CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK-QUEENS

♠ Posted by Anju Satyal in College and University at 6:06 AM

CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK-QUEENS

Overview

CUNY Queens College in Flushing, New York-often referred to as the jewel of the CUNY system-offers the culture and excitement of an urban area, and the tranquil beauty of a more rustic setting.  As a commuter school, students can enjoy oh the fast-paced life of new your City and the 77 acres of open space that is the main campus.

            CUNY Queens College not only provides a diverse setting; it is also full of diverse people.  Flushing, Queens is one of the most ethnically diverse places in the country, drawing from a local Asian, Jewish, Greek, and Italian culture.  The students population itself is incredibly, varied comprised of young people from around the world.

            While affordable, CUNY Queens is by no means lacking in quality facilities.  The college boasts a traditional quad, plus up-to-date computer and science buildings.  The Kupferberg Center for the Visual and Performing Arts provides a space for the Music, Art, Dram, and Media studies programs.  In 2009, a new residential hall, the Summit, was built to welcome students to on-campus living.

Academics

Graduation requirements include core course in writing, mathematics, abstract and quantitative reasoning, foreign language, and general education.  These general education requirements fall into two categories.  The first is Core Areas of Knowledge and Inquiry, a study program that includes courses in reading literature, appreciating and participating in the arts, cultures and values, analyzing social structures and natural science.  The second facet of the general education requirement is Global Contexts.  This includes courses on the United States, European traditions, world cultures, and pre-industrial society.  Students must also fulfill requirements for a major.

            There are 121 majors offered, with standout programs in economics and psychology.  Students report that the degree of academic rigor of course can vary, largely depending on the dedication of the professors.  “Some are really into teaching, and others are less enthusiastic, “says a student.  It can also be difficult to get into all of the classes one wants to take. “Registration can be frustrating, “remarks a student.

            In some areas, CUNY Queens does not provide a program for certain fields of study, but does, however, offer preparation studies.  For example, CUNY Queens does not offer an engineering program, but provides the specialized course for first and second year engineering, preparing students should they choose to switch to an engineering program in their third or fourth semester.

            Seven of the colleges in the CUNY system participate in the smaller Macaulay Honors College, which offers full tuition for four years of study, a laptop, and a grant of up to $7,500 to be used for global research, service, and internships.  In addition to the obvious financial benefits of such a program, the Macaulay Honors Program provides its members with four seminars focused on New York City, advising, and networking opportunities.  “Being accepted into the Macaulay Program is like attending a private college for free,” says a participant.

Student life

Queens College has over 90 studetn organizations which offer a range of interests , from serious to recreational.  Studetns interested in communication might find an oulet in the WMC radio station, which has been broadcasting since the 1960s.  Others might seek out the International Studetns Club, which hosts triops, cultureal events, and panel discussions for internatinal undrgraduates.  There is also a new york Public Interest Research Group chapter that promotes issues such as voter registration, higher education funding, and envirnmental protection

            Because the great majority of studetns commute to CUNY Queens, the social scene isn’t as active as at residential schools.  “We are focused on learning.  The social aspects are secondary, “ remarks a student.  One popular pastime, however, is to watch performances at the Kupferberg Center for the Visual  and Performing Arts.  There are seven Green organizations, including the Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the oldest Latino Greek Letter club.  Only about 1 percent of men and women choose to join fraternities or sorotities. “To be honest, I didn’t even know we had fraternities nd sororities,” notes a student.

            CUNY Queens College has 20 Division II athletic teams, distinguishin it from the other colleges in the CUNY system.  CUNY Queens does not have a football team, and studertnts report that school spirit is “almost non-existent.”  The college does have intramural sports, and there are a few student organizations devoted to atheletics, such as the soccer club.

            CUNY Queens College is connected to the New York City subway system and the Long Island Railroad, so travel to Manhattan or oute city areas is easy “There’s something to do in the city at all hours of the day and night, every day of the week,” says one student.  The Queens Museum of At and Shea Stadium, where the New York Mets play, are also in the vicinity.

            The college is only able to house about 500 students on campus in the new residential facility, the Summit.  This architectural structure built in 2009 is modern and conforms to the city’s energy efficiency standerds. “Living on camus makes it feel more like a tycal college experience, and the students who live in the Summit are a tight-knit group,” says a student.  Most students, however, commune to CUNY Queens