Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out what room I am teaching in?
You can look up your course on the JJ website (Academics/Course Search). Input the requested information and scroll down to your course number and section. The building and room number should be listed next to your section.
How, when and where do I order books?
Text books are ordered near the end of the previous semester prior to beginning teaching.
Text books can be ordered online on the John Jay Barnes & Noble website at www.jjay.bncollege.com.
You can also fill in a Course Book Request Form (this will most likely be emailed to you through the JJ list serve at the end of each semester) and email your order to the bookstore at bksjohnjay@bncollege.com or fax to 212- 586 – 9213.
If you have any questions upon completing the request form contact Jovi Codrington, the John Jay Barnes and Noble Store Manager, or Charisse Leonard, the Textbook Manager, at 212-265-3619 option #2 to speak to a bookseller.
How do I construct my syllabus?
A template for constructing syllabi can be found here. The Center for the Advancement of Teaching (CAT) has posted a useful guide to teaching at John Jay which can be found online under Faculty Resources. It is recommended that you consult this guide while preparing your course. The current link is: http://resources.jjay.cuny.edu/ehandbook/x.php
Where can I find my roster?
Your roster can be accessed through the Communications section of your course on Black Board. Select Roster, then ‘All Users’.
How do I email my students?
You can email your students by using the Communication section of your course on BB and selecting ‘Send Email’. You can choose the users you want to include. If you want to email your entire class, select ‘All Student Users’. Otherwise, select ‘Select Users’ to email individual students.
Where can I print course materials? Do I need to fill out a form?
Course materials should be printed in the department you teach in. Below you will find information on printing for each department you are likely to be teaching in. Forms are only needed to print if printing bulk items at the Print Shop. These forms can be found at the print shop. You will need to fill out the form and have the department administrator or chair sign for it. The print shop is located on the C level of the T Building (to your right as you exit the elevator).
Will my teaching be observed during the semester?
During the course of the semester, one of the faculty members of the department you are teaching in will email you to arrange a day to come observe your teaching. They will then write up a report, which you will sign, that will be submitted to the department chair.
Where can I get my student evaluations near the end of the semester?
Student evaluation packets will be placed in your mailbox in the department you are teaching in. You will most likely be notified of this via email by the department administrator. Deadlines will be made known through the John Jay list serve as well.
How do I find out when my final exam dates and times are and where can I get blue books?
Final exam dates and times are usually arranged by the Registrar at the beginning of each semester. You can get a copy of these from your department’s administrator or from the registrar’s office (Contact information for each is provided below). Blue books are available from the department you are teaching in and are usually located in the copy room. Ask the administrator where these are located if you can’t find them.
Departmental Information
Department of Criminal Justice
Location: Room 422T
Department Chair: Evan Mandery
Phone Number: 212-237-8389, Email: emandery@jjay.cuny.edu, Office: 422.38T (which is currently in the Law and Police Science Department)
Department Secretary: The CJ Department does not currently have a secretary
Offices for meeting students: None currently due to their upcoming move to the 6th floor of the T Building. There is an adjunct room in the Law and Police Science Department that can be used to meet students.
Printing Course Materials: Teaching related materials that are under 100 pages can be printed at the CJ departmental printer which is located in Room 422T. Anything over 100 pages must be printed at the print shop.
Department of Anthropology
Location: New Building, Ninth Floor
Department Chair: Ric Curtis
Phone Number: 212.237.8962, Email: rcurtis@jjay.cuny.edu, Office: New Building (NB), 09.63.22
Department Secretary: Joanie Ward,
Phone Number: 212.237.8286, Email: jward@jjay.cuny.edu, Office: 9th Floor, NB, Anthropology Suite
Offices for meeting students: There are four offices for adjuncts and a conference room in the Anthropology department
Printing Course Materials: Teaching related materials can be printed in the copier room, 09.63.25
Law & Police Science
Location: Room 422T
Department Chair: Maki Haberfield, Phone Number: 212-237-8381, Email: mhaberfield@jjay.cuny.edu
Deputy Chair: Prof. Pollini, Phone Number: 212-237-8409, Email: jpollini@jjay.cuny.edu
Administrative Coordinator – Shelby, Phone Number: 212-484-1196
Offices for meeting students: Can use the adjunct faculty lounge on in the Law & Police Science Department
Printing Course Materials: Can use copy machine on the 4th floor if it is under 30 copies. You will need the code from the department secretary. Anything over 30 copies should be printed by the Print Shop.
Sociology
Location: Room 520T
Departmental Co-Chair: David Brotherton, Phone Number: 212-237-8694, Email: dbrotherton@jjay.cuny.edu
Departmental Co-Chair: Jayne Mooney, Phone Number: 212-237-2660, Email: jmooney@jjay.cuny.edu
Administrative Coordinator: Theresa Rocket, Phone Number: 212-237-8666, Email: trockett@jjay.cuny.edu
Offices for meeting students: There are no offices available to meet students. However, the bullpin in North Hall (3508N) is available to meet students.
Printing Course Materials: No printing is available in the Sociology department. All materials should be printed at the Print Shop.
Department of Political Science
Location: 9th Floor, New Building
Department Chair: Harold Sullivan, Email: hsullivan@jjay.cuny.edu
Department Secretary: Esperanza Lopez-Herrera, Email: eherrera@jjay.cuny.edu
Offices for meeting students: A shared office can be assigned to you if you contact Esperanza.
Printing Course Materials: The department printer is located in Room 09.66.01. A key is needed for access to this room – Esperanza can request one for you. You can print up to 30 pages here. Anything more than that should be printed at the Print Shop.
Resources for Instructors
DoIT Technology Helpdesk
http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/academics/1362.php
The helpdesk is the central source of all communication within DoIT (Department of Information Technology). The technology areas the Helpdesk Support are:
- Faculty, staff and student email
- Access and support for the CUNY Portal and Blackboard
- Computer hardware and software technical support for college issued computers and laptops
- Telephone, voicemail and the college telephone directory
- Network and wireless connectivity issues
- John Jay hosted and supported applications and servers
- Classroom equipment problems
- Internet and Inside John Jay (Intranet) Support
- Special Event – Audio/Visual Services
- Instructional Support Technology Services Information
- Mainframe and web services
Location: New Building, Room L2.63.00
Contact Info: E-mail: helpdesk@jjay.cuny.edu, Phone Number: 212-237-8200
Registrar
http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/2064.php
The Office of the Registrar provides technical support to faculty, staff and students by:
- Facilitating registration, CUNY e-Permits, and Permits to Non-CUNY colleges
- Scheduling classes, classrooms, and final exams for 27 academic departments and programs
- Issuing official and student copy transcripts online, in-person and by mail
- Certifying eligibility for graduation by checking that degree requirements have been met
- Issuing enrollment verification letters to outside agencies
- Maintaining records by posting grades, grade changes, withdrawals, and academic decisions
- Implementing college policy as determined by John Jay College Faculty and the City University of New York.
Location: Room 1280N
Contact Info:
- For Classroom Scheduling for Faculty, Academic Calendar, Schedule of Classes, Final Exams Schedule, contact Associate Registrar David Primak, dprimak@jjay.cuny.edu; 212-237-8109
- For Undergraduate Degree Audits, Make-up Exams, or Diploma Mailing contact Sara Scaldafferry, sscaldafferry@jjay.cuny.edu; 646-557-4757
For Certification of Enrollment, Retroactive Resignation, WN Reversal , Grade Posting or Appeal, Resignations, or Reinstatement contact Interim Deputy Registrar Shavonne McKiever, smckiever@jjay.cuny.edu; 212-237-8881
Public Safety
Website: http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/academics/1362.php
The Department of Public Safety is committed to the safety and security of each student, faculty member, staff employee and visitor at John Jay College. With the exception of the BMW Building and West 54th Street Academic Annex Building, Public Safety coverage is provided around the clock.
Locations and contact info for:
New Building, 524 West 59th Street, New York, NY 10019, (212) 621-4174
New Building, 860 Eleventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019, (212) 621-4175
Haaren Hall Building, 899 Tenth Avenue, New York, NY 10019, (212) 237-8266
North Hall Building, 445 West 59th Street, New York, NY 10019, (212) 237-8740
Resources for your Students
Writing Center
Website: http://jjcweb.jjay.cuny.edu/writing/homepage.htm
The Writing Center is a free service offered to all matriculated undergraduate and graduate students of John Jay who require assistance in writing. They also provide workshops aimed at teaching writing skills or enhancing those skills that students already have. Visit them in the
Location: New Building in Room 01.68
Contact: To make an appointment at the Writing Center: 212-237-8569.
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9:30 am-7:00 pm, Friday: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Pre-Law Institute
Website: http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/academics/5162.php
Taking its mandate from John Jay College’s mission, Educating for Justice, the Pre Law Institute prepares John Jay College students to successfully enter law school and the legal profession. The Pre Law Institute supports this movement by crafting academic skill-building programs and professional development initiatives and by emphasizing early and intensive student engagement in developing the analytic and critical writing skills that students will need to perform optimally as law school applicants and as law students.
Contact: Email: PLI@jjay.cuny.edu, Phone Number: 646-557-4804
Hours: Pre-Law Institute and Resource Center Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Drop-In Hours (no appointment needed): Thursdays 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Internships
Website: http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/1628.php
Internship or cooperative education experiences may be completed for academic credit (by enrolling in one of the many courses which require an internship at John Jay) for pay (about 25% of the internships posted on John Jay Careers Online are paid), or more commonly as a pre-professional, unpaid work experience. If you would like to recommend completing an internship to your students, they can make an appointment to speak with any of the career counselors who can help them think about their options and create a plan.
Contact: Email: careers@jjay.cuny.edu, Phone: (212) 237-8754
Hours: Monday, Thursday, & Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Tuesday & Wednesday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
McNair Program
Website: http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/academics/1451.php
The McNair Program serves first generation, low-income students and/or students from under-represented groups (especially African-American, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Islander). The major objective of the program is to help increase the participation of the above groups in graduate education, specifically in doctoral programs of study.
Contact: Program Director Dr. Teresa A. Booker: 212-237-8090, Associate Director Mr. Ernest Lee: 212-237-8760, Administrative Assistant, Mr. Ronald Reynoso: 212-237-8765.
Hours: None specified
Student counseling
Website: http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/2246.php
The Counseling Services Center provides students with a complete range of counseling and referral services. All of the services are FREE of charge and are available on a walk-in or appointment basis. The services they provide include: personal counseling, adjustment to college, career and personal development, choosing a major, study habits, textbook anxiety, low self-esteem, family and relationship concerns, depression, and grief.
Contact: Phone: 212-237-8111, Emergency Phone: 212-237-8888
Hours: Monday, Thursday, & Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Tuesday & Wednesday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Accessibility Services
Website: http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/2025.php
John Jay’s Accessibility Services provides comprehensive access to support services and programs for undergraduate and graduate students with hearing and visual impairments, mobility impairments, learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders, chronic illnesses, and psychological impairments. It is their responsibility to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to services and are not discriminated against because of a disability.
Contact: Phone: 212-237-8031
Hours: Monday, Thursday: 9:00am – 5:00 pm, Tuesday & Wednesday: 9:00am – 7:00pm, Friday: Closed
Introduction to BlackBoard
Blackboard is an online too that allows professors to provide course materials to students, communicate with students, hold synchronous (chat) and asynchronous (threaded bulletin-board-like) discussions, post student grades during and at the end of the course, and assess student learning via quizzes, exams, graded assignments, etc.
Blackboard has the following sections that can be found on the left hand column (you can modify each of these sections through the Control Panel):
Announcements: students can see announcements you post for them. These announcements can be set to expire after a certain amount of time or set to stay up throughout the semester
Course Information: important information about the course can be posted, such as the syllabus, course schedule, etc.
Assignments: information about assignments (e.g. quizzes or papers)
Communication: the section where students can send e-mails to one another, view group pages and roster information, etc.
Discussion boards: student can post threads about a particular topic and comment on other students’ threads
External links: links to external resources (e.g. links to the library, DoIT, how to cite properly using APA, etc.).
Tools: this is where students can access a bunch of blackboard tools, such as the grade center.
Control Panel: this is where you can modify all of the above sections and control what students see.
To explain how to use the control panel and many other blackboard tools, Blackboard provides online video tutorials that explain in-depth how to use all of the tools offered on blackboard. This is called the “on demand learning center” and can be found at: http://ondemand.blackboard.com/r9/index.htm. This online resource is broken into three sections:
“Understanding and building your course”, which explains how to build and manage your course on blackboard called (http://ondemand.blackboard.com/r9/understand.htm)
- This section has videos that explain how to: customize course modules and course content; add a content area; create a course link; add multimedia; add tools to the course menu; control guest and observer access; and much more
“Assessing learner”, which covers the basics of the Grade Center and how it is structured (http://ondemand.blackboard.com/r9/assess.htm).
- This section has videos that explain how to: download and upload grades; create online tests (T/F, multiple choice, short answer, fill in the blank); and much more.
- BBs Grade Center is especially useful for you and your students as it makes it easy for both of you to track students’ progress. It also makes it especially easy to calculate your students’ final grades at the end of the semester.
“Communicating and Collaborating”, which explains all the features and functions available to initiate and evaluate thoughtful dialogue through blackboard (http://ondemand.blackboard.com/r9/communicate.htm)
- This section has videos about: how to use discussion board (i.e. how to create a discussion board forum, how to grade discussion board posts, etc.); how to manage group work; how to create blogs and journals; and how to create course announcements, tasks, and contacts
Other great resources
http://www.ohio.edu/oit/bbsupport/howto/faculty/index.cfm#Grade Center
http://www.departments.bucknell.edu/isr/teachingandtechnology/blackboard/whyusebb/index.shtml
The DoIT technology helpdesk: (helpdesk@jjay.cuny.edu; 212-237-8200)
