@BMCC

March 16, 2023

AcMo 2.0 Committees Share Findings and Strategies to Increase Successful Student Transfers During Town Hall
BMCC’s Office of Academic Affairs hosted a town hall meeting to share updates on the Academic Momentum 2.0 (AcMo) program on March 13 in Theatre 2 at 199 Chambers Street. AcMo 2.0 is focused on maintaining momentum along a student’s entire transfer journey, from an associate degree through a baccalaureate degree. There are currently seven subcommittees examining ways existing transfer issues can be resolved. The Town Hall provided a platform for each of them to share findings, plans for new initiatives and other information.

Out in Two Scholarship Award Ceremony Welcomes New Members
On March 15 in Richard Harris Terrace at BMCC’s 199 Chambers Street, 23 scholars were welcomed into the Out in Two cohort. These included Ohary Ahedo, William Aparicio, Romy Artinshten, Phillip Casimir, Chiayuan Chuang, Edfke Rozemarijn De Bong, Ibelin Deleon, Rotem Gatenio, Sherry Gilbert, Kaya Hallelujah, Eliza Jankowiak, May Khaing, Dan Lin, Abir Mahmood, Eric Marlie, Ye Moe, Megan Mullenix, Nitzan Naim, Namira Oishe, Danielle Reich, Danielle Reid, Noelani Renderos and Haider Shafiq. Out in Two scholars are awarded tuition scholarships and work with dedicated advisors. To learn more, visit here.

Women’s HerStory Month Profile: Journalist and Professor Syreeta McFadden Reclaims Narratives that Reveal the Truth of the Black Experience
This year’s Women’s HerStory Month seeks to challenge the narrative that puts pressure on women, especially BIPOC women, to rise above all odds and demonstrate endurance at their own expense. Professor and journalist Syreeta McFadden, who coordinates the English department's new journalism concentration, challenges historical and cultural narratives in her teaching, writing, research and reporting, revealing truths about the Black experience — and encourages students to tell the story of their own truth. To learn more about Women's HerStory Month at BMCC, visit here.

St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon Raises Funds for Student Emergency Fund
On March 16, the BMCC community filled Richard Harris Terrace at BMCC’s 199 Chambers Street to gather for the college’s annual St. Patrick’s Day luncheon. Proceeds from the luncheon will go toward the BMCC Student Emergency Fund, which provides support for students experiencing immediate, temporary needs like food insecurity or the cost of a monthly MetroCard. The St. Patrick’s Day committee included John Gallagher, Kim Joyce and Kristina Varade. The luncheon provided traditional Irish feast, Irish dancing and music, and door prizes. Contributions to the Student Emergency Fund can still be made here.

Making Headlines

BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe featured on 2023 Higher Education Power 100 list
March 13, 2023—City & State

Latino College Expo set for BMCC
March 13, 2023—El Diario NY

Did You Know?

Announcements

Save the Date: Student and Faculty Support Service Symposium March 29
BMCC faculty, staff and students are invited to the Spring 2023 Student and Faculty Support Service Symposium, hosted by the Learning Resource Center, on March 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Theatre 1 at 199 Chambers Street. The event will raise awareness and provide information about the College’s many Learning Assistance Programs and Academic Support Services available to help BMCC students thrive, especially those who are under-prepared and underrepresented. Faculty, staff and student tutors as well as peer mentors and academic coaches will share insight and exchange best practices. Faculty and staff will have opportunities to share their own experiences and learn about new successful initiatives shown to increase student engagement, retention and graduation rates.

In addition, a host of student-focused activities will take place in the Richard Harris Terrace from 2 to 4 p.m. Students who need help with a course or a better understanding about academic support services available to them are invited to join for Express Tutoring. Students can get tutoring information at short targeted sessions while listening to some tunes, feasting on food and much more! For more details, please contact Learning Resource Center Director Gregory Farrell at gfarrell@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Social Justice Week Set for April 24 through April 28
The Race, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee (REI) is excited to present BMCC’s second annual Social Justice Week: Belonging Together, Learning Together and Growing Together, set for Monday, April 24 through Friday, April 28. REI invites the BMCC community — students, faculty, and staff — to submit proposal ideas for events, programs, panels, performances, skits, and other engaging activities to create an honest and open dialogue on equity, inclusion, and social justice issues.

Save the Date: The Social Justice Week opening ceremony is slated for April 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Theatre 1 and will feature student performances — poets, activists and the BMCC Choir — as well as local community leaders and special guests. The program will be followed by lunch. Stay tuned for more details!

BMCC Hosts Latino College Expo and Leadership Summit March 18
BMCC will host the annual Latino College Fair on March 18. The event has supported students, parents, guardians and counselors along the path to post-secondary education decisions. There will be over 50 colleges, universities and community-based organizations, as well as counselors on hand to talk with, and different information sessions covering a variety of topics on the college admissions process. For more information and free registration information, click here.

XXV Modern Languages Department Colloquium: Languages in the Professional World March 20
The BMCC Department of Modern Languages invites the College community to the XXV Modern Languages Department Colloquium. The theme of this year’s event is “Languages in the Professional World.” The Colloquium will take place on March 20, from 10 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. at Richard Harris Terrace and Theatre 2 at the College’s 199 Chambers Street. To view the full schedule of events, visit here.

Encourage Students to Register for NBCU Academy Virtual Summit, March 22
Let students know about the chance to take their career exploration to the next level at the NBCUAcademy Next Level Summit, “We Are All Storytellers,” March 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Masterful storytelling is critical to success in journalism, entertainment, sports broadcasting and creative careers. Storytelling fuels the narrative for building a website, writing a press release and more. This virtual summit will feature industry leaders and innovators with insight into how to succeed in new media, tech and digital landscapes. Register here.

Fabulous, Free Po’ Jazz Celebration at BMCC/CUNY in The Heights, March 24
Women’s HerStory Month celebrates poetry, jazz and the exuberant fusing of both on Friday, March 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. at BMCC/CUNY in The Heights, 5030 Broadway between 213th and 214th Streets, NYC 10034. This free event is open to the general public, so bring a friend! BMCC professor and poet laureate of Yonkers Golda Solomon will host the program featuring master teacher and writer Mireya Pérez-Bustillo, and BMCC alumna and spoken work artist Phylisha Villanueva. Also performing will be the Defining Jazz Duo SuWa with Christopher Dean Sullivan and Mala Waldron. For more information, email cith@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Help Steer High School Juniors, Young Men of Color, to BMCC: Eagle Academy Foundation and BMCC Present All-Male College Fair March 31
On Friday, March 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the BMCC gymnasium (enter at 100 North Moore Street at the corner of the West Side Highway), the Eagle Academy Foundation in collaboration with BMCC will present The Fifth Annual All-Male College Fair (AMCF23), sponsored by New York Life Foundation and powered by Eagles Soaring Beyond, funded by the Robin Hood, Tiger and Altman Foundations. To boost enrollment of young men of color in higher education, AMCF23 will connect young men from NYC public schools to a diverse range of colleges including CUNY to foster opportunities that match their future goals. AMCF23 will also feature “AMCF Bracketology,” a unique, gamified event navigation experience (inspired by March Madness) as a relatable way for students to engage in college exploration. Access to this event is FREE for school groups with registration. 11th graders are encouraged to attend. High School representatives can register their school group here. Volunteers can register here. For general event inquiries, email rsvp@eafny.org

Encourage Students to Apply or Nominate Them for BMCC Foundation Scholarships by March 31
The BMCC Foundation, Inc. Scholarship is accepting applications for the Fall 2023 semester. BMCC students could potentially be awarded up to $3,200 a year. Eligible students are matriculated and working toward completing their first college degree. They are full- or part-time students and have completed at least 12 credits at BMCC with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Students may apply directly by visiting BMCC Scholarship/Award Programs and following instructions for the BMCC Foundation, Inc. Full-Time Scholarships or the BMCC Foundation, Inc. Part-Time Scholarships. Faculty and staff may also nominate students by sending their names and CUNY ID numbers to scholarships@bmcc.cuny.edu or to Sussie Gyamfi sgyamfi@bmcc.cuny.edu by March 31.

Responding to Opioid Overdose: Training for First Responders April 6
Register now for a free, in-person or virtual two-hour training led by an opioid overdose training specialist from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Learn how to identify risk factors for an overdose and correctly administer naloxone to save a life. Gain an understanding of NYS 911 Good Samaritan Laws and more. This training is tailored for first responders and others likely to witness an opioid overdose. For more information, please contact Public Safety Deputy Director Adan Rivera at (212) 220-8137 or adrivera@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Let Students Know: Free Tax Preparation Is Available on Campus
BMCC students are invited to receive virtual or in-person assistance in filing their tax returns through the Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) in Room S-230 at 199 Chambers Street through April 10. Virtual assistance is also available via Zoom webinars, each Monday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration is required. Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., in person service will be available at the ARC through April 12. For more information and to register, contact: arc@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Women's HerStory Month, Resiliency on Her Terms Raises Awareness and Celebrates Women's Experience
Events such as Reproductive Justice Tabling on March 17, An Interactive Discussion on “A Black Women’s Herstory: From Africa to the Atlantic World!” by Prof. Remi Alapo on March 21, Women’s Herstory Month Celebration: Resiliency on Her Terms on March 22 and other events through April 18 celebrate the range of women's experience and raise awareness around many important issues.

Deadline to Register for Free Naturalization Clinic April 19
The BMCC Advocacy and Resource Center has partnered with City Bar Justice Center and Fragomen to sponsor a free naturalization clinic on April 26 to assist currently enrolled BMCC students who are permanent residents in completing a U.S. Citizenship Naturalization application. Attendees will meet with a licensed attorney to complete the application. Registration is required; space is limited. To register, visit the Advocacy and Resource Center or email ARC@bmcc.cuny.edu. The event will be held at April 26, from 12 to 2 p.m. at Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, 1400 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10018.

Join the BMCC 60th Anniversary Celebration Committee
In 1963, classes at BMCC were held in an office building at 131 West 50th Street in Midtown Manhattan. BMCC has come a long way in 60 years. Members of the BMCC community interested in serving on the 60th Anniversary planning committee, please email Karen Wilson-Stevenson at kwilson-stevenson@bmcc.cuny.edu.

MBJ Cafeteria Open for Spring Semester
The MBJ cafeteria at 199 Chambers Street will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays.

Enrollment

Admissions Will Host In-Person Spring Open House on Thursday, March 23
The Admissions staff is calling all future BMCC Panthers to step onto the main campus of 199 Chambers Street for a college experience at the Spring Open House on March 23 from 5 to 8 p.m. Prospective students and their families are welcome for a night full of activities, including a tour of our vibrant campus, a closer look at our wide array of financial resources and support programs, and a chance to chat with our dynamic faculty to explore possible major and career options. Faculty are invited to participate in the open house. This is a great opportunity to highlight your academic program and generate interest for enrollment. For more info, contact the Admissions Office at (212) 220-1265 or admissions@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Encourage Prospective Students to Join In-Person and Virtual Admissions Info Sessions
Prospective students looking to further their education are invited to attend an Admissions Info Session. Get a comprehensive overview of our campus, academic and financial offerings, support programs and guidance on the admissions process. You'll have the chance to speak with our knowledgeable admissions and financial aid specialists and get all your questions answered. This is the perfect way to learn all you need to know about BMCC before applying. Sign up today! For more info, contact the Admissions Office at (212) 220-1265 or admissions@bmcc.cuny.edu.

There’s still time to Register for the Spring Semester
BMCC students can register for the Spring 2023 Express Session. The eight-week session runs from March 23 to May 25. This opportunity is ideal for part-time students or new and continuing students who missed registration for the regular 15-week session. 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 Panther Station Specialist on Zoom, Monday, Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or on Friday’s from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact Academic Advisement at (212) 220-8315 or aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu. (Please keep in mind that the Express Sessions have limited course offerings and some financial aid limitations.)

Human Resources

Deadline Approaching for Mandatory Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Course (ESPARC) and Workplace Violence Prevention Training (WVP)
Part-time employees, including adjuncts, must complete the ESPARC and WPV trainings by the end of the current semester. Full-time employees have until May 31.

Employees are automatically registered for their campus training in Blackboard as long as they are active on CUNYfirst. Employees can sign into their CUNY Blackboard account and navigate to “my organizations” to view and complete both trainings.
Human Resources will also host several Zoom sessions of the ESPARC and WPV trainings. The pre-recorded sessions require around two hours to complete. To schedule a Zoom training, contact Lori Mazzola at lmazzola@bmcc.cuny.edu. Available dates are March 22 at 3 p.m.; March 30 at 12 p.m.; April 3 at 2 p.m.; April 11 at 10 a.m.; April 19 at 3 p.m.; April 27 at 10 a.m. and May 3 at 3 p.m.

Enroll Now to Learn More About NYS Deferred Compensation Plans
The New York State Deferred Compensation Plan (NYSDCP) 457(b) is a supplemental retirement plan also known as a 457(b). The NYSDCP will host three educational webinars in March for employees who are thinking of enrolling into the Plan and want to learn more about it. The NYSDCP mission is to help State and local-public employees achieve their retirement savings goals and help bridge any potential financial gap in retirement. Please keep in mind, that you can have both a 403(b) and a 457(b) plan. Unable to attend the webinars, but have questions specifically about NYS Deferred Comp? Call (844) 867-8197 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Want to take the webinars? Here are the registration links: