@BMCC

October 22, 2020

BMCC to Name Mathematics Lab After Sadie Bragg, Former Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
A champion of mathematics education, Dr. Sadie Bragg exemplified BMCC's mission to provide a quality education to all students. For her contributions and leadership, BMCC will name its mathematics lab after Bragg, hosting a formal ceremony in Spring 2021. Meanwhile, BMCC is continuing to raise money in support of the endowment in Bragg’s name. Community members can make a donation here (click on the Designation field; a drop-down menu will show an option for the Sadie Bragg Memorial Fund). Thank you for your support!

Italian Heritage Month Commemorated on October 27
Music and dance performances, a cooking demonstration and reading of new Italian literature are just some of the highlights planned for a day of virtual celebration in honor of Italian Heritage Month, October 27 from 9 a.m. to. 2 p.m. Opening remarks will be delivered by BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe and concluding remarks will be given by Modern Languages Chair Maria Enrico, among many other speakers.

Professor Alvin Eng Awarded NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship
Professor Alvin Eng in the Department of Speech, Communications and Theatre Arts was just awarded the New York State Council on the Arts/New York Foundation for the Arts (NYSCA/NYFA) Artist Fellowship in Nonfiction Literature for his memoir-in-progress. "This is my third Artist Fellowship but first one in 24 years!," Eng says. He thanks NYFA "for recognizing myself and other 'mature artists' in this era of rampant ageism, as well as lifting up so many artists." Eng's play, “Chi Can’t Breathe” (for George Floyd) — written at the invitation of BMCC Theatre Program Co-Director, Professor Karl O. Williams and staged last July — is now available on Eng's YouTube channel.

Professor Shirley P. Leyro Wins Teaching Award From ASC/DPCC
The American Society of Criminology (ASC) Division on People of Color and Crime (DPCC) has awarded the Teaching Award to Criminal Justice Professor Shirley P. Leyro in recognition of her excellence in teaching race, ethnicity, crime and justice-related courses. Professor Leyro is committed to working with disadvantaged students to help them achieve their goal of obtaining a higher education. Her college service is student-centered, as reflected in events she has coordinated, including the “Situating Ferguson” series at BMCC. Her teaching and scholarship also focuses on deportation, including the impact that the fear of deportation has on students’ academic success.

Announcements

Share With Students: BMCC Debate Watch Party Tonight on Zoom
BMCC is hosting a Presidential Debate Watch Party for students on Thursday, October 22 at 8:45 p.m. on the virtual platform Zoom. For more information and registration information, click here.

Share With Your Students: Tuition Waivers Are Available for Winter 2021 Semester
Degree-seeking students who are NYC residents and U.S. citizens, permanent residents or NYS Tap-eligible — and who register for the Winter 2021 semester by December 1 — can apply for a waiver of $210 per credit for a degree-related course in these areas: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and CIS, as well as LIN 101, MEA 201, MMP 100, NUR 415 and PSY 100. Waiver recipients will be responsible for fees and materials, such as textbooks. The Winter 2021 session begins January 4. Students with questions can contact the Academic Advisement and Transfer Center at aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu.

BMCC Library Now Offers Book Pick-Up Option
By using this form, BMCC faculty, students and staff with a BMCC, state or government-issued ID can pick up and borrow books from the BMCC Library on a Tuesday or Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 100 North Moore Street (gym entrance). Books cannot be mailed and "rush" requests cannot be accommodated. Visit the BMCC Library website for more details.

2020 LGBTQ Pride Month in October
LGBTQ Pride Month at BMCC continues with events including LGBTQI+: Whole, Healthy and Proud, led by BMCC Counseling Center staff, and the spectacular Pride Masquerade Ball on Friday, October 30. For more information, visit the Pride Month calendar.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
CUNY and BMCC are committed to protecting their users from cybersecurity threats. Resources include How to Protect Yourself Against Secret Shopper, Personal Assistant and Other Online Scams and CUNY’s Zoom Security Protocol. For additional help, please contact the BMCC Office of Information Resources and Technology, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at servicedesk@bmcc.cuny.edu. Or contact the BMCC Campus IT Security Manager Amish Batra, abatra@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Let Your Students Know: Quiet Study Space Is Available on Campus
Students can now research 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, Monday through Friday 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. They can reserve a study time here.

BMCC Swimming Pool Closed
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the BMCC swimming pool at 199 Chambers Street is now closed, but the college community and community swim members will be notified as soon as it can be safely reopened. Meanwhile, for resources and information to protect your safety and well-being, please review the BMCC Reimagining website.

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 CUNY students, faculty and staff. Research-based mindfulness meditation 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. Stage 3 opened October 14 with reduced capacity for offices only. Stage 4 will open October 28, depending on need. 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 certificate before hitting "submit," and direct questions to Loriann Mazzola in Human Resources: lmazzola@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Complete the Daily Health Screening, Each Day on Campus
All faculty and staff must complete a daily health screening every day they return to campus. They can do by using either the Everbridge App or the Everbridge Email Option. Here are instructions. You can also refer to the FAQ guide. NOTE: If you do not pass the health screening, you will be contacted by Human Resources as you gain the necessary medical clearance to return to campus. To find a testing site, text COVID TEST to 855-48. After entering your zip code, a list of available testing sites will be provided.

Also, when re-entering campus don't forget your mask!

Enrollment

Fall 2020 Virtual Open House Welcomes Future Students on October 24
The BMCC Virtual Open House is Saturday, October 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and from 1 to 3 p.m. Future students will become familiar with online learning options through virtual mini sessions, speak with current BMCC students and faculty, 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.

Winter/Spring 2021 Advisement & Registration is Open
Faculty and staff, please encourage students to schedule a zoom meeting with their advisor to discuss their academic progress and spring registration plans. Things to know: All students must meet with their advisors before registering. Students can register on CUNYfirst or meet with our live Panther Station Specialists on Zoom, Monday throughThursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the Registration page, contact Academic Advisement at (212) 220-8315 or aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Virtual Admissions and Enrollment Services
Students can explore online the many resources BMCC has to offer, and they are welcome to reach out by email, phone or text. They can also join zoom sessions for more assistance:

ADMISSIONS. Students with questions including how to complete the BMCC application or apply as a readmit can zoom with an admissions specialist on Mondays at 10 a.m., Thursdays at 10 a.m. or Fridays at 2 p.m.
FINANCIAL AID. Students with questions including how to file a FASFA, loans and TAP can zoom with a financial aid specialist on Mondays at 2 p.m., Tuesdays at 2 p.m., Wednesdays at 10 a.m., or Fridays at 10 a.m.
REGISTRATION. Students with questions including how to register or change their class schedule can zoom with a registration specialist on Tuesdays at 10 a.m., Wednesdays at 2 p.m. or Thursdays at 2 p.m.

Virtual Information Session and Chat with a Campus Tour Guide
COVID-19 might prevent our traditional information sessions and on-campus tours, but our tour guides are available virtually 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

BMCC fundraising efforts exemplify donor support for community colleges in time of COVID
October 20, 2020 — Education Dive

President Anthony E. Munroe included in article on diversity in senior administrative ranks at CUNY
October 20, 2020 — Insider Higher Ed

Human Resources

Annual Health Benefits Program Transfer Period Ends October 30
BMCC employees can enroll or make changes to their health coverage now through October 30. (Employees who do not wish to make changes to their current health plan do not need to do anything.) 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. 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.

Join Free Webinar on Living a Toxin-Free Life
The BMCC community is invited to register now for a free Work/Life Wellness Webinar, “Clean Living,” on Friday, October 23 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. This webinar will present the Clean Living mind/body approach to a toxin-free life. Participants will learn how to establish a healthier way of eating by consuming more whole, nutrient-rich food. They will also gain an understanding of toxic products used in the home, vitamins and supplements, and many other topics. Register here and visit the UBO Open Enrollment for more information. Join the audio conference: U.S. Toll Free, (844) 992-4726 or U.S. Toll, (408) 418-9388. Access code: 132 484 5499.

Payroll Distribution: Thursday, October 29
If you do not have direct deposit, pick up your paper check on October 29, from 3 to 5 p.m. only, at 199 Chambers Street, Breezeway, 2 South. Please bring your own pen to sign the registry.

Free Flu Shots Available Through October 31
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.

BMCC Brings Awareness to Domestic Violence Policy and Resources
BMCC and The City University of New York (CUNY) disapprove of violence against women, men, or children in any form, whether as an act of workplace violence or in any employee’s personal life. Domestic violence can spill over into the workplace, compromising the safety of both victims and co-workers and resulting in lost productivity, increased health care costs, increased absenteeism, and increased employee turnover. BMCC and CUNY are committed to full compliance of all applicable laws governing domestic violence in the workplace, to promoting the health and safety of its employees, and to making a significant and continual difference in the fight to end domestic violence. Learn about CUNY’s policy here or contact the Office of Compliance and Diversity if you need additional assistance or domestic violence resources at (212) 220-1236.

Alumni and Donors

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.

Use your IRA-Qualified Charitable Distribution to Help in 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 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.

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