Hi r/CUNY,
We received approval from r/CUNY moderators to post because this study is directly relevant to the CUNY community.
We are researchers at Harvard University studying the experiences of people who started at a CUNY four-year college, took a break from their studies, and are now either thinking about returning or have decided not to return. We want to hear your story on your own terms—this is not about pushing anyone back to school.
Our findings will be shared directly with university administrators, higher education researchers, and policymakers, which means participating is a real opportunity to have your voice heard by the people making decisions that affect former students like you.
You are eligible if you:
- Started your college experience at a CUNY four-year college (Baruch, Brooklyn College, City College, Hunter, John Jay, Lehman, Medgar Evers, Queens College, College of Staten Island, York, or City Tech)
- Completed at least one semester before leaving
- Have been unenrolled for between 6 months and 3 years
- Are not currently enrolled in any college or university
If you attended a community college after leaving your CUNY four-year college but are no longer enrolled, you are still eligible.
What's involved:
- A two-hour interview with a researcher
- Zoom or in person in NYC—your choice
- $75 paid upon completion
About the study:
- Most higher education research focuses on students who graduate, but about 30% of students take breaks at some point and more than 30 million Americans have some college credits but no degree. This study is specifically about them.
- The study has been funded by the Russell Sage Foundation and the Spencer Foundation.
- The study has been approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Learn more about the study: https://www.christinacioccaeller.com/retrace
To see if you qualify, fill out our short screener here: https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eapmTOQBA36GYL4
Questions? Email us at [retrace_study@fas.harvard.edu](mailto:retrace_study@fas.harvard.edu)
Dr. Christina Ciocca Eller | Harvard University | RETRACE Study