@BMCC

June 24, 2021

BMCC Partners With CVS to Offer Free Moderna Vaccine on Campus June 29
BMCC has taken the pledge to become a vaccine champion college through U.S. President Joe Biden’s College Vaccine Challenge. Getting as many Americans vaccinated as possible is critical to saving lives and helping the country move forward. On Tuesday, June 29 from 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., BMCC will welcome students, faculty and staff, as well as members of the NYC community to get vaccinated on the BMCC campus at 199 Chambers Street. Enter through the college's West Gate on the West Side Highway, then follow signage to the lower level of Theatre 1. Register now for your free vaccine.

BMCC Faculty and Staff Town Hall, July 6
BMCC faculty and staff are invited to attend a Town Hall at 1 p.m., Tuesday, July 6, via Zoom. Updates regarding the re-population of BMCC and information about COVID-19 vaccines will be offered. This virtual event will also provide an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about our plans for Fall 2021. Please REGISTER HERE to attend.

BMCC Team Places Second in AACC/NSF Community College Innovation Challenge
BMCC Computer Science majors Ryan Brandt, Sharna Hossain and Jadgesh Inderjeet, led by Computer Information Systems (CIS) Professor Mohammad Azhar, have placed second out of 12 finalists for the Community College Innovation Challenge, a national competition from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF). The 12 Innovation Challenge teams are from community colleges around the country and used Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to innovate solutions to real-world problems.The BMCC student team is developing virtual reality applications that provide an interactive learning platform for autistic children, and help teach them essential life-skills. In Spring 2020, the students joined the BMCC Autism Spectrum Disorder group, founded by Professor Azhar, in order to focus on assistive technologies for children with autism, whose need for support services increases with the pandemic's stay-at-home directive.

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.

BMCC Community of Researchers Present at International Conference
BMCC Biotechnology major Oneil Mahoney (shown left)—mentored by Science Professor and Deputy Chairperson José Fernández Romero through an internship at the Population Council Center for Biomedical Research at Rockefeller University—is presenting his research paper, “Antiviral activity of Aframomum melegueta against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses,” at the 10th annual and first virtual American Council For Medicinally Active Plants (ACMAP) conference on June 24. BMCC alumni who are co-authors of Mr. Mahoney’s paper and also presenting at the conference—and whose mentors include Professor Fernández Romero as well as BMCC Science Professors Adolfina Koroch and Christine Priano—are Claudia Melo, who graduated Brooklyn College and is now starting a Ph.D. program at George Washington University; Nadjet Cornejal and Ebube Michael, both attending Brooklyn College; Sahar Alsaidi, a graduate of Lehman College, CUNY now heading for medical school, and Anna Miller, attending Columbia University. Mr. Michael was an Out in Two Scholar at BMCC, and Ms. Miller and Ms. Cornejal took part in faculty-led research projects at BMCC that are featured in the Marks of Excellence articles “Students Join the Global Fight Against AIDS” and “Putting the Power of Plants to the Test.” “Students who join faculty-led research projects at BMCC find themselves not only learning the science, but becoming part of a community of researchers that continues to be a source of inspiration and strength as they move through their higher education,” says Professor Fernández Romero. “We tend to stay in touch with the students we mentor, and it is exciting to see their work evolve over time and be recognized.”

Center for Career Development Hosts In-Person Career Fair
On June 9, almost 100 BMCC students attended the college's first in-person career fair since Spring 2020, held in the plaza and lower lobby outside Theater 1. “We set it up so that we could get students in front of employers in a safe, socially distanced way,” said Christopher J. Thunberg, Director, Center for Career Development. "The idea for the fair arose when New York State loosened restrictions on social distancing for businesses. We realized that many businesses may be caught off guard and need to staff up quickly." The employer participants came from a number of industries: corporate (Fastenal, Frito Lay), human services (YAI, New York Families for Autistic Children, Phipps Neighborhoods) and retail (UNIQLO, The Vitamin Shoppe, McDonalds). Students were scheduled in one-hour time slots. “This way, we were able to manage traffic and capacity issues in alignment with college guidelines," said Director Thunberg. "The employers appreciated the pace and students were able to have quality interactions with them.”

Announcements

CUNY Staff Will Return to In-Person Work in August
CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez has announced that all CUNY staff, including those at BMCC, will return to their campus workplaces the week of August 2. Faculty will follow the BMCC academic calendar. This return to in-person work will be guided by CUNY's safety-first approach, which includes blended remote and in-person scheduling. Full details and instructions to request reasonable accommodations available here.

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, 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.

Call for Members: Pride Month 2021 Planning Committee
As NYC Pride Month comes to a close, BMCC is planning a campus Pride celebration for October when our busy fall semester is in session. BMCC community members — both new and seasoned event programmers and planners — are invited to share their interest in joining the BMCC Pride Month Committee as co-chairs, general members and event organizers, working together on logistics and programming for the month’s activities. Again the form is here, and if you have questions, feel welcome to email safezone@bmcc.cuny.edu.

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 that semester and school year to share their thoughts and experiences. A planning committee led by VP 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. 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. Public Safety staff and signage will help guide you. Thank you for your cooperation.

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 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 action items for the College. For more information, visit the REI webpage or contact REI@bmcc.cuny.edu.

How to Submit Requests to the Office of Public Affairs
The BMCC Office of Public Affairs builds support for BMCC’s mission and promotes the accomplishments of students, faculty, staff and alumni as well as helping to implement strategic communications initiatives and events that support BMCC programs, faculty research, student achievement and community engagement. To request assistance from the Office of Public Affairs, please fill out this form.

Campus Planning and Facilities

Resilience, Health and Wellness: A Comprehensive Website Supports the BMCC Community
Faculty, students and staff focused on fitness, seeking support in a time of crisis and 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 BMCC 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 CUNY login credentials to receive email notifications. To protect your and everyone else's health, be as accurate as possible while 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—a listing of services, hours of operation and virtual contact information to help you guide students toward assistance and support. Other sections provide information on campus reopening, 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 student team places second in AACC/ NSF Community College Innovation Challenge
June 22, 2021 — American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)

BMCC Professor and Fulbright Scholar Cheryl J. Fish discusses the link between environmental justice and her recent books of poetry
June 22, 2011 — Fulbrighter.com

Mayoral candidate Scott Stringer takes his family to vote at BMCC
June 21, 2021 — NYC Patch.com

BMCC student one of 12 selected by Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness to discuss mental health and racial justice
June 18, 2021—SI Live.com

"Three's a Party," a play by BMCC alumnus Justin Santori, is produced by Mesa Community College and Teatro Bravo through Juntos Project
June 18, 2021 — Temple Independent

Human Resources

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

Mandatory WPV and ESPARC Training: July 30 Deadline
All BMCC employees must complete Workplace Violence Awareness (WPV) and Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Course (ESPARC) trainings. If you prefer the virtual version of these trainings, please email Josefa Larios, jlarios@bmcc.cuny.edu, and include your name, employee ID number and date and time of the session you'd like to attend. Here are your choices:

WPV Virtual Training
Tuesday, July 13, 11 a.m. or 1 p.m.
Wednesday, July 14, 11 a.m. or 1 p.m.

ESPARC Virtual Training
Tuesday, July 20, 11 a.m. or 1 p.m.
Wednesday, July 21, 11 a.m. or 1 p.m.

If you prefer the webinar version of the training, go to CUNY Blackboard, following instructions on the HR Training and Development webpage. Part-time employees should have completed both trainings by June 2021. Full-time employees must complete both trainings by July 30.

BMCC’s Four-Day Summer Workweek in Effect 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. Independence Day will be observed Monday, July 5 and all employees will work seven-hour days on Tuesday, July 6; Wednesday, July 7; Thursday, July 8 and Friday, July 9.

BMCC to Host Return-to-Work Wellness Seminar on June 28
The BMCC Office of Human Resources will host a live streamed Return to Work (RTW) wellness seminar on July 28 at 1 p.m. The seminar will address how to manage anticipatory anxiety about returning to work, and how to manage anxiety about specific activities and tasks such as taking public transportation or interacting with colleagues and students. The event will also explore the potential benefits of returning to work on campus as well as tips and strategies for working parents. Space for this seminar is very limited, so RSVP as soon a possible to Loriann Mazzola at lmazzola@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Enjoy Free Yoga, Meditation, Boxing and More
WorkWell 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, WorkWell members and their families have three discounted plan options: Digital, Digital 360, and Workshops + Digital. Recipe of the month, Grilled Corn & Avocado Salsa.

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, please call the Office for Institutional Advancement at (212) 220-8020 or email Lorna Malcolm, Vice President, Institutional Advancement at lmalcolm@bmcc.cuny.edu. Thank you for your support.

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