@BMCC

October 8, 2020

First Town Hall of Academic Year Delivered by BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe
BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe delivered the college’s Fall 2020 Town Hall on October 8. Close to 350 members of the BMCC community joined the event, live streamed from BMCC's Theatre II. “Communication during this unprecedented time is critical and necessary,” President Munroe said, and provided updates on enrollment, the college budget, recent grants, the economic mobility of BMCC graduates, the college’s recent awards and strategic planning. The address also included videos highlighting BMCC’s partnership with Feed the Frontlines to address food insecurity, and student success. To watch the Town Hall in its entirety, click here.

New Faculty Gather for an Overview of Resources at BMCC
New faculty gathered for a September 25 virtual meeting that introduced them to the faculty page feature on the BMCC website and other resources to support their instruction and help build community at the college. The new professors are Jason Bravo (not pictured), Monica Stanton-Koko and Anika Thrower in the Department of Health Education; Paula Lewis and Christy Solorio in the Department of Nursing; Ayan Hill in the Department of Allied Health Sciences, and RaShelle Peck in the Center for Ethnic Studies.

Videos for CUNY Virtual Choir at BMCC Debut October 13
The CUNY Virtual Choir Project at BMCC will debut two videos featuring singers from around the world on October 13 at 7 p.m. on the BMCC Facebook page as well as Instagram. After the premiere, the videos will be available for viewing on the BMCC website and social media.

"ID: Formations of the Self" Now Up at Shirley Fiterman Art Center
The Shirley Fiterman Art Center is proud to present the exhibition, "ID: Formations of the Self," through January 15. The artwork can be viewed through the exterior storefront windows of Fiterman Hall. Shown at right: Christie Neptune, “Head Bowed in Assembled Construction,” 2018, Digital Chromogenic Print, Image courtesy of artist

BMCC's Pre-Med/Pre-Health Society Presents Conversations With Dr. Flynn
Having founded Fort Worth's new M.D. school, Dean Stuart D. Flynn, M.D., of Texas Christian University and the University of North Texas Health Science Center School of Medicine, will share insights into a patient-centric curriculum that is changing the way doctors are trained. This event, open to the BMCC community, will be presented via zoom. For more information, contact Navita Nauth, nnauth@bmcc.cuny.edu or Ferdousi Akhter, fakhter@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Announcements

Take action! Register to Vote by October 9
"Actions speak louder than words. Take action!" Lamyaa Araf urges fellow students to vote — and shares why it matters. Stay tuned for more student-to-student videos getting out the vote. Share far and wide! And remember: You can register to vote online through the DMV or on this site. You can also vote by Absentee Ballot and students can register to vote on CUNYfirst. The deadline to register is October 9.

Share With Your Students: Diploma Survey Due October 16
Fall 2019 graduates have been emailed a link for a survey asking the name they want on their diploma and where they would like it mailed. This survey closes October 16. Information on how to apply for graduation, how the graduation review process works, diplomas and commencement can be found on the BMCC graduation website. Students can also visit the BMCC Diploma FAQ or contact graduation@bmcc.cuny.edu for more information.

Let Your Students Know: Quiet Study Space Is Available on Campus
Students can now research, write papers and study on campus, as well as access technology for printing and scanning, by reserving a single-seat study space on the second floor of the Murray Building at 70 Murray Street, Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students must bring a photo ID with them and complete the daily health screening each day they visit campus. Instructions on how to do that can be found here. They can reserve a study time here.

BMCC Swimming Pool Closed
The BMCC swimming pool at 199 Chambers Street is closed until further notice, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. BMCC is committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for students, faculty and staff. We continue to strengthen our culture of care by creating the conditions under which all students can learn and all members of the BMCC community can thrive—even from a distance. The college community and community swim members will be notified once BMCC is able to re-open the swimming facility. We encourage you to review the BMCC Reimagining website to learn of resources and information to protect your safety and well-being.

2020 LGBTQ Pride Month in October
LGBTQ Pride Month at BMCC continues with events throughout the month including Rainbow Remix: A Space for Queer and Trans Students and the annual Pride Ball. For more information, visit the Pride Month calendar.

Reprographics Offers Printing and Copying Services With Curbside Pickup
Reprographics offers a variety of printing services with curbside pickup to faculty and staff from its main office at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-128. Visit the Reprographics website for more information.

BMCC Community Members Eligible for 10-Minute Mindfulness Course
The CUNY Office of Student Affairs has launched a partnership with “The 10 Minute Mind,” a service that provides free mindfulness meditation to all CUNY students, faculty and staff. Mindfulness meditation is research-based, and has been found to reduce stress, improve memory and more. To register, click here.

Compliance and Diversity Policies: Equity Is our Strength
BMCC policies protect equal educational and employment opportunity and prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. These policies may also apply to online and off-campus incidents. If you have experienced or witnessed unlawful discrimination and harassment, you can report it to the Office of Compliance and Diversity.

Campus Planning and Facilities

Learn How BMCC Is Being Reimagined for Fall 2020
To protect the health of the college community, BMCC will follow CDC and New York State Department of Health guidelines to reopen campus buildings and the majority of classes will be delivered from a distance in Fall 2020. Learn more here.

BMCC Launches COVID-19 Reporting Dashboard
BMCC has launched an online COVID-19 dashboard that provides updates on COVID-19 testing data, community services such as the Panther Pantry, ongoing safety protocols on campus and more.

The BMCC Campus Is Reopening in Phases
The BMCC campus is reopening in phases approved by CUNY and the State of New York. Phase 1 opened August 26, with access to campus limited to students. Phase 2A began September 16 and added a percentage of support programs staff. Phase 2B started September 30 and added a percentage of administration staff. Review the phases and learn more here.

Before Returning to Campus: Complete the COVID Return-to-Work Training
All staff and faculty returning to campus must complete a one-time, COVID-19 return-to-work training on Blackboard under the tab “My Organizations.” Be sure to take a screenshot of the completion certification before selecting "submit," and direct questions to Loriann Mazzola in Human Resources at lmazzola@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Complete the Daily Health Screening, Each Day on Campus — and Wear a Mask
All faculty, staff, students and guests returning to campus must first complete a two-minute, COVID-19 Daily Health Screening. To do so, first download the Everbridge Health Screening Application. For instructions, click here. Also, when re-entering the campus don't forget your mask!

Enrollment

Fall 2020 Virtual Open House: October 24
Future students are invited to attend the BMCC Virtual Open House this Saturday, October 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, and from 1 to 3 p.m. to learn about online learning options and speak with current BMCC students and faculty. They'll also take a virtual tour of the campus and learn about financial aid options, student services, success programs and how to apply. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at (212) 220-1265 or admissions@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Nominate Your Former Students to be Featured on the Admissions Blog
Are your former students enrolled at their "dream schools" or establishing careers? We want to hear their story! As part of our digital recruiting efforts for Spring 2021, the Admissions office is sharing BMCC alumni success stories on social media. We want to represent as many majors as possible — so make sure your department doesn't get left out! Nominate your former students for a profile on the new #FuturePanther Blog. Admissions Social Media Coordinator Olivia Harris will follow up to capture their tales.

Virtual Information Session and Chat with a Campus Tour Guide
While COVID-19 might prevent traditional information sessions and on-campus tours, tour guides are available via Zoom to engage students in a conversation about the BMCC experience.

Say Hello to the Admissions Office on Social Media
We appreciate your likes, follows and thumbs up.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat

Making Headlines

Alumna Cortney Moore is featured contributor, covering fashion
October 8, 2020 — Byrdie

BMCC student murals brighten just-reopened Healthy Joe's in Tribeca
October 7, 2020 — CityBizList.com

Former BMCC staffer Towuanna Porter Brannon named president of Thomas Nelson Community College
October 1, 2020 — Yahoo News

Human Resources

BMCC Is Closed Monday, October 12
In observance of Columbus Day, the college will be closed on Monday, October 12. For more information, please see the CUNY Employee calendar.

Fall 2020 Annual Health Benefits Program Transfer Period: Now through October 30
BMCC employees can enroll or make changes to their health coverage now through October 30. For plan summaries, visit the NYC Office of Labor Relations, Health Benefits website. Changes will be effective January 1, 2021. For more information, refer to Faculty & Staff 2020 Fall Transfer Period documents or the 2020 Fall Transfer Period documents for Adjuncts. Employees who do not wish to make changes to their current health plan do not need to do anything during the Transfer Period. Please do not include your entire social security number on any forms — the last four numbers will suffice. Send completed forms and direct questions to BMCC Benefits Manager Diana Lopez, dlopez@bmcc.cuny.edu, on or before October 30.

Payroll Distribution: Thursday, October 15
If you do not have direct deposit, pick up your paper check on October 15, from 3 to 5 p.m. only, at 199 Chambers Street, Breezeway, 2 South. Please bring your own pen to sign the registry.

Incentive Rate Just Added for NYC Department of Education Substitute Teachers
Earn $193.47 for a 6-hour, 50-minute day as a substitute teacher through the NYC Department of Education. In addition to that rate, substitute teachers who work in person from September 29 to October 30 are eligible to receive $100 per day for up to five days for a total of up to $500, and an additional $500 for a total of 15 or more in-person days during this period for a total of $1,000. To start the application process, take this online survey.

Free Flu Shots Available
Free flu shots are available at participating pharmacies, in-network medical offices and WorkWell NYC flu clinics throughout October in all five boroughs. To schedule an appointment, visit the NYC Office of Labor Relations website.

Caring and Coping: Virtual Event October 21 and 22
BMCC employees are invited to join WorkWell NYC for events featuring resources and experts on caring for self and others during challenging times. Register here.

Take the 8-Week Self-Care Challenge
From "Disconnect to Destress" to "Flourish With Food," eight weeks of online workshops will provide strategies for improved self-care.

Alumni and Donors

Join a Webinar on Using Life Insurance as Financial Planning Tool
The Office of Institutional Advancement invites BMCC alumni, faculty, staff and friends to attend a unique webinar on using life insurance as a financial planning tool. The webinar will be led by Larry Holzberg (shown left), LUTCF (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow) and Rufus Davenport (shown right) CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) of Fortis Lux Financial. Space is limited, so please RSVP now.

Use your IRA-Qualified Charitable Distribution to Help During this Time of Student Need
The CARES Act of March 2020 waives the requirement for IRA owners to take Required Minimum Distributions in 2020. However, the Qualified Charitable Distribution allowance (QCD) is still in force, meaning that at age 70½, you can help students and use your IRA to make a QCD of up to $100,000 for the year. To learn more, please contact Phillip Keefe, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at (212) 346-8650 or pkeefe@bmcc.cuny.edu.

An Easy Way to Make a Positive Impact
You can ensure that BMCC continues its life-changing work with a charitable bequest in your will or living trust. This earmarks a donation to the BMCC Foundation and can designate its purpose, such as supporting scholarships or food insecurity. For a confidential conversation, please contact Phillip Keefe, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at (212) 346-8650 or pkeefe@bmcc.cuny.edu. We are deeply grateful for your support.

Calendar

Online Free Workshop: How to Be a Successful Online Student
October 9

Online Free Workshop: Tips on Effective Note Taking for Online Learners
October 12

Networking Your Way to Success in a Virtual Era
October 13

Conversations With Dr. Flynn
October 13

Your Academic Path to Becoming an Engineer
October 14

Connect with BMCC