@BMCC

April 29, 2021

#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 or employment. To get an appointment, just provide ID verifying age and New York State residency and schedule through the New York City vaccine finder website. Appointments are not necessary at New York State vaccine centers. Just walk in. Once fully vaccinated, you'll be protected against severe symptoms of COVID-19 and can more safely visit other fully vaccinated friends and family. 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 on social media with the tags #VaccinateBMCC and #VaxUpCUNY.

BMCC Names Fine Arts Scholar and Photographer Fernanda Carvalho Santos as 2021 Valedictorian
The BMCC valedictorian for the graduating class of 2021—which includes graduates from Summer 2020, Fall 2020 and Spring 2021—is Fernanda Carvalho Santos, who earned an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Art Foundations: Studio Art with a concentration in Photography in Fall 2020 and is now enrolled in a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC).

BMCC Experts Address Coronavirus Vaccine Hesitancy with Historical Context and Facts
More than 140 million individuals in the United States have received at least one dose of the vaccine with an average three million more being vaccinated each day according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite the vaccine’s tested safety and efficacy, there is still some concern among individuals throughout the country, including BMCC community members. Health Education Professor Lesley Rennis and Science Professor Catarina Mata share important information about the vaccine's safety, development and how it works to stop Covid-19.

David P. Barnet Named Acting Dean of Academic Affairs
David P. Barnet, PhD, has been named Acting Dean of Academic Affairs, effective May 17. Prior to joining BMCC, Barnet served as the Associate Vice President for Curriculum and Program Development at Monroe Community College, SUNY. In that role, Barnet provided collaborative, team-based leadership by addressing issues regarding curriculum, assessment, and accreditation through regular meetings with the Provost and Vice President, Academic Services, and other individuals and groups within the institution, including deans and chairs.

Three Faculty Researchers Named 2021 Andrew W. Mellon/ACLS Fellows for Groundbreaking Humanities Research
BMCC Modern Language Professors Sophie Maríñez and Ángeles Donoso Macaya, and Social Sciences Professor Marci Littlefield are among the 28 faculty from 24 two-year colleges across the country named as 2021 Andrew W. Mellon Foundation/The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) community college faculty fellows.

2021 Tolan Writing Awards Highlight Talented Student Poets, Fiction Writers and More
Winners of the 2021 Tolan Writing Awards, named in honor of the late poet and BMCC Professor of English James Tolan (shown left) are Maya Wong, Grand Prize Poetry, "Amid a Pandemic"; Christopher Edwards, Grand Prize Creative Non-Fiction, "My Body"; Karen Escalona, Grand Prize Drama, "Marbles"; Michelle Adlin, Second Place Fiction, "Don't Leave Me"; Crystal K. Foster, Second Place Creative Non-Fiction, "Out of Shape"; Keshawna Mooney, Third Place Scholarship, "Lolita: The Unknowingly Irresponsible Girl Child"; Rachel Sult, Third Place Scholarship, "The Bodily Nature of Trauma in Hiroshima Mon Amour"; Gerald Jeter, Honorable Mention for Drama ("Arduna Chatmon Must Change") and Poetry ("The Caterpillar's Tirade," "What Else?" and "Self") and Hava Munishor, Honorable Mention Fiction, "Guilty." “These are the best and brightest writers at BMCC today and we are so proud of them and our instructors who guide them,” said English Professor Nancy Derbyshire who helped coordinate the award.

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.

Announcements

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.

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.

BMCC Entrepreneurial Summit Is May 5
BMCC is hosting the 15th Annual Entrepreneurial Summit and Fourth Founders Festival on May 5 beginning at 12 p.m. BMCC's Entrepreneurial Summit & Founders Festival promises to showcase inclusiveness in action. This year’s summit will focus on sustainability, diversity and innovation. Participants will hear from new student entrepreneurs, connect with investors, meet mentors and much more. Click here for registration and full list of panel topics. The event is open to the entire CUNY community.

Ramp at 199 Chambers Street Is Now Closed
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. 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.

CUNY in the Heights Town Hall on May 4
CUNY in the Heights and Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) are hosting a virtual town hall for the communities of Northern Manhattan and parts of the Bronx on May 4 from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m. A newly renovated and expanded CUNY in The Heights is set to reopen to students in Fall 2021. BMCC would like to share its developing vision and hear from residents on how we can best work together and serve community, student and workforce needs. The event is in collaboration with: Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Assemblymember Carmen De La Rosa, State Senator Robert Jackson, City Councilmember Ydanis Rodríguez, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe. Residents are invited to attend and hear more about these plans for CUNY in The Heights. Register here

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 requirements. Both 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

911 Victims Information Resources Available
If you were employed or a student at BMCC between September 11, 2001, to May 30, 2002, we are providing the following information on the 911 Victims Compensation Fund (VCF). The normal deadline for filing a claim with the VCF is 2 years from the certification of an illness by the WTCHP or two years after the death of a loved one. With the permanent reauthorization of the VCF in 2019, the Special Master of VCF opened a two-year window that allows previously time-barred claims (claims which were not filed within the time limit) to be submitted. This extension, however, expires on July 29, 2021. In order to access the benefits available to you, you must be able to provide two affidavits from individuals who can attest to your presence in the exposure area.

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.

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

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.

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 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.”

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

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.

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

NY Gov. Cuomo announces more than $455 mil in energy upgrades at CUNY campuses
April 22—Energy Central

BMCC Alumnus Ceon White, now a Columbia University graduate, shares his story
April 28—The Columbia Spectator

Human Resources

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: May 6 and May 20, and these days for WPV: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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