Top 25 CUNY City University of New York Interview Questions and Answers

CUNY (City University of New York) is one of the largest public university systems in the United States. With over 250,000 students across 25 campuses, CUNY offers a wide range of academic programs.

If you have an upcoming CUNY job interview it’s important to prepare for the most frequently asked questions. In this article, I’ll share 25 of the top CUNY interview questions with example responses.

Whether you’re interviewing for an adjunct professor administrative, or other role these tips will help you impress your interviewers and land the job.

1. Why are you interested in working for CUNY?

CUNY wants to hire people truly excited to be part of their university community. Show you’re passionate about their mission.

Sample Answer: I’m drawn to CUNY’s commitment to providing quality, affordable education to a diverse student population. As a first-generation college graduate myself, CUNY’s mission deeply resonates with me. I’m excited to help further the university’s goals of academic excellence, inclusion, and opportunity.

2. What experience do you have that makes you a strong candidate for this role?

Use real examples to highlight your qualifications and achievements relevant to the position.

Sample Answer: With 8 years of experience managing university admissions data, I have the proven ability to handle large student record systems and draw insights, like those I would work with in this role. I spearheaded a data integrity project improving reporting accuracy by 15% at my institution. My expertise would enable me to make immediate contributions.

3. How would you describe CUNY’s work culture?

Show you’ve done your research on CUNY’s values and environment. Mention collaboration, diversity, and public service.

Sample Answer: My understanding is CUNY has an incredibly collaborative culture focused on the collective mission of educating students. There’s great diversity among faculty and staff, which strengthens the university. Public service also seems woven into the university’s identity. It’s a culture driven by purpose, community, and altruism.

4. How do your skills and experience align with the needs of this job?

Draw direct connections between the position’s requirements and your capabilities. Use the job description for guidance.

Sample Answer: The job requires expertise in counseling psychology which aligns perfectly with my 10 years’ experience providing individual counseling for university students. You’re also seeking someone skilled in crisis intervention and social justice advocacy, which have been central to my past roles. My specialized skillset and passion for student development make me well-prepared.

5. In your experience, what are some key challenges of university admissions?

For education roles, expect questions testing your higher ed knowledge. Use details to prove you understand this field.

Sample Answer: A major challenge is recruiting a diverse student body, especially first-generation and disadvantaged students who may lack resources but deserve opportunity. Ensuring admissions outcomes align with institutional values takes focus. Additionally, balancing personalized review with efficient, data-driven processes can be difficult. Managing high application volume is also a universal challenge in admissions.

6. Why do you want to leave your current job?

Avoid negativity. Keep your answer positive, framing it as seeking growth.

Sample Answer: I’ve greatly valued my experience at my current university but after 7 years in my present role, I’m ready for new challenges and impact. CUNY seems like an environment that would push me in exciting new directions professionally and allow me to have broader influence. At this point, I’m looking for opportunities to continue advancing my career.

7. Tell me about a time you successfully collaborated with a colleague despite disagreement.

Behavioral questions test your people skills and critical thinking. Provide specific examples.

Sample Answer: When planning a university-wide training event with a fellow manager, we had different views about the session’s structure and focus. Rather than argue, I listened to understand their perspective. I proposed we incorporate elements of both visions. We ultimately compromised on an agenda incorporating the best of both ideas. Even during conflict, I remain collaborative.

8. What strategies have you used to develop strong student-faculty relationships?

For education roles, expect questions on student interactions. Share your relationship-building skills.

Sample Answer: I maintain an open door policy and make myself available to provide guidance. I’ve found students especially appreciate when I draw connections between course concepts and their personal interests or goals. Getting to know students individually also helps build rapport. Small gestures like learning student names or remembering details shows I care.

9. How would you handle a student complaining about their grade on a major assignment?

Professors often field student complaints about grades. Demonstrate empathy while explaining policies.

Sample Answer: First, I’d listen sincerely to understand the student’s perspective and why they feel the grade is unfair. I’d walk through my grading rubric and policies, explaining how I reached the grade decision. If a true error occurred, I’d remedy it immediately. However, if not, I’d work with the student on a plan to improve moving forward. My goal is resolving conflicts while upholding academic policies.

10. This university values diversity. How would you contribute to our diverse community?

CUNY prioritizes inclusion. Share examples of how you promote diversity and cultural awareness.

Sample Answer: In past roles, I spearheaded professional development around unconscious bias which heightened cultural sensitivity among faculty. I also revamped outdated processes that created barriers for marginalized groups. If hired, I’d suggest recruiting initiatives targeting minority students. My vision is to foster an environment where people of all backgrounds feel welcomed and supported.

11. What student retention strategies have you found most effective?

Student retention is crucial for universities. Discuss data-driven methods you’ve applied to keep students enrolled.

Sample Answer: One highly effective strategy I’ve used is identifying and providing extra support to at-risk students early on, through counseling and tutoring referrals. Additionally, creating a first-year seminar focused on study skills and connecting students to resources led to a 2% increase in second-year retention at my college. Taking a proactive, hands-on approach is key.

12. How do you stay up-to-date on developments and best practices in higher education?

Lifelong learning is valued in academia. Share what you do to stay current in your field.

Sample Answer: I read higher education publications, take part in virtual conferences, and subscribe to email newsletters covering emerging research. I also network with peers at other institutions to learn how they tackle today’s challenges in higher ed. Continuing to sharpen my knowledge enables me to bring innovative ideas to our university.

13. Tell me about a time you successfully adapted to a substantial change in your department or institution.

Change management is crucial in higher ed. Discuss an example handling change smoothly and professionally.

Sample Answer: When our university adopted a new LMS system, I learned it inside and out through training resources. I then held workshops for faculty, created video tutorials, and provided ongoing support as they adjusted. Despite initial resistance from some, the transition was ultimately smooth and successful. I take pride in guiding teams through transformations.

14. How would you approach teaching a course you haven’t taught before?

Professors must be ready to teach new courses. Show your preparation process and learning mindset.

Sample Answer: I’d devote substantial time upfront to thoroughly learning the new subject matter, as teaching a course starts with having mastery myself. I’d consult colleagues who’ve taught the course successfully for advice. I’d also remember that student feedback is key – I’d adjust based on their needs and reactions. I welcome opportunities to expand my instructional skills.

15. Imagine you’re faced with reduced budget funds for your program. How would you handle this situation?

Budget cuts are unfortunately common. Discuss how you’d prioritize limited resources.

Sample Answer: I’d evaluate which aspects of the program are most central to our mission and prioritize protecting those elements. For example, maintaining academic scholarships for low-income students may be critical. I’d pursue creative solutions like seeking grants before cutting programming. I’d engage faculty to make collaborative decisions focused on students’ best interests.

16. Tell me about a time you successfully adapted an assignment to be more inclusive after receiving student feedback that it was insensitive.

Inclusivity is crucial. Show you’re responsive when students voice concerns.

Sample Answer: Recently, a writing prompt about gender norms didn’t resonate with LGBTQ+ students. Based on their feedback, I edited the prompt to broaden the scope and incorporated readings elevating diverse voices. Student critique, though sometimes uncomfortable, allows me to improve as an educator and create a more welcoming classroom culture.

17. Describe a professional development goal you have for the next 2-3 years and how you plan to achieve it.

Show you’re focused on continual growth. Align goals to the institution’s strategic plans.

Sample Answer: My goal is honing my instructional design skills as our university expands online education offerings. To develop expertise in digital pedagogy, I plan on completing an instructional design certification over the next year. I’ll also collaborate with faculty driving our online programs to learn best practices directly from their experiences.

18. Tell me about a time you successfully incorporated new technology