November 12, 2020 FacebookTwitterInstagram
@BMCC

News

Resilience

Resilience, Health and Wellness: A Comprehensive Website to Support the BMCC Community 
A new BMCC website, Resilience, Health and Wellness, will feature resources including the Center for Career Development, the Advocacy and Resource Center and others that are ready to assist students, faculty and staff as they navigate the challenges of this unprecedented time. The website will also showcase faculty and staff united in their goal to stay strong in their roles on campus, or students determined to continue with their studies. Whether focusing on fitness, self-care or finding support in a time of crisis, the Resilience, Health and Wellness website will help support the BMCC community as they experience this unique time in the history of the College. As BMCC President Anthony Munroe puts it, “As a community, we need to reach out to each other, encourage each other to access the resources available to us. No one has to experience this time alone.”

Mental Health

Mental Health in the Age of COVID: “You Are Not Alone.”
As part of the just-released BMCC website, Resilience, Health and Wellness, an interview with BMCC Director of Counseling, Neda Hajizadeh highlights the importance of mental health literacy and access to services during the pandemic and turmoil of the age of COVID. “My mantra is that we have experienced a collective trauma,” says Hajizadeh. “This is a great opportunity to talk about mental health, to take off the stigma.” 

COVID BMCC Students Engage in Vigorous Conversation Surrounding 2020 Presidential Election
More than 150 BMCC students, faculty and staff engaged in vigorous conversation about the 2020 presidential election during the Speak Up, Speak Out Series: Post-Election Student Conversation, Your Voice Matters forum on November 6.
Veterans

Veterans' Day 2020: Guest Speakers from Fordham School of Law Focus on Rights and Benefits
In years past, as this photo shows, the BMCC Veterans Center has participated in parades and celebrations on November 11. This year, BMCC veterans and their allies gathered for a Zoom talk on veterans disability, educational and vocational benefits, pension eligibility and more, presented by staff including Kathleen McCormick and Taylor Bessenger from the Feerick Center for Social Justice at Fordham University School of Law. “This is our way of acknowledging our student veterans at BMCC and saying ‘Thank you for your service,’ as we recognize our sacrifices as veterans and talk about our rights,” said Wilfred Cotto, Student Life Specialist for Veterans Services in Student Affairs at BMCC. Student-veterans, staff and faculty at BMCC are encouraged to connect with the BMCC Veterans Resource Center at (212) 220-8000, ext. 5363.

Announcements

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.

Sustainability, Activism & Communication – An Experiential Improv Workshop Series with Bill Prinzivalli 
Bill Prinzivalli, CEO of Corporate Technologies and Conscious Based Improv will lead a virtual workshop November 16 from 1 until 4 p.m. that will focus on communication, self-awareness and improvisational acting  — and how to apply those skills to activism in many areas. For more information, click here

Faculty Development Day 2020—Strategies for Self-Care November 13
The 2020 Faculty Development Day, set for November 13 from 10 a.m. until 12:45 p.m., will feature workshops centered on self-care. One of the most frequently overlooked elements of trauma-informed pedagogy in higher education — and a component of BMCC's Culture of Care — is faculty self-care. For more information and the Zoom link, click here.

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 meditation 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 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.

Mask

Video: Protect Yourself and Others From COVID-19 With These Simple Steps.


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 student Mikayla Dyer featured in profile of Year Up program 
Nov. 5, 2020—CIO Magazine

BMCC student Juliet Bernal hopes to vote in next election
Nov. 3, 2020—The City

ZURICH highlights apprenticeship partnership with BMCC
Nov. 9, 2020—Global Banking and Finance Review

Human Resources

WorkWell NYC Seeking Artistic Submissions Through November 27
WorkWell NYC is seeking reflections of 2020 and stories of resilience through art. Creatives such as painters, poets, photographers and dancers are invited to participate in Project B.U.I.L.D.’s two-week-long "Art is Life" virtual exhibit. Submissions are being accepted through November 27. To learn more and to be a featured artist, visit on.nyc.gov/artislife.

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 Workshop: Solve The Credit Score Mystery and Protect Your Identity
Your credit score and underlying history have a vital impact on your life. Learn how to improve your financial profile as well as protect your online identity 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.
BMCC Alumni Meet and Greet With President Munroe, November 23
BMCC alumni are invited to join a Zoom session on Monday, November 23 at 5:30 p.m. to meet the new President of BMCC, Dr. Anthony E. Munroe. This is an opportunity to say hello and ask questions. Come hear about the future plans for the College and learn how you can contribute to BMCC's growth in your role as alumni of BMCC. For more information, click here.
Meet

Save the Date: An Evening of Thanks on December 3 
Donors are invited to a virtual Evening of Thanks on Thursday, December 3 from 6 to 7 p.m. The event will be hosted by Anthony E. Munroe, BMCC President, and Tony Portannese, Chair of the BMCC Foundation Board. An event link is forthcoming!

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

Presentation from artist and advocate Ryan Castalia of the Sure We Can Project
November 13

Inclusive Leadership in Economics, Equality and the Environment with Dr. Dale Caldwell
November 18

Career Center: Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Career Recruitment Event
November 16

Working Towards Social Justice Virtual Panel Discussion
November 18

Writers’ Guild Virtual Meeting
November 18

BLA Careers In Context: Restorative Justice-The Seneca Village Project
November 18

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