Staff Profile Laura Silverman

Keeping Students on Track to Graduation
And Exploring Life’s Possibilities

At first glance, a BS in Communications and Journalism and MA in Media Studies followed by work at Comedy Central and an entertainment law firm might seem unusual background for a career in academic advising.

But for Laura Silverman, director of QC’s Academic Advising Center (AAC), there is a strong connection. “For me, a liberal arts degree provided the foundation for a lifetime of experiences and options-and most important, the characteristics of agility and adaptability,” says Silverman. “Public higher education gave me-as we give our students-the opportunity to grow, mature, expand and explore.”

After graduating from Oceanside High School on Long Island and earning a BS at SUNY New Paltz, Silverman enrolled in a master’s program at QC. To earn income, she took a job as a college assistant in the Dean of Students Office, an experience that exposed her to a future career serving students. For seven years, she worked in the Office of Honors and Scholarships under then-director Elizabeth Roistacher (Professor Emerita, Economics). “Professor Roistacher’s focus was solely and wholly on our students,” says Silverman. “I had a remarkable experience under her tutelage.”

She was named the assistant director and coordinator of transfer advising at the AAC in 2001. Four years later, Silverman was promoted to director.

Put simply, the AAC works with the entire student population at all stages of their academic life to develop an educational plan. Whether students come directly from high school as traditional students, are transfer students, or participate in special initiatives such as the CUNY Baccalaureate Program, Early College Initiative, Macaulay Honors College, CUNY Black Male Initiative, or other programs, all need advising. Helping students understand the requirements of the degree while easing their “academic journey” is the primary goal. A staff of two associate directors, 14 full-time academic advisors, and six part-time advisors are kept very busy, Silverman says.

“Today’s students want convenience and ease of interaction,” she points out. “The AAC is the only student service office with year-round availability six days a week. We also provide evening, phone, email, and Skype communication options.”

Silverman has expanded the office’s programming for freshmen, especially following the recent launch of the QC in 4 initiative. “Students work closely with us to map the path from college freshman to college graduate in four years,” she says. A Sophomore Initiative focuses on student retention during a critical time and guides students to the important step of declaring a major. The office conducts direct outreach to “undeclared” students, hosting workshops in various majors and an annual Major/Minor Fair. The AAC also reaches out to at-risk students, providing support and resources to keep them focused on their education.

For her dedicated, energetic, and effective service to QC students over the years, Silverman has been recognized with the college’s Performance Excellence Award; HEO of the Year Award; Jewel of Queens College Award; and the Office of the Year Award. Perhaps it’s not surprising that Roger H. Martin, the former president of Randolph-Macon College, visited QC to interview Silverman and observe her and her staff at work—resulting in a positive appearance in his 2015 book, Off to College: A Guide for Parents.

In the end, Silverman measures her own success by the students’ achievements. She vividly recalls one student who needed to take three courses of College English as a Second Language before she was proficient enough to matriculate. “This young woman was one of the most focused and tenacious I’d ever encountered,” says Silverman. “It was a great pleasure to witness her dramatic transformation.” The student graduated with a dual major in Elementary Education and General Linguistics, summa cum laude.

“Sometimes I can’t believe that I’m the director of such an important college office and function at such a notable institution of higher education in such an amazing city,” exclaims Silverman. “Having the chance to effect change and help students earn their degrees is something to be proud of. Not bad for a first-gen college student who hadn’t a clue about her future.” And then she adds with a laugh, “I’m also proud of learning to ride a Harley in my forties!”