The CUNY BMI-SLU Leadership Program is designed to increase and support the enrollment, retention, and graduation of students underrepresented in higher education, particularly men of color.

The CUNY BMI-SLU Leadership Program provides an inclusive space for students to build community. The program aims to foster a supportive network for students, in particular men of color to access social and academic support, explore/pursue further studies, and engage in leadership and career opportunities to enhance the experience at SLU, as well as support educational and professional goals.

The CUNY BMI-SLU Leadership Program is part of the CUNY Black Male Initiative.

All programs and activities of the CUNY BMI-SLU Leadership Program are open to all SLU students, faculty, and staff, without regard to race, gender, national origin, or other characteristics.

Get Involved
Join, become a mentor, participate in events and opportunities. Email us studentservices@slu.cuny.edu

Our Programs and Initiatives

Mentoring

The CUNY BMI-SLU Leadership Program will launch a peer mentoring program in Spring 2023. The peer mentoring program is designed to support students enrolled in a certificate or bachelor’s degree. The program connects master’s degree students with certificate or bachelor’s degree students to support their path to completion and pursuit of further studies.

The mentoring program aims to:

  • Create an inclusive space to build peer connections and community
  • Provide social and academic support to enhance the SLU experience
  • Foster exploration and pursuit of further studies and leadership/career opportunities

Programming includes:

  • Peer leader (mentor) orientation and training
  • Mentee orientation and training
  • Mentor and mentee community events
  • Individual/group check-in meetings

Peer Leader (Mentor) Criteria:

  • 3.3 GPA or above
  • A current student in master’s degree
  • A willingness to serve as a mentor
  • Must attend mentor training

Mentee Criteria:

  • A SLU BMI student in certificate or bachelor’s degree
  • Must attend mentee training

BMI Events

The CUNY BMI-SLU Leadership Program offers monthly programming that provide networking and personal/professional development opportunities. The CUNY BMI-SLU Leadership Program also support students in the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and goal setting skills to navigate academic and life challenges.

Academic Workshops
The SLU Learning Hub offers an array of programming to support SLU BMI students in their coursework, including both one-to-one sessions and workshops. Sign up for an upcoming workshop.

Career Services Workshops
The SLU Career & Professional Development Office offers a range of events and programming including 1:1 meetings with a Career Counselor, Employer Events & Job Fairs, as well as career workshops and programming. Find out more.

Chat & Chew Series
The Chat & Chew series is designed to create a safe space for men of color to have dialogues about topics that are important them, as well as topics that foster professional/personal development. Monthly topics will vary.

Personal Statement Workshop
Need a writing boost – Not sure where to start? The Admissions Office offers a series of fun and engaging virtual workshops centered on writing and developing your personal statement!

The Personal Statement is your opportunity to highlight your unique experiences, skills, and interests. Sign up for an upcoming workshop.

Advisory Committee

The CUNY BMI-SLU Leadership Program Advisory Committee is comprised of SLU staff and students.

Advisory Committee Members:

Marlon Bailey, MA in Urban Studies Student
Michael Gilbert, Academic Program
Cherise Mullings, Assistant Director of Admissions
Padraig O’Donoghue, Student Services Manager, Student Affairs

Rochel Pinder, Director of Student & Community Affairs
Kevin Simmons, Program Coordinator
Chris Washington, Sr. Academic Advisor