@BMCC

June 17, 2021

Commencement Ceremonies Celebrate Respiratory Therapy and Health Information Technology Classes of 2021
BMCC and the Allied Health Sciences department celebrated the Respiratory Therapy Class of 2021 on June 16, and the Health Information Technology Class of 2021 on June 17 — both with commencement celebrations in Theatre II on BMCC’s main campus at 199 Chambers Street. To view the live streamed RT commencement visit here. To view the live streamed HIT commencement visit here.

BMCC Pride Padlet Welcomes Voices in Celebration of the LGBTQIA+ Community
June is Pride Month. BMCC students, faculty and staff are invited to post on BMCC’s Pride Padlet — a virtual stage for all voices at BMCC. To add a post to this page:

Go to this link: https://tinyurl.com/BMCCPride2021
Click on the "+" button in the corner of the page.
Type a short message in the "Title" section or type a long message in the "Write something" section.
When you are finished, click anywhere on the page to complete the process.
After completing the process, you can click on the 3 dots at the top of your post to change the color of your note, edit or delete your note.
All notes will be reviewed by an administrator before final posting takes place.

Four BMCC Students Win Panel Awards at Mid-Atlantic Beacon Conference
BMCC was among 19 community colleges in four mid-Atlantic states represented at the prestigious 2021 Beacon Conference hosted online by Westchester Community College on June 4 — and four BMCC student researchers who presented their findings at the conference received panel awards in their discipline: Joshua Lasciche, William Roman, Zachary Cussick and Maya Wong. Faculty mentors for the student researchers are Science Deputy Chair and Professor Abel Navarro, Science Professor Joanna Giza and Academic Literacy and Linguistics Professor Jennifer Delfino.

Professor Henry Bulley Wins International Sustainability Award
BMCC Professor of Geography and GIScience Henry Bulley in the department of Social Sciences, Human Services and Criminal Justice has won a Transdisciplinary Research for Pathways to Sustainability Award (third one down, DREAMS — Developing REsilient African cities and their urban environMent) from the Belmont Forum, an international partnership of funders, science councils and regional consortia committed to transdisciplinary science. An initiative by Professor Bulley is the basis for the project Community Flood Mapping Activity in Bwaise and Kalerwe, Uganda, and as part of that work, he has travelled to Kampala, Uganda through a Carnegie Africa Diaspora Fellowship Program aimed at addressing perennial flooding in Ghana and Uganda through integrated Landscape-based assessments and Geospatial Science & technology (GIST). Watch Professor Bulley presenting to the DREAM consortia in this video.

Criminal Justice Major Natassia Walker Awarded Phi Beta Kappa Scholarship Award
Criminal Justice major Natassia Walker has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship from the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the third BMCC student to win the award. Walker has also been named a Gallatin Undergraduate Initiative for Discovery in Education (GUIDE) scholar at New York University, where she plans to further study the intersections of social justice and economics before earning a law degree. Walker said her BMCC professors pushed her to rise above any limits, and "BMCC gave me the opportunity to grow as an individual and not just as a student."

MEOC Celebrates More Than 400 Graduates in Livestream Commencement
More than 400 graduates from the SUNY Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC) were celebrated during a live-streamed 2021 Commencement Ceremony on June 17. Programs the graduates completed range from college prep to workforce development. Speakers at the ceremony included Valedictorian Noreen Jackson, MEOC Executive Director Anthony Watson, BMCC President Anthony Munroe, SUNY Associate Provost Lisa McKay, NYS Senator Brian Benjamin and CEO of Executive Bound, Ginny Baro.

CUNY in The Heights Hosts Town Hall
BMCC’s CUNY in The Heights (CITH) hosted a virtual Town Hall on June 15, in collaboration with Community Board No. 12. More than 70 members of the Upper Manhattan community attended the town hall, which invited ideas and discussion from residents and featured remarks from Erwin Wong, BMCC Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs; Anthony Watson, Acting Dean, BMCC Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development and Executive Director, SUNY New York Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC); Christopher Shults, BMCC Dean of Institutional Effectiveness and Strategic Planning, and Doug Israel, BMCC Director of Government Relations. Sofia Russo, Assistant Principal at Media High School, served as moderator of the open discussion. Updates will continue to be reported on the CITH website.

Announcements

CUNY Chancellor Announces that CUNY Staff Will Return to In-Person Work the Week of August 2
CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez announced May 13 that CUNY staff, including those at BMCC, will return to their campus workplaces the week of August 2. Faculty will follow the BMCC academic calendar. The return to in-person work will be guided by the University’s safety-first approach, which includes a blended scheduling system combining remote and in-person arrangements. Full details of the CUNY flexible work guidelines and how to request reasonable accommodations are available here. The chancellor also urged faculty and staff to get the COVID-19 vaccine. To read the chancellor’s full message, click here.

Deadline June 18: Nominate an Outstanding Employee or Team for the Employee Appreciation Award
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.

Early Voting Comes to BMCC, June 12-20
Primary Day is June 22 — and from June 12 through June 20, BMCC is opening its campus to NYC voters for Early Voting in this year’s primary elections for Mayor, Comptroller, Public Advocate, Borough Presidents and City Council. Voters assigned to the BMCC Early Voting site will enter 199 Chambers Street through the West Street entrance and proceed to the lower atrium of the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. To learn more check out CUNY Votes.

9/11 Victims Compensation Fund: File Claim by July 29
If you were employed or a student at BMCC between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002, please know that the deadline is July 29, 2021 for filing a claim with the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF); either two years from the certification of an illness by the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) or two years after the death of a loved on. Read registration and claim filings details here. NOTE: Firms specializing in World Trade Center Victim’s Compensation Fund claims 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.

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.

Enter 199 Chambers Street at West Street Entrance While Ramp Is Closed
To complete the Plaza Roofing Replacement Project before Fall 2021, ramp access to the BMCC entrance at 199 Chambers Street is off-limits and access to the main campus is through the West Gate (on West Street at the south end of the building, and adjacent to Theatre I). As you walk west on Chambers Street, turn right at the intersection of Chambers and West Street, and the West Gate will be about 200 feet north. A Public Safety team member and signage will guide you into the main building. Thank you for your cooperation.

CUNY Chancellor Shares Message on Uptick in Anti-Semitic and Hate Incidents
“The recent wave of anti-Semitic violence and bigotry in New York City and the nation is the latest manifestation of a climate of hate that has increasingly infected the country in recent years," said CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez in a recent statement. To read the June 2 statement in its entirety, click here.

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 steering committee 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.

Campus Planning and Facilities

Resilience, Health and Wellness: A Comprehensive Website Supports the BMCC Community
Faculty, students and staff who are focusing on fitness, seeking support in a time of crisis or more can find resources in the Resilience, Health and Wellness website. 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 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.

Reimagining BMCC Website Provides 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.

Enrollment

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 summer class schedules ranging from six to 12 weeks. 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.

Summer/Fall 2021 Advisement and 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.

Stay Connected with the Office of Admissions
Students who prefer communicating via chat, can ask general questions about BMCC on Fridays at 3 p.m., through one-on-one chat sessions.

Making Headlines

BMCC alumna Alicia Tulsee who founded Moxie Scrubs shares entrepreneurial perspective
June 17, 2021 — Thrive Global

BMCC mentioned as college receiving part of $2.7 billion given by donor MacKenzie Scott
June 16, 2021 — WABC

BMCC included in list of colleges requiring proof of vaccination for Fall 2021
June 16, 2021— FromPress

Business Professor Julien Schroeder shares real-world finance experience with students
June 11, 2021 — Barron's

Human Resources

BMCC Will be Closed Friday, June 18 for Juneteenth
Juneteenth, the annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, "is an observance that has been largely overlooked through the years but one that today carries the renewed weight of history," said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. "This year’s Juneteenth comes as the country reckons with the anguish of racism and racial injustice that persists more than 150 years after Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation freed all slaves." The decision to observe Juneteenth was approved by the CUNY Board of Trustees, following Governor Cuomo’s executive order declaring Juneteenth a holiday for state employees. For details visit the CUNY Employee Holiday and Annual Leave Periods calendar.

WPV and ESPARC Training Deadlines: July 30 Deadline
All BMCC employees must complete Workplace Violence Awareness (WPV) and Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Course (ESPARC) trainings. Part-time employees should have completed both trainings by the end of the Spring 2021 semester. Full-time employees must complete both trainings by July 30. To take the trainings, go to CUNY Blackboard, following instructions on the HR Training and Development webpage.

Make Your Appointment at a CUNY Employee-Only Vaccination Site
All CUNY employees are eligible to receive the COVID vaccine an employee-only site. To book an appointment, use your employee ID number at either use Bronx/Queens/Staten Island or Brooklyn/Manhattan sites, or go to these sites:

The Bronx, Hunts Point Job Center, 847 Barretto Street, Bronx, NY 10474
Brooklyn, George Wingate High School, 600 Kingston Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11203
Manhattan, Louis D. Brandeis High School, 145 W 84th St, New York, NY 10024
Queens, NYC Department of Health Gotham Center, 42-09 28th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101
Queens, Queens Public Library – Flushing, 41-17 Main St, Flushing, NY 11355
Staten Island, Susan E. Wagner High School, 1200 Manor Rd Staten Island, NY 10314

Enjoy Free Yoga, Meditation, Boxing and More
WorkWell (WW) Digital presents chair yoga, kickboxing and more, so register now. Other free virtual workshops are available on nyc.gov. As City of New York employees, WW members and their families have three discounted plan options: Digital, Digital 360, and Workshops + Digital. Recipe of the month, Grilled Corn & Avocado Salsa.

BMCC’s Four-Day Summer Workweek Will Be in Effect June 21 Through August 13
The College will be closed the following Fridays: June 25, July 2, July 16, July 23, July 30, August 6 and August 13. The Independence Day holiday will be observed on Monday, July 5, and during that week, all employees will work four regular seven-hour days on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

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 Lorna Malcolm, Vice President, Institutional Advancement at 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 maximum amount joint filers may deduct, doubles to $600. (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, call the Office for Institutional Advancement at (212) 220-8020 or email Vice President for Institutional Advancement Lorna Malcolm, lmalcolm@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Calendar

Online Free Workshop: How to Be a Successful Online Student
June 21