FAQ's About CUE

Here is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about CUE:

What is CUE?

CUE participants spend the week with a team of 4-6 other participants & one leader, working at one of our  service sites. Participants select their preferred site on the first day of the program for which they have already received descriptions  during the summer prior to their arrival. CUE-ers also engage in article-based discussions on critical and ethical perspectives of responsible service. Each evening, participants enjoy free night activities in order to explore NYC!

When will the application be available?

Applications will be available on May 1st, 2012. Information will be posted on our website.

When is the application due?

All applications MUST arrive at CUE headquarters by June 10, 2012 at 11:59pm EST.

Who can apply to CUE?

All incoming first-years from Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, Barnard College, Jewish Theological Seminary and General Studies are encouraged to apply. At this time, we are not accepting transfer students.

When does CUE actually happen?

CUE participants must arrive one week before the New Student Orientation Program, on Sunday, August 19th. CUE ends the following Sunday, August 26th.

Where do CUE participants sleep?

CUE participants receive upper-classmen housing for the week of CUE. They officially move into their permanent rooms on Sunday, August 26th.

What do CUE participants eat?

Breakfasts, lunches and dinners during CUE are provided by Barnard College’s Hewitt Dining Services.

How much does CUE cost?

Our application process is completely need-blind. The program fee for CUE is $350.00. That fee covers housing, food, transportation, and the cost of night activities during the week of CUE. We offer partial and full financial aid to those who qualify. Email our coordinators for the financial aid application.

What are night activities?

In the evenings, CUE participants participate in free night activities throughout New York City. Each night, participants select their preferred activity from four amazing options. Past activities have included outdoor movies at Bryant Park and excursions to Harlem Bowling Lanes, the Nuyorican Poets Café, Yankee Stadium, ice cream on the Brooklyn Bridge, cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery, and a concert at the Seaport.

And, of course, parents/guardians always ask: Will my son/daughter be safe?

You betcha. Your son/daughter, who we already like very much simply because of his/her dedication to service, is with a CUE leader at all times: at the service sites, at meals, and at all night activities. Additionally, getting in contact with him/her is very easy because he/she will have not only a phone line in his/her dorm room for the week but also access to e-mail.

How does Financial Aid work?

The financial aid process is need-blind. Interested applicants should request the form and submit it separately via email. The deadline for Financial Aid is Sunday, June 3rd, at 11:59am EST. More questions? Email us!