Newly Accepted Students
Congratulations on your acceptance to the School of Education!
- New graduate students entering alternative certification programs should follow the Newly Accepted Partnership Program Students page.
- New undergraduate education majors should follow the New Education Majors page.
- International students should also review the International Students Office page for information about the I-20 form and Visa processes.
- Undocumented students should review the Undocumented Student Support for Teacher Education programs page in addition to this page.
New Student Support
If you need support getting started, contact the School of Education New Student Liaison at newsoest@hunter.cuny.edu.
New Graduate Student Orientation and Program Advising Sessions
Most new students will attend 3 orientations to review all the information needed to start their program.
Part 1: General New Graduate Student Orientations
The School of Education hosts virtual new graduate student orientations. These required online sessions will give you an overview of Hunter College and the School of Education. Additionally, you will find answers to many of your questions regarding registration, student life, and certification. Orientations are hosted on Zoom. Registration links will be sent to your email.
Upcoming Dates
- Wednesday, November 12th at 5:00 pm
- Thursday, December 9th at 5:00 pm
- Thursday, January 9th at 5:00 pm
New Student Orientation Video
Part 2: Program-Specific Orientation and Advising Sessions
The School of Education’s faculty leaders will host program or individual advising sessions to review the course of study, progress standards, and fieldwork requirements. These sessions are required for new students.
- Sign up for your program advising session (required)
Registration links will be sent to your email.
Part 3: Clinical Experiences and Fingerprinting Orientation for Teacher Education
Please watch the Clinical Experiences and Fingerprinting New Student Orientation video which provides an overview of clinical experiences and the fingerprinting process for New York City.
New Student Checklist
Use the list below as a guide to getting started at Hunter College as a graduate student.
Step 1 – Post-Admissions Steps
Review Your Admissions Letter and Accept Your Enrollment
All admitted matriculated students must accept their decision in the application status portal to indicate their intent to join Hunter and gain access to the CUNYfirst registration portal.
Your acceptance letter in Slate will list your admissions conditions, including the submission of official transcripts, completion of any missing prerequisite courses, and/or proof of New York State certification.
Indicate your enrollment decision by completing the “Reply to Offer of Admission” form in your application status portal.
Pay Your Commitment Deposit
Pay your commitment deposit online via your application status portal, or via check or money order.
U.S. Students
Students residing in the United States are required to submit a $250 commitment deposit to Hunter College. The commitment deposit is non-refundable. The $250 will be credited toward your first-semester charges.
Doctoral students admitted to the EdD program, Non-matriculated students, and Veterans of the US Military Service or active-duty members are not required to submit a commitment deposit.
International Students
International students can wire money directly to the college for tuition and fees. Please reach out to the new student liaison, newsoest@hunter.cuny.edu, for routing details. Once the money has been transferred, please email Karen Touzard ktouzard@hunter.cuny.edu with the amount of the transfer, the date the wire transfer was initiated, and your first and last name.
Claim your CUNYfirst Student Account
After accepting your enrollment, you will be invited to claim your CUNYfirst student account via email.
The CUNYfirst student account contains your academic record and is where you will enroll in courses using the Schedule Builder. All students will be assigned an EMPLID, which serves as their student ID number.
To activate your CUNYfirst account, visit the CUNYfirst activation page. If you require further assistance, please refer to the step-by-step guide for activation.
If you previously attended a CUNY college, you can log in to your existing account via CUNYfirst.
- You may also find your enrollment appointment after you claim your CUNYfirst account.
- For a tour of the CUNYfirst Student Center, please review CUNY’s CUNYfirst Student Center video.
- For support on using the CUNY Schedule Builder within CUNYfirst, please review the CUNY Schedule Builder How-To Guide.
Set up Multi-Factor Authentication
Hunter College and CUNY require all students, faculty, and staff to use Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) to sign into specific applications. This website will assist members of our community in uploading the tools necessary to confirm MFA factors to sign into CUNYfirst, Brightspace, Zoom, and other systems, listed on the MFA page.
- Set up your Multi-Factor Authentication as soon as possible using the instructions on the MFA page.
Submit Immunization Documentation (MMR and Meningitis)
You must claim your CUNYfirst account before submitting immunization documentation.
All students must submit immunization documentation to the Office of Wellness Services. If you recently attended a CUNY school, you may not need to resubmit your immunization documentation.
If you plan to register for fewer than six credits, review and complete the Meningococcal Meningitis Requirement. This can be done via the CUNYfirst Student Center page or by submitting the Immunization Record Form (part 3) via email.
If you plan to register for six or more credits, complete the Meningococcal Meningitis Requirement, and review the following options for submitting your MMR Immunization Documentation:
Upload Immunization Documents in the CUNYfirst Document Uploader
Note that the CUNYfirst Document Uploader works best in Google Chrome or Firefox.
- Include your name on each page of the documents.
- Scan your records into PDF format before uploading them. We do not accept photos of immunization records from mobile devices.
- Review your scans. Forms and photo IDs that are not legible cannot be processed, and this will delay your registration
- Log in to CUNYfirst
- Select Student Center > Student Tools > Document Upload. The Document Upload page is displayed with your name and your Student ID (CUNYfirst ID).
- Using the Document Class drop-down menu, select one of the document classes corresponding to the document to be uploaded. Generally, this is “Health Services.”
- A Document Type drop-down menu is added to the Document Upload page. Using the Document Type drop-down menu, select HS Immunizations
- Click on the >> (“Go”) button to the right of the Document Type drop-down menu.
- Click the OK button to continue with the document upload. If you are presented with a Student Documents Repository login prompt, enter your CUNY Login credentials and click Log In.
- Click the Choose Files button to open your computer’s file manager/explorer tool. You may select multiple files to upload.
- After you have uploaded your records, email wellness@hunter.cuny.edu with your EMPL ID number so the Office of Wellness Services can update the system.
New students born in New York City during the 1990s may contact the Office of Wellness Services at wellness@hunter.cuny.edu for support with obtaining immunization documentation from the CityWide Immunization Registry (CIR).
If you don’t have access to a scanner, many mobile devices now offer scanning apps that can convert a document into a PDF.
Submit Official Transcripts
Send your official sealed or electronic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions to the Graduate Admissions Office as soon as possible to complete this admissions condition. Non-matriculated students must show proof of their Bachelor’s degree conferral to the Graduate Admissions Office.
- Send physical transcripts to: Hunter College Graduate Admissions, 695 Park Avenue Room North 223, New York, NY, 10065
- Send electronic transcripts to: gradadmissions@hunter.cuny.edu
Step 2 – Prepare for Registration
Review the Academic Calendar
- Review the Academic Calendar each semester for important dates, including the first day of class and holidays.
- Review the Registration Information table for deadlines to add or drop courses.
Review Financial Aid and Payment Options
Federal Financial Aid
Financial Aid information for Professional and Graduate students is available on the studentaid.gov website.
If you are applying for federal financial aid:
- Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov and forward your financial aid information to Hunter College using code: 002689.
- 5-10 days* after submitting your FAFSA, you should be able to access your loan information through CUNYfirst (Student Center > Financial Aid).
- Be sure to accept all or part of your offer on CUNYfirst before the start of the semester.
*Note: If your financial aid information does not populate in CUNYfirst within 5-10 days of submitting your information to code 002689, contact the Office of Financial Aid.
Advanced certificate and non-degree students are not eligible for federal student aid.
Payment Plans
Payment plans are available. Payment deadlines can be found on the Tuition and Payment Deadlines page.
Workshops and Resources
The Hunter College Office of Financial Aid hosts monthly workshops on Financial Aid Wellness, Filing the FAFSA, and more. For more information about financial aid and to RSVP for a workshop, visit the Office of Financial Aid page.
Please review the School of Education’s Financing Your Degree page and the Bursar’s Office page via One Stop for Students for payment options and timeline.
Check Out Scholarships and Opportunities
On the Scholarships and Opportunities page, you can review School of Education Scholarships and other financial opportunities such as the TEACH Grant and NYC Men Teach. Note that many scholarship opportunities require you to submit the FAFSA for eligibility.
Find Your Program Information and Advisors
Each program in the School of Education has a dedicated page that provides program-specific advising information, including details on your course of study, advisors, fieldwork, and certification or licensure requirements. Bookmark this page, as you will refer to it frequently throughout your program, especially during registration.
To find your School of Education Program Page, visit the Academics page and select Graduate Programs or Doctoral Program.
Submit Transfer of Credit and Exemption or Waiver Requests
If you have completed relevant coursework at another institution, you may be eligible for a transfer of credit, exemption, or waiver.
The deadlines to submit transfer of credit, exemption, or waiver paperwork are:
- May 1 for Fall admission
- December 1 for Spring admission
For the eligibility criteria and the required forms, please review your program page. Transfer of credit, exemptions, and waivers are available only to matriculated students, and not all programs offer them.
For guidance on this process, please connect with soereception@hunter.cuny.edu.
Complete Fingerprinting Processes (Teacher Education and School Counseling Programs)
Fingerprint clearance is required for New York State Teacher and school counseling certification, as well as for select clinical experiences. This process can be lengthy, so new students are encouraged to begin it early. Please review the School of Education Fingerprinting page for all required steps.
Newly admitted graduate students who have fieldwork in their first semester should complete the fingerprinting process as soon as possible with deadlines:
- August 1st for fall admits
- December 19th for spring admits
Step 3 – Register for Courses
Register for Courses
To register, you must have accepted your enrollment, claimed your CUNYfirst account, and cleared any immunization holds. New students register for courses via the CUNY Schedule Builder on CUNYfirst. Attend your program advising session (group or 1:1) to learn which courses to register for in your first semester. To find your School of Education Advising Page, visit the Academics page and Graduate Program Advising or Doctoral Program Advising.
Review the School of Education Registration page for technical assistance and troubleshooting guides.
For support on using the CUNY Schedule Builder within CUNYfirst, please review the CUNY Schedule Builder Guide. You can also watch this CUNY Schedule Builder registration video.
Step 4 – After Registration
Access your myHunter Email
All email communication between students and Hunter College faculty and staff must occur via the Hunter email systems (@hunter.cuny.edu, @myhunter.cuny.edu). Access your myHunter Email account using your CUNYfirst login credentials.
- Your Email Username
Every Hunter student has an email address that follows this formula: your CUNYfirst username followed by @myhunter.cuny.edu. ex. jane.smith03@myhunter.cuny.edu.- Your Email Password
Your email password is your CUNYfirst password. Whenever you change your CUNYfirst password, your email password will change automatically.All current students should set their MyHunter email as their preferred email in CUNYfirst. To update your preferred email within CUNYfirst, go to your Student Center, select the Profile tile, and then select Contact Details from the left-hand navigation options.
For tutorials and directions on using your myHunter email, please review the help resources on the Hunter Instructional Computing and Information Technology page.
Access your Navigate account
Stay connected to your advisors and fellow students with the Navigate Student app. Use the app to make advising appointments, connect with campus resources, and view your class schedule, among many other features. Sign up to receive alerts and text or email messages.
Request your Zoom Account
Visit https://cuny.zoom.us and log in using your CUNYfirst credentials.
For troubleshooting, please refer to the Zoom help information provided by Zoom.
Obtain your Hunter Student ID (OneCard)
All Hunter students receive a mobile OneCard as their official campus photo ID, which they must use to access Hunter College facilities and services.
Learn more about setting up your Mobile OneCard and multi-factor authentication on the Hunter website. Should you have any questions, please email the OneCard Office at onecard@hunter.cuny.edu.
Your student identification number, also known as your EMPL ID number, is listed on your card. This number allows faculty and staff to access your record in CUNYfirst. Include this number in all email correspondence. You can also find your EMPL ID number via the Student Center in CUNYFirst.
Claim your Hunter NetID
Your NetID is used to access Hunter WiFi and log into all shared computers at Hunter College. You may claim your NETID after you are enrolled in classes. It may take 2-3 days for the system to generate a NETID after you register. To claim your NETID, visit the NetID Central page.
Access Books and Articles for Courses
Review book requirements on CUNYfirst or via the Hunter College Online Bookstore, if available. Note that course materials are typically assigned on the first day of class when you receive your syllabus.
You can also access course books and articles through the Hunter College Library.
Step 5 – During Your First Semester
Complete Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
As part of our comprehensive prevention program for new students and our commitment to providing a supportive learning environment that fosters safe, healthy relationships among students, Hunter requires you to complete the SPARC Online Training program. The Dean of Students will send a message to your myHunter email account in your first semester with a link to the training.
Review and Make a Plan to Meet Your Admission Conditions
If admitted with admission conditions such as missing undergraduate course prerequisites or New York State certification, these items will be listed on your official acceptance letter. Review the Satisfying Admissions Conditions page for more information. Admission conditions must be fulfilled to graduate from your program.
For Students Admitted with a Certification Deadline
Students who were accepted to a program that requires New York State teacher certification, but did not have it issued at admission, must show proof of their certification by the following deadline:
- Master’s degree students must provide proof of New York State certification by February 1 if admitted for the fall semester, or by July 1 if admitted for the spring semester.
- Advanced certificate students will need to show proof of NYS certification by October 15th if admitted for fall, or March 15th if admitted for spring.
For questions about your admission conditions, contact soeadcon@hunter.cuny.edu.
Review Certification or Licensure Requirements
Every program in the School of Education that leads to a license or certification has a dedicated page with program-specific information, including details on your certification or licensure requirements. Bookmark this page as you will refer to it often throughout your program.
To find your School of Education Program Page, visit the Academics page and Graduate Program Advising or Doctoral Program Advising.
Additionally, plan to schedule an appointment to meet with your Administrative Advisor in your first semester or attend a Certification Workshop to review your specific requirements and address any questions you may have.
Review Progress Standards
Every program in the School of Education has a dedicated page with program-specific information, including details about the specific progress standards (minimum grades and GPA) for your program. Bookmark this page as you will refer to it often throughout your program.
To find your School of Education Program Page, visit the Academics page and Graduate Program Advising or Doctoral Program Advising.
Review the School’s Policy on Professionalism
The School of Education values professionalism and care among its students, professors, and staff. Review the Policy on Professionalism to start your semester strongly.
Explore Career Opportunities
Join Handshake
Handshake is Hunter College’s official online recruiting platform — and the #1 way for college students to find jobs! Create your free account to connect with top employers hiring for full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities. Learn how to sign up for Handshake
Explore Careers
Browse current opportunities across public, charter, and independent schools via resources on the Careers, Certification, and Licensure page.
Get Career Support
Take the next step in your professional journey:
Schedule a Career Literacy Advising Session: Book an appointment here
Join the Google Career Literacy Classroom: Click here to access resources and upcoming events
Student Resources, Supports, and Opportunities
Hunter College Emergency Resources
You can review all Hunter College and School of Education emergency resources, including emergency funding, laptop loans, and other resources, on the Student Concerns and Emergencies page.
Hunter College Academic Resources
Supportive academic policies and procedures can be found on the Student Support page.
Academic Centers
Hunter College has various tutoring centers to support students with writing, math, and science. These centers have proven helpful for School of Education students seeking to refine their academic writing skills and pass certification exams.
Office of AccessABILITY
For students with documented disabilities who need to coordinate accommodations, the Office of Accessibility is here to support you. In addition to coordinating accommodations, the office also offers workshops and student clubs.
International Students Office
The International Students Office (ISO) supports international students and exchange visitors in their cultural and educational transition to the College. The ISO can assist you in reaching your education goals by informing you about your rights and responsibilities regarding your immigration status in the United States and creating a supportive environment. The ISO helps to ensure legal compliance with the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, and the Students and Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP).
Student Veteran Services
Student Veteran Services (SVS) serves as the central hub, connecting student veterans with academic and personal support resources on and off campus. SVS is here to support your academic and personal endeavors at Hunter, from acceptance to graduation.
Equity and Action at Hunter College
School of Education Equity and Advocacy Committee
The School of Education Equity and Advocacy Committee explores and utilizes research and practices to integrate equity and advocacy. The committee is committed to creating a school climate that is inclusive and responsive to the diverse backgrounds, cultures, languages, genders, sexualities, abilities, and prior knowledge and lived experiences of all faculty, staff, and students. For more information, please visit the Equity and Advocacy page.
Professional Learning Opportunities
National Society of Leadership and Success
The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) is a leadership-based honor society. NSLS offers lectures from the nation’s leading presenters and a community where like-minded, success-oriented individuals come together and help one another succeed. NSLS also serves as a powerful force of good in the greater community by encouraging and organizing action to better the world. All matriculated students with a GPA of 3.5 are invited to join. Invitations are sent during the second semester of attendance. If you are interested in learning more about NSLS, please review the National Society of Leadership and Success page.
Career, Professional, and Partnership Development
The School of Education’s Career, Professional, and Partnership Development division, or CPPD for short, is here to support you in starting, changing, or continuing your career. CPPD offers an online job board and opportunity listing through the School of Education Opportunity Bulletin. The bulletin is sent weekly to your Myhunter email account. CPPD also hosts job fairs and professional learning sessions to support you in growing your networks and enhancing your skills.
In addition to virtual resources and events, CPPD supports students with cover letters and resume writing through one-on-one appointments. You can make an appointment with a career advisor through the Advising page.
For more information on CPPD, please watch the What Does CPPD Do video and visit the CPPD page.

