News

Second from left, guest author Cindy Rizzo; third from left, BMCC President Anthony Munroe, and students.

BMCC Celebrates Pride Month With In-Person Opening Brunch and Presentation
BMCC kicked off its annual Pride month with a brunch buffet and presentation by author and LGBTQI advocate Cindy Rizzo, who shared insights on writing and publishing with students, faculty and staff on October 11 in Richard Harris Terrace.  BMCC’s Pride 2022 brunch is the first of several Pride events scheduled throughout October to celebrate Pride. Because of previous Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, this was the first on-campus Pride opening event in more than three years.

Mayor Adams Recognizes BMCC Student At Press Conference Announcing Plans for New Science Park and Research Campus
Mayor Eric Adams recognized BMCC nursing student Davea Smith-Hill (pictured above with Hochul and Adams) during a joint press conference with Governor Kathy Hochul, announcing plans for the Science Park and Research Campus (SPARC), Kips Bay, a first-of-its-kind, New York job and education innovation hub. SPARC Kips Bay will provide modern facilities for BMCC’s multiple health programs and create job pipelines, according to the mayor’s office. After the press event, Smith-Hill said she was excited about the collaborative opportunities the new facility will create. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, so many health professionals came together to gain control over the virus and bring healing to New York City,” said Smith-Hill. “SPARC is going to be a center of collaboration.” After BMCC, Smith-Hill plans to attend a CUNY or SUNY four-year college and eventually pursue a career as a nurse anesthetist. Stay tuned for more details about how the SPARC Kips Bay will benefit BMCC.

BMCC Students Travel to Atlanta For Morehouse College Visit
Twenty-five BMCC students traveled to Morehouse College in Atlanta to meet with college officials, current Morehouse students as well as alumni during a campus tour October 5 and 6. BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe, Acting Vice President of Enrollment Management Sanjay Ramdath, UMLA Director Ashtian Holmes, Associate Director of Enrollment Services Katty Cherubin and Assistant Director of Enrollment Services Ebony Stephens accompanied the students on the visit. The students learned about the Morehouse admissions process, financial aid assistance as well as housing opportunities along with other features of campus life during the two-day visit. On the final day, students attended the Crown Forum. The BMCC/Morehouse Partnership assists male BMCC students who plan to transfer to Morehouse College. Through the Partnership, students will receive guaranteed admission and Morehouse College will facilitate the transfer of BMCC students who have completed an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT). Contact the Academic Advisement Center for more information.

BMCC Celebrates Fall 2022 Out in Two Cohort
Congratulations to the Out in Two scholars inducted on October 12 in Richard Harris Terrace at BMCC's 199 Chambers Street campus. Provost Erwin Wong and Vice President Marva Craig delivered congratulatory remarks. Out in Two alumnus Shalif Shaul shared his experience with the inductees, who included Alyssa Abrahms (Psychology), Josiah Beadasie (Liberal Arts), Axel Bujotzek (Liberal Arts), Roxanna Cardenas Colmenares (Writing and Literature), Yan Chen (Bilingual Childhood Education), Sadia Choudhury (Liberal Arts), Irlen Cruz Jimenez (Psychology), Sara De Canta (Business Administration), Bans Dei (Business Management), Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Diop (Financial Management), Chrisryle Marie Don (Liberal Arts), Mauricio Embus Perez (Computer Science), Jahnavi John (Criminal Justice), Nana Komnan (Business Administration), Aneta Matyga (Science for Health), Melanie Padilla (Communication Studies), Justin Paris (Accounting), Gravelis Sencion Community Health Education, Sally Weitzner Animation and Motion Graphics, Maria Witter-Kirkpatrick (Writing and Literature) and Matthew Wright (Public and Non-Profit Administration). Out in Two is a scholarship program that helps BMCC students graduate within two years and transfer to a senior college. Email outintwo@bmcc.cuny.edu or call (212) 776-6350 for more information.

BMCC Conexiones & Connections Program Celebrates First Birthday
The BMCC Conexiones & Connections Program celebrated its first birthday with a party at the lower level Theatre at 199 Chambers on October 12. The event featured prizes, games and food as well as special salsa lessons from Salsa Sabrosa School. The BMCC Conexiones & Connections program is open to all students interested in exploring and refining their purpose through their college experience. In addition to serving all students, the program offers a community of support for males of color. The office’s Spanish-speaking staff members offer bilingual support for Latinx students.

Announcements

XXIV Modern Languages Department Colloquium: Women’s World Begins October 17
The BMCC Department of Modern Languages will host the XXIV Modern Languages Department Colloquium on October 17 and 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Theatre 2 at 199 Chambers Street. This year’s program, “Women’s World” will recognize women’s creativity, resilience and determination by showing their contributions as creators and protagonists in two documentaries and four fictional stories. For more detailed information, see the Women’s World program.  The event is open to students, faculty and staff from across CUNY.

Nominate Yourself or Another Community Member to REI Committee by October 14
The BMCC Race, Equity, and Inclusion (REI) Steering Committee invites students, staff and faculty to nominate themselves or others to join REI and work on projects connected with social justice, equity and belonging. Since Fall 2020, the REI Steering Committee has led BMCC's inaugural Social Justice Week, facilitated a college-wide town hall, guided critical discussions with BMCC departments and community leaders, and conducted a faculty survey on strengthening curriculum and pedagogy. This academic year, REI will partner with the BMCC Social Justice and Equity Centers to offer programs and workshops for all members of BMCC. To get involved, please complete the REI Nomination form by Friday, October 14. For more information, visit the REI web page or email rei@bmcc.cuny.edu. 

BMCC Hosting Three Information Sessions For Students Interested in Transfer Opportunities
BMCC is hosting three events for National Transfer Student Week which runs October 17 to 21. Learn about how to apply to a selective college or university on October 11 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Attend an alumni discussion panel on October 19 from 2 to 3 p.m. And, on October 20, the Academic Advisement and Transfer Center will host the Fall 2022, Virtual Transfer Fair. 

BMCC in Collaboration With Trinity Church Wall Street Philanthropies Addresses Students’ Housing Insecurity
Housing insecurity can mean many things — “couch surfing,” living in a shelter, needing to escape domestic violence and more. Students living with these conditions are at risk in critical ways, including the risk of discontinuing their education. A collaboration between BMCC and Trinity Church Wall Street Philanthropies addresses the needs of students experiencing housing insecurity by providing them with the opportunity to live in The Towers at The City College of New York, CUNY for one to three years while attending BMCC. These dorm rooms will be offered to BMCC students taking at least nine credits and maintaining a grade point average of at least 2.0. Faculty and staff who know students needing help with housing can submit this BMCC Housing Referral Form. Students with housing needs can also email the Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) at arc@bmcc.cuny.edu, call (212) 220-8195 or drop by the ARC offices at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-230.

BMCC Community Invited to SUBMERGE Marine Science Festival in Hudson River Park Oct. 15
BMCC community members are invited to the SUBMERGE Marine Science Festival at Pier 84 (just across West Street from 199 Chambers Street) on October 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Visit the Hudson River Park website to learn more. 

BMCC Celebrates Italian Heritage Month
On Wednesday, October 19 in Richard Harris Terrace and Theater 2 at 199 Chambers Street, a full day of dynamic events will celebrate Italian Heritage. A hot Italian buffet lunch will be served, and there will be musical performances by Mario Giacalone as well as by BMCC Music majors led by Department Chair Eugenia Oi Yan Yau. Professor Rebecca Collier and students will lead a talk on Antonio Meucci, the "true" inventor of the telephone. There will be talks by Professors Tom Means, Catarina Mata, Virginia Lee and Sultan Catto, and Associate Dean Janice Zummo will deliver opening remarks. Learn more here.

Submit Proposals for Hispanic Heritage Events by October 19  The BMCC community is invited to submit proposals for Hispanic Heritage Month 2022 events, by October 19. The theme is “Inclusivity: Unidos, We Are Stronger.” Proposed events can be either in-person or virtual, and range in focus from academic (such as conferences or guest talks), to cultural (such as poetry readings and art exhibitions), to social (such as fitness workshops and recipe sharing). Applicants will hear back on their proposals by October 21. For more information, please contact Rosario Torres at rtorres@bmcc.cuny.edu or David Caicedo at dcaicedo@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Psychology Day, October 19 Focuses on STEM Track Psychology Day will introduce students and faculty to a new STEM track in the BMCC psychology program. Funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, the STEM track prepares students for cognitive psychology, neuro-psychology, and neuroscience-focused degree programs and careers. The keynote speaker is Dr. Bianca Jones Marlin, a neuroscientist at Columbia University. In her presentation, “Parental Roles in Promoting Survival in Offspring,” Dr. Marlin will discuss her research in transgenerational epigenetic inheritance – how learned behavior in the parent can become innate behavior in their offspring. For more information, please contact Professor Masha Komolova at mkomolova@bmcc.cuny.edu.

BMCC Swimming Pool Open to Students, Faculty, Staff and Neighbors
Current BMCC students, faculty and staff can gain free admission to the BMCC pool. View rules and hours here. Neighbors of BMCC can use the pool through the Community Pool Program. View rules, hours and fees here.

BMCC Cafeteria Open for Fall The BMCC cafeteria (MBJ Food Services) at 199 Chambers Street serves hot meals, salads, healthy snacks, coffee and more. Fall 2022 hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Office of Public Safety Offers Resources and Services The Office of Public Safety ensures a safe and comfortable learning environment at BMCC through resources including free trainings for faculty, staff and students in C.P.R., A.E.D./First Aid, and Campus-Community Emergency Response. Public Safety also trains staff as campus fire wardens. Watch the video, Run. Hide. Fight.® to learn about surviving an active shooter event. To report a crime or emergency, call Public Safety at (212) 220-8080 or 911. Blue call boxes are located throughout campus. For more information, visit the Public Safety website.

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

Human Resources

All Employees Required to Complete ESPARC and WVP Training, Now on Blackboard 
CUNY requires all employees to complete the Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Course (ESPARC) and the Workplace Violence Prevention Training (WVP). Part-time employees, including adjuncts, must complete both trainings by the end of the current semester to ensure their completion is logged by the University. Full-time employees must complete both trainings by May 31. Employees can sign into their CUNY Blackboard account and navigate to My Organizations to view and complete both the ESPARC and WVP trainings. For more information, read Compliance Training FAQs or reach out to Lori Mazzola, lmazzola@bmcc.cuny.edu, or Maria Deckinger, mdeckinger@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Catch the Last Two Movetober Events: October 18 and 25
NYC.gov presents Movetober with two more events to build fitness. Register online for one or more sessions: 

• October 18: Bollywood Class combines choreography, a cardiac workout and music.
• October 25: Barre Class supports  posture, fitness, stretching and basic ballet moves. 

Pay Stubs Are Only Available on NYCAPS
To access or create your account use the Employee Self-Service account pdf.

Free Webinar: Navigating the Holidays
On October 18 at noon, CCA@YourService will make available to BMCC employees, the on-demand webinar Navigating the Holidays. Login with the company code CUNY. 

Enrollment

Admissions Will Host In-Person Fall Open House October 27
BMCC is giving prospective students a taste of on-campus life with an in-person Open House. This welcome event will be held Thursday, October 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 199 Chambers Street. Students and families will explore the main campus, learn about financial resources and support programs, meet BMCC’s dynamic faculty and participate in mini interactive academic sessions. For more information, visit the Open House webpage or contact Admissions at admissions@bmcc.cuny.edu.

There’s Still Time to Register for Fall 2022 Express 8-week Session
BMCC is offering an 8-week express session from October 27 to December 21, enabling students to take courses during a shorter time frame. Learn more.

• Please keep in mind that the Fall Express Sessions will have limited course offerings and some financial aid limitations. 
• Students are encouraged to speak with an advisor to determine whether the Express Sessions are the best option for them.  
• Students can register on CUNYfirst or meet with a PantherStation Specialist on Zoom, Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Students can register on CUNYfirst or meet with a PantherStation Specialist on Zoom, Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, contact Academic Advisement at (212) 220-8315 or aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Making Headlines

Amazon boosts BMCC Panther Pantry with $100K donation
October 6, 2022—Community College Daily

Donors and Alumni

Join the BMCC "Invest in a Future" Gala, October 27
The BMCC Foundation is pleased to present the College's most important fundraising event—BMCC's "Invest in a Future" Gala scheduled October 27, 2022 (6 p.m., cocktail hour; 7 p.m., program), at Tribeca 360 in lower Manhattan, 10 Desbrosses Street, NYC 10013. This year's theme is "Empowering Student Success," and the event will raise funds for student scholarships. To learn more about the Gala, send an email to: advancementevents@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Calendar

Career Development: Resume Ready?
October 18

Fall 2022 Job Fair
October 19

Alumni Discussion Panel
October 19

Tabling Event: National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month & World Mental Health Day
October 20

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.