Academic Governance Council

The governing body of the CUNY School of Labor & Urban Studies pursuant to the Bylaws of the Board of Trustees is the Academic Governing Council (AGC). The AGC consist of all full-time, jointly-appointed, and consortial faculty. The Dean, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and the two Higher Education Officers (HEOs) who have primary responsibility for administration of the School’s two academic programs serve as ex-officio members without vote. At least one student from each department is elected in accordance to rules established by the student governing body.

The AGC has the following standing committees: Steering and Elections Committee, Curriculum Committee, Admissions and Awards Committee, and Student Academic Appeals Committee. Students elect their representative members of each standing or ad hoc committee. All meetings of the Academic Governing Council are open to all members of the CUNY School of Labor & Urban Studies community. For more information about the CUNY School of Labor & Urban Studies AGC, and the complete governance document, visit Academic Governance Plan page.

Shirley Rollins is a first year CUNY SLU student, BA in Labor Studies. Shirley does take notice and respect the family structure of CUNY SLU that she would be honored to maintain, bring innovative ideas in a collective effort, and empower us all, students, and faculty alike to take on! Her 1199SEIU and community outreach background demonstrates a sincere commitment to CUNY SLU. Working at 1199SEIU for 7 years, Shirley has worked multiple roles, including a secretary in the steering committee meetings for the NYS Staffing Legislation.

Originating from Harlem, NY, Shirley has been active in community outreach since high school. She is an experienced writer and orator in spoken word, community development & inner-city youth programs. As a Red Hook Youth Court Member, Shirley has had the pleasure to speak to US Attorney General Janet Reno, major media platforms and community organizations to show how inner-city youth can and has improved their lives in impoverished communities. With her bright & energetic persona, she has shared her written poetry to uplift & empower many in her community.

My name is Chai Leffler, and I’m a second semester Urban Studies graduate student. I currently work as an extracurricular teacher and I’m no stranger to the work/school/life balance that many of us are familiar with. SLU’s flexibility to its students and academic mission is something I’ve come to cherish. Coming from Florida, I’m no stranger to the attacks on higher education across the country. My previous college faced an onslaught of attacks from the state government that abolished our Diversity Office, cancelled programs that were deemed “too woke”, and pushed out faculty and students that spoke out. In response I helped to organize a student group, Students Against Fascism in Education (SAFE), to use direct action, advocacy, and mutual aid to protect and support our community. Whether organizing at SAFE, teaching at school with my students, or studying here in class, I strive to be an active listener. The diversity of this school is its strength; and now more than ever we need leaders who can step up to the plate when those values we hold dear are threatened.

I’m Abbie Harper, a neurospicy mental health activist, organizer, and cooperative developer with a fierce passion for, to quote the late John Lewis, good troublemaking. I am pursuing an MA in Urban Studies in the Workplace Democracy and Community Ownership track. As a neurodivergent person, it’s been challenging to find spaces where I feel a genuine sense of belonging, and I feel that belonging at SLU. I will work to ensure all students feel not only that they belong at SLU, but that they have a voice. Students deserve a seat at the table where decisions are being made, and I will advocate for the practice of participatory democracy and participatory budgeting at SLU.

I came to SLU thinking about what justice-centered public mental health support might look like. I’m currently developing a social cooperative and a worker cooperative, rethinking institutions that provide care. My research is focused on emotional labor, radical mental health peer support, and the solidarity economy.

I’m currently the president of the Solidarity Economy Club at SLU and a member of SLU 4 Palestine. Outside of school, I am the co-chair of political education for the NYC chapter of the Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee (or EWOC), utilizing popular education to empower workers to democratically organize their workplaces through pre-majority unionism rooted in genuine care and concern for each other. In my free time, I love thrift stores, going on walks with my rescue chihuahua, Matilda, and baking. Solidarity is our greatest tool for change!

Hi SLU! My name is Carmen (she/they) and in fall 2025, I will be completing my advanced certificate and I will join the Master’s of Urban Studies program in spring 2026.

My daily job responsibilities at NYC’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) allowed me to contribute to the city’s sustainability goals and allowed me to join SSEU 371. I am excited to see where my career in public service, and my CUNY education, take me!

Throughout my undergraduate education, I was a member of the Oberlin Student Cooperative Association (OSCA) – one of the largest student-run cooperatives in North America. I was on OSCA’s Board of Directors for 3 years, served on the long-term planning and accessibility committees, and chaired the education committee.

My name is Shavelle Knox. I am an undergraduate student majoring in Labor Studies. Attending SLU has changed my life in many ways. From the amazing faculty, safe and inclusive environment, and resilient students I knew that SLU was special. I am a dedicated student and worker rights advocate. I have years of experience in the labor movement, and I believe that my skills would be beneficial in a student union leadership position. I was employed by the New York City Housing Authority at nineteen years old. While there, I became very active within my union, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 237. I took on the role of shop steward and safety coordinator. Later, I became a union representative and now I am an Assistant Director. I believe that in working with the student union and my peers, we can bring forth new ideas and continue SLU’s legacy. I am grateful to be a part of the SLU community and will continue to contribute in all ways that I can.