@BMCC

March 4, 2021

BMCC Awarded $300,000 as Blackstone LaunchPad Campus
BMCC will receive a total of $300,000 over three years, as one of eight CUNY colleges accepted as partners with the Blackstone LaunchPad Program. At least six BMCC academic departments as well as many offices at BMCC are involved in the project. Together, they will help create a framework for campus-wide entrepreneurial skill-building for students in any major.

BMCC Ranks in Top 25 Among Nation’s Hispanic-Serving Institutions
BMCC has been named one of the nation’s Top 25 Community Colleges for Hispanics by The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine and ranks as follows: Top 25 Community Colleges Granting the Most AA Degrees to Hispanics: #13; Top 25 Community Colleges Enrolling the Largest Number of Hispanics: #22. The rankings are based on Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data from all 50 states and surveys conducted annually by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). BMCC’s status as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) is also reflected in the college’s participation in the Excelencia in Education national initiative, as well as the $3 million, five-year Conexiónes Title V Project Grant awarded to BMCC in 2020.

BMCC Athletics Department Joins NJCAAE Competitive Esports Program
The BMCC Athletics Department has joined the National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE) competitive video gaming association. More than 30 BMCC students have been competing against students from over 70 community colleges across the country during the inaugural Spring 2021 season. In the weeks since the regular season began on February 1, the BMCC Panther teams have been on a winning streak.

President Munroe Condemns Rise in Hate Crimes Directed Towards Asians, Asian American and Pacific Islanders
In a March 4 email message to the BMCC community, President Anthony E. Munroe spoke about the troubling rise in harassment and hate crimes directed towards Asians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The president said BMCC strongly condemns and will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment of any kind. “As an institution we embrace diversity and work to advance equity and inclusion for all members of our community. We work to strengthen a culture of care inside and outside the classroom, and we share a passion for learning with students of all ethnicities and backgrounds and from around the world," said President Munroe. To read the full message and obtain information about BMCC’s Race, Equity and Inclusion (REI) Steering Committee, visit the president’s archive page.

Professor John T. Means Discusses Language Learning in Spanish and Italian Podcasts
In February 2021, Modern Language Professor John T. (Tom) Means was a featured guest in two public podcasts. One of these was a Spanish-language interview on Reto Bilingue (The Bilingual Challenge) based in Mexico. “The show Reto Bilingue has about 10,000 subscribers and focuses mostly on the task of raising kids bilingually,” says Means. The interview could send a positive message to BMCC language students, he says, describing his own Spanish as “far from perfect, but I still enjoy using it to connect with people across borders and cultures.” The second podcast, sponsored by L'italiano vero and based in Italy, is entirely in Italian. “They, too, have about 10,000 listeners and were very interested in my approach to language teaching that promotes communication success before presenting grammar points,” says Means. “Most of my academic writing addresses this research-based approach, ‘Task-based Language Teaching.’” Both interviews, says Means, also reference his recently published and updated language-learning series on Italian, Inglés and Spanish from Hippocrene Books.

Announcements

March Is Women’s Herstory Month at BMCC
BMCC has kicked off Women’s HerStory Month (WHM) and will celebrate throughout March. This year’s theme —"Empowering Women in the New Normal: Body, Mind and Soul"—focuses on issues surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. Visit the WHM events calendar for a list of all events.

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.

Students, Faculty and Staff Invited to Weigh in on BMCC Library Website
The BMCC community is invited to take part in a survey to help determine if the BMCC Library website is meeting the needs of the BMCC community and to identify areas for improvement. The survey, funded through a PSC-CUNY Grant for 2020-21, takes fewer than five minutes to complete. No personal information is collected. While the survey is open to all members of the BMCC community, students who take the survey can enter a raffle to win one of a limited number of Amazon gift cards ranging from $25 to $100. Please contact Rebecca Hyams, Web and Systems Librarian and Assistant Professor in the BMCC Library, with any questions or concerns at rhyams@bmcc.cuny.edu. To take the survey, click here.

BMCC Hosts CUNY Theatre Festival on March 20
The CUNY Theatre Festival will be live-streamed from BMCC on March 20 from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. The full-day line-up of guest artists will be offering specialty workshops, panel discussion and lecture. The evening session will feature the premiere presentation of CUNY student playwrights including five—Hassan Shah Azeemi, Leonardo Gonzalez Dominguez, Isidora Farias and Raven Scott— from BMCC. Special guest artists include Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis, playwright Nikkole Salter, actress Melissa Errico, actor Patrick Sabongui among others. For more information, visit the events webpage.

Digital Faculty Art Show “Notes from the Underground” Now Open
The Shirley Fiterman Arts Center (SFAC) will present “Notes from the Underground,” a digital exhibition of recent BMCC faculty artwork on Instagram and Facebook through April 23. The show will also be available on the SFAC website. (Image: Cathy Diamond Daydream, 2020 acrylic, pigments, colored pencil on paper)

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.

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

Courses Now Available at BMCC Continuing Education and Workforce Development to Help 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.

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.

Device Distribution Has Resumed
Eligible BMCC students can borrow an electronic Device 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

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.

Consult BMCC Virtual Events Website, for Support in Planning Classroom Activities and Special Events
BMCC offers different ways to host Virtual Events. These include Zoom Meetings, Zoom Webinars and Livestream. To keep those events secure, review the updated CUNY Zoom Security Protocol page.

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. 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. To protect the health of the BMCC community, it is important to be accurate as possible in self reporting on the Wellness app.

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.

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!

Say Hello to the Admissions Office on Social Media
We appreciate your likes, follows and thumbs up.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat

Making Headlines

Former BMCC baseball coach Richie Vitaliano named to John Jay College Athletics Hall of Fame
March 1, 2021—CUNY Athletics

BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe featured in article about Zurich apprenticeship program’s expansion to Atlanta
March 2, 2021- Markets Insider

Human Resources

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 here. Also, fill out this form for your WW discount. BONUS: Recipe of the Month Polenta “Pizza” Margarita.

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

BMCC Virtual Alumni Chat, March 17: Careers in Wealth Management
BMCC's Finance and Banking Club partners with the Office of Alumni Relations to bring you a BMCC Alumni Chat. Join us on Wednesday, March 17 at 2 p.m. to hear from alumni who have careers in wealth management. They will be sharing their Start Here. Go Anywhere journey and sharing tips on how to succeed. Click here for registration information.

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.

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.

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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