University Advisement Center
Photo of student being advised
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.
NAVIGATE STUDENT
Schedule an appointment with your advisor and receive notifications directly through this app!
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Sarah Vandermark. Ph.D.
Assistant Provost for Student Success
As the Assistant Provost, Dr. Sarah Vandermark is responsible for creating, redesigning, and developing university wide student success initiatives, including a data-informed holistic advisement model. Prior to her time at NJCU, Dr. Vandermark served as the Executive Director of the Center for Student Success at New Jersey Institute of Technology, where she restructured Academic Advisement, New Student Orientation, Disability Support Services, Testing, and The Learning Center. Throughout her career, Dr. Vandermark has incorporated strategic planning which has been driven by improving student retention, student achievement gap, and graduation rates. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Sociology from Wilkes University, Master’s Degree in College Student Development and Counseling from Northeastern University and her PhD from Montclair State University in Counselor Education.
Jessica Accurso-Salguero, Ph.D.
Director for Student Success Initiatives
Dr. Jessica Accurso-Salguero serves as the Director for Student Success Initiatives at New Jersey City University. She is a first-generation, scholar-practitioner whose research and professional experiences are dedicated to assisting students with reaching their highest potential. Dr. Accurso-Salguero is particularly passionate about working with college students to achieve their personal, professional and academic goals and believes in using strengths-based approaches and resiliency frameworks to do so.
Hours & Location
Vodra Hall, Room 101
(201)200-3300 or (201)200-3422
uac@njcu.edu
Office hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday:
8:30am-5:00pm
Monday & Thursday: 8:30am-7:00pm
Academic Advising
Your academic advisor is your guide to success at NJCU. Academic Advisors are assigned to assist new, undeclared, transfer, and veteran students. You will be able to find your assigned advisor by your program of study below.
Walk-ins are always welcome. Appointments are strongly encouraged.
Lorena Laverde
Assistant Director
Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education
llaverde@njcu.edu
(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."
Walk-in Hours:
Monday: 9:00am-11:00am
Tuesday: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Wednesday: 10:00am-12:00pm
Thursday: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Friday: 9:00am-11:00am
RoseMarie DiStefano
Accounting, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Management, Global Business, Supply Chain
For Students with Last Name A-E
UAC: Vodra 101
(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."
Walk-in Hours:
Monday: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am-11:00am
Wednesday: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Thursday: @SOB 10:00am-6:00pm
Friday: 9:00am-11:00am
Ayannah Johnson
Accounting, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Management, Global Business, Supply Chain
For Students with Last Name F-Me
UAC: Vodra 101
(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."
Walk-in Hours:
Monday: 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Wednesday @ SOB: 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Crystal Villavert
Accounting, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Management, Global Business, Supply Chain
For Students with Last Name Mi-So
UAC: Vodra 101
(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."
Walk-In Hours:
Monday: 9:00am–11:00am
Tuesday: @ SOB 8:30am-4:30pm
Wednesday: 11:00am–1:00pm
Thursday:1:00pm-3:00pm
Friday: 9:00am–11:00am
Queen Gibson
Accounting, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Management, Global Business, Supply Chain
For Students with Last Name Sp-Z
School of Business at Harborside campus
(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."
Matt Lahm
Music, Dance, Theatre & Visual Arts
UAC: Vodra 101
(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."
Walk-in Hours:
Monday: 11:00am-1:00pm
Tuesday: 11:00am-1:00pm
Wednesday: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Thursday: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Friday: 11:00am-1:00pm
Courtney Chambers
Visual Arts
Visual Arts Building: A-120
(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”.
Walk-in Hours:
Monday-Friday: 11:00am to 4:00pm
Kathleen Banks
English, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Spanish & Women's and Gender Studies
UAC: Vodra 101
(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."
Walk-in Hours:
Monday: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am-11:00am
Wednesday: 11:00am-1:00pm
Thursday: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Friday: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Daysi Romero
Psychology, Sociology, Media Arts
For Students with Last Name A-F
UAC: Vodra 101
(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."
Walk-in Hours:
Monday: 9:00am-11:00am
Tuesday: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Wednesday: 11:00am-1:00pm
Thursday: 11:00am-1:00pm
Friday: 9:00am-11:00am
Gerry Lopez
Psychology, Sociology, Media Arts
For Students with Last Name G-N
UAC: Vodra 101
(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."
Walk-in Hours:
Monday: 11:00am-1:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am-11:00am
Wednesday:3:00pm-5:00pm
Thursday: 3:00pm-5:00pm
Friday:11:00am-1:00pm
Cristian Vergara
Psychology, Sociology, Media Arts
For Students with Last Name O-Z
UAC: Vodra 101
(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."
Walk-in Hours:
Monday :1:00pm-3:00pm
Tuesday: 11:00am-1:00pm
Wednesday :1:00pm-3:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am-11:00am
Friday: 9:00am-11:00am
Kristina Harb
Biology,Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Environmental Science, Computer Science, Mathematics (STEM)
For Students with Last Name A-C
kharb@njcu.edu
(201) 200-2143
Science Building-S450
Kristina's hobbies include listening to music, reading and traveling with family.
"I enjoy working with NJCU students this gives me the opportunity to positively impact their academic and personal lives. (I am an NJCU Alumni too!)"
Walk-in Hours:
Monday: 9:30am-12:30am
Tuesday: 1:30pm-3:30pm
Wednesday: 9:30am-12:30pm
Thursday: 1:30pm-3:30pm
Friday: 9:30am-12:30pm
Josh Dornbos
Biology,Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Environmental Science, Computer Science, Mathematics (STEM)
For Students with Last Name D-K
jdornbos@njcu.edu
(201) 200-2047
Vodra 101
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."
Walk-in Hours:
Monday: 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m
Wednesday: 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Friday: 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Lakeesha Conyers
Criminal Justice: 0-74 credits
UAC:Vodra 101
(201) 200-2023
lconyers1@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.”
Walk-in Hours:
Monday: 9:00am – 11:00am
Tuesday: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Wednesday: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am-11:00am
Friday: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
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
Walk-in Hours:
Monday & Wednesday: 2:30pm-3:30pm, 5:30pm-7:00pm
Tuesday: 3:00pm-6:30pm
*Additional hours by appointment.
Barbara Drew
201-200-3422
Vodra 101