In collaboration with the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU), Queens College supports union members to earn a degree, advance their careers, and achieve personal growth through the Murphy Institute for Worker Education. This unit serves as a hub for union members and adult learners, supporting entry into and advancement within all Queens College undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Contact
64-19 Kissena Blvd.
Kissena Hall 1 Room 217
718-997-3060
qc.wked.murphyinstitute@qc.cuny.edu
Prospective Students
- Fill out the inquiry form, and our program specialists will contact you to set up a Zoom or in-person meeting to answer your questions.
- To learn more about the Murphy Institute’s programs for union members at Queens College, attend one of our monthly open house sessions
History
The Worker Education programs started at Queens College as the Labor Education and Advancement Project (LEAP) back in 1984. The Project was expanded to the Murphy Institute, and then the Institute grew into the newest CUNY college, the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU), in 2018. The Murphy Institute for Worker Education remained within the new school to collaborate with other CUNY units and expand higher education opportunities to union members and adult learners. Throughout these transitions, the Murphy Institute for Worker Education has been an active hub for union members and adult learners studying at Queens College.
Program Overview
The welcoming, friendly, and supportive environment, combined with our comprehensive services, empowers our students to succeed in achieving their academic and personal goals. Our service model includes adult-friendly admissions criteria, an extensive academic support system, and special programs like LEAP to Teacher and Urban Leadership.
We serve adult learners and many student union members at Queens College who belong to a variety of unions, including but not limited to:
- United Federation of Teachers (UFT)
- The Communication Workers of America (CWA), Local 1180
- 1199 SEIU Health and Hospital Care Workers
- The Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA)
- District Council 37 (DC37)
- The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW)
- The Retail, Wholesale, and Department Stores Union (RWDSU)
Workshops and Courses
- College Prep-Elementary Algebra
- College Prep-English Reading and Writing
- NYS Teacher Certificate Exam Prep
- Math for Elementary Educators
- NYS Teaching Assistant Certification (ATAS)
- Student Success Workshops
Services at Queens College
Pre-Admissions Guidance
The Murphy Institute’s advisors provide pre-admission advisement to adult learners and union members who want to pursue a degree at Queens College. We will assist you in selecting the right program for your career and personal growth.
Undergraduate Admissions
Queens College offers over 70 undergraduate programs on campus.
Free College Preparation Program
Meet proficiency requirement for admission at Queens College.
Graduate Admissions
Explore Queens College’s 100+ career-building certificate and master’s degree programs.
The Murphy Institute Writing Center
The Murphy Institute Writing Center at Queens College is a resource for writing support offering a variety of options:
- In Person – Meet face to face with a writing consultant.
- Online Chat – After sharing your document on the online scheduler, WCOnline, you can chat with a writing consultant or using a Zoom session.
- Telephone appointment – Share your text on WCOnline and discuss your paper with a writing consultant over the phone.
The Murphy Institute Writing Center also provides workshops, writing tips of the week, discussion forums, and newsletters. To make an appointment and obtain more information about our Writing Center, please contact Jean Soto at jean.soto@qc.cuny.edu or 718-997-3079/ 929 265-210.
Academic Advising
The Murphy Institute for Worker Education at Queens College has dedicated and knowledgeable academic advisors available to assist you with all matters regarding your academic success. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor each semester. You can receive information about the following:
- Degree requirements
- Transfer-credit evaluation
- Program planning
- Major selection
- Registration procedures
- Financial Aid and union tuition benefit information
- Navigating the college offices, services, and departments
- Upcoming Student Success and Test Prep Workshops
The Murphy Institute Special Programs
Leap to Teacher Program
The Murphy Institute LEAP to Teacher (LTT) program supports United Federation of Teacher (UFT) and District Council 37(DC37) paraprofessional and other school and daycare workers to further pursue their education and advance their careers in any field of study, including teaching.
Urban Leadership Program
The Urban Leadership program is a unique series of college courses subsidized by CWA Local 1180 for their members who are pursuing studies in labor studies, public administration, public policy, and urban affairs. Contact a Murphy Institute Advisor at 718-997-3060.
Community Semester
The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) offers Community Semester in midtown Manhattan. Queens College students can apply using the CUNY ePermit system. For more information, please contact Heysel Rodas at heysel.rodas@qc.cuny.edu
Union Semester
The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) offers Union Semester in midtown Manhattan. Queens College students can apply using the CUNY ePermit system. For more information, please contact, Heysel Rodas at heysel.rodas@qc.cuny.edu
Financial Aid Options At Queens College
To learn about the financial aid programs at Queens College, how to apply for these programs each academic year, how to avoid a variety of problems, and how to become an informed consumer, please visit the Queens College Financial Aid page.
LTT Tuition Assistance Scholarship
The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies is offering tuition assistance scholarships to full-time paraprofessionals who are both continuing and new graduate students in a teacher shortage area at the LEAP to Teacher collaborating CUNY colleges: Brooklyn College, College of Staten Island, Lehman College, and Queens College. Scholarships will be awarded on a semester-by-semester basis by the SLU Scholarships Committee. Employment status, transcripts and financial aid information will be reviewed, and enrollment will be verified to ensure that recipients continue to meet scholarship eligibility requirements. Students must re-apply each semester to be considered for a scholarship for the next term, if the scholarship is still available. More LTT Scholarship information.
How to Utilize your Union’s Tuition Benefits at Queens College
Some union members are eligible to use their employer education benefits. To learn more about your union’s education benefits go to Murphy’s Union Benefits page. The Murphy Institute advisors help you apply for and process your union tuition benefits. Please contact Heysel Rodas at 718-997-3087 or heysel.rodas@qc.cuny.edu for all inquiries.
CSEA
CSEA members should bring their voucher to Heysel Rodas in Kissena Hall Room 227. Voucher applications can be found on the Tuition Benefits page.
CWA 1180
CWA1180 educational benefit covers tuition and fees for up to 30 credits of courses in urban studies, urban affairs, and labor studies. To utilize your tuition-free benefit, contact Heysel Rodas at heysel.rodas@qc,cuny.edu for the CWA 1180 voucher and service agreement.
District Council 37
DC37 offers tuition assistance to their members. The DC37 Education Fund tuition reimbursement application can be found on the DC37 Tuition Reimbursement webpage. Contact Heysel Rodas for assistance with supporting documentation.
UFT
Undergraduates should bring their voucher directly to the Bursar’s Office located in Jefferson Hall’s 2nd floor. Vouchers and fee payments are due no later than your bill’s due date. Graduate students enrolled in an education program can apply for tuition reimbursement. Information can be found on the Career Training Program page.
SEIU 1199
SEIU 1199 offers tuition assistance for students pursuing a college degree at the undergraduate or graduate level. Information, such as how to apply, can be found on the Tuition Assistance for Degree Programs page.
If you are a member of a union not listed here, contact Heysel Rodas at heysel.rodas@qc.cuny.edu for further union contact information. Please note that all vouchers and relevant documents must be submitted as noted no later than the tuition and fee due date.
Meet Our Staff
Heysel Rodas
Academic Advisor, Graduate Admissions Coordinator, and Tuition Benefits Coordinator
heysel.rodas@qc.cuny.edu
718 997-3087
Francine Sanchez
Undergraduate Admissions Coordinator
francine.sanchez@qc.cuny.edu
718 997-3048
Carol Schwartz
LEAP to Teacher Academic Advisor
carol.schwartz@qc.cuny.edu
718 997-3029
Jean Soto
Writing Specialist & Workshop Facilitator
jean.soto@qc.cuny.edu
718-997-3079/ 929 265-210
Julia Grifferty
Program Assistant
julia.grifferty@slu.cuny.edu
718-997-3039/347603-0183