November 5, 2020 FacebookTwitterInstagram
@BMCC

News

CUNYTuesday Stop Food Insecurity at BMCC: Donate to the #CUNYTuesday Campaign 
At BMCC, eliminating food insecurity is a top priority and will be addressed with funds raised for the 2020 #CUNYTuesday. Over 70 percent of BMCC students come from families earning less than $30,000 a year, with many below the poverty line. The COVID pandemic has decimated our students' neighborhoods, causing loss of jobs and critical income, and forcing them to make wrenching choices between rent, transportation and putting food on the table. Give now to #CUNYTuesday and help students maintain the hope and sustenance they need, to continue with their studies. You can also serve as a BMCC Champion, tapping into your network, friends and family to boost donations. To learn more, contact Yaritza Gonzalez at ygonzalez@bmcc.cuny.edu.
Career Center

Students Engage in Innovative Career Planning and Job Search in the Time of COVID
“Student career readiness and employer engagement — in this unsettled time — are more critical than ever,” says Christopher Thunberg, Director of the BMCC Center for Career Development. “We have always been focused on preparing students for what’s next. Now we’re finding that a few key things we’ve stressed in the past are essential strategies today, as students explore the pandemic-impacted workforce environment.”

Means Professor Means Releases New Edition of Instant Italian Vocabulary Builder
Modern Languages Professor John T. Means has just released a new edition of his language-learning guide, Instant Italian Vocabulary Builder from Hippocrene Books. The book supports English speakers learning Italian by identifying 24 word-ending patterns shared by the two languages — and giving over 4,000 examples. “When students see similarities between English and Romance languages such as Italian, Spanish, French and Portuguese, they realize English is not that different,” says Means. “This can foster risk-taking as well as educated guesses about word definitions and usage.” The BMCC Modern Languages Department offers Associate of Art (A.A.) degree programs in Italian, French and Spanish, as well as a certificate program in Spanish Translation for the Health, Legal and Business Professions. Arabic, Chinese and American Sign Language (ASL) courses are also offered.

Announcements

Gilles Daphne Gilles Joins BMCC’s Office of Accessibility 
With over 17 years of experience in student counseling, academic coaching and ADA accommodation planning in higher education, Daphne Gilles joins BMCC as the Office of Accessibility Manager. “I hope to bring fresh ideas about accessibility and universal design within both academic and co-curricular spaces,” Gilles said. “This time of reckoning and reflection around race and inequality is an opportunity to also reckon with ableism and disability. I am excited for what's to come as I believe folks to be more open to complex conversations.” Prior to joining BMCC, Gilles served as Coordinator of Accessibility Services, Online Programs at Simmons University. She earned a B.A. in Psychology from Brown University and an M.A. in Counseling and Guidance from NYU, and was Coordinator of Disability Services at Rhode Island College; Program Director of Disability Services for Students at the Community College of Rhode Island, and Disability Services Specialist at the Moses Center for Students with Disabilities, NYU. 

Internationally Renowned Economist Dr. Rhonda Vonshay Sharpe Leads Seminar November 10
BMCC faculty, students and staff are invited to a seminar led by economist Dr. Rhonda Vonshay Sharpe, founder and president of the Women’s Institute for Science, Equity and Race (WISER) and board member of the International Association of Feminist Economics and Diversifying and Decolonizing Economics. Sharpe’s talk, "The Importance of Disaggregating Data to Measure Inequality," will reflect her research in three areas: gender and racial inequality, the diversity of STEM, and the demography of higher education. Set for November 10 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., the seminar is sponsored by the Department of Social Sciences, Human Services, and Criminal Justice, the Economics Program and the Economics, Equality and Environment Academic Club. RSVP here. For more information, contact Professor Christine Farias at cfarias@bmcc.cuny.edu.

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 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.

Let Your Students Know: Quiet Study Space Is Available on Campus
Students can study and access printing and scanning services 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.

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 shows mindfulness meditationto 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 as the majority of Fall 2020 classes are delivered from a distance. Learn more here.

COVID BMCC COVID-19 Dashboard Offers Data and Updates 
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.

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

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Enrollment

Open House

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 through Thursday 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, or 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 Community Health major Tiffany Penton referenced in SUNY and CUNY Chancellors' op-ed about SNAP
November 2, 2020 — Newsday

BMCC Criminal Justice Professor Satenik Margaryan runs for Bloomfield, New Jersey Board of Education 
October 31, 2020 — Essex News Daily

Professor Boyda Johnstone compares layoffs at The New School to those at CUNY 
October 29, 2020 — The New School Free Press

Human Resources

Join November 6 Webinar, "Conversations That Matter: NYC and Racial Equity"  
Join WorkWell NYC and the Commission on Human Rights on Friday, November 6 at 1 p.m., as they explore the City's position on racial equity through policy changes, community outreach and the role of law enforcement. Register here.

Payroll Distribution: November 12
If you still receive a paper paycheck, payroll distribution is Thursday, November 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. at 199 Chambers Street, Breezeway, 2 South. Please bring your own pen to sign the registry. (To sign up for Direct Deposit and eliminate the need to pick up your paper check in person, complete and send this Direct Deposit form to officeofhumanresources@bmcc.cuny.edu)

WPV and ESPARC Training Mandatory for All Employees
Workplace Violence (WPV) and Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Course (ESPARC) trainings are available via CUNY Blackboard. First, review instructions on the Human Resources Training and Development webpage. Part-time employees must complete the training before the end of the current semester. Full-time employees must complete the training before July 30, 2021. 

Diabetes Awareness Month: Join Live Conversation on Nutrition, November 12
Diabetes continues to impact one in 10 adults, and November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Register now for a WorkWell NYC, interactive conversation, "The Food Factor, Preventing and Managing Diabetes Through Nutrition" on Thursday, November 12 at 4 p.m. Meanwhile, get a head start on eating better, with recipes using local produce.

WW Join WW by December 12 and Get a Free Starter Kit 
WorkWell NYC, the NYC Employee Benefits Program and the City’s unions have partnered with WW (Weight Watchers) to provide City employees who receive City Health Benefits the tools to lose weight and live life fully. Family members of eligible employees can also participate. Join WW (Weight Watchers) between now and December 12 and get a free Starter Kit packed with products to help you reach your wellness goals. After signing up, redeem for your kit by December 26.
Flu Free Flu Shots Available 
Free flu shots are available at participating pharmacies, in-network medical offices and WorkWell NYC flu clinics 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 CUNY are committed to full compliance of laws governing domestic violence in the workplace, to promoting the health and safety of its employees, and to making a significant difference in the fight to end domestic violence. Learn about CUNY’s policy here. If you need assistance or access to domestic violence resources, please contact the BMCC Office of Compliance and Diversity at (212) 220-1236.

Alumni and Donors

Fillet Raise Your Credit Score: Learn How in a November 18 Webinar with Financial Planner Victoria Fillet 
Your credit score and underlying history have a vital impact on your life. Learn how to improve your financial profile in a webinar led by Victoria Fillet, a Certified Financial Planner with the Roosevelt Investment Group. Fillet not only helps high net worth and institutional clients manage their financial needs, she provides free seminars on financial literacy for students through the BMCC MoneyWorks series. BMCC alumni, faculty, staff and students are invited to join Fillet's webinar on November 18 at 2 p.m. This unique learning opportunity is presented by the BMCC Office of Institutional Advancement. Space is limited, so sign up now. For more information, contact Phillip Keefe, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at (212) 346-8650 or pkeefe@bmcc.cuny.edu.
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.

Calendar

Global

Go Global Information Session (Study Abroad and more)
November 6

LEAP to Teacher Program Open House
November 7

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Workshop
November 9

Admissions Workshop: Thriving in a World of Online College
November 10

MoneyWorks Workshop: Own Your Credit Cards, Don't Let Them Own You
November 11

Presentation: UNICEF, Youth Engagement and the Sustainable Development Goals
November 11

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