Category: Tips and Tricks

Top 5 Features of OpenLab Every Student Should Use

October 13, 2025 / Jahnavi / 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!

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 / Jahnavi / 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.

Finals Are Over. Now What?

May 26, 2025 / Jahnavi / 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 / Jahnavi / 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.

Getting Started with OpenLab: A Beginner’s Guide

March 11, 2025 / Jahnavi / 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.