SPARC Online Training FAQ
CUNY has implemented a training program called SPARC (Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Response Course) to provide students with this training.
New York State Education Law 129-b, also called the Enough is Enough (“EIE”) statute, requires that all NYS colleges provide students with ongoing education and training about sexual misconduct, including domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment and sexual violence.
SPARC is an online training module developed by SUNY in collaboration with CUNY that educates students* about sexual misconduct, ways to prevent it, and the campus’ response to a complaint. The content has been customized to reflect New York State requirements and CUNY policies.
*NOTE: All new and transfer students, and students noted as part of a designated population, must complete SPARC. New students are required to complete SPARC once during their enrollment at CUNY.
The requirement to only take SPARC once applies regardless of the campus or program in which the student is enrolled at the time of SPARC completion. SPARC training must be provided to all new students and transfer students who are new to CUNY during onboarding or new student orientation.
Frequently Asked Questions
SPARC is an abbreviation for Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Response. SPARC is an online mandatory training program developed by the State University of New York in partnership with the City University of New York that students must complete to continue their enrollment. Its purpose is to educate the institution’s community on policies pertaining to sexual misconduct, how to report incidents, and available resources. The training is available in Brightspace to make it easier for students to access and maintain a record of their completion.
New York State Education Law, Enough Is Enough, requires that students enrolled in all NYS colleges and universities complete SPARC.
All new and transfer students, and students noted as part of a designated population, must complete SPARC. New students are required to complete SPARC once during their enrollment at CUNY. The
requirement to only take SPARC once applies regardless of the campus or program in which the student is enrolled at the time of SPARC completion. SPARC training must be provided to all new students and transfer students who are new to CUNY during onboarding or new student orientation.
A student is defined as a person who is matriculated and enrolled in courses creditable toward a degree or a certificate approved and registered with the New York State Education Department. This definition includes undergraduate and graduate students and includes degree and certificate programs that are offered in an on-campus, hybrid, and online format. Students who have a question regarding their status should contact their SPARC Campus Leader (SCL), Kevin Adams (kadams@mec.cuny.edu).
Designated Populations are listed in New York State Education Law Article 129-b as heads/officers of student organizations, student-athletes, and students studying abroad or partaking in domestic overnight travel. Designated populations are unique to each CUNY campus and defined based on their activities and offerings
- SPARC Online Training Reminder (SAT) indicates that a student has not yet completed the training.
- SPARC Online Training Required (SOT) indicates that a student will not be able to register until the training is completed.
SPARC Troubleshooting Tips:
- Please allow for pop-up blockers
- Preferably use Firefox or Chrome as your browser
- Complete all slides – there are four modules that need to be completed and validated. At the conclusion of all four modules you will see a certificate of completion, please save for your records.
- For technical issues with Brightspace please contact Steve Wymore, Director, Academic Technology Center, for assistance at: Swymore@mec.cuny.edu.
Students who encounter technical difficulties with the SPARC training should be directed to their campus Help Desk for initial troubleshooting in order to escalate the case to the SPARC Campus Leader (SCL), Kevin Adams (kadams@mec.cuny.edu).