FYE Digital Badge

The First Year Experience digital badge acknowledges accomplishments within the first two consecutive semesters of a student’s journey as they enhance their knowledge of the college, embark on career exploration, and learn strategies that are beneficial to academic and professional success.

Freshmen and new transfer students are eligible to earn an FYE digital badge.

I believe earning an FYE digital badge affirms my commitment to developing the skills I need to be successful in college. The badge reflects my involvement in trainings, professional development, career assessment and events that helped build connection to the college community. I am excited to continue my education and advance to the next step in my professional journey.

Johanna L. Roldan Edwards
York College Student,
Digital Badge Recipient

Digital Badge Requirements

Participate in New Student Orientation (NSO)
Available to freshmen and new transfer students who are entering their first semester at York. Students unable to attend the in-person program will receive access to a virtual NSO course through Blackboard and will complete a short quiz after each section.
Attend one Weeks of Welcome (WOW) event
Open to new and continuing students, Weeks of Welcome (WOW) consists of fun, informative and engaging signature events that occur in the beginning of the term. WOW events can be found on the college’s event webpage and will be communicated to first-year students through their York College e-mail address.
Complete SPARC
All CUNY students are required to take the Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Response Course (SPARC). Access SPARC through Blackboard under “My Organizations.” Click on the latest SPARC link to begin the training. Students need a minimum of 80% to pass. Take a photo of the certificate as proof of completion.
Attend two Student Success Sessions
Student Success Sessions are designed to support students as they progress toward their academic and professional goals. Students will learn to strengthen their problem-solving skills, navigate college resources, and increase self-awareness. View a list of options.
(Please note: if you attend a Counseling Center session from this list, it will count only towards the badge requirement listed under #7).
Complete Focus 2 Career
FOCUS 2 CAREER is a self-guided system that will help you explore majors at York and introduce potential careers. To create an account, go to York's Career Services page, click on the FOCUS 2 CAREER logo at the bottom of the webpage and enter cardinal (case sensitive) as the access code on the self-registration page. Once you complete each section and all requests for input, save the occupations and areas of study (major) you are interested in and it will be a part of your portfolio. If you complete the Work Interest Assessment, Personality Assessment and Skills Assessment, you would have finished this requirement of the FYE digital badge. If you are interested in discussing your results, make an appointment with a career counselor at (718) 262-2282.
Complete one LinkedIn Learning Course
Courtesy of York College, students will be able to take online courses in a variety of topics that enhance marketable skills at a pace that is comfortable for them. Visit the LinkedIn Learning webpage for log-in information.
Attend one Counseling Center Program
The Counseling Center sponsors a variety of programs and workshops on topics. View the list of workshops for the current semester.

*Although the FYE digital badge can be completed in one semester, eligible students have two consecutive semesters to complete the requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a digital badge?

Representing your skills as a badge gives you a way to share your abilities online in a way that is simple, trusted and can be easily verified in real time. Badges provide employers and peers concrete evidence of what you had to do to earn your credential and what you’re now capable of. Credly also offers labor market insights, based on your skills. You can search and apply for job opportunities right through Credly.

Who is Credly?

Credly is the end-to-end solution for issuing and managing digital credentials. Credly works with credible organizations to provide digital credentials to individuals, worldwide.

Who is currently eligible to earn a First-Year Experience digital badge?

Degree-seeking students who experienced their first semester in York College in fall 2023 or in the current term, spring 2024.

How long does it take to complete the badge criteria?

First-Year students have two consecutive semesters to complete the criteria; however, students have earned the badge in one term.

How is my progress tracked?

Students must complete the check-in process for each event or program they attend that is related to the digital badge. Students e-mail the LinkedIn and SPARC certificates as proof of completion to fye@york.cuny.edu. The FYE and Mentoring staff send notifications to your York College e-mail address regarding your progress.

How do I claim my digital badge?

Once you complete all criteria, you will receive an email notification from Credly (admin@credly.com) with instructions for claiming your badge and setting up your account.

You can share your badge directly from Credly to LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook; over email; embedded in a website or in your email signature.

FYE Digital Badge Registration

Staff will confirm your eligibility and contact you via e-mail to keep you informed of your progress, badge deadlines and other required information for badge completion.