@BMCC

December 10, 2020

Holiday Message from BMCC President Anthony Munroe
Traditionally, the winter holiday season is a time to gather with family and friends — and while COVID-19 has disrupted that tradition, there continues to be much to be grateful for. First, I am personally grateful for the ways our BMCC Community has welcomed me in the midst of what is arguably the most difficult crisis of our lifetime. We have come far, in the months since I joined the college. We have not only worked together to chart a new strategic direction for the college, we have re-imagined BMCC to give our students the best educational experience possible, while protecting the health and wellbeing of our community.

BMCC Celebrates Paramedic Graduates in Theatre 1 Ceremony and Livestream
On December 9, the BMCC Paramedic Program in the Allied Health Sciences Department celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2020 — Romina Cornielle, Jayvee Delossantos, Erstein Edwards, Edith Garcia, Jennifer Huang, Garrett Hughes and Matthew Wong — with a small, livestreamed celebration in Theatre 1. The Class of 2020 is unique in that they put aside their clinical rotations in the Spring 2020 semester — thus graduating in December, instead of in August — and joined emergency medical and ambulance services when New York City most desperately needed all hands on deck.

Why We Crave Comfort Food and How to Make it Healthier
Uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has led to feelings of depression and anxiety, which among other things, causes some to crave carb-rich and fatty comfort foods. Health Education Department Chairperson Lesley Rennis, NYS Nutritionist and Dietician, Professor Gloria McNamara (shown) and Health Education Professor Jason Bravo explain why we get those cravings and offer easy tips on how to prepare comfort foods in healthier ways.

BMCC Welcomes Controller and Director of Related Entities, Adriana Lau
BMCC welcomes Adriana Lau as Controller and Director of Related Entities in the Office of Administration and Planning. Lau comes to BMCC with extensive accounting and financial experience in higher education, government and the private sector. Most recently, she served as Associate Director of Financial Reporting in the Office of the University Controller, CUNY.

BMCC Student Ambassadors Receive Certificates for Service
This week, BMCC Ambassadors for Safety and Health (BASH) are being presented with certificates by the Office of Public Safety, in appreciation for their work during the Fall 2020 semester. BASH members were trained on safety and health protocols related to COVID-19 and the college campus guidelines. The ambassadors include Jan Jilliene Alday, Ysabel Castro, Lamis Chapman , Valdono Daley, Alexandra Garcia, Samya Gonzalez, Hatoumata Kanuteh, Hideko Mongomery, Samuel Peryra, Georgiana Rivamonte, Jessier Rivera, Dani Rojas, Dinorah Garcia Vasquez and Cathy Wright. “On behalf of the BMCC Department of Public Safety, we would like to commend our amazing Ambassadors for their exemplary service,” said James Assmann, Assistant Director of BMCC Public Safety. “Their resilient work ethic and dedication to our campus community are paramount in ensuring BMCC’s continued advancement and success.”

Announcements

Learning Assistance Programs Offer Tutoring for Students
The BMCC Learning Resource Center (LRC), Writing Center, Reading Lab, Math Lab and English as a Second Language (ESL) Lab all provide services to strengthen students' academic skills. The Learning Assistance Programs website also provides virtual office hours through Zoom and links to online tutoring, academic coaching and more.

Application Period Opens Soon for NSF-REU Paid Research Internships
Qualified BMCC students can receive a stipend of $4,600 to take part in research on the bioactivity of natural products during the summer of 2021. The research is funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at BMCC. Applications will be accepted December 15, 2020 through March 1, 2021. For more information, visit the NSF-REU website.

Almost There! Help us Reach the Finish Line. Donate to #CUNYTUESDAY
As of now, BMCC has raised $41,042 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 disproportionately targeted our students' neighborhoods, causing loss of jobs and painful choices between rent, transportation and putting food on the table. Your contribution will ease a student's struggle and help continue their studies. You can also be 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.

Students Can Borrow a Laptop or iPad Through December 21
BMCC students are eligible to borrow a laptop or iPad now 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.

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 and creative contributions through their role at BMCC — beyond what is normally expected of employees. Submit one ballot with a detailed nomination in any or all categories: Leadership, Inspiration, Innovation/Technology, Rookie of the Year and Team Achievement. Deadline for nominations is Friday, April 30, 2021.

Assistance with BMCC Virtual Events Available
Now that the college is closed to in-person events, Virtual Events, a multi-department group, is ready to assist with online event formats. Fill out the Virtual Event Request Form for the following:

Zoom Meetings (limit 300 people), enable polling, breakout rooms and the ability for everyone to see and be seen by others.
Zoom Webinars (limit 1,000 people), provide a more controlled interface. Panelists and hosts are the only viewable groups and can speak by default.
Livestreams, set up with the approval of the Media Center, enable pre-recorded or live video presentations at the college-wide level.

Last Chance This Semester to Pick Up Library Books: December 17
By using this form, BMCC faculty, students and staff with a BMCC, state or government-issued ID can borrow books from the BMCC Library on Thursday, December 17 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, and stay tuned for Spring 2021 book pick-up hours.

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.

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
The BMCC campus is reopening in phases approved by CUNY and the State of New York. In addition, the Campus Reopening Committee, Coronavirus Liaisons and senior administration determined that given New York City's growing rate of positive COVID-19 cases, a two-week pause on Stages 3 and 4 of the Reopening and Operations plan would start December 7. Reducing the number of people entering campus buildings protects the buildings’ current occupants and will not impact on-site delivery of instruction. Faculty requests for building access 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.

BMCC Campus Operations During Holiday Break
To protect the BMCC community and essential staff as the rate of positive COVID-19 cases rises in New York City, the Campus Reopening Committee, Coronavirus Liaisons and senior administrators have set the following adjustments:

Quiet Study and Computer Lab reservations at Murray will be paused on Monday, December 21 and reactivated on Monday, January 4.
Campus will be closed to the general public on Saturday, December 26 and Saturday, January 2.

These adjustments will not likely impact instructional or administrative functions, as they occur during holiday break. Urgent faculty requests for building access critical to the remote learning function will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please visit the Reimagining BMCC website for more information.

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.

Resilience, Health and Wellness: A Comprehensive Website Supports the BMCC Community
Whether focusing on fitness or finding support in a time of crisis, the Resilience, Health and Wellness website provides resources and news for students, faculty and staff. 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.”

Headed to the Murray Building? Please Follow These Safety Regulations

Elevator use is reserved for those with limited mobility.
If you are able, please use staircases to 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 en route to your destination in Murray.
If you experience 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 — with limited custodial staff — supports the campus community and keeps 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 and Registration is Open
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.

BMCC Navigate Help Students Stay on Top of Important Tasks
Faculty and staff, encourage students to download BMCC Navigate, an interactive tool that customizes information for them on financial aid, lets them set up a To-Do list for time-sensitive tasks and more. 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.

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Making Headlines

BMCC alumnus Robert Hill elected to serve on the Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation Board
December 6, 2020 — Pittsburgh NPR

BMCC alumnus and former Panther basketball player Ken Dawson discusses his role as coach of the Playmaker Academy
December 5, 2020 — The Highlands Current

BMCC alumnus Benjamin Prelvukaj shares his journey to create a successful chain of steakhouse restaurants
November 24, 2020 — Westchester

Human Resources

Move More! Join an Online December Class in Toning, Zumba and More
WorkWell Digital provides online courses to help you stay centered, healthy and focused in times of isolation and working from home.

Together, Apart: Making the Most of the Holidays Webinar December 16
Register now for the next installment of the Let's Talk! webinar series, December 16 at 12 p.m. Learn strategies to handle feelings of isolation from family and friends, as you navigate this COVID-impacted holiday and winter season.

Reframe Your World and Live a More Positive Life
A free webinar, Reframing Your World, will help participants shift their perspective for a more positive life. Provided through the CUNY WorkLife Program provided by CCA@YourService, the webinar is available on demand at noon through January 19, 2021. Use the Company Code, CUNY.

Take the Let’s Talk Pledge
The Let’s Talk Pledge is part of 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. Take the pledge to make mental health a priority in the workplace, and speak out against mental health stigma.

Introducing WW's Most Holistic Weight-Loss Program
This new WW program provides a 360° approach to weight loss and wellness. New features include onboarding assessment, a weekly progress report and action plan, recipe suggestions, 5-minute Coaching and more. Register through December 12 and redeem a free Starter Kit by December 26.

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.

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 fighting 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

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.

Take Action Now on Charitable Deductions for Non-Itemizers
Rather than itemize their deductions, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allows taxpayers who take the standard deduction to claim a charitable deduction of up to $300 for cash donations made in 2020. Only cash gifts are entitled to the $300 deduction. Gifts of stocks, clothes, vehicles and land are not eligible. Please donate to the BMCC Foundation via our secure website at Giving to BMCC Foundation. For more information, please contact Phillip Keefe, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at (212) 346-8650 or pkeefe@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Alumnus Russell Hill Featured as CUNY Celebrates Career Success of Graduates with Disabilities
A CUNY news article marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and highlights the University-wide LEADS (Linking Employment, Academic & Disability Services) program's 70 percent employment rate for participating graduates. BMCC liberal arts graduate Russell Hill was mentored by LEADS advisors Marcos Gonzalez and Jessica Spalter through the BMCC Office of Accessibility. “I was having a hard time academically," Hill said, as reported in the CUNY article. "(Gonzalez and Spalter) shifted my life around. They told me, ‘You’re going to get help. You’re going to do well. In fact, you’re going to do great.’” Hill graduated BMCC with honors. He went on to earn a bachelor’s in psychology, magna cum laude, from The City College of New York, CUNY, and founded a successful meditation practice, stating on its website that he strives "to not only facilitate awakening but to support and protect those who choose to make the leap, as my mentors did for me.”

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