@BMCC

November 19, 2020

BMCC Celebrates Newly Tenured and Promoted Faculty With Congratulatory Video
BMCC recognizes 88 newly tenured and promoted faculty with a special commemorative video that features cabinet members, professors and lecturers.

STEM Tuition Waivers 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, materials and textbooks. The Winter 2021 session begins January 4. For details, visit Tuition Waivers. Students with questions can contact the Academic Advisement and Transfer Center at aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Teams Unite in the Age of COVID
Today, because of constrictions caused by COVID-19, team unity across BMCC's many departments must be maintained at a distance and workers who are deemed essential, face uncharted challenges as they ensure safety on campus. Given these hurdles, how are team leaders validating their staff and helping them keep their sense of purpose? Janice Zummo, Assistant Dean for Academic Support Services and Jorge E. Yafar, Assistant Vice President of Campus Planning and Facilities weigh in on this important question.

Tackle Anxiety, Stress and Mood Slumps by Staying Physically Active
The daily routines of faculty, staff and students were upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. The sense of isolation from working and attending class at home can result in added stress and anxiety. One healthy coping mechanism is to make the extra effort to keep physically active.

Take a Moment to Share Appreciation on the BMCC Virtual Tree of Thanks
This challenging year has highlighted the spirit of caring and support we have for one another. Take a moment to pause, reflect and say "Thank you" to those who have been in your corner at BMCC — a fellow faculty or staff member, department chair, supervisor, family member, friend, mentor or an entire department or unit. Now through November 25, you can add a leaf to the BMCC Virtual Tree of Thanks, to show your appreciation and spread some joy in this Thanksgiving season.

Students Can Borrow a Laptop or iPad, Starting November 30
All BMCC students are eligible to borrow a laptop or iPad from November 30 through December 21 on a Monday or Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the BMCC gym, 100 North Moore Street. Students must apply and choose a day to pick up their device. If they need the email on how to borrow a device resent to them, they can contact studentaffairs@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Announcements

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. Donate 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.

Assistance with BMCC Virtual Events Available
Need assistance with scheduling and hosting virtual events? BMCC offers different ways to host virtual events now that the college is closed to in-person events. Virtual Events a multi-department group to assist in getting your events set up and out to the public. Some of the formats available to the BMCC Community include:

Zoom Meetings (limited to 300 people): A Zoom meeting can be set up for your event with the regular interface and attributes that zoom meetings have, including polling, breakout rooms and the ability for everyone to see and be seen by others.
Zoom Webinars (limited to 1000 people): A Zoom webinar can be set up for your event with the more controlled interface that the webinar can offer. Panelists and hosts are the only viewable groups and are the ones who can speak by default.
Livestream: A Livestream can be set up for your event (with the approval of the Media Center). These events allow for almost no interaction with viewers and are mainly for pre-recorded or live video presentations at the college-wide level.

Resilience, Health and Wellness: A Comprehensive Website Supports the BMCC Community
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 with resources and news. 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.”

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.

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

Campus Reopening: Phases 3 and 4 on Pause
The BMCC campus is reopening in phases approved by CUNY and the State of New York. Most recently, the BMCC Campus Reopening Committee, Coronavirus Liaisons and Senior Administration have determined that in response to the growing, 3.9 percent rate of positive COVID-19 cases in New York City, a two-week pause will be placed on Stages 3 and 4 of the Reopening and Operations plan. This will reduce the number of people requiring access to BMCC buildings by about 300 requests per day, and lessen the level of exposure to current occupants of those buildings. These adjustments will not impact ongoing, on-site delivery of instruction, and urgent faculty requests for building access that is critical to the remote learning function will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please visit the Reimagining BMCC website for more COVID-related updates. Visit the Resilience, Health and Wellness website for resources to help the BMCC community through this time.

Daily Everbridge Wellness Screening Mandatory for Faculty, Students, Visitors and Staff
Students, faculty, staff and visitors must complete a daily health screening each time they visit BMCC. They can do by using the Everbridge App or the Everbridge Email Option. Students, faculty and staff can use this Instructional Guide and visitors can use this Visitor's Guide. The CUNY FAQ guide is also helpful. Based on answers to the screening's five questions, users receive immediate phone or email clearance to enter BMCC. Employees not cleared to enter must provide medical clearance to HR before returning to campus. To find a testing site, text COVID TEST to 855-48. After entering your zip code, a list of testing sites will be provided.

Have You Traveled Outside New York Recently? New Everbridge Guidelines Apply.
The Everbridge COVID screening has been modified in response to New York travel guidelines.

If you have traveled to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Vermont during the past seven days, answer “No” to the Everbridge app question, “Have you traveled outside of New York State or traveled internationally during the past seven days?”
If you have traveled to a state other than Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Vermont in the last seven days, or if you have traveled internationally, you must answer “Yes” to that question.

Campus Work Space Available for Adjunct Faculty
Computer stations can be reserved in four-hour blocks by BMCC adjunct faculty in the Murray Street building, Room M-310, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or from 1 to 4 p.m., once every two weeks.

Heading to the Murray Building? These Safety Regulations Are in Place

Elevator use is reserved for those with limited mobility.
If you are able, please use staircases to reach 2nd and 3rd floors.
Everyone must wear a face covering or mask that fully covers their mouth and nose, at all times.
Limit your movements to common areas on the way to your designated area.
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms prior to your visit, stay home and re-schedule your visit when it is safe to do so.
If you experience flu-like symptoms after your visit, communicate this to the college, so necessary precautions can be taken.
The Facilities team — currently operating with limited custodial staff — has been on campus throughout this crisis to support the campus community and keep essential staff safe and healthy as they observe these regulations.

Protect Yourself and Others From COVID-19 With These Simple Steps.
Protect your health! To properly use a mask or face covering, follow the simple steps outlined in this video.

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.

Enrollment

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. Things to know: All students must meet with their advisor before registering. Students can register on CUNYfirst or meet with a 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.

What is BMCC Navigate? Check it out!
Faculty and staff, encourage students to download BMCC Navigate, an interactive tool that customizes information for them on financial aid and more. It also lets students set up a To-Do list for time-sensitive tasks. They can download BMCC Navigate at the Apple App Store or Google Play, then use CUNYfirst to log in. To learn more, contact Niala Seetahal at (212) 776-6458 or nseetahal@bmcc.cuny.edu, or visit the BMCC Navigate website.

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.

Say Hello to the Admissions Office on Social Media
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Making Headlines

President Anthony Munroe weighs in on enrollment and other issues
November 18, 2020 — The Chronicle of Higher Education

Poet and English Professor Jason Schneiderman presents at Hermitage Artist Retreat
November 17, 2020 — Sun Go!

Psychology major Sarah Kinlaw releases music video from her debut solo album, The Tipping Scale
November 16, 2020 — them

Alumnus Furhan Babar, assistant director of finance and budgeting at NYC Health + Hospitals / Harlem, upgrades his skills
November 12, 2020 — Campus News

Human Resources

November 26 and 27 Are CUNY Holidays
Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27 are CUNY holidays for most BMCC employees. The College will be closed, and there will be no classes. Check the CUNY Employee Holiday calendar for more information.

Payroll Distribution: November 25
If you receive a paper paycheck, payroll distribution is Thursday, November 25 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, complete and send this Direct Deposit form to officeofhumanresources@bmcc.cuny.edu.)

ReNew Year Challenge
Taking care of our minds and bodies is essential to staying healthy and positive, even during challenging times. Join the ReNew Year Challenge, a 15-day, mind-body challenge from December 7 to 21, hosted by WorkWell NYC. Register now through December 6 at on.nyc.gov/renewyear.

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.

Join WW by December 12 and Get a Free Starter Kit
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, as well as promoting the health and safety of its employees and 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

Women In Corporate Leadership, A Conversation With Elizabeth Butson, BMCC Board Member and Former Vice-President of Philip Morris International: November 20
The BMCC community is invited to join an open conversation about opportunities and boundaries for women in corporate America with Elizabeth Butson, a long-time friend of BMCC, member of the BMCC Board of Directors and former VP of Philip Morris International. This event is part of the Sister2Sister Mentoring Program and is open to all BMCC and CUNY students. Join via Zoom link. For more information, please contact the Women’s Resource Center at wrc@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 BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe. Say hello, ask questions, hear about the future plans for the College — and learn how, as a member of the alumni, can contribute to BMCC's growth. For more information, click here.

An Evening of Thanks: 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. To register, click here. If you have any questions, please email advancementevents@bmcc.cuny.edu or call (212) 220-8020.

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 you 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.

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