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News

AHM

An Internship Launches a Career in Hospital Management
Samuel Adédèjì (Science, ’10) was president of the Future Alumni club and a member of Honor Society for Black Student Scholars at BMCC. He went on to earn a BS in Biochemistry and Biology at SUNY Stony Brook, and after landing an internship at Bellevue Hospital, was promoted to a management position in surgery and sub-specialities clinics. 

Valentine Does Valentine’s Day Plus Social Distancing Equal Loneliness?
Social distancing measures enacted over the past year as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic have led many New Yorkers to feel a heightened sense of isolation. Director of Counseling Neda Hajizadeh and Psychology Professor David Caicedo provide insight on holiday loneliness during the pandemic.
AHM 2021 Afrikan Heritage Month Events Awaken and Inspire
The 2021 Afrikan Heritage Month presents virtual workshops, performances and speakers through February 24. Upcoming events include Where are the Black Professors? on February 11, Black Women in Technology on February 17 and much more. View a full listing of free events, open to the BMCC and CUNY community of students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Announcements

February 14 Deadline: CUNY Theatre Festival Invites Student Work
The program for the sixth annual CUNY Theatre Festival (CTF), to be live streamed March 20, will include original ten-minute plays and monologues written, directed and acted by CUNY students. BMCC student playwrights, directors, design/tech majors and actors are invited to register at the CTF website. Student actors and designers can submit applications by February 14. For more information, contact Professor Keith Winsted at cunytheatrefestival@gmail.com.

February 19 Faculty Workshop: Voicing Poverty and Creating a New Interdisciplinary Humanities Curriculum, February 19
As part of Transformative Learning in the Humanities (TLH) Spring 2021 series on active and participatory learning methods in the classroom, all faculty are invited to attend a workshop and information session on Zoom, "Voicing Poverty and Creating a New Interdisciplinary Humanities Curriculum," February 19 at 11 a.m. This event is organized by Professors ChristineFarias, Cara O’Connor and Jamie Warren. Please register online, and to learn more, contact voicingpoverty@bmcc.cuny.edu.
ID

"ID: Formations of the Self" Will Be Up Through 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.

February 19 February 19 Deadline and What Else to Know if Students Ask About NSLS
Eligible students have been emailed Spring 2021 invitations to join BMCC's chapter of the National Society of Leadership & Success (NSLS). Students who accept the nomination by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 19 — no exceptions — will complete a five-step leadership program to become inducted and enjoy a fully virtual NSLS experience. The one-time registration fee of $95 provides lifetime membership and benefits such as scholarships, professional communication training and more. For more information: NSLS@bmcc.cuny.edu.
Catalog Winter/Spring 2021 Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development Course Catalog Now Available
With all courses offered online — many of them free to qualifying students — opportunities abound in the BMCC Center for  Continuing  Education and Workforce Development. “Whether you are looking for a pathway to an associate degree or professional development that leads to improved career opportunities, the staff and instructors at the BMCC Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development are here to welcome, support and inspire you,” said BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe.  The center is helping New Yorkers get back to work.

March 1 Deadline: NSF-REU Paid Student 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.

Library April 30 Deadline: 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. Examples include recognition supporting the college's mission to advance equity, inclusion and diversity through individual and team projects. 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 April 30. 
Tax Free Drop Off Tax Preparation for BMCC Community Available Through April 8
Current BMCC students or parents of a dependent student, alumni, faculty and staff with a total pre-tax household income at or below $66,000 are invited to take advantage of free tax preparation assistance. For more information, contact the BMCC Advocacy and Resource Center at arc@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.

Distribution 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

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

Reimagining

The Reimagining BMCC Website Now Provides a Quick Reference to Student Resources 
Scroll down the Reimagining BMCC website to find Faculty Resources, Staff Resources and Student Resources — the last of which now includes a handy listing of services, offices, their hours of operation and virtual contact information to assist you as your guide students toward resources during the academic year. Other sections continue providing information on campus reopening, procedures, safety measures and more.

Veterans

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

Say Hello Listen In: Podcast Series Features Authentic Student Conversations
Get a first-hand perspective on BMCC. In a limited-release podcast series from BMCC Admissions, students and alumni look back at 2020 in conversations on choosing classes, club shenanigans, and fitting-in, in an online college community. Listen and subscribe!
Navigate 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.
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’s NASPA award garners $50K and recognition for virtual services
February 10, 2021—Community College Daily 

BMCC Afrikan Heritage Month discussion on Civil Rights insurrection and white supremacy highlighted 
February 9, 2021—Broadway World

Human Resources

Closed

BMCC Closed February 12 and 15
For more information, visit the CUNY Employee Holiday and Annual Leave Periods calendar.

Vaccine

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, effective and will help end the COVID-19 pandemic. To find out if you are eligible visit nyc.gov. Bookmark the page and check back often. If you're eligible, make an appointment online.

2020 W-2s Now Available Electronically 
BMCC employees can download 2020 W-2s on the NYCAPS webpage. To create a NYCAPS account, click here. Instructions on how to create a NYCAPS account are available on NYC Payroll or the BMCC Human Resources website under Payroll.

Free Webinar, Setting Goals for Your Future: February 16 
Setting Goals for Your Future, a free webinar provided by CCA@YourService and CUNY’s WorkLife Program is available under Online Seminars starting February 16. Use the Company Code: CUNY

Race, Health and You: Separating Fact From Fiction: February 17
Communities of color are disproportionately impacted by chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma and now, COVID-19. Register and join WorkWell NYC’s Project BUILD and a panel of distinguished guests on February 17 at 12:30 p.m. as they discuss the history and impact of racialized healthcare, and how we can break the cycle of systemic racism in healthcare. 

Payroll Distribution: February 18
Employees who do not have direct deposit can pick up their paper payroll check on Thursday, February 18 from 3 to 5 p.m. only, at 199 Chambers Street, Breezeway, 2 South. Please bring your own pen to sign the registry.

XYZ

Transformation Tuesdays: Civil Service 101
Do you want to learn more about the ins and outs of Civil Service? Join WorkWell NYC and Project XYZ as they partner with DCAS and LeadNYC for Civil Service 101, installment one of a three-part professional development series. Register for one or all three sessions starting February 23 at 12:30 p.m. 

Join WW’s Most Holistic Weight-Loss Program Ever
Register now and learn to make a healthy, delicious WW Valentines Day Dinner including an appetizer, Shrimp and cucumber tzatziki bites; main course, Spiced  Lamb Chops with Gremolata, and dessert, Dark chocolate and sea salt tartlets. BONUS: 22  Valentine’s Day Meals

Join Virtual Adaptive Fitness Classes with NYC Parks
Register now to join NYC Parks every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for a virtual adaptive fitness class. Classes are 30 minutes long and all exercises can be done without equipment, sitting or standing.

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

Alumni and Donors

Webinar

BMCC Alumni, Faculty, Staff and Friends Invited to Webinar on Long-Term Care
On Friday, February 26 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Larry Holzberg, LUTCF ® (shown left) and Rufus Davenport, CFA® of Fortis Lux Financial (shown right) will present a webinar on planning and reducing the financial impact of long-term care. This free event is presented by the BMCC Office of Institutional Advancement and space is limited. Register now for this unique learning opportunity. 

Ways

Thank You for Giving the Gift of Education
Your generous donations go a long way in funding scholarships, research and programs that allow us to continue delivering quality education to our students. Some of the ways to give include Direct Gifts, Gifts of Securities, Gifts of Real Estate and many more. For more information, please visit the Ways to Give website, call the Office for Institutional Advancement at (212) 220-8020 or email lmalcolm@bmcc.cuny.edu). Your support goes a long way, and is very appreciated.

IRA 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.

Calendar

LEAP LEAP to Teacher Program Virtual Information Session
February 13
Dream The Dream U.S. Scholarship Workshop
February 16

Career Development: How to Write a Strong Resume (even with no work history)
February 16

WRC: Mental Health and Sexuality, Pornography and my Relationships
February 17

Transfer Thursday
February 18

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