Students - LaGuardia Community College - CUNY

March 2010
Student
NEWS
April 15th Deadline to
File Your 2010-11 FAFSA
Deadline April 15th – New & Continuing
Students, file for financial aid now!
Be sure to Re-apply. File Your 2010-2011
FAFSA.
You must re-apply for financial aid every
academic year. The Department of Education
sent an email or letter in January reminding
you to use your FAFSA PIN# to re-apply for
federal student aid by completing a new
FAFSA On the web application. When you
re-apply, you will be given the option to have
your FAFSA partially completed for you using
Take Responsibility
information that has been carried over from
last year’s application.
The Office of Student Financial Services
encourages all students to use the Internet
to file, re-apply or make corrections on their
FAFSA as it guarantees speed as well as
greater accuracy. Our Resource Center in
C-109 is available for you to reapply. If you
wish to obtain a PIN number to access and
sign your FAFSA on the Web application, go
to www.pin.ed.gov.
For Your Academic Life
DOLLARS & SENSE, continued p. 6
LaGuardia Student Profile:
Meet Cesar Estela
Cesar Estela knows
what he wants in life
and is always striving to
achieve it. A Commercial
Photography major with
a full time job and
honors status, he plans
on earning a masters to
become a photography
teacher. Although he has it all figured out, it
wasn’t easy.
Cesar arrived from Peru at the age of eight.
At Flushing High School he discovered a
passion for photography. “It’s pretty much
what helped me through my adolescence
because I had a lot of problems within my
family,” he says. A teacher suggested Cesar
look into attending LaGuardia for its
photography program.
STUDENT PROFILE, continued p. 2
First, the staff of Academic Support
Services wants to welcome our entering class
to La Guardia Community College. We are
ecstatic that you have chosen us to be a part of
your educational journey. We also want to
extend a warm welcome to our returning
students!
This article is written as the Spring 2010
semester is about to begin and while the
academic advisors are in the midst of another
advisement period. For the advising staff,
this time of year conjures images of extended
office hours and multiple meetings with
frazzled advisees, some of whom are illprepared
and eventually become overwhelmed.
So for a more mutually fulfilling and
beneficial experience it is of vital importance
that students take more responsibility for their
academic life.
RESPONSIBILITY, continued p. 4
Student News Editorial Policy
The Student News is a college publication for the benefit of
the student body. All articles accepted for publication are
reviewed and edited as needed for style and length. The
Division of Enrollment Management and Student Development
and the Office of Marketing and Communications
produce the Student News collaboratively.
Inside Student News...
How Has LaG
Changed Your
Life?
Spring
Club Fair
is Coming!
Free
Income Tax
Help!
Become
a paid
Poll Worker!
page 2
page 4
page 3
page 8

From the Office of Enrollment Management & Student Development
Spring Forward, Don’t Fall Back!
Michael Baston,
Associate Dean
“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”
-- Helen Keller
I want to take this opportunity to welcome
you to the LaGuardia community those who
are new to campus for the spring semester
and welcome back those of you who are
returning. Every new semester offers an
opportunity to engage with new professors, to
confront and challenge new ideas and
perspectives, set goals, prioritize and chart the
course for a successful academic experience.
Where you go from here however, is largely
determined by your ability to have a vision of
the reality you wish to see materialize. That
means planning.
There are things that you can do to make
a positive impact right now, but you have to
make the right START.
How To START Achieving Success
S – Select A Study Space
Find a study space both at home and in
school so that you can do your work in peace.
T – Task List
Create a list of tasks that you must
accomplish in that day. Place a check mark
next to each task accomplished. You will then
be able to track your progress.
A – Attend Class
While most students’ lives are very complex,
there should be rare instances when you miss
class. If you miss a class for any reason, be
sure to get the notes from a reliable student.
Also address your absence with your
professor and ask if the notes you’ve received
accurately and adequately represent the
materials covered in the missed class.
R – Re-read And Review Your Class Notes
By rereading and reviewing your class
notes, you will be able to identify concepts
that you don’t understand and that you
need clarification on, as well as reinforce
the concepts that you do you understand.
T – Talk To Instructors Or Tutors
If there are difficulties that you have in
understanding the material or problems
that you are having in class, don’t hold them
inside of you. You must tell the instructor or
visit the academic resources on campus to
get the tutoring help that you need.
Best wishes for a great semester and
remember you can do it, but only if you
plan your work and work your plan!
If you have a suggestion or need some guidance
please email AskDeanB@lagcc.cuny.edu
Upcoming -
Meet Dean Michael Baston and share your ideas, suggestions and
concerns to improve the student experience at LaGuardia.
How Has LaGuardia
Changed Your Life?
Table Talk Sessions will be coming in April. Check your
LIVE@ LaGuardia student email for details.
In April, LaGuardia will launch the “How
LaGuardia Community College Changed My
Life” essay contest, open to all LaGuardia
students. Has changed your life? Tell us how
in a 300-500 word essay and you could win a
cash prize!
First prize: $500
Second prize: $300
Third prize: $200
Deadline for submission of entries is May 3.
The essay committee expects to award prizes
to the finalists during Opening Sessions for
New Students on Wednesday, September 9,
2010. Look for information on how and where
to submit your essay in the April issue of
Student News.
Student Profile from p. 1
He jumped right in to Commercial
Photography at LaGuardia in 2004. In the
photo lab he was immersed in a creative
atmosphere that solidified his goal to be a
photographer. “I love the photography
department. They are so helpful with anything
I need to know about photography.
In the photo lab, I feel like I’m home.”
His ePortfolio class helped him identify
his ideal career. An ePortfolio is an electronic
collection of students’ academic work
presented as websites. Cesar designed a
visually stunning ePortfolio, which was part
of LaGuardia’s December 2009 showcase.
“EPortfolio is not just a resume, it’s not just
one piece of paper telling where you worked
or what job you had in the past. It tells a
person who you are.”
What’s next for Cesar Estela? After
graduating, he hopes to attend the School
of Visual Arts to get his bachelor’s in photography.
For now, he is enjoying his time at
LaGuardia.
2
The Division of Enrollment Management and Student Development Newsletter for Students

From Student Government
Dear Student Constituents,
On behalf of the SGA 2009-2010, welcome
back! We hope you enjoyed your break. Let me
remind you that the SGA is here to represent
the study body. As SGA leaders we have a
fiduciary duty to the students, and that may
mean sometimes stepping on a few political
toes. Remember, without conflict there can be
no growth or change, and we cannot afford for
things to stagnate. As Barack Obama so
eloquently said, “It's time for change." Real
change for students! I will keep my editorial
commentary brief this month, and so without
further adieu;
I respectfully present:
1) TUITION HIKE: On the bright side, along
with the tuition hike the Pell Grant increased
as well for the 2009-2010. Currently, the new
maximum allowable Federal Pell Grant award
for the 2009-2010 is $5,350 per year or about
$2,675.00 per semester. The minimum grant
is about $609.
2) SGA EVENTS 2010: Please be on the look
out for future SGA events, which will be posted
around campus and/or sent in an email.
3) HAITI FUNDRAISER: SGA will be sponsoring
a Haiti Fundraiser from March 15–17. See the
SGA Bulletin for further details. If you'd like to
volunteer to help SGA raise funds, please come
by the SGA office located in M159 and sign up
on the volunteer sheet.
4) SGA BULLETIN: 2009-2010. Please review
the Student Government Association bulletin
located outside of M165. We post up many
free and low cost workshops and opportunities
going on in or around campus.
5) ACADEMIC RECORD: SGA urges you to
please check your academic record on
Degreeworks to see what courses you still need
for your degree, and for other crucial academic
information. By the way, please don't forget to
register for intent to graduate when you
register for your final semester.
6) UNINSURED STUDENTS: For uninsured
students, at least once a month representatives
come by from Human Resources Administration
Department to offer free or low cost health
insurance for students usually in the E building
Atrium entrance.
7) SGA 2009-2010 URGES YOU GET INVOLVED:
SGA would like you to get involved on campus,
then make a friend, join a club, participate in
elections, or run for an elected position. Let's
show our school pride here at LaGuardia.
Until next month, keep the faith.
Best regards,
Isis Shakir
President of the Student Body (SGA 2009-2010)
646.649.7364
718.482.5298 ext. 5298
STUDENTS email:
isis.shakir@live.lagcc.cuny.edu
ADMINISTRATION/FACULTY/STAFF email:
SGA_PRES@lagcc.cuny.edu
Get your income taxes done for Free!
Free Income Tax Preparation for students
on campus in the Enrollment Services Resource
Center. Avoid the lines, do your taxes now and,
get any refund due to you ASAP!
You have until April 15 to file your federal
and state taxes and renew your financial aid
application for next year (Fall 2010 to Spring
2011).
This free service is available to all LaGuardia
students as well as individuals claiming a
LaGuardia student as a dependent.
Now thru April 15th
Monday - Thursday 10AM - 6PM
When you come in you must bring:
• Photo ID
• Social Security Card (including
dependents’)
• All W2's
• Additional IRS forms (i.e. 1098T)
Interested in the
Honors Program?
Want to know more about
the Honors Program?
Go to www.lagcc.cuny.edu/honors
or the Honors Program LaGuardia
Facebook Page.
For information about
Phi Theta Kappa, go to:
http://studev.laguardia.edu/ptk/.
You can also read more about
current Phi Theta Kappa events
on the Honors Blog:
http://ptkbarbaricyawp.blogspot.com/
The Division of Enrollment Management and Student Development Newsletter for Students 3

Welcome from BMEC!
The Black Male Empowerment and
Cooperative Program at LaGuardia
On behalf of LaGuardia we would like to
welcome you! Congratulations on making
an investment in your future. As part of
LaGuardia’s commitment to your future, the
Black Male Empowerment and Cooperative
(BMEC) program is here to help you navigate
through your college experience. What is
BMEC? BMEC is a program that emphasizes
academic and life-success proactively
through your active engagement, personal
commitment, and responsibility. Your success
is our success.
What is in it for you?
Have you ever felt or wanted to be part of
a group of students that discuss real-life issues
in a comfortable, secure, and confidential
environment? If your answer is “YES”, then,
BMEC’s “Real Talk” sessions are for you. Some
of the topics that are discussed range from
relationships to employment, music to health,
and academics to business. Through the “Real-
Talk” discussions we aim to empower you with
knowledge, options, and strategies for you to
make informed and well thought out
decisions.
Responsibility from p. 1
As academic advisors we are here for you,
however, ultimately you must take ownership
of your education. Taking ownership requires
you to become an active participant so here
are a few tips to consider BEFORE you meet
with your advisor.
1)Come prepared for the advisement
session.
2)Make a decision about your major and
then begin to ask yourself questions
about your field of study and your
specific occupation.
3) Review your degree audit using Degree-
Works and/or the College catalogue
knowing the course descriptions, the
pre-requisites and co-requisites and the
classes you are required to take during
the various sessions either Fall or Spring I
or II. Since students are usually overwhelmed
at this time, coming prepared
expedites the process for all involved.
We care about your academic well being
and encourage you to develop a sense of
purpose and to become self-motivated. By
developing a sense of purpose, you will engage
in skills such as self-reflection, critical thinking
and decision-making which will be invaluable
skills to you now and in the years to come,
both personally and professionally.
Your academic advisor is one of your
primary resources at LaGuardia. We encourage
you to feel comfortable approaching us for
information about your majors and educational
opportunities. We want you to be
proactive in your college advisement process.
Think ahead! What would you like to discuss
with your academic advisor? Write down your
questions and bring them with you. Do your
research – review the college requirements
for your major or area of interest either in your
catalog, academic calendar or on the college
website. Follow these few simple steps, and
you will become a better advocate for yourself
and your advising experience will be more
rewarding and less stressful. So here’s to you –
take charge and assume responsibility for
your academic life and it will be one of the
best decisions you will ever make!
Have a great semester!
Need Help Finding Scholarships and
Fellowships/Job-Placement?
At some point in our lives we all have
financial and career problems, issues, and
concerns, and all we need is a little bit of help
or support. As an active participant of BMEC,
we help you seek and acquire scholarships and
fellowships around LaGuardia, CUNY, and the
United States. Based on your financial needs,
and scholarship requirements, the program’s
administrators will work with you to
strategically compile an application that may
lead to a scholarship or a paid-fellowship.
Most importantly, we want you to graduate
with your degree and become successful in
any career you desire to pursue. Whatever
we can do to help, we are here to serve you.
Our orientation will be in Room C-107 on
Wednesday, March 10th 2007.
Upcoming Events
March 10 Orientation 2:30 pm C-107
March 17 Test Taking/
Study Skills 2:30 pm C-107
March 24 Real Talk Session 2:30 pm C-107
Although targeted to Black Males, all programs
and activities of the Black Male Initiative are open to
all academically eligible students, faculty and staff,
without regard to race, gender, national origin or
other characteristic.
4
The Division of Enrollment Management and Student Development Newsletter for Students

March 2010
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1
First Official Day of Coop
Internship
2
3 4
Start of the Spring
Semester
New Student Opening
Sessions
8am - 1:30pm
E-Lobby/Atrium,
Mainstage/Little Theater,
Poolside Café
Opening Sessions for
Faculty/Staff
9am - 12pm
Mainstage Theater
5
New Student Opening
Sessions
8am - 1:30pm
E-Lobby/Atrium,
Mainstage/Little Theater,
Poolside Café
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
First Day of Weekday
Spring Classes – Session I
Welcome Week
9am - 7pm E-Lobby,
C-First Floor Lobby
Welcome Week
9am - 7pm E-Lobby,
C-First Floor Lobby
Outreach Activities
10am - 4pm, M-Lobby
Welcome Week
9am - 7pm E-Lobby,
C-First Floor Lobby
BMEC Orientation
2:30pm Rm C-107
Last Day to Add a Course
or Change a Course Section
Welcome Week
9am - 7pm E-Lobby,
C-First Floor Lobby
Welcome Week
9am - 7pm E-Lobby,
C-First Floor Lobby
75% Tuition Refund
First Day of Saturday
Spring Classes – Session I
75% Tuition Refund
100% Tuition Refund
75% Tuition Refund
75% Tuition Refund
Blood Drive
9am - 8pm Rm E242
14
First Day of Sunday
Spring Classes – Session I
75% Tuition Refund
15
16
17
75% Tuition Refund
75% Tuition Refund Outreach Activities Spring I Club Fair
Outreach Activities 50% Tuition Refund 50% Tuition Refund
10am - 4pm, M-Lobby 12pm - 4:30pm
10am - 4pm, M-Lobby
Atrium
50% Tuition Refund
50% Tuition Refund
Test Taking/Study Skills
2:30pm Rm C-107
18
19
20
50% Tuition Refund
21 22 23
24
25
26
27
50% Tuition Refund
50% Tuition Refund
GED Open House
10am - 1pm, E-242
25% Tuition Refund
BMEC - Real Talk Session
2:30pm, C-107
25% Tuition Refund
CUNY Central Office
Admissions Service
9am - 12pm, E-Lobby
25% Tuition Refund
Last day to apply for
Graduation
Last Day to apply for
Nursing, OT Assistant,
PT Assistant Candidacy
25% Tuition Refund
25% Tuition Refund
28 29 30
31
25% Tuition Refund
SPRING BREAK -
No Classes
SPRING BREAK -
No Classes
SPRING BREAK -
No Classes
SPRING BREAK -
No Classes
SPRING BREAK -
No Classes
SPRING BREAK -
No Classes
Last Day to Drop a course/
submit Independent Study
Contract/Census Day
25% Tuition Refund
Passover - Jewish
Passover - Jewish
WElCoME BACk!
The staff & management of the Cafeteria
would like to welcome everyone back.
For the first week of the Spring Semester, March 8 thru March 12
Receive $1.00 oFF any salad from the Salad Bar!
The Division of Enrollment Management and Student Development Newsletter for Students
5

Dollars & Sense
New Services at the Enrollment Services
Center, C109
STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES EXPRESS
WINDOW - Avoid waiting on line. The
Enrollment Services Center is pleased to
announce a new financial aid drop off service
located on the northeast side of the center.
This express service will allow you to submit
any financial aid document to a staff member
during peak registration. If additional
information is required we will notify you
within one week.
FREE TAX PREPARATION - LaGuardia
Community College in partnership with Single
Stop USA a national organization, will offer
free Tax Assistance (Income Limits: $18,000
for independents, $50,000 for dependents) to
students of the College and to the immediate
family members of dependent matriculated
students.
* * * *
CoMING SooN!
Financial Aid Employment Fair
March 22, 2010
Stay tuned for time and place!
* * * *
Pell Grant Amounts Increase for 2010-11
The maximum Federal Pell Grant award for
the 2010-2011 award year has been increased
to $5,550 ($2,775.00 per semester), with the
minimum award continuing to be $659
($329.50 per semester).
Book Advance Program
All Pell eligible students who submitted
their financial aid documentation by February
8th, 2010 may be eligible for a Book Advance
check provided there is a balance on record
after the deduction of tuition and fees. This
will allow you to purchase books at any
bookstore you choose. A check will be
generated and mailed to you or directly
deposited into your account. The
disbursement schedule is as follows:
Book Advance Check Disbursement Dates
March 10th for eligible students with records
processed by February 1, 2010
and
March 17th for eligible students with records
processed by February 8, 2010
Please note: A Book Advance check is an
advance against your processed Pell award.
A deduction will be made against your spring
2010 Pell check. For the spring 2010 Pell
disbursement dates please check the financial
aid website at www.lagcc.cuny.edu/financialaid.
Free Financial literacy Workshop
You are invited to participate in a Financial
Literacy Workshop. Just walk in. No
reservations required. Topics covered will
include: Financing Your Education, Budgeting,
and Protecting Your Identity. If you currently
have an outstanding balance (e.g. tuition
charges), our professionals will work with you
to provide the options and resources you need
to cover your educational expenses while you
are enrolled at LaGuardia. We will provide an
annual financial plan to ensure you complete
your degree here at LaGuardia while meeting
your financial obligations. The dates are as
follows:
MARCH 23RD 10:00AM – 11:00AM
MARCH 31ST 3:00PM – 4:00PM
Location is in the Enrollment Services
Center (C107) media room.
Financial Aid and Taxes
With tax time upon us in a few months,
we would like to remind you that the U.S.
Government considers financial aid - minus
the cost of tuition, fees and books - taxable
income. You should keep your Bursar and
Bookstore receipts as well as the check stubs
from your financial aid checks to determine
what portion is to be reported on your tax
form if you will be filing a tax return. Students
who participated in the Federal Work Study
program will soon receive their 2009 W-2
forms indicating the amount to be included
as wages for the year.
Remember that while financial aid spans
the academic year (September, 2009 –
August, 2010, for example), the tax year works
on a 12-month calendar (January 1, 2009 -
December 31, 2009). The financial aid you
received from January 1, 2009 thru December
31, 2009, should be reported on your 2009 tax
return. Financial aid received in Spring 2010,
should be reported on your 2010 tax return.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
publications # 970 provide detailed
explanations on tax benefits for education.
This publication is free and can be obtained
at the IRS website www.irs.gov.
HoPE and lifetime learning Credit, IRS
Form 1098: The Tax Relief Act of 1997
provides a non-refundable educational tax
credit for eligible taxpayers who have incurred
a qualified tuition expense for 2009.
Taxpayers must complete IRS Form 8863 to
claim the credit. The University will be mailing
Form 1098-T, which can be used, along with
Form 8863 to determine whether you qualify
for either the HOPE or the Lifetime Learning
Credit. Any questions regarding the eligibility
for these credits should be directed to your tax
advisor or the IRS. Student Financial Services
does not provide tax preparation assistance or
tax advice.
Perkins loan - Entrance Interview
All students who have been awarded a
Federal Perkins Loan for 2009-10 must take
the on-line Pre-Loan Entrance Interview
before a check can be issued. Follow these
4 simple steps:
• Log on to
www.lagcc.cuny.edu/financialaid
• Take the Entrance Interview
• Print the Confirmation page upon
completion of the Entrance Interview
Bring the Confirmation page to Mr. Stanley
Rumph in C-107 for final approval of your
Perkins Loan. We will accept only
electronically signed Promissory Notes.
Direct loan - Entrance Counseling
All students applying for a Federal Direct
Loan must complete the Department of
Education's On-line Entrance Counseling for
Borrowers’ Quiz. Just follow these 5 simple
steps:
• Log on to www.dlservicer.ed.gov
• Take the Quiz
• Print out the Rights and Responsibilities
page, and sign it
• Bring the signed Rights and
Responsibilities page, within 30 days, to
Student Financial Services (C-107), where
you will complete your loan application
• E-sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN)
at http://dlenote.ed.gov using your PIN.
If you do not have a PIN, you can request
one at www.pin.ed.gov.
Once the MPN is completed, you will receive
a Disclosure Notice from the Department of
Education approximately 10 days before the
scheduled disbursement date. The Disclosure
Notice will indicate the approved gross loan
amount(s), fees, net loan amounts, and
anticipated disbursement dates. All loans
are disbursed in at least 2 disbursements.
Attention Student Borrowers!
If you are graduating, drop below 6 credits,
or leaving LaGuardia Community College,
and you have an outstanding Perkins or
Direct Loan, federal regulations require you
to complete an Exit Counseling/Interview.
The exit counseling/interview serves to remind
you of your rights and responsibilities, and
gives you an opportunity to speak with a
financial aid counselor about any questions
that you may have regarding your loan.
DOLLARS & SENSE, continued p. 10
6
The Division of Enrollment Management and Student Development Newsletter for Students

Why (and How) to Get Better Acquainted With DegreeWorks!
Academic Support Services staff takes
seriously its commitment to your academic
success and would like to encourage you to be
proactive in your education, as well. The most
direct way that you can do this is to familiarize
yourself with the web-based advising tool
called DegreeWorks. Therefore, before the
Spring semester gets into full swing (and
while you are not inundated with
assignments!), we invite you to take a minute
to understand the workings of DegreeWorks.
DegreeWorks is an advising tool designed
to help you better understand the degree
requirements for your major. This important
advisement tool is your academic road map
that keeps you on course with your degree
requirements. For example, if you were about
to embark on a road trip from New York to
California one of the first things you would
pack is a road map/or a Global Positioning
System (GPS). Similarly, DegreeWorks
functions as the academic road map/GPS that
gives you the direction needed to stay the
course towards your degree.
Accessing, reviewing and printing your
DegreeWorks audit before visiting your
advisor will empower you to choose the
classes that best suit your interests. It is not in
your best interest to acquaint yourself with
DegreeWorks at the end of the semester
during the busy advisement period because
the advisors will not be able to devote much
time to teaching you how to access and
review DegreeWorks and you may end up
rushing to select a course that is not the most
well-suited to your educational goals. So be
proactive! Instructions are below and
workshops will be offered throughout the
semester and advertised in Student News,
so “stay tuned.”
How to access DegreeWorks:
• Go to LaGuardia’s website:
www.laguardia.edu or www.lagcc.cuny.edu
• Click on “I am a student”
• Click on “DegreeWorks” under “Programs
and Services” or “Quick Links”
• Log on to DegreeWorks and check your
user ID (your 9 digit student ID) and
password (your first 6 digit of your
student ID)
If you are unsuccessful with logging on,
kindly visit C-107 as soon as possible to reset
your password (please keep in mind that it
usually takes 24 hours to reset the password)
How to access and review YoUR degree
audit:
• Enter your Social Security number to view
your audit
• Click “Audit,” then click “View Audit”
• Confirm your name, major, and academic
standing
• Distinguish courses in progress from
credits completed to date
• Review remaining course requirements
• Choose appropriate courses for following
term (you may click on the course
numbers to read descriptions and see the
pre- and co-requisites)
• If you are expecting to graduate the
following term, register for “Intent to
Graduate” (SIMS code 6999)
Please note your registration appointment
date and do kindly register on E-SIMS on that
day (it is prudent to be advised prior to your
appointment date so your 1Y advisement stop
can be removed).
key DegreeWorks Functions and Features:
• The “Audit” function compares your
completed coursework alongside your
major requirements.
• The “What If” function allows you to
process speculative degree audits to
assess how many courses/credits would
be applied to new major.
• The “Transcript” function allows access
to your unofficial student transcript.
If you intend to change major:
• Click on “What If” button
• Select the new degree choice from the
drop-down menu
• Select/confirm appropriate catalog year
(current year)
• Select new major from “Pick a Major”
menu
• Click “Process Audit”
• Review the courses for the new
designated major and make an informed
decision
NOTE: Each course code has a hyperlink
that will link to online course description and
note pre/co-requisites
The Academy Coordinators in Room C740
and Academic Advising Coordinators in Room
C239 look forward to assisting you with this
important advising tool and wish you a
successful Spring 2009 semester.
The Division of Enrollment Management and Student Development Newsletter for Students
7

Become a College Poll Worker!
When the Fall 2010 elections roll around
next November, some 250 LaGuardia students
will not only cast their votes, they will help non-
English speakers and people with disabilities
cast theirs with new voting machines that will
be used for the first-time in New York City.
These civic-minded collegians are
participating in the LaGuardia Electoral
Assistance Program (LEAP), part of the U.S.
Election Assistance Commission’s 2009 Help
America Vote Act College Poll Worker Program.
With the support of a $75,000 grant from the
Commission, LaGuardia will recruit and train
students to serve as poll workers, with an
emphasis on assisting these special
populations. LaGuardia was the only
community college among 11 colleges and
nonprofit organizations to be awarded.
“The program promises it will have
enormous benefits for the community and
be a wonderful learning experience for our
students,” said President Gail O. Mellow.
“It will not only heighten their awareness and
engagement in the elections process, but it
will allow them to play an important role in
assisting New Yorkers who might otherwise
be prevented from voting.”
In recruiting interpreters for non-English
speaking voters, the College will draw from its
ethnically diverse population. Students who
are capable of translating a range of languages,
including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Bengali,
Hindi, Haitian Creole, Polish and Arabic will be
able to help their neighbors exercise their right
to vote. The College will work closely with the
New York City Board of Elections to ensure that
the students are assigned to poll sites where
their languages skills will be useful.
To better serve voters with disabilities,
LaGuardia will partner with the Center for
Independence of the Disabled, New York
(CIDNY), to provide in-depth training to college
poll workers on how best to assist voters with
disabilities who may encounter obstacles when
voting.
Poll workers in New York City can earn over
$400 for working the polls on Election Day. For
more information about LaGuardia’s Electoral
Assistance Program please contact the Office
of Student Life at 718-482-5149 or stop by the
office in room M115. Please also check your
LIVE@ LaGuardia student email for more
details.
Get Fit, Stay Fit,
Group Fitness Classes
Have Fun!
Monday
1:00 - 2:00 PM Total Body Blast
Tuesday
12:00 - 1:00 PM Fitness Express
1:00 - 2:00 PM Vinyasa Yoga
2:30 - 3:30 PM Hip-Hop/Jazz Dancercise
5:15 - 6:15 PM Hatha Yoga
Wednesday
1:00 - 2:00 PM Total Body Blast
2:30 - 3:30 PM Power Pilates
5:30 - 6:30 PM Japanese Swordsmanship
Thursday
12:00 - 1:00 PM Fitness Express
1:00 - 2:00 PM Vinyasa Yoga
2:30 - 3:30 PM Hip-Hop/Jazz Dancercise
5:15 - 6:15 PM Hatha Yoga
Friday
12:00 - 1:00 PM Power Pilates
Saturday
9:50 - 10:30 AM Basic Step
10:40 -11:20 AM Body Sculpt
2010 Intercollegiate Partnership (ICP) at
Barnard College for LaGuardia Community
College Students
Information Session with
Dr. Paul Hertz
Chair of Biological Studies and the director of ICP at Barnard College
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
4:00-5:30 PM • E-501
(Refreshments will be served)
! a five-week residential program at a prestigious college in
Manhattan (June 27 – July 30, 2010)
! enrollment in two credit-bearing science courses co-taught by
Barnard and LaGuardia faculty
! tutoring and other support to help you succeed in this intense
academic endeavor
! counseling and information sessions about four-year colleges and
how to transfer to them
! all expenses paid (including room and board) and a $500 stipend
upon completion of the program
Hours of operation
Sports Gym
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fitness Center
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 8:30 pm
Saturday:
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Pool - Lap Swim
Monday - Friday: 7:30 am - 9:15 am
Monday - Friday 11:45 am - 1:00 pm
Monday - Thursday 6:30pm - 9:30 pm
Saturday
2:15 pm - 3:15 pm
Sunday
2:15 pm - 3:30 pm
Pool - Open Swim
Mon - Fri
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Sat
3:15 pm - 6:00 pm
Contact LaGuardia IPC liaisons, Dr. Burl Yearwood – Science at (718)482-5755;
byearwood@lagcc.cuny.edu or Dr. Kyoko Toyama – Counseling at (718)482-5276;
kyokot@lagcc.cuny.edu for any questions.
8
The Division of Enrollment Management and Student Development Newsletter for Students

Health
Corner
Know Your Advisor
Center for Counseling, Advising
and Academic Support
Health Services Center March 2010 Events
Learn CPR Thursday, February 18, 2010 E242 3:00PM – 4:00PM
Amerigroup - Child & Family
Health Insurance Enrollment
AIDS Center of Queens County
Free HIV Testing for Everyone
Health Plus - Child & Family
Health Plus Insurance Enroll.
Steinway Child & Family
Services, Inc. CAPE Program
Metro Plus Child & Family
Health Insurance Enrollment
HIP - Insurance Enrollment
Fidelis - Child & Family
Health Plus Insurance
Affinity - Child & Family
Health Plus Insurance
Health Services Center
Outreach Activities
Affinity - Child & Family
Health Plus Insurance
Hispanic AIDS Forum
Free HIV Testing for Everyone
J-CAP - Free HIV/AIDS
testing for everyone
Mondays, Fridays
1, 5, 8, 19, 22
Wednesday, Thursday
17, 18
Mondays & Thursdays
1, 4, 8, 11, 22
Wednesdays
3, 10, 17, 24
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 16, 19, 23
Thursdays
4, 11
Mondays and Wednesdays
1,3, 8, 10,17, 22
Mondays & Wednesdays
1, 3, 8, 10, 17, 22, 24
Tuesdays & Thursdays
2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 23
Tuesdays
2, 9, 16, 23
Tuesdays
2, 9, 16, 23
Thursdays
M- Building Lobby
10:00AM – 4:00PM
Health Services Center MB40
11:30AM – 5:30PM
E- Building Lobby
4:00pM – 8:00PM
M-Building
10:00AM – 4:00PM
C- Building Lobby
10:00AM – 4:00PM
E- Atrium
10:00AM – 4:00PM
E- Building Lobby
10:00AM – 4:00PM
C- Building Lobby
10:00AM – 4:00PM
M- Building Lobby
10:00AM – 4:00PM
E- Building Lobby
10:00AM – 4:00PM
Health Services Center MB40
3:00PM – 6:00PM
Health Services Center MB40
2:00PM – 4:30PM
Please note that the Health Services Center reserves the right to change venue and or location without prior notice.
SPRING 2010 Session I Academic Calendar
Listed below are dates and deadlines that may be important for you to remember.
Monday Mar. 1 First Official Day of Coop Internship
Thursday Mar. 4 Opening Sessions for Faculty and Staff
Friday Mar. 5 Opening Sessions for New Students
Monday Mar. 8 First Day of Weekday Spring Classes – Session I
Monday Mar. 8 100% Tuition Refund
March 9 – 15
75% Tuition Refund
Thursday Mar. 11 last Day to Add a Course or Change a Course Section
Saturday Mar. 13 First Day of Saturday Spring Classes – Session I
Sunday Mar. 14 First Day of Sunday Spring Classes – Session I
March 16 – 22
50% Tuition Refund
March 23 – 29
25% Tuition Refund
Friday Mar. 26 Last Day to apply for Graduation; Last Day to apply for Nursing, Occupational Therapy
Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant Candidacy
Monday Mar. 29 *last Day to Drop a Course & you may be eligible for a tuition refund/
submit Independent Study Contract/Census Day
March 29 – April 4
Spring Break - No Classes
Advisement for all students with less than
30 credits and/or basic skills requirements is
mandatory at LaGuardia Community College.
All students are assigned advisors depending
on such things as their enrollment in special
programs and/or how many credits they have
earned. If you are not in a special program,
most likely you will have an opportunity to
work with more than one advisor while you
pursue your degree. To locate your current
advisor, simply log onto DegreeWorks at
www.laguardia.edu/DegreeWorks
Click on “View Audit”
Look at the right side of the top box
(entitled “Detailed Advice”). There, you will
see the designation “Advisor,” which shows
you the title and location of your advisor
Below is additional information for those
students who have "Academy Coordinators
(C740)" as their designated advisor:
In addition to keeping regular office hours,
we Academy Coordinators encourage students
to contact us by email and/or phone to
schedule appointments:
Ms. Sutonia Boykin,
Academy Coordinator for Business &
Technology
sboykin@lagcc.cuny.edu 718-482-5925
Ms. Naomi Ben-Yehuda
Academy Coordinator for Liberal Arts
nbenyehuda@lagcc.cuny.edu 718-482-6007
Ms. Marianne Hodge
Academy Coordinator for Health, Math &
Science
mahodge@lagcc.cuny.edu 718-482-6008
We look forward to working with you this
spring!
Watch for the
next issue of
Student News
in April!
The Division of Enrollment Management and Student Development Newsletter for Students
9

Dollars & Sense from p. 6
What will happen if you leave the college
without taking an exit counseling/interview?
• Your school records, including your
academic transcript and diploma will not be
released until you complete this requirement;
Perkins Loan Borrowers:
You must take the online Exit Interview at
www.lagcc.cuny.edu/financialaid
Direct Loan Borrowers: Take the online
Exit Counseling at: www.dlservicer.ed.gov
Don’t Default on Your Student loan
If you default on your student loan you
will face the following serious consequences:
• Your loan will be reported to national
credit bureaus and it will damage your
credit rating;
• A defaulted loan has a negative affect
when you try to purchase a home or a car;
• Legal action can be taken against you;
• Your wages can be garnished;
• Your income tax refund can be withheld;
• You may not be eligible for additional
student aid.
For information about Student Loan
Repayment options:
Federal Direct Student Loan borrowers can
visit the NSLDS website: www.dlservicer.ed.gov
Perkins Loan borrowers can visit the
Educational Computer Services, Inc. website:
www.ecsi.net
Direct Deposit Through Any Bank
Why wait for checks in the mail? With Direct
Deposit your money will be available to you
immediately! Direct Deposit of your financial
aid checks into your bank account can be
arranged by completing and submitting the
Student Financial Assistance, Direct Deposit
Request/Authorization Form which is available
at the Bursar's Window (M Building, Basement
Lobby).
Visit the Enrollment Service
Resource Center (C-109)
• File your FAFSA online & automatically
receive a PIN # from the Dept of Ed
• Link to the TAP application
• Take online loan entrance & exit interviews
• Link up with other government websites
for your financial aid questions
• Re-Authenticate your PIN for security
purposes
• Apply for a FAFSA PIN #
• Secure your PIN
• Check for Institutional Scholarships, as well
as external scholarships
• Download Direct Deposit application forms
Call (718)-482-5242 for Resource Center hours.
Financial Aid Waiver Appeals
Academic Year 2009 - 2010
Financial aid waiver appeals will only be
approved by the Waiver Appeals Committee
within the current academic year. Documents
supporting the appeal must be attached to
the appeal form for review. The dates for
supporting documentation must be within
the current academic year the appeal is being
requested. The decision of the committee is
final.
TAP and Title IV Appeals
Submission Dates
Fall 2009 No later than January 7, 2010
Spring 2010 No later than July 8, 2010
Students can only apply for a one-time
waiver for TAP.
Federal Work Study (FWS) Program
The Federal Work Study Program offers
you an opportunity to gain valuable work
experience that will enhance your skills and
future job search. Don’t let your FWS award
go to waste. Please note the following FWS
guidelines:
• FWS students must be registered for at
least 6 credits/hours per semester, be
matriculated and in good academic standing.
• All wages earned during intersession will
be subject to FICA withholding.
• FWS students are responsible for monitoring
their earnings. No student should exceed
his/her hours.
• All FWS time sheets must be forwarded
to the Office of Student Financial Services in
C-316 by the due date.
• Students awarded FWS should contact
Student Financial Services to sign up for a FWS
Orientation/Placement Workshop to be placed
on a work assignment.
Student Financial Services &
Resource Center Hours
Monday 9:00am - 7:00pm
Tuesday 9:00am - 7:00pm
Wednesday 9:00am - 7:00pm
Thursday 9:00am - 7:00pm
Friday
CLOSED
Early Alert!
Helping to Keep You on Track!
Welcome to the Spring 2010 semester!
The staff and faculty are excited about the
approaching academic session. Your academic
success is important to us as we know it is
important to you.
Question: Would you like to be notified by
the College if your professor thought you were
having difficulty in your class? If so, would you
like to be helped?
If the answers to any of these questions
are YES, then Early Alert is here to help you.
Early Alert provides you with feedback on
your academic progress in your current classes
based on direct feedback from your instructors.
Early Alert serves as an opportunity for
you to make smart decisions on your current
semester’s course work. Early Alert is used to
facilitate your satisfactory academic progress
and career goals while helping you to explore
the options and support needed to achieve
your academic success. Ask your professor if
you were selected to participate in the Early
Alert Program.
For more information, contact John
Baker at (718) 482-5919 or Terik Tidwell
at (718) 482-5175.
$1,000 to Start
Your Design Business!
Are you a designer creating jewelry, clothes,
furniture, graphics, websites, spaces, crafts,
lighting?
Join the CapitalOne Bank Business Plan
Competition
In the CapitalOne Student Design Center,
you will have access to a professional design
studio, free Internet, copier, telephone and
fax service.
Participate in workshops that will help you
start to grow your business. Have access to
LaGuardia Small Business Development
Center advisors, CapitalOne Bank mentors,
and design professionals that will help you
develop a business plan.
NY Designs is located in the C-Building,
7th Floor. Office hours 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Applications due on March 22.
For applications and information contact:
Steve Ramirez, 718-663-8406 or e-mail:
steve@nydesigns.org
10
The Division of Enrollment Management and Student Development Newsletter for Students

FREE Seminars - Spring 2010
Sponsored by the First Year Academies and the Center for Counseling, Advising & Academic Support
Improved Note Taking Strategies: How can
you take better quality notes in class? There is
an art and science to this! Learn techniques to
becoming a better note-taker because better
notes mean higher grades on tests!
Friday, March 19, 10:00-11:00
Sutonia Boykin, MB10
Thursday, March 25, 10:30-11:30
Marianne Hodge, MB10
Monday, April 5, 4:00-5:30
Sutonia Boykin, MB10
learning Styles & Study Skills: Did you know
that everyone has a learning style? What’s
yours? If you are having difficulties in
developing good study habits, this workshop is
for you! Learn the techniques behind effective
study skills, tailored to your learning style.
Monday, March 15, 10:30-11:30
Naomi Ben-Yehuda, MB10
Thursday, March 18, 9:15-10:15
Naomi Ben-Yehuda, MB10
Wednesday, March 24, 5:00-6:00
Robert Booras, MB10
Tuesday, April 6, 10:30-11:30
Marianne Hodge, MB10
Time Management: Do you wonder why you
always feel rushed to finish your term papers?
Have you not found time to do all your
homework before class starts? Is your sleep
schedule totally out of whack? Learn how to
budget your time and use it more effectively,
whatever your class load or crazy life schedule
may be.
Wednesday, March 17, 2:15-3:15
Naomi Ben-Yehuda, MB10
Monday, March 22, 4:35-5:35
Carole Julien, MB10
Tuesday, March 23, 10:00-11:00
Carole Julien, MB10
Tuesday, March 23, 11:45-12:45
Marianne Hodge, MB10
Time Management Skills in 30 minutes or
less! Geared for evening students, everyone
will walk away with helpful hints. For those
who don’t have class at 5:45, there can be an
extra 15 minutes for questions.
Thursday, March 18, 5:15-5:45
Naomi Ben-Yehuda, MB10
options in Health Care/Plan B: If you’re just
starting out in one of the Allied Health majors,
are you sure you’ve explored all your options?
There are many more careers for those who
want to help others or work in healthcare than
you may think. Come hear about possible
futures that could be yours!
Tuesday, April 6, 4:35-5:35
Carole Julien, C-225a
DegreeWorks Trainings (by advisors): Learn
to use LaGuardia’s degree audit and academic
tracking system! It allows you to view your
progress and make plans for the future.
Tuesday, March 16, 4:00-5:00
Alex Abramov, E-230
Monday, March 22, 12:00-1:00
Alex Abramov, E-140
DegreeWorks Trainings (by peers): Peer
mentors will conduct one-on-one and smallgroup
trainings on DegreeWorks, a degree
audit and academic tracking system that allows
you to view your progress and make plans for
the future. These workshops are timed so that
you’ll get a head start on planning your next
semester’s coursework.
Wednesday, April 28, 10:00-6:00, E-atrium
Monday, May 10, 10:00-6:00, E-atrium
Tuesday, May 11, 10:00-6:00, E-atrium
Wednesday, May 12, 10:00-6:00, E-lobby
Thursday, May 13, 10:00-6:00, E-atrium
Monday, May 17, 10:00-6:00, E-atrium
“Intent to Graduate”: Don’t miss your train!
If you have more than 30 credits & would like to
review how to apply for graduation (everyone
must apply!) please attend the following
workshop. If you’re planning to graduate after
this semester (either session I or II), you should
attend before March 26 (which is the last day
to apply for graduation).
Wednesday, March 17, 5:30-6:30
Robert Booras, C-225a
Monday, March 22, 10:30-11:30
Robert Booras, MB-10
Wednesday, March 24, 10:30-11:30
Robert Booras, MB-10
Wednesday, March 24, 4:00-5:00
Alex Abramov, C-225a
Thursday, March 25, 5:00-6:00
Alex Abramov, C-225a
Wednesday, May 12, 5:00-6:00
Alex Abramov, C-225a
Tuesday, May 26, 5:00-6:00
Alex Abramov, C-225a
Connecting with Campus Resources:
This workshop will cover the variety of campus
resources available to students – learn
everything from how to obtain tutoring services
to how to get involved on campus. Students
will also learn about various resource websites
housed on the LaGCC website and be
introduced to other college resources on the
web.
Thursday, March 18, 4:30-5:15
Sutonia Boykin, MB10
Friday, March 26, 11:00-12:00
Carole Julien, MB10
The Transition to College: Understanding
the Expectations: Whether you are beginning
college for the first time or returning to college
after being away for some time, you will face
some adjustments during your first semester in
college. Not only do you have expectations of
your institution and your professors, but your
institution and professors have expectations—
great expectations–of you. Find out what is
expected of you as you transition to college
and how to make that transition a smooth one.
Monday, March 15, 4:00-5:30
Sutonia Boykin, MB10
The Division of Enrollment Management and Student Development Newsletter for Students 11

Resources at Your Finger Tips! in alphabetical order
The Division of Enrollment Management and Student Development Newsletter for Students