April 22, 2021 FacebookTwitterInstagram
@BMCC

News

Agwu Professor Nkechi Agwu One of 64 Notable Mathematicians Featured by Association for Women in Mathematics 
Ethnomathematician and Professor of Mathematics Nkechi Madonna Agwu is one of 64 mathematicians featured on the deck of EvenQuads, a Notable Women in Math Playing Cards game created by the Association for Women in Mathematics and commemorating that organization’s 50th anniversary. A member of the groups Nigerian Women in Mathematics and Nigerian Women for Agricultural Research for Development, Dr. Agwu has received three Carnegie Foundation African Diaspora Fellowships and numerous PSC CUNY grants, some of which supported her ethnomathematical trips to Nigeria and the Benin Republic to research indigenous mathematics and bring back to her students at BMCC, activities in which they identify math concepts in women’s agricultural work and more. She has also mentored students through C-STEP, STEP, the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) and Honors program at BMCC. 
Movements

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

Gibba Women’s Soccer Player Fatou Gibba Named CUNYAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year
BMCC women’s soccer player Fatou Gibba has been named a scholar-athlete of the year by the CUNY Athletic Conference (CUNYAC).  This recognition is given to only a select few CUNY student-athletes that excel both on the field and in the classroom. Gibba, who lives in the Bronx, is a criminal justice major who has maintained an impressive 3.66 grade point average. She appeared in all six matches with five starts for the BMCC Panthers during the Fall 2019 season. Gibba also helped the BMCC team win key matches over CUNYAC opponent Kingsborough Community College. 
Carvalho Fernanda Carvalho Santos Selected as 2021 Beacon Scholar
BMCC Media Arts and Technology major Fernanda Carvalho Santos has been selected as a 2021 Beacon Scholar and will deliver a 20-minute talk on her paper, “Synesthesia and Film: An Experience Beyond the Screen,” as she takes part in a judged panel at the 29th annual Beacon Conference for student scholars at two-year colleges, Mid-Atlantic region. In each conference category, a student panelist and their faculty mentor will each receive a $100 American Express gift card in acknowledgement of their achievement. Santos’ paper was selected through a rigorous review by readers from three community colleges, and the conference received submissions from 19 community colleges in four states. The event will be hosted by Westchester Community College via Zoom on Friday, June 4.

Announcements

9/11 How to Submit Requests to the Office of Public Affairs 
The BMCC Office of Public Affairs increases 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 assistance from the Office of Public Affairs, please fill out this form and provide a project description and other details.
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 eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine—regardless of citizenship status, health coverage and employment. To get an appointment, just provide ID verifying age and New York State residency and schedule through the New York City or New York State vaccine finders. Once fully vaccinated, you'll be protected against severe symptoms of COVID-19 and 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.

Summer

Catch Up on Credits or Get Back on Track to Earning a Degree This Summer 
Summer classes at BMCC 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 ranging from six to 12 weeks. Session One begins May 27 and Session Two starts July 20. Tuition waivers are available for certain summer courses.Students enrolled at other CUNY schools are welcome to enroll in BMCC summer courses through e-permit. Learn more about Summer at BMCC and important deadlines, as well as application and financial aid information here.

Ramp

Ramp at 199 Chambers Street Will Be Closed as of April 26 
At the request of the DASNY/CUNY construction team, ramp access to the BMCC entrance at 199 Chambers Street will be off-limits to the general public starting Monday, April 26. This is to expedite completion of the Plaza Roofing Replacement Project before the Fall 2021 semester begins. Access to the main campus will be through the West Gate, located on West Street at the south end of the building (adjacent to Theatre I). As you walk west along Chambers Street, you would turn right at the intersection. The West Gate is about 200 feet north of the intersection. A Public Safety team member and signage will be on hand to guide and assist members of the community heading into the main building. Thank you for your cooperation. This temporary disruption will assist the DASNY/CUNY team in making critical improvements in time for the Fall 2021 semester.

Free Immersion Program for 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 requirementsBoth immersion workshops and tutorial programs are free. Click here to see the workshops and tutorials offered in Summer 2021. For more information, contact immersion@bmcc.cuny.edu.

SFAC Digital Faculty Art Show “Notes from the Underground” Up Through April 23
The Shirley Fiterman Arts Center (SFAC) presents “Notes from the Underground,” a digital exhibition of BMCC faculty artwork on Instagram and Facebook through April 23. The show is also available on the SFAC websiteImage: Aisha Tandiwe Bell, Radiate Release Resolve, Clay, acrylic, metal leaf on wood

Reimagining Justice Series Features Esteemed Community Leaders
BMCC students, faculty and staff are invited to attend a virtual event on April 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. featuring guest speakers Lakeesha Eure and Aqeela Sherrills. Ms. Eure is chair of the Newark Antiviolence Coalition, director of the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery for Newark, New Jersey, and a community-based therapist who specializes in trauma, domestic violence, sexual assault and community violence. Mr. Sherrills is a spirit-centered activist who promotes healing in marginalized communities and community ownership of public safety. A senior advisor to the Shared Safety Initiative of the Alliance for Safety and Justice, Mr. Sherrills leads the Newark Community Street Team and co-founded Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. This event is sponsored by The Perkins Career and Technical Education V Grant. Please register here.

5K Join the Virtual Spring 5K Run/Walk on May 5
The BMCC Health Education Department and Office of Student Affairs invite students, faculty and staff to join 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.
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 CUNY community.  For a complete overview of events, click here. To receive Zoom links to the events, registration is required. For more information, contact Acting Provost Erwin Wong.

Nelson BMCC Economics Seminar Series: Economist Julie Nelson, April 23
BMCC students, faculty and staff are invited to join a conversation with economist Julie Nelson as she discusses her research in ecological and feminist economics, April 23 at 5 p.m. via 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.
safezone BMCC Community Invited to Take Safe Zone Training: April 23 
The BMCC Safe Zone program helps create a more inclusive environment at BMCC by supporting the BMCC lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community. To become a SafeZone ally, students, faculty and staff are invited to attend a one-day training on April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. that will explore LGBTQ identities, gender, prejudice, privilege and more. Participants receive a certificate of completion and a SafeZone email signature logo to verify they are SafeZone-trained. Register online and send questions to tavelasquez@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.

REI Learn More About Race Equity and Inclusion (REI) at BMCC
Under the guidance of BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe, the Race, Equity and Inclusion (REI) steering committee explores ways to dismantle systemic racism and structural inequality by advancing equity, inclusion and justice for students, staff, faculty and all BMCC communities. As the conscience of the College, the REI strives to amplify all BMCC members' voices, providing actionable items for the College to prioritize and institutionalize. For more information, visit the REI webpage or contact REI@bmcc.cuny.edu

Encourage Students to Submit Original Writing and Art Through May 17  
Through May 17, BMCC students in any major are invited to submit an original drawing, photograph, poem or reflection up to 300 words on how the pandemic has affected their lives and the theme “Hard Times in the Modern World” for inclusion on the Modern Language Colloquium web page. Students can upload their submissions and direct questions to the Modern Languages Department at rzelaya@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Library Employee Appreciation Nomination Deadline Extended to June 18 
Time to cast your ballot! BMCC students, faculty and staff are invited to submit nominations for the  2020-2021 BMCC Employee Appreciation Awards presented to full- and part-time administrative, support and service (non-teaching) staff members in appreciation of their quality of work and dedication to the College. Eligible staff 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 is Friday, June 18.  Submit one ballot ONLY with nominations for one or more of these categories: Leadership Award, Inspiration Award, Innovation/Technology Award, Rookie of the Year and Team Achievement. 
9/11 Were You in Lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001?
As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, BMCC invites 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 to share their thoughts and experiences. A planning committee led by Vice President Marva Craig is organizing the college's commemoration of this important milestone and there will be a variety of platforms through which to participate. Please begin by completing this form.

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 two years of a student’s associate degree completion and combines coursework with real-world experience and training. It provides a salary and benefits; pays 100% of tuition, fees and books; offers two days of classes and three days of work per week, and awards departmental certification as an insurance apprentice. To learn more, click here. To explore BMCC's other apprenticeship opportunities, click here. For application information, contact Director of Internships and Experiential Learning Sharon D. Reid at sreid@bmcc.cuny.edu

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 assist faculty with using technology in education, research, conferences and special events. For more information, click here.

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 and complete the daily health screening each day they visit campus. They can reserve a study time here.

MEOC Electronic Devices Available through Campus Distribution
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.

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 includes a listing of services, offices, hours of operation and virtual contact information to help you guide students toward resources during the academic year. Other sections provide information on campus reopening, procedures, safety measures and more.

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 your own health, as well as that of the BMCC community, it is important to be accurate as possible in self reporting on the Wellness app.

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.”

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

Isabella Di Pietro, whose family established Feed the Frontlines and partnered with BMCC, has personally delivered hundreds of meals
April 20, 2021—West Side Rag

Oscar nominee and BMCC alumna Gabourey Sidibe celebrates engagement to Brandon Frankel
April 20, 2021—Newsfeed

BMCC alumna Amber Drummond works, lives in and speaks out about the NYC shelter system
April 16, 2021—The New York Times

Human Resources

April April Is National Minority Health Awareness Month
To better understand the health inequities that affect communities of color and learn ways to address them, visit this CDC resource, "Promoting Health Equity: A Resource to Help Communities Address Social Determinants of Health." As the report explains, social determinants of health include resources such as food supply, housing, economic and social relationships, transportation, education and health care. The distribution of these things across populations determines length and quality of life.

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.

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 Brooklyn and Manhattan locations Register online here . Enter the reference number from your paystub (NYCAPS account) to unlock appointments at employee-only clinics.

Payroll Distribution: Thursday, April 29
BMCC employees who do not have direct deposit can pick up their paper payroll check on Thursday, April 29 from 3 to 5 p.m. only, at 199 Chambers Street, Breezeway, 2 South. Please bring your own pen to sign the registry.

Enjoy Free Yoga, Meditation, Boxing and More
WorkWell Digital presents virtual movement workshops through May. Workshops in chair yoga, meditation, dance cardio, kickboxing and more are available, so register now. Other free virtual workshop options are available on nyc.gov.

Financial Wellbeing: Feeling Secure About Your Finances
Understand the practical ways you can feel more secure and more stable in your finance management in this CCA @YourService seminar. Seminars will be pre-recorded and uploaded on a set date each month. You can view the audiovisual presentation and download all accompanying materials at that time.

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.

Alumni and Donors

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

WRC Presents Vagina Monologues Screening and Open Discussion
April 23

Sculptor

Person Place thing with Randy Cohen: Guest Vinnie Bagwell, Renowned Sculptor
April 26

Join us for Storytelling Hour: Identity
April 27

Connect with BMCC

Twitter Discussion Twitter Discussion
   
Instagram Discussion Facebook Discussion

@BMCC is produced and published by the Office of Public Affairs.

Faculty and staff: Submit items for consideration in an upcoming @BMCC to publicaffairs@bmcc.cuny.edu by 12 noon, Wednesday.

Borough of Manhattan Community College
Office of Public Affairs
245 Greenwich Street
(212) 346-8501
The City University of New York