News

Center for Career Development Opens Doors to Opportunity With In-Person Job Fair
The BMCC Center for Career Development hosted its Spring 2022 Career Fair on March 16 in the gymnasium at 199 Chambers Street. With more than 260 students and 45 employers participating, this was the largest in-person job fair since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. “It was terrific to have students and employers meeting in person at the job fair,” said Christopher Thunberg, Director, Center for Career Development. “We heard from both employers and students on how excited they were to connect face-to-face, and it really speaks to how the in-person interaction can cement those positive first impressions that open doors to professional opportunities. We plan to grow our on-campus events and programs as we proceed through the spring and into the fall.”

Poverty, Humanities and Teaching Brown Bag: A Conversation with Professors Shawn Grant and Jamie Warren
The Social Sciences, Human Services, and Criminal Justice Department invites the BMCC community to its second “Poverty, Humanities and Teaching Brown Bag” featuring presentations by Business Professor Shawn Grant and History Professor Jamie Warren. This virtual event is scheduled at 1 p.m. on March 25. Members of the Voicing Poverty project will facilitate a conversation in response to the presentations on how a poverty and humanities focus can be woven into the content of a course. To register for this virtual event, click here.

Teacher Education Day, April 2: Accessing Creativity, Awakening Curiosity Do you know a student thinking about a career in education? Encourage them to attend Teacher Education Day on Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This zoom event will highlight opportunities in early childhood, elementary and secondary education, as well as look at careers in special, bilingual, school health, music and art education. Breakout sessions will cover transfer opportunities to four-year colleges, opportunities for men in the field of education and more. Register in advance. A confirmation email will provide the zoom link.

Students Meet with NYS Assembly Member to Make Pitch for Increased CUNY Funding
Students participating in BMCC’s Civic Leadership Program met with New York State Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou to advocate for increased CUNY funding in this year’s state budget during a zoom session on March 17. The group also discussed resources for mental health, career development services and funding for community colleges. “Trying to find the balance between work, school, and in some cases raising kids, takes a toll on students,” said Business Management major Gabi Solis. “Mental health services can give us the tools to be able to push through these challenging times.”  Assemblymember Niou encouraged students to be active and engaged in their communities. “You don’t have to be a legislator to have an impact, you can lead from anywhere,” said Assemblymember Niou. The Civic Leadership Program is sponsored by the Office of Student Activities. For more info contact Doug Israel, Director of Government and Community Relations at disrael@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Announcements

Submit a Proposal for Social Justice Week: Deadline March 18
The Race, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee (REI) is excited to present BMCC’s first Social Justice Week, Monday, April 4 through Friday, April 8. The week’s theme Your Voice. Our Action. A Better BMCC. REI invites BMCC students, faculty and staff to submit proposals for events, programs, panels, performances, skits and other engaging activities to create honest and open dialogue on equity, inclusion and social justice issues. These events can be in-person, remote or a hybrid model. Proposals that are student-centered and include student participation are encouraged. Share your Social Justice Week idea by completing THIS FORM by Friday, March 18 and please send any questions you might have, to rei@bmcc.cuny.edu.

BMCC's Panther Station Phone Number Has Changed
The Panther Station has a new main phone number: (212) 776-6866. Students who need assistance with services including admissions, registration and financial aid, can visit the Panther Station, located on the second floor of the Main Building at 199 Chambers Street. Students can also send an email to station@bmcc.cuny.edu or set an appointment on the virtual desk HERE.

Submit Your Ballot for the 2021-2022 Employee Appreciation Awards by May 6 BMCC students, faculty and staff, show your appreciation for staff (non-faculty) who demonstrate outstanding achievement and creative contributions through their role at BMCC — beyond what is normally expected of employees. SUBMIT ONE BALLOT with a detailed nomination in any or all categories: Leadership, Inspiration, Innovation/Technology, Rookie of the Year and Team Achievement.

BMCC Cafeteria Announces Spring 2022 Hours
BMCC students, faculty and staff can enjoy a hot meal, healthy salad or delicious sandwich at a reasonable cost in the MBJ Food Services/BMCC Cafeteria on the second floor at 199 Chambers Street, Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

BMCC Panther Pantry Assists Students Facing Food Insecurity BMCC students facing a food emergency are encouraged to visit the Panther Pantry and take home pre-packed bags of nutritious, non-perishable food. The pantry distributes bags of food, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hot meals are distributed Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-230. For more information, contact the Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) at arc@bmcc.cuny.edu or call (212) 220-8195.

Enrollment

Admissions is Back in the Swing with In-Person Events
In an effort to assess prospective student interest and reverberate vitality to the BMCC campus, the Admissions and Recruitment team is vamping up for Spring and reintegrating on-campus Tours and Information Sessions. Campus Tours will be offered Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. and the Information Sessions at 3 p.m. Be on the lookout for new and friendly faces around campus. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at (212) 220-1265 or admissions@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Faculty and Staff: Invite Your Community Partners to Connect With BMCC Recruitment Team
The BMCC Admissions Recruitment Team will host a virtual Community Partners Meeting on Wednesday, March 23 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. This meeting is an extension of the College's continued efforts to collaborate with community-based organizations and community partners targeting post-graduate populations. Join the meeting and invite your community partners to attend and join the conversation as we discuss shifts in offerings for Spring 2022, explore upcoming events, share insights about industry changes and delve into supports students need. Please register online and contact Randessa Atherley-Cooper, ratherley@bmcc.cuny.edu, for more information.

Join BMCC at CUNY Virtual College Fair
On Wednesday, March 30 from 4 to 6 p.m., BMCC will be part of a CUNY Virtual College Fair featuring all 26 CUNY campuses. Encourage potential students and community members to join the BMCC Room which will feature alumni panels, an overview of Success Programs and a virtual campus tour. Faculty and staff are encouraged to also join the BMCC breakout room to meet interested students and share information about their programs. Let us know if you’re interested in participating by completing this form.

Encourage Students to Attend Academic Open House Throughout April
The Admissions Office will host a virtual Academic Open House on Tuesdays and Thursdays in April for admitted students, prospective students and even current students to explore each Academic and Career Community, meet our dynamic faculty and learn about the robust academic offerings at BMCC. Faculty are invited to join our Admissions team and be as creative and involved in the content creation and delivery of these benefits as possible. Please take a look at the schedule below and let us know if you’d like to co-present, create a dynamic breakout room, bring along some of your current students or alumni, share a presentation and more. Let us know who will be representing your area and how you wish to participate by completing this form. Here is the April Academic Open House Schedule:

• 4/5 at 5 p.m. – Accounting, Business, Economics
• 4/7 at 6 p.m. – Arts and Humanities
• 4/12 at 5 p.m. – Behavioral and Social Sciences
• 4/14 at 6 p.m. – Communications and Media
• 4/19 at 5 p.m. – Education
• 4/21 at 6 p.m. – Health Professions
• 4/26 at 5 p.m. – Government & Public Service
• 4/28 at 6 p.m. – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

Making Headlines

BMCC alumnus and former Gilman scholar Geordany Aria featured by Teacher’s College, Columbia University
March 2022 — Newsroom, Teacher’s College

Amazon announces joint partnership with CUNY and BMCC
March 8, 2022—Diverse Issues in Higher Education

Human Resources

Free WorkWell Events: Learn About Nutrition and More
WorkWell is sponsoring a series of events this month. For additional information and to sign up see the March Calendar.

Learn About New York State Deferred Compensation Plans in Webinars March 25 and 29
The New York State Deferred Compensation Plan (457B) is a supplemental retirement plan (also known as a 457(b) plan) designed to help you achieve retirement savings goals and bridge financial gaps in retirement.  Please keep in mind, you can have both a 403b and a 457b. BMCC employees thinking of enrolling in a New York State Deferred Compensation Plan (457B) can register now for these webinars:

• Pre-Retirement: Friday, March 25 at 12 noon
• Tax-Efficient Retirement Income (limited spots available): Tuesday, March 29 at 12 noon
  

If you are unable to attend the webinars but have questions about NYS Deferred Compensation Plans, call (844) 867-8197 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Have You Been Impacted by the Russian Invasion of Ukraine? CCA Can Help. BMCC faculty and staff experiencing anxiety and distress caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine can access free, short-term counseling sessions and unlimited counseling by phone 24/7 at (800) 833-8707 through CCA@YourService. Updated information can be found on the CCA member website. If you are seeking assistance for friends, family or colleagues residing in Ukraine, or are a concerned global citizen looking to offer support, these online resources can assist in locating services and providing and receiving aid. CCA also provides the webcast, Navigating Through Grief and Loss. Read the CUNY Chancellor’s statement on the crisis in Ukraine and its palpable impact on many in New York, home to the largest Ukrainian community in the nation.

Mandatory Full- and Part-Time Staff and Faculty Trainings Available on Zoom   
The Office of Human Resources will host virtual sessions for ESPARC (Employee Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Response Course) and WPV (Workplace Violence Prevention) trainings via Zoom during the Spring 2022 semester. For dates, times and to reserve a spot, please visit the Human Resources Training and Development page.

Donors and Alumni

Calendar

Utilizing Office Hours March 18

Express Yourself Series: Spoken Word
March 21

Career Development: Networking as an Introvert
March 22

Spring 2022 Virtual Career Fair
March 23

Fit Mind Series: Mind and Body
March 24

How to Graduate in Two Years or Less
March 24

Connect with BMCC

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