Faculty/Staff Student Engagement Program
About Us
The Faculty/Staff Student Engagement Program (FSSEP), sponsored by the Student Activities Association, is dedicated to supporting the mission of the College & academic success of our students.
Research indicates that engagement with faculty, outside the classroom, is a strong & positive contributor to retention. These interactions help to strengthen students’ relationship to the College. The FSSEP is designed to foster interaction between faculty, staff & students, focused on the following principles:
Student-Centered Approach: Prioritizing the needs, well-being & success of students by creating programs & initiatives that directly contribute to their academic & personal growth
Empowerment: Equipping students with the resources, skills & opportunities to take ownership of their education & personal development
Student Empathy: Understanding & empathizing with the experiences and challenges faced by students & tailoring support to meet their unique needs
Staff and Faculty Fall 2026 Funding Available
Fall 2026 Application Deadline - September 4, 2026 at 5pm
Event Timeline: September - December 2026
Program Procedures
Purpose and Eligibility
The Faculty/Staff Student Engagement Program supports faculty and staff in creating activities that engage students outside the classroom and promote meaningful interaction between students and faculty/staff.
All full-time and adjunct faculty members, as well as full-time and part-time staff members, are eligible to apply.
Funding Limits
Faculty and staff may receive funding more than once per semester, subject to the availability of funds.
- An approved event with one faculty or staff applicant may receive up to $400.
- An approved event with two eligible faculty or staff applicants may receive up to $800 total, with a maximum of $400 per applicant.
- No more than two faculty/staff applicants may receive funding for the same event.
Priority is given first to first-time applicants, then based on the order applications are received and the availability of funds.
Event Planning
Applicants should plan activities that align with the goals of the program and create meaningful opportunities for students to engage with faculty and staff outside the classroom.
Before You Apply
Review the Faculty/Staff Student Engagement Program Procedures before submitting an application.
Applications should include complete and accurate information about the proposed activity, including event details, requested funding support, anticipated expenses, and the expected benefit to participating students.
Application Review
Applications are reviewed based on:
- Alignment with the goals of the Faculty/Staff Student Engagement Program
- Expected impact on student engagement
- Proposed use of funds
- Feasibility of the activity
- Availability of funding
Notification and Approved Funding
Applicants will be notified of the application decision within two weeks of the applicable application deadline.
If approved, applicants will receive instructions based on the type of support authorized for the event, which may include:
- Reimbursement for eligible approved expenses
- Catering arranged and paid for by the FSSE Program
- Independent contractor registration and payment for an eligible approved service provider
Applicants should not make purchases, place catering orders, or make payment commitments to independent contractors before receiving approval and applicable instructions from the FSSE Program.
Catering Form & Menus
Faculty & staff members can have food catered for student events. A catering request form must be submitted to fse@jjay.cuny.edu for approval before ordering. Please contact the food vendor for further information on menus and placing orders.
Catering Request Form click here
Justino's Pizzeria Menu click here
Morton Williams Menu click here
FAQs
The Faculty-Student Engagement Program is comprised of the following initiative: Faculty/Staff Student Engagement Fund.
The Faculty/Staff Student Engagement Fund will sponsor or reimburse faculty and staff members who host events for students. All members of the faculty (full-time or adjunct) and staff (full-time or part-time), may be sponsored or reimbursed for up to $400 per event. Faculty and staff members may be awarded funding multiple times per semester. Only two faculty and staff members will be awarded funding for the same event.
The Faculty/Staff Student Engagement Program is paid for by the Student Activity Fee.
All members of the faculty (full-time or adjunct) and staff (full-time or part-time).
All members of the faculty (full-time or adjunct) and staff (full-time or part-time), may be sponsored or reimbursed for up to $400 per event. Faculty and staff members may be awarded funding multiple times per semester. Only two faculty and staff members will be awarded funding for the same event.
Faculty and staff are reimbursed in the form of a check for out of pocket expenses. Faculty and staff cannot be advanced funds for approved events and must submit reimbursement paperwork upon completion of activity. Please review the Faculty/Staff Student Engagement Program Procedures for more information.
Faculty and staff members are permitted to submit mutliple applications for the Faculty/Staff Student Engagement Fund within the same academic semester. All Applications and paperwork must be submitted by the Faculty/Staff Student Engagement Program designated deadlines. Failure to comply will result in loss of funding.
Currently, the Faculty/Staff Student Engagement Program does not support events in the summer.
Please note that faculty and staff are not limited to the types of events listed below.
- Discounted Tickets to Broadway Shows
- 20 museum admissions (at suggested donation amount)
- Entry to lecture/workshop/seminar off campus
- Guest speakers/lecturers to come to John Jay
- Off campus dining with students at a restaurant