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.

Contact
Michael Gilbert
Academic Program Specialist
michael.gilbert@slu.cuny.edu
646-313-8342

Our Programs and Initiatives

Mentoring

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 SLU student in a certificate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree program
  • A willingness to serve as a mentor
  • Must attend mentor training

Please note a 3.3 GPA or above, a willingness to serve as a mentor, and the requirement to attend mentor training as outlined above. If you do not have the required GPA but you feel that you have an applicable background, we invite you to apply.

Mentee Criteria:

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

If you are interested in becoming a mentor or mentee for the CUNY BMI-SLU Leadership Program, applications are now available and due by Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Please access the links to apply. If you have any questions about the BMI Leadership program or application process, please contact Michael Gilbert at michael.gilbert@cuny.edu.

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.

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.

Advisory Committee

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

Advisory Committee Members:

Michael Gilbert, Academic Program Specialist
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