SPARC FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SPARC

SPARC is an online training program developed by the State University of New York in partnership with the City University of New York. Its purpose is to educate members of an institution’s community, on what the policies are, how they can report incidents and resources to assist them.  SPARC is delivered on a Blackboard platform, and successful completion is noted in the student’s CUNYfirst account with a “milestone.”

Who needs to take it?

According to New York State legislation called Enough is Enough all Freshman, Transfer students, Club/Organization Officers, Study Abroad participants, Student Athletes, Resident Life occupants are required to take it. Student Athletes must complete SPARC annually to be eligible to play.

For all freshman and transfer students SPARC will be added to your CUNYfirst checklist as a “To Do” item.

For Club/Organization Officers, Study Abroad participants, Student Athletes, and Resident Life occupants you should be provided a link to access SPARC on Blackboard via self-enrollment.

What if I already took it?

If you took the SPARC training already at another institution and you transfer within the CUNY system you must retake the SPARC training at your new institution.  If you completed the training within the past academic year, you do not need to retake it. If you took it during your freshman year but then during a subsequent year you became an Officer of a club, are participating in a sport, studying abroad or live in the residence halls, you must retake SPARC.

What if I need assistance?

SPARC Troubleshooting Tips:

• The course is not smartphone or Apple product friendly so you must take the course on a desktop, laptop or tablet
• Please disengage any pop-up blockers while using BlackBoard
• Enable flash
• Use Firefox or Google Chrome as your browser
• Complete all slides- you will see a certificate once the entire course is complete
• If there is a due date appearing on your checklist but you completed SPARC, please disregard the deadline it will not affect your registration.
• Please ensure that you print or save your SPARC completion certificate
• If you have completed SPARC and you still notice that your status indicates “In Progress” please contact your Title IX Coordinator at TitleIX@hunter.cuny.edu
• If you continue having issues even after reviewing and implementing these tips then email Rodney Pepe-Souvenir: Rodney.Pepe-Souvenir@cuny.edu at CUNY Central Office or the Hunter Title IX office at TitleIX@hunter.cuny.edu 

What if I don't complete the course?

If you continue having issues even after reviewing and implementing these tips then email Rodney Pepe-Souvenir: Rodney.Pepe-Souvenir@cuny.edu at CIf you do not complete the course by the specified date indicated on the communication sent to you, a hold will be placed on your account or you will be unable to participate in a particular activity.

For new-to-Hunter students: you must complete the SPARC training by September 17, 2018. If you do not complete it than a “SOT” hold will be placed on your account. Once you complete the SPARC training on BlackBoard the hold should be removed within 48 hours.

For Athletes: You will not be able to participate if you do not complete the course.

For Residence Hall occupants: You will have your visitation rights revoked and a hold will go on your account which will prevent you from registering for classes until you have completed the SPARC program.

For USG Officers: You will not be able to participate as an Officer of a specific club/organization.

If you have completed the course and the “SOT” hold remains on your account AFTER 48 hours post-completion, then please contact Sharmeen.ahmed@hunter.cuny.edu to assist with removal. Holds will not be removed prior to the 48 hours post-completion timeline unless explicit exception.

What if I can't take the course due to religious reasons or personal reasons?

If you cannot complete the online training due to the content please email TitleIX@Hunter.CUNY.edu and explain why. If applicable, we will try to find an alternative means of competing the sexual misconduct training.