University Advisement Center

WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY ADVISEMENT CENTER

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.

UAC HOURS & Location

Vodra Hall, Room 101
(201)200-3300 or (201)200-3422
uac@njcu.edu

Office hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday & Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Academic Policies and Procedures

What Can I Do With This Major?

Transfer Student Checklist

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.

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COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

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."

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
(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 potiential."

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."

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."

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

College of arts and sciences

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 potiential. It's a public service because we risk our future if we do not cultivate our most valuable resourses: our youth. America needs smart and competent people."

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."

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."

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."

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."

Kristina Harb
Biology,Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Enviornmental 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!)"

Josh Dornbos
Biology,Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Enviornmental 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, travelling 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."

Rashida David
Biology,Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Enviornmental Science, Computer Science, Mathematics (STEM)
For Students with Last Name L-O
rdavid@njcu.edu
(201) 200-2539
Science Building-S450

Rashida's hobbies include spending time with family, traveling and going to the beach.
"I enjoy working with NJCU students because I have a passion for helping students and I like to make a difference in student's lives."

Leah Jackson
Biology,Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Enviornmental Science, Computer Science, Mathematics (STEM)
For Students with Last Name P-Z
ljackson1@njcu.edu
(201) 200-3292
Vodra 101

Leah enjoys being a mother, advocate, writer and creator of original work in all areas.
"I am constantly inspired and motivated by our students. I am passionate about helping our students to reach their personal and academic goals."

college of professional studies

Lakeesha Conyers
Criminal Justice
UAC:Vodra 101
(201) 200-2023
l conyers1@njcu.edu

A nna Scanniello
Fire Science
Education and Professional Studies Building: P441
(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!"

M ohamed Kaifa
Criminal Justice
Education and Professional Studies Building: Suite 220
(201) 200-2416
mkaifa@njcu.edu

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