LGBTQI+ Community

Dear LGBTQI+ students

On behalf of the faculty and staff at the School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU), I welcome you as a new member of the SLU community—a place where diversity isn’t just celebrated – it’s embraced as an essential part of who we are. You have joined a supportive and active community of more than 400 students from diverse backgrounds.

At SLU, we believe that every person should feel comfortable expressing themselves authentically. Ensuring that all students feel welcome and safe at our School is our foremost priority. In the coming months we look forward to meeting you—whether it be at a student activity, a public programming or community event. We invite you to join us creating a culture of inclusivity for all students, especially those who identify as LGBTQI+.

Please reach out to your LGBTQI+ allies among our advising staff if you want to connect with relevant student services, help organize community-building activities, or if you have any questions or concerns.

I look forward to a great semester together!

Sincerely,
Rochel Pinder-Cuffie
Director of Student & Community Affairs
rochel.pinder-cuffie@slu.cuny.edu
(646) 313-8320

The School of Labor and Urban Studies reaffirms The City University of New York (CUNY) Policy on Equal Opportunity and Non-discrimination, and its long-standing commitment to nurture an inclusive and diverse community. The SLU administration, faculty, and staff all share responsibility for ensuring compliance with these policies and laws.

Our School does not discriminate because of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability (including HIV status), veteran status, military obligations, or marital status. This policy applies to all, students, faculty and staff.

CUNYFirst Preferred Name Change

While CUNY SLU recognizes the importance that a change of name might have to students during their time with the school, a preferred name is not a legal name, but is generally used to change how others refer to you. For this purpose, students may identify a preferred name to be recorded in the student system. No documentation is required to have a preferred name recorded. Documents and records that may display a preferred name include, among other things, course rosters, student identification cards, student email addresses, and other documents issued by the school. Please note that only first and/or middle names may be changed. Please select names that you would be comfortable using in the classroom and other CUNY settings. After making this update your preferred name will also be shown on class rosters and Blackboard.

In order to change your preferred name follow these steps:

1. Go onto the CUNYFirst Webpage
2. Log into your account
3. Go to Student Center
4. Scroll down to Personal Information and Click “Names” on the left-hand side
5. On that page you should be able to add a name and indicate that it is your preferred name.

Please note, a preferred name will not be reflected on, among other things, a student’s official academic record, diploma, or transcript. To change the name that is displayed/reflected on official academic record, diploma, or transcript students must follow the instructions on the Personal Data Change Request Form available in the Registrar’s Office. Official and legal name changes require specific documentation outlined on that form. If you have any questions, please reach out to SLU Registrar at Registrar@slu.cuny.edu