CUNY SPS Open Road

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Top 5 Features of OpenLab Every Student Should Use

October 13, 2025 / / 0 Comments

If you’re a CUNY SPS student, OpenLab is your go-to platform for building connections, showcasing your work, and collaborating with classmates. But with so many features, where should you start? Here are the top 5 must-use features that will help you make the most of OpenLab!

1. Personal Portfolio

Want to stand out academically and professionally? OpenLab lets you create a personal portfolio where you can showcase your projects, coursework, and achievements all in one place. Think of it as your online resume!

2. Join Student Groups & Clubs

Connect with like-minded peers by joining student groups, academic organizations, and clubs. Whether you’re looking for study groups, networking opportunities, or social activities, OpenLab makes it easy to find your community.

3. Collaboration Spaces for Projects

Working on a group project? Need a space to brainstorm, share files, and discuss ideas? OpenLab provides dedicated collaboration spaces where students can work together efficiently, no endless email threads needed!

4. Learning & Resource Hubs

From study guides to academic support, OpenLab gives you access to valuable learning resources that can enhance your studies. Explore shared materials, faculty insights, and important updates, all in one convenient place.

5. Campus Announcements & Updates

Stay in the loop with the latest CUNY SPS news, events, and opportunities. OpenLab is a great place to find important updates, so you never miss out on deadlines, workshops, or community happenings!

Start Exploring Today!

Log in to OpenLab, explore these features, and make the most of your SPS experience. Your journey starts here!

Photo Credit: “unconventionalpaintings.com” by Carl Dunn via Flickr under the license CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

Photo Credit: “Abstract Wall” by casellx via Flickr under the license CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

Building Your Personal Portfolio on OpenLab

September 29, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Want to showcase your work, track your progress, and stand out? OpenLab lets you create a personal portfolio where you can highlight projects, coursework, and achievements all in one place!

Why Build a Portfolio?

Display your best projects and assignments

Document learning experiences over time

Share your skills with employers & peers

How to Get Started

  • Log in to OpenLab with your CUNY credentials
  • Create a Portfolio – Go to My OpenLab > + Create a Portfolio
  • Customize It – Add your bio, upload a profile picture, and personalize your layout

Make It Stand Out!

Organize by categories (essays, projects, artwork)

Use visuals – Images, videos, or slides to enhance your work

Keep it updated – Add new work regularly!

Whether you’re looking to connect, collaborate, or lead, OpenLab is the perfect place to start.

Photo Credit: “Abstract Wall” by casellx via Flickr under the license CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

Fall 2025 OpenLab Support Schedule

August 18, 2025 / / 2 Comments

Drop In, Connect, Create: OpenLab Support Hours Return for Fall 2025

Welcome back to CUNY SPS’s only collaborative digital community platform!

The CUNY SPS OpenLab team is excited to announce the return of our Support Hours for the Fall 2025 semester! Whether you’re a student exploring digital tools, a faculty member building your research portfolio site, or a staff member looking to enhance your online presence, our virtual drop-in sessions are here to support your journey on the OpenLab.

These informal, come-as-you-are sessions are designed to provide flexible, real-time support for all members of the CUNY SPS community. No appointment necessary—just bring your questions, ideas, or curiosity. Feel free to register to receive a reminder email! Whether you’re troubleshooting a technical issue, seeking design feedback, or simply want to brainstorm with the OpenLab team, we’re here to help.

🗓️ Fall 2025 Schedule:
Unstructured Support Hours will be held via Zoom. Check the SPS OpenLab Events Calendar for the most up-to-date schedule and links.

💡 What You Can Do During Support Hours:

  • Get help customizing your course or project site
  • Learn how to use OpenLab tools more effectively
  • Explore digital pedagogy strategies
  • Connect with other OpenLab users and share ideas

📣 Join us this fall and make the most of what OpenLab has to offer! Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your site to the next level, our team is here to support you. Drop in, ask questions, and get inspired.

For more information, visit the SPS OpenLab Support page or email us at openlab@sps.cuny.edu.

Let’s build something great—together.

Register or Plan to Join

Monday 8/25/25 4-6PM

Tuesday 8/26/25 6-7PM

Thursday 9/4/25 3-5PM

Monday 9/8/25 6-7PM

Tuesday 9/16/2025 6-7PM

Tuesday 9/23/2025 3-4PM

Monday 9/29/2025 6-7PM

Tuesday 10/21/2025 6-7PM

Monday 10/27/2025 6-7PM

Monday 11/10/2025 6-7PM

Monday 11/24/2025 6-7PM

Featured image by Carl Dunn, February 2, 2018 CC BY-NC-SA

Congratulations, Graduates!

June 2, 2025 / / 0 Comments

To all the CUNY SPS graduates: we see you, and we’re cheering you on.

Finishing your degree is no small thing. It takes commitment, resilience, creativity, and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes effort that often goes unnoticed. This is your moment to recognize everything you’ve done and everything you’ve become on the way here.

Wherever you’re headed next, remember:

  1. You’ve already built so much (maybe even on OpenLab!)
  2. Your projects, reflections, and collaborations have shaped a path that’s uniquely yours
  3. The work you’ve shared here isn’t just “school work” it’s part of a growing professional story you can carry forward

We hope you take a moment this week to celebrate your journey and maybe archive a few pieces of it on your OpenLab space to look back on someday.

From all of us at the OpenLab team: Congratulations! You did it. 🎉

If you ever want to keep building or stay connected as an alum, we’re here.

📩 openlab@sps.cuny.edu

a black and white cat

Finals Are Over. Now What?

May 26, 2025 / / 0 Comments

So…you made it. Finals are done. The adrenaline’s fading. You might be feeling exhausted, wired, numb, or just… blank.

That’s normal.

Here are a few things you don’t have to do right now:

  • Be productive
  • Plan your whole future
  • “Catch up” on everything you postponed

Instead, try one of these:

  • Do absolutely nothing for a bit (yes, really)
  • Take a walk without a podcast or a plan
  • Reorganize your OpenLab site if that sounds fun, or don’t touch it at all
  • Text that classmate you actually liked talking to
  • Write something just for you, not for a grade

Recovering from finals isn’t about bouncing back immediately. It’s about making space. Space to feel how you feel, and to remember what it’s like to do things for yourself again.

We’re proud of you. Take your time.

– The OpenLab Team

Photo Credit: “Summer’s almost gone” by Frinn Frode via Flickr under the license CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

Decorative artwork interpreted as leaked light

Building, Joining, and Participating in Student Organizations via OpenLab

April 2, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Getting involved in student organizations is one of the best ways to connect with peers, build leadership skills, and engage with topics that interest you. OpenLab makes it easy to find, join, or even create your own student groups at CUNY SPS.

Why Join or Start a Group?

  • Expand your network while connecting with classmates who share your academic or personal interests.
  • Participate in discussions while collaborating on projects and sharing valuable resources.
  • Gain leadership experience while organizing events, managing a group, and building a community.
  • Stay informed while receiving updates on campus activities, career opportunities, and academic support.

How to Get Involved

  • Explore existing groups while browsing OpenLab’s Groups section to find student clubs, academic organizations, and project teams.
  • Join discussions while introducing yourself, engaging with posts, and contributing ideas.
  • Create your own group while setting up a space for discussions, collaboration, and resource sharing on topics that matter to you.
  • Stay active while posting updates, sharing insights, and inviting peers to participate.

Whether you’re looking to connect, collaborate, or lead, OpenLab is the perfect place to start.

Photo Credit: “Magic&Loss” by livingtheliminal via Flickr under the license CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

Decorative Abstract Mixed Media Art

Getting Started with OpenLab: A Beginner’s Guide

March 11, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Welcome to OpenLab @ CUNY SPS! 🎉 If you’re new here, you might be wondering what exactly is OpenLab, and how can it help you? Well, you’re in the right place!

What is OpenLab?

OpenLab is an online community space where CUNY SPS students, faculty, and staff can connect, collaborate, and create. Whether you’re looking to join student groups, showcase your work, collaborate on projects, or explore learning resources, OpenLab has something for you!

How to Get Started in 3 Easy Steps

1. Log In – Head over to OpenLab and sign in using your CUNY Login. No extra accounts needed, just one simple login!

2. Set Up Your Profile – Personalize your space! Add a profile picture, update your bio, and share a little about yourself. Your profile helps others connect with you based on shared interests.

3. Explore & Engage – Join groups, participate in discussions, or start your own project! The best way to get the most out of OpenLab is by diving in and exploring the different features available.

Why Use OpenLab?

  • Showcase your work – Create a portfolio and share your achievements.
  • Join student communities – Find groups that match your academic or personal interests.
  • Collaborate with peers and faculty – Work on projects and engage in meaningful discussions.
  • Access valuable resources – Find helpful tools, learning materials, and campus updates.

Ready to get started?

Jump in today and see how OpenLab can enhance your CUNY SPS experience!

🔗 Explore now: OpenLab @ CUNY SPS

Photo Credit: “Abstract Mixed Media” by Ruth Lathlean via Flickr under the license CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

Decorative abstract photo of water

Spring 2025 OpenLab Support

February 5, 2025 / / 0 Comments

OpenLab is open for business! Join the OpenLab team this semester to learn about available tools and features, including building your own site, using our awesome new single sign-on plugin, and joining the growing groups and conversations happening with other CUNY SPS community projects!

Please bring your OpenLab questions and ideas for one-on-one support and collaboration. We’re looking forward to helping you bring your ideas to life!

Photo credit: “Chicago 2012” by Gregory Wass via Flickr under the CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

OpenLab January 2025 Events

January 10, 2025 / / 0 Comments

OpenLab is open! Learn more about available tools and features, including building your own site, using our awesome new single sign-on plugin, and joining the growing groups and conversations happening with other CUNY SPS community projects!

OpenLab 101 will provide a guided tour of the OpenLab site, including setting up your own user profile, how to join existing groups for timely updates, and more! For Drop-In Hours, please bring your own questions and ideas, and work on your OpenLab site with built-in support and feedback! Sign up at the links below to get a reminder email!

OpenLab 101 (followed by Drop-In Hours) 

Tuesday Jan. 14, 12-12:30pm 

Monday Jan. 27, 2025, 4-4:30pm

Drop-In Hours: 

Tuesday Jan. 14, 12:30-1:30pm 

Wednesday Jan. 22, 2025, 5:30-6:30pm

Friday Jan. 24, 2024, 12-1pm

Monday Jan. 27, 2025, 4:30-5:30pm


Want to see what’s happening on the OpenLab now? Join the faculty discussion in the Faculty Community Hub!

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