A new student-oriented, web-based system is making it easier for CUNY students to take courses that they need, or want, at University campuses throughout the five boroughs. The new "e-Permit" allows students for the first time to file an online request to take a course at another CUNY college.

To access the e-Permit, go to www.cuny.edu and click the "Log In" button at the left. Next, register by clicking on "Register" and follow the directions to obtain an ID and password. Once registered, a personalized cuny.edu homepage will appear with an e-Permit link prominently displayed. Follow the instructions for filing a permit request on the e-Permit site.

"The new e-Permit system will give students more scheduling options, which will help them to remain in college and complete their degrees in a timely fashion," Chancellor Matthew Goldstein said. "It will also allow them to build upon the educational opportunities available at their home college."

Through the new e-Permit website, students who may not be able to take a needed course at their home campus can find listings and descriptions of similar courses at other CUNY colleges. Newly installed software will enable students to easily determine schedules and availability of courses elsewhere in the University.

As in the past, approval of permit requests remains in the hands of faculty advisors at a student's home college. If a request is turned down, students will be notified electronically of the reason for the disapproval. Students will pay for an approved course when they pay for other courses at their home college.

Previously, students have had to carry a paper permit request around to several locations for approval, and had to pay early for any course taken at another CUNY college, even if they were financial aid students. This new system also is expected to be of special benefit to many CUNY students who work while attending college. Almost half of CUNY students work more than 20 hours per week and 22% support children, which can narrow their choice of courses.

"E-Permit is an excellent example of how the University's 19 colleges are better serving their students by operating as an integrated university," Chancellor Goldstein said.

The City University of New York, the nation's leading urban public university, consists of 11 senior colleges, six community colleges, a graduate school, a law school and the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education. More than 400,000 degree-credit students and adult, continuing and professional education students are enrolled throughout the five boroughs of the City of New York.