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Office of Compliance, Diversity & Inclusion » SPARC Online Training FAQ

SPARC Online Training FAQ

CUNY has implemented a new 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.

SPARC is accessible to the campus community through the following link:

https://bbhosted.cuny.edu/webapps/blackboard/execute/courseMain?course_id=_1722922_1

*NOTE: All incoming students (first-year and transfers) are required to complete SPARC training as are student government members, student leaders and members of other student groups designated by the University and/or College.

*SPARC Troubleshooting

  • If using a Mac, students should either use either Google Chrome or Firefox as your web browser to complete SPARC.
  • Ensure that pop-up blockers are disabled.
  • Please note that students must view ALL the slides to successfully complete the module. The program will automatically close after viewing the final slide.
  • Students should complete the SPARC program in one sitting.
  • Please print and/or screenshot the Certificate of Completion for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 on sexual misconduct, how they can report incidents and resources to assist them. The belief is that by having it housed on BlackBoard it will be easier for students to access the training and maintain a record of their compliance.

New-to-Medgar students need to complete the SPARC training (freshman and transfer as an undergraduate or graduate). In addition, existing students who are involved in the following also need to take SPARC, even if they have previously taken the Haven Sexual Misconduct Training online: • Club/Organization Officers • Study Abroad students • Athletes • Resident Life students • Students traveling for overnight trips Athletes must take it annually to be eligible to play. Non-matriculated students or students on epermit do not need to complete SPARC. If you do not fall into any of the cohorts listed above as those who need to complete SPARC and you have been contacted to complete it, please email TitleIX@mec.cuny.edu and give your EMPL ID, when you enrolled at MEC and that you are not a member of the required groups that need to complete it.

ESPARC is for employees and not students, however, if you are a College Assistant employed at MEC and a student you have to take both trainings.

If you took the SPARC training already at another institution you have to complete it at your current institution as a transfer student. The only exception to this rule is if you completed the training within the past academic year, you do not need to retake it and can email your certificate to TitleIX@mec.cuny.edu and explain that you have completed SPARC within the past year and attach the certificate or tell your cohort representative and give them a copy of your certificate. If you take it during your freshman year but then during a subsequent year you become a member of one of the cohorts listed above, you need to take it again.

SPARC Troubleshooting Tips:

The course is not mobile friendly so you must take the course on a desktop, laptop or tablet

  • Please allow for pop-up blockers
  • Enable flash
  • 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
  • The CUNYFirst checklist posts an automatic deadline of 30 days for the SPARC training, and it will remain on your account even if you’ve completed the course until the 30 days is done; disregard deadline if you have completed the training and generated a certificate
  • For technical issues with BlackBoard please contact the Steve Wymore, BlackBoard Administrator, for Assistance at: Swymore@mec.cuny.edu
  • If you continue having issues even after reviewing and implementing these tips then email TitleIX@mec.cuny.edu and explain what the issue is, please include your EMPL ID
  • If you can’t complete the online training due to the content please email TitleIX@mec.cuny.edu and explain why.

You must complete the SPARC training by the communicated deadline to avoid the following consequences:
  • Freshman and Transfer students: May be subjected to registration hold and other actions by Administration.
  • Athletes: Will not be allowed to participate if you do not complete SPARC and email your certificate to your coach.
  • Residence Hall occupants: Will have your visitation rights revoked and potentially a registration hold on your account.
  • USG Officers: Will not be able to participate as an Officer of a specific club/organization if you do not complete the SPARC program and email your certificate as informed.

If you were informed that you need to complete the SPARC online training course but do not see the course on your BlackBoard homepage please contact TitleIX@mec.cuny.edu and request the self-enrollment link.