NYC Gazette

The City University of New York (CUNY) has introduced the CUNY Counselor Portal, a new online platform designed to provide high school counselors with real-time updates on student applications. This free tool, launched last spring, has already been adopted by over 600 high schools both within New York City and across the nation. The current application season marks the first full use of the portal, which includes features like application fee waiver requests and updates on students' applications for the state's Tuition Assistance Plan.

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez stated, “As part of the ‘CUNY Lifting New York’ strategic plan we pledged to transform the University to become more student-centered, and our new, streamlined Counselor Portal is an example of this promise in action.” He emphasized the university's dedication to supporting high school guidance counselors in helping students navigate college applications effectively.

The portal provides tools for counselors to monitor a student's application status and identify any missing documents or payments. Previously, CUNY provided monthly email updates that were often outdated. Now, counselors can communicate directly with both students and CUNY’s Admissions Office through this platform.

At Bronx Center for Science & Mathematics, where a significant number of students enroll at CUNY institutions annually, the portal has proven beneficial. Judy Henriquez, director of postsecondary counseling at the school, reported a rise from an 86% completion rate last year to 100% this year for seniors applying to at least one CUNY college. She remarked on its effectiveness: “It’s a really great tool and I am so happy it came around because it definitely helped us get the students to apply.”

The portal also aids in quickly addressing potential issues that could affect student success. Henriquez noted incidents where students applied for incorrect semesters or only chose one school that may not match their qualifications. The portal allows these errors to be promptly corrected.

Salsabila Lamisa, advising fellow at Science Skills Center High School in Brooklyn, highlighted how beneficial the portal is for assisting English Language Learners and recent immigrants by providing quick access to complete their applications efficiently.

CUNY stands as America's largest urban public university and plays a vital role in promoting social mobility within New York City. Founded in 1847 as a pioneering free public higher education institution, CUNY now encompasses numerous colleges across NYC's boroughs serving over 240,000 students each year. Its mission remains focused on delivering quality education regardless of background or financial means.