February 18, 2021 FacebookTwitterInstagram
@BMCC

News

Holmes Aspiring Principal and Alumnus Jamel Holmes Goes Above and Beyond for His Students
Through the non-profit organization Donors Choose, BMCC alumnus Jamel Holmes (Early Childhood Education, ‘12) has raised funds to buy school supplies, clothing, laundry essentials, care packages and food for his students—then he personally drives through the Bronx and drops off the supplies where they are learning from home. Set to earn his second master's degree from Lehman College in May 2021, Holmes is on track to serve as a school principal, where he can scale up programs that serve students inside and outside the classroom.
Show Digital Faculty Art Show “Notes from the Underground” Opens March 1
The Shirley Fiterman Arts Center (SFAC) will present “Notes from the Underground,” a digital exhibition of recent BMCC faculty artwork on Instagram and Facebook from March 1 through April 23. The show will also be available as a fully archived version at the SFAC website
(Image: Cathy Diamond Daydream, 2020 acrylic, pigments, colored pencil on paper)

Announcements

AHM

Afrikan Heritage Month Continues through February 24
The 2021 Afrikan Heritage Month series of virtual events at BMCC continues through February 24. All of the events are free and open to the BMCC and CUNY community of students, faculty, staff and alumni. For more details, click here.

Faculty Workshop: Voicing Poverty and Creating a New Interdisciplinary Humanities Curriculum March 5
Faculty are invited to attend a workshop and information session co-sponsored by “Transformative Learning in Humanities (TLH) on Voicing Poverty” and “Creating a New Interdisciplinary Humanities Curriculum” taking place via Zoom on March 5 at 11 a.m. Contact the event planners with any questions.

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.”

Everbridge 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. For those who do not have a smartphone, go to the Everbridge Member Portal and sign up, using your CUNY login credentials to receive email notifications.

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

Spring 2021 Virtual Open House Welcomes Future Students on March 20
The BMCC Virtual Open House is Saturday, March 20 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Future students will become familiar with online learning options through virtual mini sessions, speak with current BMCC students and faculty, take a virtual tour of the campus, and learn about financial aid options, student services, success programs and how to apply. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at (212) 220-1265 or admissions@bmcc.cuny.edu.

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 student navigator Christal Yu featured in article about food insecurity and CUNY/ Swipe Out Hunger partnership
February 16, 2021—Money Magazine

BMCC alumnus Steven Clermont sworn in as Troy N.Y. police officer
February 17, 2021— News 10

Human Resources

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.

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.

BMCC Alumni Participate in Black Women in Tech Panel
BMCC’s Urban Male Leadership Academy (UMLA) hosted a Black Women in Technology panel featuring two BMCC Alumni with careers in top technology companies on February 17. Jody Simpson (Computer Science,17) is a Solutions Engineer at Google and  Gabriella Uwadiegwu (Computer Science ,17)  is a Software Engineer at Twitch. The panelists shared their experiences, struggles and triumphs as Black women in Tech.

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

BLA Careers In Context: Graphic Design and User Experience with Verizon
February 19

Free Virtual Tax Assistance for BMCC Community
February 22

Let’s Discuss Biden’s First 100 Days with Dr. Heather James
February 22

Career Development: Navigating Your Job Search During Challenging Times
February 23

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