for Admission to the Honors Program

Students can apply to the Honors Program as incoming first year students, or prior to the Sophomore and Junior years. Students must spend at least 2 years in the program. Honors students must be attending college full time. To be considered for the program, students must meet the following criteria:

High School Students:

▪ 85% average or higher (official transcript required);

▪ academic course of study, including science and math courses;

▪ complete application with essay;

▪ two letters of recommendation.

Current York Students/Transfer Students (12-72 credits on entering

the program):

▪ 3.5* GPA average or higher (official transcript required);

▪ Complete application with essay;

▪ two letters of recommendation (must include college faculty).

For more information about the Honors Program, please contact the Honors Program Director, York College, 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11451.

*Effective Fall 2011

Certificates and Awards

The following are just a few departmental awards given annually at the College's Honors Program.

African American Association Award: For distinction in student development and leadership. Sponsored by the York College African-American Association.

Biology Honors Program Certificate

Simon Bolivar Award: For scholarship and service to the Latino Community. Given by the Latino Faculty Caucus.

English Honors Program Certificate

Political Science Special Award: To the outstanding senior majoring in Political Science who shows the greatest potential for scholarship in the field of Political Science.

Psychology Special Award: To the outstanding senior majoring in Psychology who shows the greatest potential for scholarship in the field of Psychology.

SEEK Award for Outstanding Achievement

Sigma Xi Award: For distinctive aptitude, academic achievement, and maturity. To a graduating senior who majors in mathematics, philosophy, psychology or one of the natural science disciplines. Sponsored by the York College Sigma Xi Club.

Social Work Honors Certificate

Student Development Award: For excellence in college service.

McNair Scholars Program:

(Stipend up to $2,400 per year for each participating student)

The McNair Scholars Program, whose ultimate goal is to effectively prepare its participating students for doctoral study and future careers in research and college teaching, will provide each student with faculty mentoring, research opportunities and scholarly activities, GRE preparation, assistance in securing admission to graduate programs, and other academic and networking activities. Each McNair Scholar can receive a stipend of up to $2,400 per year. Any student meeting the following eligibility criteria is encouraged to apply for the McNair Program:

• enrolled in a degree program;
• maintains a minimum GPA of 3.0;
• completed 28-80 credits;
• has a strong interest in graduate study;
• is an American citizen or permanent resident or in other eligible legal status;
• is a low-income and first-generation college student OR, a member of a group under-represented in graduate education, i.e., Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians or Alaskan Natives, as defined by Federal guidelines.

Interested students should contact either Mr. Patrick Gao at 262-2423, AC-3E03, or Dr. Lynne Richards at 262-2661, AC-3F01. Referrals from faculty, staff and students regarding potential McNair scholars are welcome.