University Advisement Center

COVID-19 University Advisement Center Services and Communication Update:

Greetings,

During this difficult time, the University Advisement Center is fully committed to assisting our students with their academic needs and concerns. In our continued effort to assisting our student population, students can schedule appointments to meet with their advisors virtually through Zoom video calls, phone calls, and email communication. As always, our students are our priority, and we will do everything to reach to our NJCU community.

Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

Additional contact information:
Email: uac@njcu.edu

Please review your advisor’s updated contact information in the drop-down menu below.

Stay well,
UAC Team

Welcome to the University Advisement Center

The University Advisement Center seeks to enhance the experience and academic success of NJCU's undergraduate students. UAC's Academic Advisors are dedicated to helping students reach their highest potential, providing awareness of resources and supporting academic success.

Lorena Laverde

Interim Director of Advisement

Joshua Dornbos

Interim Associate Director of Advisement

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College of Education

Lorena Laverde

Interim Director of Advisement
Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education
llaverde@njcu.edu
Google Number: 201-523-4315
Office Number: 201-200-3215
Vodra 101

Lorena enjoys running, shoe shopping, spending time with her family and is an active member of her faith community.
"I enjoy encouraging students to reach their goals, while ensuring they have a fun and positive student experience here at NJCU."

School of Business and Economics

RoseMarie DiStefano

Accounting, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Management, Global Business, Supply Chain
For Students with Last Name A-E
UAC: Vodra 101
Google Number: 201-503-6212
Office Number: 201-200-2191
rdistefano@njcu.edu

RoseMarie's hobbies include soccer, drawing, hiking, snowboarding and scuba diving.
"I love working at NJCU because I learn something new from my students every day. I am passionate about student success and am thankful to be in a position where I have the opportunity to help students reach their highest potential."

Ayannah Johnson

Accounting, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Management, Global Business, Supply Chain
For Students with Last Name F-Me
UAC: Vodra 101

Google Number: +1-862-801-2178
Office Number: 201-200-2339
ajohnson19@njcu.edu

Ayannah's interests include social justice advocacy, Beyonce, sneakers, reading and traveling.
"I enjoy working at NJCU because of the diverse student population. I am an advocate for student success and building a sense of community on campus."

Crystal Villavert

Accounting, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Management, Global Business, Supply Chain
For Students with Last Name Mi-So
UAC: Vodra 101

Google Number: 201-503-6482
Office Number: 201-200-3382
carreola@njcu.edu

Crystal's hobbies include reading, eating, sleeping, drinking coffee, planning and most importantly: Mom Life.
"I enjoy working at NJCU because as an alumni, I believe giving back and sharing my experiences and knowledge with the future generations. NJCU students have the drive and ambition to be successful. I believe that we have the ability to unlock their potential."

Queen Gibson

Accounting, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Management, Global Business, Supply Chain
For Students with Last Name Sp-Z
School of Business at Harborside campus
Google Number: 201-200-3353
Office Number: 201-200-3011
qgibson@njcu.edu

Queen's hobbies include reading, traveling, hiking, walking and missions.

"My purpose as an Academic Advisor at NJCU is to do my best in guiding and speaking into the lives of students and encouraging them to reach their highest potential by staying focused on their academic and career goals and aspirations. He/she can do it. It is achievable."

College of Arts and Sciences

Matt Lahm

Music, Dance, Theatre & Visual Arts
UAC: Vodra 101

Google Number: 862-245-7708
Office Number: 201-200-3571
mlahm@njcu.edu

Matt's hobbies include drawing and painting, composing and playing music, writing poetry and prose, cooking, making wine, tennis, reading and politics.
"I like working with students because I love helping people realize their potential. It's a public service because we risk our future if we do not cultivate our most valuable resources: our youth. America needs smart and competent people."

Courtney Chambers

Visual Arts
Visual Arts Building: A-120
Google Number: 201-200-3214
Office Number: 201-200-3214
cchambers@njcu.edu

If you combine an interesting book, a classic movie, a long walk, travel (preferably to a warm climate), jazz, or a good meal with family and friends, you have Courtney’s list of favorite things.

“Helping students to be active participants in their education, to persist and achieve the degree they came for” inspires my work as an Academic Advisor. “When I help an NJCU student succeed, that accomplishment can affect more than the individual; it has the potential to impact everyone connected to that student”.

Kathleen Banks

English, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Spanish & Women's and Gender Studies
UAC: Vodra 101
Google Number: 201-503-4369
Office Number: 201-200-3569
kbanks@njcu.edu

Kathleen's interests include hiking, camping, Bible studies, genealogy, history, reading, music, art and literature.
"I like working with students because I enjoy being a part of their journey towards graduation. My heart especially fills with joy when I see first generation college students or students who have overcome adversity obtain their degree."

Daysi Romero

Psychology, Sociology, Media Arts
For Students with Last Name A-F
UAC: Vodra 101

Google Number: 201-241-2849
Office Number: 201-200-2184
dromero@njcu.edu

Ms. Romero is an advocate for survivals of sexual harassment and sexual abuse for Hudson Speaks or the Rape Crisis Center for Hudson County. She enjoys hiking, reading, traveling, and spending time with family & friends.
"I love being a part of the NJCU community to help our students discover their potential and succeed, and to provide them with the tools to continue with their career goals."

Gerry Lopez

Psychology, Sociology, Media Arts
For Students with Last Name G-N
UAC: Vodra 101

Google Number: 551-227-7041
Office Number: 201-200-3279
glopez4@njcu.edu

Gerry's hobbies include running, training, writing, and drinking coffee.
"I like being a part of the NJCU community because we collaborate as a team to help students succeed academically."

Cristian Vergara

Psychology, Sociology, Media Arts
For Students with Last Name O-Z
UAC: Vodra 101

Google Number: 201-503-6363
Office Number: 201-200-2177
cvergara@njcu.edu

Cristian's hobbies include playing soccer year around and scuba diving in beautiful coral reefs.
"As a first generation and a proud alum from NJCU, working here has provided me with the opportunity to serve and have a positive impact in the lives of individuals eager to succeed in life and within the community."

Vivianne Jimenez

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Environmental Science, Computer Science, Mathematics (STEM)
For Students with Last Name A-C
Science Building 335
Google Number: 551-227-7494
Office Number: 201- 200-2373

Josh Dornbos

Interim Associate Director of Advisement
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Environmental Science, Computer Science, Mathematics (STEM)
For Students with Last Name D-K
UAC: Vodra 101

Google Number: 201-200-2047
Office Number: 201-200-2047
jdornbos@njcu.edu

Josh enjoys running, mentoring, leadership development, basketball, football, traveling and fatherhood. He is a member of Vroom St. Evangelical Free Church and New City Kids in Jersey City.
"I'm inspired by working with students aiming to better themselves, especially first generation college students who want to make a better life for themselves and their families."

Adrianna Rodriguez

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Environmental Science, Computer Science, Mathematics (STEM)
For Students with Last Name L-O
Science Building 335

Google Number: 201-200-2581
Office Number: 201-200-2581

Heather Evans

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Environmental Science, Computer Science, Mathematics (STEM)
For Students with Last Name P-Z
UAC: Vodra 101
Google Number: 201-503-6262
Office Number: 201-200-3292

College of Professional Studies

Lakeesha Conyers

Criminal Justice: 0-74 credits
UAC:Vodra 101
Google Phone: 201-503-4655
Office Phone: 201-200-2023
l conyers1@njcu.edu

Lakeesha's hobbies include: Reading, Exercising and empowering others through public speaking and teaching.

"I enjoy working for NJCU and with UAC because I see a campus full of diversity in various departments and the student body. The potential is endless, and I’m so honored and proud to be part of the change here at NJCU.”

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Mohamed Kaifa

Criminal Justice: 75+ credits
Education and Professional Studies Building: Suite 220
(201) 200-2416
mkaifa@njcu.edu

Anna Scanniello

Fire Science
Education and Professional Studies Building: P-441
(201)-200-3370
ascanniell@njcu.edu

Anna's hobbies include swimming, working-out, traveling, motorcycle riding and spending time with family.

"Our students are driven and I enjoy working with them as a team to give them the tools they need to reach their goals and dreams! NJCU students and alumni are the dreamers, the leaders and they make the difference in our communities!"

Syed Haider

Program Coordinator
National and Professional Security Studies
Education and Professional Studies Building:P-453
(201) 200-2386
shaider1@njcu.edu

Dr. Scott Fisher

National and Professional Security Studies
Education and Professional Studies Building: P-449
(201) 200-2275
sfisher1@njcu.edu

Administrative Assistants

Barbara Drew

201-200-3422
Vodra 101

Walk in Advisement

Walk-in hours are available for quick advising sessions and are intended for brief guidance on matters such as:

Referrals to resources and offices for further assistance and exploration
Concerns regarding academic policies and procedures
General Education class add/drop
Discussing a pass/fail option
Discussing class withdrawals
Change part time/full time status
Declaring a major/minor

Advisement Appointment

You are encouraged to meet with an advisor at least once a semester to discuss interests and long term plans. Appointments are available during the academic year for in-depth clarification and discussion on general education and degree requirements. Appointments are made in advance by calling 201-200-3300 or visiting EAB link. Your meeting will be 15-20 minutes in length, so arrive to your appointment prepared. In order for your appointment to be productive: