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News

Infant

Research Team Receives $85K to Improve Infant-Toddler Teacher Training Pipeline
New findings from a team of BMCC faculty researchers — Jennifer Gilken, Jennifer Longley and Jillian Crosby — highlight the need to improve infant-toddler teacher training through specialized curricula and skill-building experience. Their work also seeks to improve the credit-transfer process from two-year to four-year programs that lead to early childhood teacher certification.

Fed

BMCC Team Wins First Place at Fed Challenge
For the third year in a row, a team of BMCC students has earned First Place in the Maiden Lane division of the College Fed Challenge, a college-level competition sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. During the final round of the competition held virtually November 13, the BMCC team bested three senior colleges. The 2020 BMCC team was mentored by Business Management Professors Ioannis Tournas and Julian Schroeder.

BMCC Hosts 3rd Annual Founders Festival: Student Entrepreneur Showcase
The BMCC Small Business and Entrepreneurship program hosted the third annual Founders Festival on December 2.  The event featured Entrepreneur Talks by BMCC alumna Alicia Tulsee, founder and CEO of Moxie Apparel Inc. and Grant Sahag, attorney turned entrepreneur, as well as David Steingard, BMCC alumnus, BMCC Foundation board member and founder and CEO of Laughing Man Coffee. In breakout rooms, the attendees voted on innovative student pitches. To learn more about the day's events and the 2020 Founder's Festival student winners, click here.

Alumna BMCC Theatre Alumna Featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 for 2021 
Khristina Williams, a 2015 BMCC Theatre program graduate, was one of the list makers in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in 2021 which spotlights top young financial and entrepreneurial minds.  In 2018, Williams founded digital sports media outlet Girls Talk Sports TV, a platform that gives women a voice in the sport media industry. 

Announcements

LAP

Learning Assistance Programs Offer Tutoring for Students
The Learning Resource Center (LRC), the Writing Center, the Reading Lab, the Math Lab, and the English as a Second Language (ESL) Lab provide students with support services to strengthen their academic skills. Students can visit the Learning Assistance Programs website to learn about online tutoring, academic coaching and online supplemental instruction. Virtual hours are also available through Zoom.

CUNYTuesday It's Not Too Late to Donate to #CUNYTUESDAY
So far, BMCC has raised $30,000 of its $50,000 goal for the annual #CUNYTUESDAY campaign fundraiser to help fight food insecurity among our students—and it's not too late for you to help. The COVID-19 pandemic has decimated our students' neighborhoods, causing loss of jobs and critical income, and forcing many of them to choose between rent, transportation and putting food on the table. They need your support. Your contribution will help a student maintain hope and sustenance to continue with their studies. You can also serve as a BMCC Champion, tapping into your network of friends and family to boost donations. To learn more, click here or contact Yaritza Gonzalez at ygonzalez@bmcc.cuny.edu. Thank you for caring about our students, and contributing to their success.
Balakrishnan Rethinking Economic Policy for Social Justice: A Conversation with Economist Radhika Balakrishnan
Renowned economist Radhika Balakrishnan — Professor and Faculty Director at the Center for Women’s Global Leadership,  at Rutgers University, Commissioner of the Commission for Gender Equity for the City of New York, president of the International Association for Feminist Economics — will speak via the platform Zoom at BMCC on December 8 at 7:30 p.m. This virtual event is sponsored by BMCC's department of Social Sciences, Human Services, and Criminal Justice. Click here to RSVP.  
Library Nominations Open: Submit your Ballot for the 2020-2021 Employee Appreciation Awards
BMCC students, faculty and staff, show your appreciation for staff (non-faculty) members who demonstrate outstanding achievement, performance and creative contributions through their role at BMCC, beyond what is normally expected of employees. Submit one ballot which includes categories in Leadership, Inspiration, Innovation/Technology, Rookie of the Year and Team Achievement. BMCC community members have only one chance to submit a ballot. Make it count by submitting thoughtful and detailed nominations in each category. Deadline for nominations is Friday, April 30, 2021. 
Virtual Events

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.
Veterans

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.”

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.

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: Stages on Pause
In consultation with our Campus Reopening Committee, Coronavirus Liaisons and Senior Administration, we are extending the Pause on Stages 4 and 3 of the reopening plan for an additional two weeks starting 12/7/20 as a consequence of the increasing rate of positive cases. With the rate of infection citywide currently rising we would like to gradually reduce the level of exposure to our building occupants by reducing the number of people requiring access to the facilities. Stages 4 and 3 of our reopening plan includes limited access by appointment only to offices for faculty and staff, by pausing these stages we will reduce the building occupant load by approximately 300 potential access requests. These adjustments will not have any impact to the ongoing limited onsite instructional function and we will consider on a case by case basis any urgent requests from faculty for building access if critical to the remote learning function. Please visit the Reimagining BMCC website to get more COVID-related updates and information about our campus.

Everbridge

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.
workspace

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. 

Murray Building 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.
Mask

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.

Icons

Enrollment

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.

Navigate 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:  

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

NY State Nurses Association president and BMCC graduate Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez discusses her career
December 3, 2020—Labor Press

BMCC CUNY Justice Academy graduate Judy Acevedo shares insight into her academic journey
December 3, 2020—John Jay College

BMCC Marketing Professor Tiffany Schreane points out five e-commerce trends to watch
December 2, 2020—American Marketing Association

Human Resources

ReNew

ReNew Year Challenge December 7-21
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

Payroll Distribution December 10
Employees who receive a paper paycheck, payroll distribution is December 10 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.)

Take the Let’s Talk Pledge
The Let’s Talk Pledge and join Workwell NYC’s campaign to eliminate mental health stigma in the City of New York workforce by creating supportive workplaces and building resilience in employees. 

Together, Apart: Making the Most of the Holidays Webinar December 16
The winter season often conjures images of holiday magic, cozy gatherings with family and friends, and getting together over delicious meals. However, this season, many of us may be experiencing negative feelings and emotions. Join us for the next installment of our Let's Talk! webinar series as we discuss how to navigate the holiday season on December 16 at 12 p.m. Register here.

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. 

WW 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

Thanks An Evening of Thanks: December 17 
Donors are invited to a virtual Evening of Thanks on Thursday, December 17 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 RSVP, email advancementevents@bmcc.cuny.edu or call (212) 220-8020.
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 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.

Calendar

Modern Languages Department Novel Presentation: De aquí y de allá (Here and There)
December 4

BMCC Learning Academy Information Session
December 4

Writers Guild Open Mic
December 4

The Dream U.S. Scholarship Workshop
December 7

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