1-28-26: Change of Program (add/swap) Post Deadline

TO: Faculty and Staff
FROM: Office of the Registrar
DATE: January 30, 2026
RE: Change of Program (add/swap) Post Deadline 

The deadline for students to add/swap courses via CUNYfirst for the Spring 2026 semester is Sunday, February 1, 2026.

From Monday, February 2, 2026, through Monday, February 9, 2026, any student requests to modify their courses (swapping or adding) must receive approval from the respective Instructor and Department Chairperson. Chairs and Professors will be able to log into the application through the end of the day Tuesday, February 10, 2026 to approve/deny any requests that came in on February 9, 2026.

 Upon Chair approval, the Academic Department representative should submit the approved change in course request through the new online system:đź”— Change of Program Request Application

The process remains the same as last semester.   Only professors, department chairs, or deans may initiate a Change of Program request on behalf of students. The request will then follow one of the following sequences: 

  • Professor → Student (approval required) → Chair (approval required) → Registrar (process request)
  • Chair → Student (approval required) → Registrar (process request)
  • Dean → Student (approval required) → Registrar (process request)
  • Faculty and department chairs can include specific notes regarding the student’s request. These notes will be visible to the student when they approve the request.

 * Email submissions to the Registrar’s Scheduling Unit (schedule@jjay.cuny.edu) will only be accepted as a backup option in cases where system access is unavailable.

 Student Fees & Considerations:

  • Students will incur a $25.00 Non-Refundable Registration Fee (new registrants) or an $18.00 Change of Program Fee for course changes. Please review Bursar Tuition & Fees.
  • If a student swaps into a later dropped or canceled class, the system may retroactively apply a penalty not initially assessed.

We appreciate your cooperation in implementing this updated process and your continued support in ensuring a smooth academic experience for our students.

Best regards,
Office of the Registrar