@BMCC

January 21, 2021

Message from the President: Time for Unity and Healing
On January 20, 2021 we celebrated and welcomed Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States of America and Kamala Harris, who is the first woman, first black and first Asian-American to serve as our country's Vice President. During his inauguration speech as he calls for all Americans to come together, President Biden said, “Unity is the path forward.” With these words, BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe shared his thoughts following the Presidential Inauguration.

CIS Professor Hao Tang Develops Mixed Reality Cane App for Blind and Visually Impaired Users
CIS Professor Hao Tang has been developing an iPhone app that uses assistive technology to help blind and visually impaired individuals (BVI) navigate unfamiliar places or facilities. He says the cane could make it possible for BVIs to conduct facility orientation and mobility training remotely, which is especially noteworthy given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Assistant Director Aleksandra Cataruzolo Joins BMCC Office of Sponsored Programs
As development manager/assistant director of grants at BMCC, Cataruzolo will serve as the liaison between the CUNY Research Foundation and BMCC. She will communicate government and private grant application guidelines to the BMCC community and review proposal submissions, as well as conduct workshops for faculty and staff on grants management.

Announcements

History Professor Jacob Kramer Weighs in on Presidential Inauguration
The inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris marks a new chapter in the nation’s history. BMCC History Professor Jacob Kramer joins other CUNY scholars as they share their perspectives on this historic moment.

Students Invited to Participate in CUNY Theatre Festival at BMCC on March 20
Students are invited to participate in the sixth annual CUNY Theatre Festival (CTF) on March 20. This year’s CTF will be a virtual event with two new categories: Design/Technology projects and Monologues. The daytime broadcast will offer workshops, panels and lectures from theatre professionals. The evening event will feature a live stream collection of original ten-minute plays and monologues written, directed and acted by CUNY students. Student playwrights, directors, design/tech majors as well as actors must register at the CTF website. The deadline for play and monologue submissions as well as director applications is February 7. The deadline for actor and designer submissions is February 14. For questions or further details, contact Professor Keith Winsted at cunytheatrefestival@gmail.com.

Faculty Invited to Recharge, Reconnect, Restart on January 26
The Office of Academic Affairs is hosting two half-day virtual events to kick off the new semester on January 26. Recharge, Reconnect, Restart offers activities for faculty and staff focused on trauma-informed and anti-racist pedagogy. Participants will also have the opportunity to reconnect with each other and renew their commitment to teaching. Register at this link.

Students Can Apply Through March 1, for NSF-REU Paid Research Internships
During Summer 2021, qualified BMCC students can receive a stipend of $4,600 to assist in research on the bioactivity of natural products. This opportunity is funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at BMCC. Applications will be accepted through March 1. For more information, visit the NSF-REU website.

Laptop and iPad Distribution Has Resumed
Eligible BMCC students can borrow a laptop or iPad on Mondays and Thursdays, 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. For more information, students can contact studentaffairs@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Quiet Study and Computer Lab Reservations Available
Students can reserve 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.

Run of Exhibition, "ID: Formations of the Self" Extended to February 19
The Shirley Fiterman Art Center exhibition, "ID: Formations of the Self," up through February 19, can be viewed through the exterior storefront windows of Fiterman Hall. Shown above: Athena LaTocha, "La Bajada Red" (Installation view), 2016-17, Sumi and walnut ink, La Bajada earth on paper, Image courtesy of artist.

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.

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

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.”

Daily Everbridge Wellness Screening Mandatory for Faculty, Students, Visitors and Staff
Anyone who visits the BMCC campus must complete a daily health screening 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.

Have You Traveled Outside New York Recently? New Everbridge Guidelines Apply.
The Everbridge COVID screening has been modified to meet New York travel guidelines. It will ask the question, "“Have you traveled outside of New York State or traveled internationally during the past seven days?”

If you have traveled to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Vermont during the past seven days, you must answer “No”
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”

Enrollment

Listen In: Authentic Student Conversations
"See" and hear BMCC from a first-hand student perspective. In a limited-release podcast from BMCC Admissions, students and alumni look back at 2020 to talk choosing classes, club shenanigans, and fitting-in in an online college community. Listen and subscribe!

Spring 2021 Advisement and Registration is Open
Encourage students to schedule a Zoom meeting with their advisor to discuss spring registration. Things to know: All students must meet with their advisor before registering. Students can register on CUNYfirst any time 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 Helps Students Stay on Top of Important Tasks
Encourage students to download BMCC Navigate, an interactive tool that customizes student information on financial aid, creates To-Do lists for time-sensitive tasks and more. Students 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

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
We appreciate your likes, follows and thumbs up.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat

Making Headlines

NBCUniversal News Group launches NBCU Academy at BMCC
January 19, 2021—Diverse, The Dallas Weekly, Defender Network, Atlanta Voice, The Grio

Professor Hollis Glaser pens op-ed condemning Nebraska anti-LGBT ballot measure
January 19, 2021—Omaha World-Herald

MEOC Lecturer Reverend Eugene Richard Palmore guest preaches at community church in New Jersey
January 14, 2021—The Garden City News

BMCC Counseling Center Professor Precious Sellars-Mulher reflects on the events of the year 2020
December 16, 2020—CUNY TV/Urban U

Human Resources

2020 W-2 Now Available Electronically
2020 W-2s are available electronically on the NYCAPS webpage. Employees who have an existing account can access their W-2 by signing onto NYCAPS. To create a NYCAPS account, click here. Detailed instructions on how to create your account are available here or on the HR Webpage under Payroll.

State Employees Sought to Assist in COVID Vaccination Effort
The New York State Department of Health seeks state employees—Paramedics, Nurse Practitioners, Security Staff, EMTs, Physicians or Physicians Assistants, Clerical Workers, Volunteer Firefighters, POD Managers, Financial and Procurement Personnel, Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, Planning/Logistics leads, Customer Service Specialists, Administration/Finance leads, IT Support Specialists and others—to assist in distributing the COVID-19 vaccine. Volunteers will be paid as if performing their regular CUNY duties. Assignments will be full time and cannot be done remotely. PPE will be provided. After receiving approval from their manager, staff can register here.

Free Online Seminar: Reframing Your World
Learn practical ways to reframe your perspective and live a more present and positive life through free online resources and workshops. Register at CCA@YourService, company code CUNY or call (800) 833-8707.

Move More at Home, With Free Zumba, Yoga and Other Digital Classes
Now through March, WorkWell Digital offers free online toning and conditioning, yoga, Zumba, meditation courses and more. Register online.

Are You Eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Many City employees are now eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is safe, free and effective and will help end the COVID-19 pandemic. To find out if you are eligible for immunization at nyc.gov/covidvaccinedistribution. Bookmark the page and check back often. If you're eligible, make an appointment at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov

Learn Mantra Steps for Meditation
Send good vibes your way with a loving-kindness meditation. This type of meditation is a way to cultivate love and kindness for yourself and others. Follow these 7 steps to practice a series of mantras directed towards different people for a kindness boost to your day

Alumni and Donors

Take Action Now on Charitable Deductions for Non-Itemizers
Rather than itemize their deductions, the CARES Act allows taxpayers who take the standard deduction to claim a charitable deduction for cash donations made to public charities. For 2021 only, the law doubles to $600 the maximum amount joint filers may deduct. (Single filers or married filers who file separately are limited to $300.) Please donate to the BMCC Foundation 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.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from IRAs Are Back in 2021
If you are of RMD age in 2021, you must resume RMDs for 2021 and continue for every year after. There is some good news, and that is that the qualified charitable distribution allowance for donors age 70½ or older is still available, with an annual limit of $100,000, to donors of 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.

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