October 29, 2020 FacebookTwitterInstagram
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News

Curtis BMCC Hosts Virtual 2020 Presidential Debate Party
Three policy issues — social justice and equity, plans for addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy and jobs — rank highest in importance to students, according to a poll conducted at the BMCC presidential debate virtual watch party October 22 on Zoom. The event brought together more than 160 BMCC students as well as faculty and staff moderators. Don't forget, early voting is happening now through November 1 and the general election in November 3.
Curtis BMCC Mourns the Passing of Former Acting President Dr. Stephen M. Curtis
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Stephen M. Curtis, former Dean of Academic Affairs and Acting President of BMCC. An experienced college administrator and former professor of Music, Dr. Curtis had served as the BMCC Dean of Academic Affairs (1988 to 1992) and as our Acting President (1992 to 1994). During his tenure at BMCC, he established the Office of Partnerships and Collaboratives and strengthened our outreach to New York City public schools. Dr. Curtis was also responsible for securing a Title V grant that led to the establishment of our Teaching Learning Center (TLC) now known as our Center for Excellence in Teaching Learning and Scholarship (CETLS). In addition, he supported our Liberty and Gender Equity grant that worked with middle and senior high schools to introduce girls to STEM programs. He was also instrumental in restructuring our Human Services program and implementing our initial exploration into distance learning with the creation of a distance learning lab where the e-Learning Center now resides. After his time at BMCC, he served as the Acting President of Queens College (1994 to 1995) and then served the State University of New York system as President of Hudson Valley Community College (1996-1998). From 1999 to 2013, he served as the President of the Community College of Philadelphia. Condolences may be sent to: The Curtis Family, 1405 Prairie Rose Lane, Wildwood, MO 63038-1316.
CUNYTuesday #CUNYTuesday Offers Donors Another Option to Show Support for BMCC
#CUNYTuesday is a CUNY initiative to benefit the students at its 25 colleges. BMCC is concentrating its 2020 #CUNYTuesday fundraising efforts in support of programs to fight food insecurity. Individuals who support BMCC through  #CUNYTuesday can also serve as a BMCC Champion and help boost donations to the college. To find out how, contact Yaritza Gonzalez, at ygonzalez@bmcc.cuny.edu
Hunter

BMCC Partners With Hunter College to Enhance Academic Support for Asian American and Pacific Islander Students 
Ethnic Studies Professor Linta Varghese, Sociology Professor Soniya Munshi and CETLS Director Gina Cherry (shown L-R) have led the creation of a Center for Ethnic Studies and CETLS partnership with the Hunter College AANAPISI Project (HCAP) — all part of a $2 million U.S. Department of Education / Minority-Serving Institution / Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI) Cooperative grant. The project will enhance academic and support services for Asian American and Pacific Islander students, which includes immigrant students, first-generation college students and English Language learners.

Olsen Research Led by BMCC Alumnus Could Help Design Drugs to Fight COVID-19
BMCC alumnus Brian Olson, who earned a GED and is currently working on a doctorate degree in Biochemistry at the CUNY Graduate Center, recently published his research findings on coronavirus targets in the peer-reviewed Journal of Computer-Aided Molecular Design. The findings could assist with the development of drugs to combat the virus.
Single Stop

Single Stop Office Changes Name to Advocacy and Resource Center
The BMCC Single Stop office has changed its name to the Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC). But even though the name has changed—the services, including the Panther Pantry, will all remain the same. Students are encouraged to reach out by email or to call (212) 220-8195 and leave a detailed message.

Krugman Nobel Prize Winning Economist Paul Krugman Speaks at BMCC
Paul Krugman, the 2008 Nobel Prize in Economics winner, columnist at The New York Times and Distinguished Professor at the CUNY Graduate Center spoke at the first BMCC Economics Seminar Series via a webinar event on October 21. Krugman talked about his book “Arguing with Zombies: Economics, Politics and a Fight for a Better Life” which explains several economic ideas that inform modern policy. The event was sponsored by the BMCC Department of Social Sciences, Human Services and Criminal Justice, the Economics Program, the Economics, Equality and Environment Academic Club and the BMCC Library. To view the discussion, click here.

Announcements

Waivers 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.
Library 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.
Cyber 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.

Mindfulness 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

Reimagine

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.

COVID 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.

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 must obtain 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. Human Resources will contact you regarding next steps and the necessary medical clearance.

Icons

Enrollment

Open House

Prospective Students Attend Fall 2020 Virtual Open House
The best of BMCC was on full display on October 24 as faculty, staff and administrators across the campus joined forces and offered assurance, encouragement and affirmation to prospective students and their families during the BMCC Fall virtual Open House. The spirited extravaganza featured a warm welcome address by President Anthony Munroe, exclusive information about BMCC Navigate, and updates on Virtual Enrollment. Faculty across more than 25 disciplines highlighted Academic & Career Communities while sharing their experiences and approaches to remote learning in intimate breakout sessions. Guests also participated in a virtual information sessions with Financial Aid, ASAP, College Discovery, BMCC Learning Academy and Math Start/CUNY Start.

The BMCC Admissions Office thanks everyone who helped us welcome prospective students to campus. We couldn’t do it without your enthusiasm and expertise! Students, faculty or staff who want to take part in the Spring 2021 Open House on March 20, can contact 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–Thursday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m., and Friday: 11 a.m.–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: 

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

Making Headlines

BMCC student explains why digital inequity presents challenges for distance learning
October 28—New York Magazine

BMCC President Anthony Munroe featured in list of nation’s new college presidents and provosts
October 28—Inside Higher Ed

BMCC alumnus named Kitesh gives shout out to BMCC on Brian Lehrer focused on community groups
October 27—WNYC/NPR

BMCC Theatre program gaining recognition as space for the creation and development of new work 
October 26—Broadway World

Human Resources

Benefits

FALL 2020 Annual Health Benefits Program Transfer Period Ends 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. 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, before October 30.

Flu 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.
DV 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

Alumni

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.

Calendar

Mindfulness Pride Month: Pride Masquerade Ball
October 30

Media and Tech: Freelance Creative Career Panel Discussion
November 2

Social Justice and Activism: Equity in Education
November 5

Honors Day Information Session
November 18

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