This fall, CUNY SLU’s Urban Studies department welcomes Fanon John Howell and Danniel Katch. Bringing expertise in urban education, institutional change, community journalism, worker education and writing, the new faculty members strengthen CUNY SLU’s commitment to equity, social justice and developing working-class voices. Meet the new faculty.
After 30 years as a union shop steward, Rafael Ramos is building on his lifelong commitment to workers’ rights as a Labor Studies student at CUNY SLU. Still active as a volunteer organizer with DC 37’s Local 1501, he’s gaining the historical perspective and organizing skills to turn his vision for a new advocacy coalition into action. Read Rafael’s story.
SLU’s latest State of the Unions 2026 report finds that despite renewed organizing, successful strikes and strong public support, union membership rates remain largely unchanged in New York and nationwide. The report examines long-term declines, persistent public-private sector gaps and NY’s continued union strength, while exploring what the city’s new labor-friendly political landscape could mean for workers. Read the report.
CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies has developed programs in collaboration with several unions, municipal agencies, and community groups. Many of our students can take advantage of employer, union, and other benefits to cover the cost of their tuition. With Bachelor’s, Master’s, and certificate programs in labor studies and urban studies, we prepares our students for impactful careers. Learn more.
Explore SLU’s degree and certificate programs in Labor Studies and Urban Studies. Learn from scholars, working professionals and movement leaders who bring real-world experience into the classroom. Build practical skills to grow your career, advocate for workers, shape public policy, strengthen communities and make a meaningful difference in New York City and beyond. Find the SLU program that’s right for you.
Whether you’re preparing to begin at SLU, returning for another semester or exploring what being an SLU student could look like, the Learning Hub shows how we support your success. Students can access online and in-person sessions and workshops offering help with writing, research, quantitative reasoning, reading and study skills—from their first assignment through their final project. Learn more.