Launch your college journey with the SLU Urban Experience. Over two semesters, you’ll earn transferable credits, level up reading/writing/math, and understand how NYC really runs—who makes decisions and how change happens. Then enroll in BMCC/LaGuardia/Guttman, via the Urban Academy, with a head start to complete your Associate’s degree. When finished, come back to complete your Bachelor’s degree at SLU—no extra transfer app, no lost credits.
Admissions related questions please contact, admissions@slu.cuny.edu
At‑a‑Glance
- Earn the equivalent of a first semester of college — no “do‑over” later.
- Transfer‑ready courses that move with the student to partner CUNY community colleges.
- Enhance skills in reading, writing, and quantitative reasoning.
- Meaningful content: cities, community change, unions, nonprofits, and how policy actually gets made.
Why Recommend This to Undecided Seniors?
- Momentum without pressure: They explore interests while earning credit.
- Supportive start: A structured semester that builds college‑level habits and confidence.
- Clear pathway: From SLU → partner community college → seamless transfer back to SLU for the bachelor’s degree.
What Students Learn
- Civic savvy: How communities participate effectively in the political process.
- Lived experience → policy: Why people’s real lives matter when shaping urban policy.
- What works in practice: How nonprofits, unions, and community groups win improvements for their constituents.
How the Pathway Works
- Start at SLU: Students complete 2 semesters of Undeclared BA courses that are transferable to our partner CUNY community colleges.
- Continue at a partner college (Urban Academy): BMCC, LaGuardia, or Guttman for the associate degree.
- Dual acceptance: Urban Academy students receive admission to their associate program and to SLU bachelor’s programs.
- Seamless transfer back to SLU: Finish an Urban Academy–approved major, keep all earned credits, and skip the CUNY transfer application.
Who Thrives Here
- Curious, civic‑minded students who like people, place, and public problems.
- Seniors who want a smaller, supportive start and time to choose a major.
- First‑gen and bridge‑builders who value community impact.
Requirements
- Proof of HS Graduation, NYC Public Schools official transcript, or New York State equivalency (GED, HSE, or TASC).
- Complete all 4 Undeclared BA courses.
- Transfer to a partner CUNY community college (BMCC, LaGuardia, Guttman) through Urban Academy.
- Finish an Urban Academy–approved associate major to return to SLU seamlessly (no new transfer app; completed credits maintained).
Department Contact
Dr. Steven London
Department Chair
Marie Romani
Administrative Specialist
marie.romani@slu.cuny.edu
(646) 313 – 8480
Office Hours
Mon. – Thur.: 10:30am – 6:30pm
Fri.: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Internships
Community Semester and AmeriCorps SLU Fellowship – unique internship programs
Urban Academy
Dual acceptance opportunity for community college students