February 25, 2021 FacebookTwitterInstagram
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News

Munroe BMCC Partners with Excelencia in Education to Celebrate 25th Anniversary of Hispanic Serving Institutions
BMCC has partnered with Excelencia in Education to share the release of “25 Years of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs),” a robust analysis designed to inform New York educational policy makers, academic researchers and elected officials about how best to serve Latino/a students in higher education. SUNY University at Albany hosted a virtual public briefing—co-sponsored by BMCC—on Thursday, February 25 to discuss the report, and featured a segment with BMCC President Anthony M. Munroe and Rockland County Community College President Michael Baston, "Rising to Meet the Moment."
Craig Vice President Craig Serves as Panelist for NASPA Virtual Event
Marva Craig, Vice President for Student Affairs was a featured panelist during the Virtual Innovation Summit: Excellence in Delivering Virtual Supports on February 24. The Summit, hosted by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) brought together college and university practitioners to showcase effective strategies for delivering virtual student support services. The Summit also featured discussions on national trends in virtual support services and optional networking opportunities with peers. In mid-January, BMCC received a $50,000 prize and the Virtual Innovation Award. Other winning institutions included Bay Path University, Channel Islands California State University, Georgia State University, Northern Arizona University, Montgomery County Community College, San Diego State University, University of Arizona, the University of Florida and Houston Community College.
Womens Herstory

BMCC Women's HerStory Month Begins March 2
BMCC will celebrate Women’s HerStory Month (WHM) throughout March. This year’s theme —"Empowering Women in the New Normal: Body, Mind and Soul"—focuses on issues surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. This year’s opening ceremony on March 2 from 2 until 4 p.m. will feature the Brujas of Brooklyn—Dr. Griselda Rodriguez-Solomon and Dr. Miguelina Rodriguez, Afro-Latina identical twins and CUNY professors who say on their website that they "believe in the power and magic of collective wellness." Lyla June, an Indigenous musician, artist, poet, scholar and community organizer who describes herself as working toward collective and ecological healing will also be a featured guest. Visit the WHM events calendar for a list of all events.

Announcements

AHM

Afrikan Heritage Month Continues through February 28
The 2021 Afrikan Heritage Month series of virtual events at BMCC continues through February 28 with the event, Excerpts From Hal King, the R&B Opera Based on King Henry IV. 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.

Underground 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 on the SFAC website. (Image: Cathy Diamond Daydream, 2020 acrylic, pigments, colored pencil on paper)

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.

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” via Zoom on March 5 at 11 a.m. Contact the event planners with any questions.

Visit ITS Website for Computer Lab and TEC Availability Information
Visit the BMCC Instructional Technology Services (ITS) webpage to check for computer lab and Technology Enhanced Classroom (TEC) availability. Faculty and staff can use their credentials to log into computer labs or TEC's.  ITS staff are available to provide assistance to faculty using technology in education, research, conferences and special events. For more information, click here.

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
Continuing

BMCC Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development Helps New Yorkers Get Back to Work
The Winter/Spring 2021 Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development catalogue is full of opportunities to move toward a career and degree. All courses are offered online, and many are free to qualifying students. “Whether you are looking for a pathway to an associate degree or professional development that leads to 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.  

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. 

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

Professor Schneur Salman Newfield reviews book on the impact of Yiddish on American culture 
February 23, 2021—New Books Network

BMCC students Oluwatosin Adeluola and Kash-Shawna Combrie share how the pandemic has impacted their college experience 
February 21, 2021—Community College Journal, AACC

Human Resources

Lava Obituary: Allied Health Sciences Paramedic Instructor Gary Lava 
BMCC Paramedic Instructor Gary Lava completed an ambulance assignment the night before he died unexpectedly on the morning of February 23. Mr. Lava had been an important member of the EMS community for over 40 years, having started as an EMT in November 1978, and becoming a paramedic with the St. Vincent Hospital class of 1980. During his career, Mr. Lava worked for Maimonides Medical Center, Jamaica Hospital, St. Clare's Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital, Long Island Community Hospital, St. Vincent's Hospital, Beekman Downtown Hospital, Metropolitan Hospital, Brooklyn Hospital Center, New York Community Hospital, NYC Health + Hospital Queens, the Flatbush Hatzolah EMS unit and NYU Health Center. Mr. Lava also served as an instructor for most of those 40 years, and was instrumental in the growth of many of New York City’s emergency response workers. His loss is felt deeply in the EMS community and within BMCC. Mr. Lava is survived by his wife Helen Lava and son Shlomo Lava. The BMCC Allied Health Sciences department has started a Facebook group for those who would like to share their condolences. Those who are not on Facebook are welcome to send their message for posting to Allied Health Sciences Professor Meghan Williams at mewilliams@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Payroll Distribution: March 4
BMCC employees who do not have direct deposit can pick up their paper payroll check on Thursday, March 4 from 3 to 5 p.m. only, at 199 Chambers Street, Breezeway, 2 South. Please bring your own pen to sign the registry.

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.

Join WW and Celebrate National Nutrition Month
Join WW from March 1 through March 31 and get a free Healthy Kitchen Kit with your membership. Redeem for your kit by April 10 at WW.com/atworkstarterkit. Also, fill out this form for your WW discount. BONUS: Recipe of the Month Polenta “Pizza” Margarita. 

WorkWell

Join WorkWell NYC for the 5-a-Day-Your-Way Challenge 
Register here to join the WorkWell NYC Challenge to consume at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day from March 9 to 23.You’ll get email tips, a tracking tool and access to a supportive digital community for sharing recipes and ideas.

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.

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

Timms Free Webinar, March 17: Learn About Estate Planning from Financial Planner Daniel Timms
BMCC alumni, faculty, staff and friends are invited to a free webinar on Wednesday, March 17 from 2 to 3 p.m. led by attorney and certified financial planner Daniel A. Timms. The Law Offices of Daniel Timms specialize in estate planning, probate and Medicaid planning. This event, sponsored by the BMCC Office of Institutional Advancement, will address important issues such as planning for the distribution of assets, finding the most effective way to start an estate plan, and becoming aware of the most efficient ways to plan a legacy and support important causes. Also, participants are invited to bring their own questions and comments to the session. Space is limited. Please register to receive webinar information
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

BLA Careers in Context: Micro-Internships through Parker Dewey
February 26

It's a Silent Book Party!
February 26

Spring 2021 CUNY Start Information and Registration Session
February 28

Afrikan Heritage Month: Excerpts From Hal King the R&B Opera Based on King Henry IV
February 28

Career Development: How to Write a Strong Resume (even with no work history)
March 2

Spring 2021 Virtual Career Fair
March 10

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