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Lunch with a Leader: Ensuring the CUNY Promise – One Student’s Path to Advocacy

Tuesday, March 17, 2026
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
CUNY SPH, Ground Floor (Room 102)
55 W. 125th Street
New York, NY 10027, United States
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ORGANIZER
Dean’s Office

Our next Lunch with a Leader series will be presented by Dr. Ian James, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at CUNY.

All staff are invited to this interactive talk where James will discuss his path from student to advocate. 

After a challenging experience at his campus bursar’s office, James was motivated to pursue a career in higher education administration. He now serves at the CUNY Office of Student Affairs, where he oversees student advocacy.

In this role, James leads an office that functions in an ombuds capacity, supporting students, campuses, and Central Administration in resolving student disputes. The office provides accurate and timely information, and when appropriate, advocates for university reform to better serve the CUNY community.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Dr. Ian James is the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. As a member of the Vice Chancellor’s senior staff, he is directly involved with setting university policy and advocating for university-wide policies and practices that support student access and persistence.

James’ career in higher education spans nearly two decades. He has served as the Special Assistant to the Executive Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and the Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. He currently serves as the Director of the Office of Student Advocacy and Referral, guiding students in matters concerning University regulations, policies and procedures.

James holds a doctoral degree in Higher Education Leadership from Delaware Valley University, a Masters in International Relations from CUNY’s City College, and a Bachelor in Psychology and Political Science from the CUNY Baccalaureate Program. He also holds advanced certificates in Immigration Law from CUNY’s School of Professional Studies, the Harvard Institute of Education Management and the American College Personnel Association Management Institute.

James has presented at several national conferences and has been a member of and continues to serve on the boards of several professional associations and university committees.

This event is for CUNY SPH staff and faculty only.

Please note this lecture will be held in-person. Light refreshments will be served and attendees are encouraged to bring their lunches.

Those who are unable to attend in-person will be able to tune in to a livestream of the lecture. Please RSVP to receive the livestream link.

A professional development certificate will be provided for participation in this seminar.

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