April 15, 2021 FacebookTwitterInstagram
@BMCC

News

Vaccinate #VaccinateBMCC: Students, Faculty and Staff Now Eligible to Be Vaccinated for Covid-19
New York based BMCC community members age 16 and up are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine—regardless of citizenship status, health coverage and employment. To get an appointment, all you need is an ID verifying your age and N.Y. State residency. Schedule your appointment through the New York City or New York State vaccine finders. After you’re fully vaccinated, you'll be protected against severe symptoms of COVID-19 and you can more safely visit fully vaccinated friends and family indoors. You can also travel with fewer restrictions and register for the New York State Excelsior Pass, a digital document that verifies you've been vaccinated so you can attend in-person events now re-opening! BMCC faculty, staff and students are encouraged to share their selfies with the tags  #VaccinateBMCC and #VaxUpCUNY.
Ethnic

New Academic Department, Ethnic and Race Studies, Empowers Students to be Change Agents in a Multi-Ethnic Society
The BMCC Center for Ethnic Studies has led the way to the creation of a new department, the Department of Ethnic and Race Studies, which offers an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree in Ethnic Studies. The mission of the new department is to highlight universal human values that lead to positive change. Graduates of the program will gain core competencies in the social sciences, arts and humanities. They will learn research methodologies and critical thinking skills as they examine the histories and formation of racial and ethnic groups in the United States and globally.

Movements

BMCC Hosts Virtual Fundraiser, “Movements in Transformation” May 6
BMCC invites you to celebrate "Movements in Transformation" on Thursday, May 6, 6 p.m. This virtual fundraiser, hosted by the Office of Institutional Advancement, features performances by the BMCC Theater Department and the BMCC Choir. Guests will meet some of our students and faculty and learn about their perseverance and feel their positive spirit shine through in their collaborative works. Cost is $50 and proceeds will support BMCC students in the arts. Register for Admission HERE!  For more information, contact advancementevents@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Zummo Janice Zummo Named Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
Janice Zummo has been named Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, effective April 19. Dean Zummo will be overseeing the implementation of the EAB Navigate system at BMCC. In addition, she will continue to develop and assess programs that are key to BMCC’s mission to strengthen the college readiness of incoming students, support the skills of enrolled students, facilitate their timely degree completion and prepare them for 21st-century careers.

BMCC Students Selected for PTK All-New York Academic Team
Biotechnology major Oneil Mahoney and Psychology major Lence Lidia have been selected to the 2021 All-New York Academic Team of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society. An S-STEM scholar and member of the CUNY Research Scholar Program (CRSP), Mahoney has participated in faculty-led research involving aging-related memory loss, the effects of waste toxicity on aquatic embryo development and novel treatments for the coronavirus. On April 15, BMCC President Anthony Munroe recognized both students and presented them with certificates and medallions from PTK. (Lidia was not available for the presentation). Both students will be graduating in May 2021.

Zummo

BMCC Student Receives Wiley Stay the Course Grant
Computer Information Science major Nickolas Torres was selected to receive a $500 “Wiley Stay the Course Grant” from John Wiley and Sons Inc. Torres was nominated for the grant by CIS Associate Professor Darshani Jayaweera. Wiley Stay the Course Grants seek to support students experiencing economic hardship so that they can persist in their college careers.  For more information on how to nominate students for the grant, click here.

BMCC Professors Participate on Panels at CUNY Faculty Diversity & Inclusion Conference
BMCC Department of Ethnic and Race Studies Professors Patricia Matthews, Linta Varghese, Lissette Acosta and Judy Anderson are participating on panel discussions at the CUNY Faculty Diversity and Inclusion Conference on April 15 and 16.  The conference offers faculty and academic administrators the opportunity to focus on research-based evidence, present new ideas, and develop constructive actions for change in the belief that diversity is a driver of CUNY’s collective success. For more information about the conference, click here.

Announcements

Summer

Catch Up on Credits or Get Back on Track to Earning a Degree During Summer at BMCC
Summer classes at BMCC can help students jump start their fall semester, catch up on credits, or get back on track to earning a degree. BMCC offers a wide range of summer class schedules. Some are as short as six weeks, others as long as 12 weeks.  Students can mix and match to create a perfect summer schedule. Session one begins May 27 while session two starts July 20. Students enrolled at other CUNY schools are welcome to enroll in BMCC summer courses through e-permit.  Learn more about all Summer at BMCC 2021 offers as well as important deadlines, application and financial aid information here. BMCC also offers tuition waivers for certain courses in Summer 2021.

Tuition Waivers for Immersion Remedial Courses 
BMCC Immersion workshops and tutorial programs provide eligible students a chance to complete certain courses they did not pass, or need to take to satisfy their remedial requirementsTutorial programs are also free. Click here to see the workshops and tutorials offered in Summer 2021.  For more information, contact immersion@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Nelson BMCC Economics Seminar Series: Economist Julie Nelson to Discuss Ecological and Feminist Economics on April 23
BMCC students, faculty and staff are invited to join a conversation with Economist Dr. Julie Nelson on her research in both Ecological and Feminist economics April 23 at 5 p.m. via the online platform Zoom. Dr. Nelson is an Emeritus Professor of Economics at the University of Massachusetts-Boston as well as a research fellow at the Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University. To RSVP click here.
REI

Learn More About Race Equity and Inclusion (REI) at BMCC
Under the guidance of the BMCC President, the Race, Equity, and Inclusion (REI) steering committee is dedicated to exploring ways to dismantle systemic racism and structural inequality by advancing equity, inclusion, and justice for students, staff, faculty, and our communities. Working as the conscience of the College, the REI strives to bring in and amplify the voices of all members of the institution, with actionable items for the College to prioritize and institutionalize. The REI Steering Committee seeks change, for today and for the future. For more information, visit the REI webpage or contact REI@bmcc.cuny.edu

5K Join the Virtual Spring 5K Run/Walk
The BMCC Health Education Department and Office of Student Affairs invite students, faculty and staff to join the a virtual 5K Walk/Run on May 5 at 3 p.m. Go at your own pace, in your own place! Register online and download the JustMove app.

How to Submit Requests to the Office of Public Affairs
The BMCC Office of Public Affairs increases awareness, understanding and support of BMCC’s mission and promotes the accomplishments of its constituencies. The Office of Public Affairs also focuses on the creation and implementation of strategic communications initiatives, plans and events that support the College’s academic programs, faculty research, student achievement and community engagement.  To request the Office of Public Affairs assistance, please fill out this form and provide a project description and other details.

Get Paid to Earn BMCC Business Degree with Zurich Insurance Apprenticeship
BMCC students are encouraged to apply for the Zurich Insurance Apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship lasts the entire two years of a student’s associate degree completion and combines targeted coursework with real-world experience and training.  In addition, the apprenticeship provides salary and benefits, pays 100% of tuition, fees and books, offers two days of classes, three days of work weekly and also departmental certification as an insurance apprentice. To learn more about the Zurich Insurance Apprenticeship click here. To find out more about BMCC's other apprenticeship opportunities, click here. For questions or application information, contact Director of Internships and Experiential Learning Sharon D. Reid at sreid@bmcc.cuny.edu

Asian Heritage

April Is Asian Heritage Month at BMCC
Asian Heritage Month at BMCC continues through April 30 with film screenings, a poetry contest, traditional Chinese medicine workshop, dumpling-making competition and more. All events are free and open to the BMCC community.  For a complete overview of events, click here. To receive a Zoom link for any event, registration is required. For more information, contact Acting Provost Erwin Wong.

Teacher Education

Virtual Sixth Annual Teacher Education Day: April 17
BMCC students in any major are invited to the sixth annual Teacher Education Day, April 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will choose from virtual 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, and more.  Register to receive the zoom link.

9/11 Were You in Lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001?
As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, BMCC is reaching out to students, faculty, staff and alumni who were present in lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001 or were a member of the BMCC community for the rest of that semester and school year. A planning committee led by Vice President Marva Craig would like to invite these community members to share their thoughts and experiences as part of the college's commemoration of this important milestone. There will be a variety of platforms through which to participate. Please begin by completing this form.

To Invite President Munroe to Speak at Your Event, Please Use This Form
As we continue to prepare virtual events, the Office of Public Affairs wants to encourage everyone at BMCC to begin using this online form—found on the President’s Bio page and on the BMCC Experts page—to invite President Anthony Munroe to attend or speak at your event. Using this form will alert the President’s staff and Public Affairs with your event request; provide a formal record of your invitation and streamline the scheduling process in order for us to respond to your request more effectively. BMCC continues to evolve, and we appreciate your support as we make these adjustments to enhance our services across the college.

Library Employee Appreciation 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.
MEOC President’s Fund for Excellence and Innovation Proposal Submission Process Available 
The President’s Fund for Excellence and Innovation (PFEI) was established through the generous and ground-breaking donation of philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott. The Fund will support strategic investment in innovative projects, initiatives and programming that advance the College’s mission and honor Ms. Scott’s desire to focus on basic needs, equity and inclusion, economic mobility and support for the demographic population served by the College. BMCC faculty, staff and students can submit proposals in a two-step process. Proposals must 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: Teaching and Curriculum Initiatives, Transformational Student Support or Innovative Programs. Deadlines and guidance are 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
Through May 17, BMCC students in any major are invited to submit an original drawing, photograph, poem or 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 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.

SFAC Digital Faculty Art Show “Notes from the Underground” Up Through April 23
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 websiteImageAisha Tandiwe Bell, Radiate Release Resolve, Clay, acrylic, metal leaf on wood

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.

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 MeetingsZoom Webinars and Livestream. To keep those events secure, review the updated CUNY Zoom Security Protocol page.

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
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

Advisement

Summer/Fall 2021 Advisement & Registration is Open 
Faculty and staff, please encourage students to schedule a Zoom meeting with their advisor to discuss their academic progress and registration. Things to know: All students must meet with their advisor before registering. Students can register on CUNYfirst or meet with a Panther Station Specialists on Zoom, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Registration page or contact Academic Advisement at (212) 220-8315 or aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Application Workshop Walks Students Through the Process
Every Tuesday at 3 p.m., admissions specialists will answer questions and explain how to complete the BMCC application or apply as a readmit student. BMCC uses the CUNY Application to admit new students, and in these sessions, staff will walk students through the whole process—from completing the CUNY application online to figuring out how to send BMCC their school transcripts to complete their applications.

Information Session Demystifies Majors, Financial Aid and More
On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m, BMCC admissions specialists will share information about major options, financial aid, career planning and more.

Chat with Admissions Staff
Students who prefer communicating via chat, can ask general questions about BMCC on Fridays at 3 p.m., through one-on-one chat sessions.

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!
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

Donald P. Ryder, former BMCC Director of Planning and renowned architect of Black heritage sites, dies at age 94
April 14—New York Times

Health Education Professor Yuliya Shneyderman pens op-ed about Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy further complicated by the J&J pause
April 14—NBC News (THINK)

Teacher Education Professor Cara Kronen discusses education equity and other issues surrounding public schools
April 13—Wallet Hub

English Professor Syreeta McFadden profiles photographer Dawoud Bey’s Polaroid images
May Issue—The Atlantic

Human Resources

Vaccination

City Employee-Only Vaccination Updates
BMCC employees can take advantage of these dedicated locations to receive the COVID-19 vaccine: Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. Register online here for the Brooklyn and Manhattan locations. Register online here for Queens and Staten Island. Enter your employee ID number to unlock appointments at employee-only clinics.

Earth

Celebrate Earth Day 2021
This month, it's all about planet earth! In honor of Earth Day on April 22, learn more about the small steps you can take to go green.

Responding Conversations that Matter: Responding to Racism
Tune in to hear a panel of your colleagues as they discuss ways to have difficult conversations around racism, inequity, and the path to social justice on April 18 at 12 p.m.  Register here

Mandatory Workplace Violence and ESPARC Trainings Now Available via Zoom 
All BMCC employees must complete both a Work Place Violence Awareness (WPV) and Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Course (ESPARC) training. Part-time employees must complete both trainings before the end of this semester. Full-time employees must complete both trainings by July 30, 2021. There are two options for taking the trainings. One is through CUNY Blackboard, following instructions on the HR Training and Development webpage. The other option is Zoom classes led by HR staff at 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. on these days for ESPARC: April 22, May 6 and May 20, and these days for WPV: April 20, May 4 and May 18. Reserve a Zoom seat through Josefa Larios at jlarios@bmcc.cuny.edu; space will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Flag 911 Victims Compensation Fund: Are You Eligible?
If you were employed or a student at BMCC between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002, you might be interested in the 911 Victims Compensation Fund. Several firms specialize in World Trade Center Victim’s Compensation Fund claims, and can be viewed in the 911 Victims Fund PDF. BMCC/CUNY does not endorse any of these firms, and they are listed solely for informational purposes. You may find additional resources by doing a World Trade Center Victim’s Compensation Fund Google search. Information to register for the fund is available at vcf.gov/deadlines.
WW 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

Webinar Offers Tips on Decluttering for Spring 
Spring cleaning is 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

Piscitelli BMCC Alumni, Faculty, Staff and Friends Invited to a Webinar With James Piscitelli on April 21
Do you have proper insurance protection for your family's most valuable asset? Do you know the most effective way to insure your belongings or what events are not covered by your policies? Attorney James Piscitelli has served with State Farm Insurance for 15 years and can help you with these important questions and more. Now is the time to make the best plan for you and your family. Space is limited, so please register now for this free webinar on April 21 brought to you by the BMCC Office of Institutional Advancement. For more information, please contact Phillip Keefe, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at (212) 346-8650 or pkeefe@bmcc.cuny.edu.
Ways

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. 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.

IRA Take Action Now on Charitable Deductions for Non-Itemizers
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 consider a charitable donation to 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

Teacher Education Day

Teacher Education Day
April 17

Online Internship Information Session
April 19

Online Free Workshops: How to Be a Successful Online Student (students only)
April 19

Tips on Effective Note Taking for Online Learners
April 19

You Are a Superhero Comics Workshop
April 20

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