@BMCC

April 1, 2021

BMCC Panel Highlights Critical Need for Social Workers in Education and Public Service
More than 100 students, faculty and staff attended a virtual panel discussion—"From Helping One to Helping Many: Social Workers in Government and Politics”—on March 25 as part of a celebration of Social Work Month. The event was sponsored by the BMCC Human Services Program and the Office of Institutional Advancement. Featured panelists included Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, New York State Assembly Member Chantel Jackson and BMCC Adjunct Professor Demetria Nelson, who is Commissioner for Health and Human Services in Greenwich Conn., as well as BMCC alumni Brian Romero (’08), Chief of Staff to New York State Assembly Member Jessica Gonzales-Rojas. Keynote speaker was Arlene Sanchez, Commissioner for the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.

Faculty, Staff and Students Invited to Apply to Serve on Review Committees for President’s Fund for Excellence and Innovation
Faculty, staff and students are invited to apply to serve on one of three committees that will review proposals for funding from The President’s Fund for Excellence and Innovation. Committee members will review proposals in three areas: Teacher and Curriculum Initiatives, Transformational Student Support and Innovative Programs. The committees will recommend funding proposals that best support the college’s mission and support donor Mackenzie Scott’s intent to help increase student success and retention at BMCC, among other goals. To apply for a committee, fill out this form by April 9.

CUNY Campaign Encourages University Members to Get Vaccinated
The City University of New York has launched #VaxUpCUNY, a multifaceted, multimedia campaign to encourage CUNY students, alumni, faculty and staff to get their COVID-19 vaccination as soon as they become eligible. The campaign will target communities of color to ease anxiety and hesitancy to the vaccine. “It is incumbent upon each of us to do all we can to help our city, state and nation finally overcome this horrific pandemic,” said Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “As a public University deeply embedded in New York’s DNA, it is our responsibility to educate and inform about the critical importance of these vaccines to the health and well-being of our CUNY community, and also our loved ones, friends, neighbors, colleagues and the city as a whole. That is the mission of #VaxUpCUNY, with a special emphasis on allaying fears and concerns that exist in communities of color around these life-saving vaccines.” Learn more about the #VAXUPCUNY Campaign here.

Participate in This Important CUNY Survey Regarding Fall 2021
As CUNY plans for Fall 2021, the university wants to better understand employees’ preferences and concerns about both working remotely and returning to the office. CUNY is asking for your feedback and encourages you to take a few minutes to complete the Fall Planning Survey. This survey is anonymous, and your feedback will allow CUNY to better serve and support its staff. For more information: CUNYSurvey2@cuny.edu.

Announcements

College Council Committee on Campus Life and Student Issues Releases Student Resources Quick Reference Guide
Whether you are a mentor, faculty or staff member, the Student Resource Quick Reference Guide is a useful tool to help students connect to resources on campus. "The genesis of the document was the question, 'How do we get all students to become aware of the services and resources available to help them succeed both inside and outside of the classroom?,'" said Vice President for Student Affairs Marva Craig. "We solicited recommendations from faculty on the committee and programs including AATC, ASAP, BLA and College Discovery on the type of information students ask for most frequently when they are being advised." The guide has been posted on the Faculty and Staff Resource page of the BMCC website, as well as sent directly to students.

Deadline April 5: Poverty and Humanities 2021 Summer Institute for Faculty
Become a Poverty and Humanities Faculty Fellow! This BMCC-led and NEH-funded institute is open to 20 full- and part-time CUNY community college faculty from all disciplines and will meet twice weekly on Zoom from July 6 to August 10. Institute Fellows will participate in roundtable talks and workshops with guest scholars and the BMCC project team. The goal is for faculty across disciplines to engage with humanities texts that can lead to empowering poverty-focused discussions in the classroom. Faculty Fellows will receive $1,600 for their participation and implementation of poverty-enhanced teaching modules. Read more about the project here. Apply here. If you have questions, email the project team at voicingpoverty@bmcc.cuny.edu

Employee Appreciation Awards Ballot Nomination Deadline Extended to June 18
Time to cast your ballot! BMCC is accepting ballot submissions from students, faculty and staff for the 2020-2021 BMCC Employee Appreciation Awards, which are presented to full-time and part-time administrative and/or support and service (non-teaching) staff members who were nominated in appreciation of their overall quality of work and dedication to the College. Eligible staff levels include: Civil Service series (including Provisional); College Assistants; Research Foundation employees; Gittleson (COA, CSA, CAA); and HEO Title Series. Full- and part-time faculty are not eligible for this award. The deadline for ballot submissions has been extended to Friday, June 18, 2021. SUBMIT A BALLOT by entering nominations for the Leadership Award, Inspiration Award, Innovation/Technology Award, Rookie of the Year, and Team Achievement. BMCC community members have only ONE opportunity to submit a ballot.

President’s Fund for Excellence and Innovation Proposal Submission Process Available
The President’s Fund for Excellence and Innovation (PFEI) has been established through the generous and ground-breaking donation of philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott, in recognition and support of the exceptional mission and success of BMCC. The Fund will support and allow for strategic investment in innovative projects, initiatives, and programming that advance the College’s mission, moves BMCC towards realization of the vision, and honors Ms. Scott’s desire to focus on basic needs, equity and inclusion, economic mobility, and support for the demographic population served by BMCC. BMCC faculty, staff and students can submit proposals for consideration in a two-step process. Proposals for usage of these funds will only be considered if they adhere to the guiding principles of the Fund, support the mission and vision of BMCC, and meet one or more of the thematic areas of need. Proposals can be submitted in one of the three focus areas: Teaching and Curriculum Initiatives, Transformational Student Support, or Innovative Programs. Deadlines and guidance are available on the PFEI website. For more information contact Lorna Malcolm, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at lmalcolm@bmcc.cuny.edu

Encourage Students to Submit Original Writing, Drawings and Photographs for Modern Languages Colloquium Website
Through May 17, BMCC students in any major are invited to submit an original drawing, photograph or poem/reflection up to 300 words on the theme “Hard Times in the Modern World,” for inclusion on the Modern Language Colloquium web page. Living through a pandemic has deeply affected everyone’s lives, and the colloquium seeks to include the perspective of students on how they feel about these times. Let students know they can upload their submission and to direct any questions to the Modern Languages Department at rzelaya@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Free College Advising for Qualifying NYC Adults
Consider referring New York City residents age 19 years and older to the free College Connections Project at the Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC). Participants receive one-on-one support to explore different colleges, complete college and financial aid applications, and register for college classes. Potential students can schedule an appointment with a College Connections Project Advisor online.

MOMA/CUNY Now Selecting Student Ambassador Cohort, Deadline April 15
As part of a MoMA/CUNY partnership, MoMA will host via Zoom, Cohort 2 of CUNY student ambassadors. BMCC degree-seeking and continuing education student ambassadors interested in arts education and administration—and legally eligible to work in the United States—will attend mandatory seminars June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 2 to 5 p.m. and a public program on June 30 at 6:30 p.m. They will learn about modern and contemporary art, meet museum professionals and receive a $900 stipend upon completion of the program. Applicants must submit as email attachments, a resume and 500-word cover letter explaining why they are applying, what they hope to gain and how this program will enhance their education and career plans. The email subject line must read, “MoMA/CUNY Student Ambassador Application” and the body of the email include the applicant's name, contact information, CUNY school, major/degree and how they heard about the program. These materials and any questions should go to Hannah Fagin (hannah_fagin@moma.org) by April 15.

Virtual Sixth Annual Teacher Education Day: April 17
BMCC students—not just Teacher Education majors—are invited to the sixth annual, virtual Teacher Education Day, April 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will choose from talks including Gender Equity in Education with Cris Mayo, editor-in-chief of the Oxford Encyclopedia on Gender and Sexuality in Education; Achieving Equity: Black Men in Education with Reuben Quansah, NYC Men Teach and Ashtian Holmes, BMCC Urban Male Leadership Academy; International Career Opportunities in Education with educators from Tanganyika, UAE, Egypt and Singapore; Career Opportunities in Education, which looks at alternative careers including paraprofessional and museum educator, and Advocacy and Activism with Kemala Karmen from NYC Opt Out and Danielle McKoy from NYC Alliance for School Integration and Desegregation. Register to receive the zoom link.

BMCC Celebrates Women's HerStory Month Through April 22
This year’s theme, "Empowering Women in the New Normal: Body, Mind and Soul," focuses on issues surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. Forthcoming events include, Women Who Lead STEM, Media Arts for Fun With Caroline Mays and Womb Wellness. Visit the WHM events calendar for details.

Refer a Student to the Conexiones & Connections Program Launch
BMCC is proud to announce the launch of Conexiones & Connections, a federally funded Title V program that supports Latino males and students from low-income households as they persist in their studies and move toward graduation. The program offers academic support, career development services, peer mentoring and faculty/staff coaches. To refer a first- or second-semester student to the program launch, please email connections@bmcc.cuny.edu with the student’s name and CUNYfirst ID number, and the Conexiones team will reach out to them. Alternatively, students can sign up online.

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.

Visit ITS Website for Computer Lab and TEC Availability Information
Faculty and staff can visit the BMCC Instructional Technology Services (ITS) webpage to check availability and log into computer lab and Technology Enhanced Classrooms (TECs). 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

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.

Electronic Device Distribution Resumes April 5
BMCC will not distribute electronic devices to students during spring break through April 2. Normal distribution will begin the week of April 5. Eligible BMCC students can borrow an electronic device 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
All visitors to 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

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

CUNY highlights BMCC’s Recent $3 million Title V Conexiones project grant
March 31, 2021—CUNY Brief

New York City Council candidate and Academic Literacy and Linguistics Adjunct Professor Altagracia Soldevilla profiled
March 30, 2021—Norwood News

BMCC Athletics Coordinator and E-sports Head Coach Dakota Wilson discusses athletics program with John Kelly Jr., Sports Information Director
March 21—Inside the Lair (YouTube)

Human Resources

BMCC Employees Must Complete Workplace Violence and ESPARC Training ASAP
BMCC employees must complete Work Place Violence Awareness (WPV) as well as Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Course (ESPARC) training. Part-time employees must complete both trainings before the end of the current semester. Full-time employees must complete both trainings before July 30, 2021. HR is hosting trainings for both the ESPARC and WPV via Zoom. Space is limited and will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in attending a virtual training, send an email to Josefa Larios at jlarios@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Now Is the Time to Set Up a NY State Deferred Compensation Plan
CUNY employees are in a unique position to save for retirement. Make an appointment with Arlene Werner, Retirement Specialist and BMCC's dedicated account executive for the 457 Plan through CUNY at (614) 854-4547 or wernea2@Nationwide.com. Review your existing plan or discuss benefits and get enrolled. Employees 50 and older, learn about the 50+ catch-up plan. For more information, visit the NY State Deferred Compensation Plan website or call (800) 422-8463.

Are You Eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Many City employees are now eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine—a safe, free, effective way to 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 and learn about the new holistic program. To register, click here. Join between April 1 and May 15 and get a free fresh start kit. The recipe of the Month: Italian Vegetable and Egg Scramble and 10 additional meals is bursting with Spring flavors.

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.

Webinar Offers Tips on Decluttering for Spring
Spring is in the air, so why not mix up your routine by making spring cleaning a fun way to be active? View Work Well’s Decluttering for Your Best Life Webinar for spring cleaning inspiration. This WorkWell NYC webinar is free and now available.

Alumni and Donors

Give the Gift of Education
Your generous donations go a long way in funding scholarships, research and programs and 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 is greatly 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.

Calendar