CUNY LEADS | CUNY School of Professional Studies

CUNY LEADS (Linking Employment, Academics Disability Services) is a unique program designed to prepare CUNY students with disabilities to make realistic academic and career choices and develop the skills that will result in successful career outcomes. The program provides services for eligible students including:

Academic Advisement & Career Counseling

Guidance in planning your academic path, and aligning your studies with your career goals.

Résumé & Interview Preparation

Personalized assistance in creating strong resumes and cover letters, as well as building confidence through mock interviews.

Job Search & Placement Assistance

Help with locating job opportunities, completing applications, and learning about workplace accommodations.

ACCES-VR Referrals

Connection to New York State's vocational rehabilitation services for additional employment and training support and/or to the Commission for the Blind.

Time Management Support

Strategies and tools to balance academic, personal, and professional responsibilities effectively, including one-on-one meetings for personalized guidance.

Eligibility: CUNY SPS students and alumni who identify as having a disability or have a condition that limits their ability to function to full capacity who would like career and/or time management guidance.

CUNY LEADS is free of charge for all eligible candidates and available on all CUNY campuses.

CUNY LEADS Staff at CUNY SPS

Kenia Torres, CUNY LEADS Advisor

The CUNY LEADS Advisor works one-on-one with students with disabilities to foster academic success and career readiness. They help students plan for their long-term academic and career goals, offering tailored support like time-management strategies to balance personal, academic, and professional responsibilities. Advisors also deliver personalized job-search preparation, including résumé and cover letter development and mock interviews, while helping students land internships and employment opportunities.

Duane Parnell, CUNY LEADS Neurodiversity Job Developer

The CUNY LEADS Neurodiversity Job Developer serves as a University-wide resource for neurodiverse students, especially those on the autism spectrum, and collaborates with other LEADS professionals on a range of initiatives to support career opportunities for neurodivergent students.

Resources / FAQ

Time Management

What are some key strategies to help manage time effectively?

Watch Intro Video 1 for essential time management strategies.

How can I apply practical techniques to plan my day more productively?

Video 2 explores actionable tips for structuring your daily schedule more efficiently.

What tools or methods can I use to stay consistent and accountable with my time commitments?

Video 3 dives into strategies for maintaining routine and accountability in time management.

Does CUNY SPS offer any real-time support for time management?

The CUNY LEADS team at SPS is excited to announce the continuation of our series of Body Doubling meetings this semester.
Body doubling is a strategy to enhance focus and productivity by working alongside others. Whether you're studying, working on projects, or tackling assignments, this is a great opportunity to boost your motivation and accountability.

For the fall semester, we’ve scheduled 90-minute Zoom sessions twice weekly during:

Monday nights from 8:30pmto 10:00 pm (EST)
Register Now for a Monday Session
Wednesday mornings from 7:30 am to 9:00 am (EST)
Register Now for a Wednesday Session

Participants are not required to be on camera. Two bio-breaks are scheduled for each session.

These meetings are a great opportunity to work in a positive and engaging environment. Looking forward to seeing you at any or all of the sessions!

How do I schedule a one-on-one support meeting with the CUNY LEADS Advisor?

Contact Kenia Torres or email LEADS@sps.cuny.edu .

Tips for Communicating with Faculty via Email

What are best practices for crafting a professional email to faculty members?

Part 1 provides guidance on tone, structure, and etiquette when emailing instructors.

How do I follow up or respond to faculty emails effectively and courteously?

Part 2 covers follow-up strategies and maintaining professionalism in ongoing email communications.

Effective Email Communication with Faculty: DOs and DON’Ts

DO...

Send the email from your campus email account
Include a clear and concise subject line with the course name and number
Open with a polite salutation (for example, “Dear Professor Smith”)
Close with a professional signature (for example, “Sincerely, Chris Student”)
Stay focused on your objective; keep email brief
Review your professor’s communication policy
Allow at least one full business day for a response
Use proper punctuation and respectful tone
If your professor asks questions about your accommodations, forward the email to the Office of Student Disability Services and OSDS will respond
If you have questions about the class and your accommodations, contact OSDS.
If your email does not give you the answer you are looking for, request a meeting during your professor’s scheduled office hours to discuss it. Sometimes, email is not the best way to resolve complex concerns and issues.

DON’T...

Send messages from your phone
Send messages late at night
Send multiple messages on the same thread in the course of a few hours
Copy multiple recipients on messages intended for one individual
Disclose detailed personal or disability-related information, especially when requesting accommodations from faculty
Use casual language, all caps, or slang
Introduce topics unrelated to the objective
Engage in inappropriate language, tone, or repeatedly send numerous emails. You may be referred to Student Conduct per School policy.

External Resources

55-A Program: The 55-A Program allows qualified individuals with certified mental or physical disabilities to be hired into competitive civil service positions in New York City without taking an exam.
55-B & 55-C Program: New York State’s 55-B and 55-C Programs provide specialized pathways for wartime veterans and individuals with disabilities to secure entry-level positions within the state government.
Lime Connect: Lime Connect is one of the largest networks of high-achieving students and professionals with disabilities. It connects its members to internships, full-time careers, exclusive events, and educational resources, empowering them to thrive in their careers and communities.
Disability-Specific Resources – MOPD: The NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) offers a comprehensive list of resources tailored to various disabilities, including mobility, vision, hearing, developmental, learning, and mental health.
Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York: CIDNY is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing opportunities for people with disabilities to lead independent lives. It offers services such as benefits counseling, advocacy, and educational workshops, ensuring that individuals can maintain their independence and access necessary resources.
Celebrating Neurodiversity. Advocating for Change. – The Neurodiversity Alliance: The Neurodiversity Alliance is a leading nonprofit organization founded by and for students who learn differently. It provides tools to launch neurodiversity clubs, scholarships, leadership opportunities, and national events to build community and raise awareness for neurodiverse individuals.
IMPACTability: IMPACTAbility is a free career development program designed to support college students with disabilities through mentoring, skills training, networking and advocacy—empowering them to achieve meaningful employment and long-term career success.