@BMCC

September 21, 2023

New York Blood Center Collects 62 Lifesaving Blood Donations at BMCC Event
New York Blood Center collected 62 lifesaving blood donations from BMCC faculty, staff and students during a blood drive event on September 7 in Richard Harris Terrace. One in three people will need blood some time in their lives, so the demand for blood is constant, but the supply is not. Since there is no substitute for human blood, only blood donors can save lives. The BMCC event, coordinated by BMCC Health Services Nurse Jennifer Neidig, could potentially help 186 patients who need blood in the New York City area. The next BMCC blood drive is planned for November 9.

BMCC Recognizes 58 Achievers with 4.0 GPA at Mixer
BMCC celebrated 58 newly inducted and returning 4.0 Achiever students at a recognition mixer event on September 19 in Richard Harris Terrace. The Achievers is a cohort program of students who have earned a 4.0 GPA after completing at least 12 academic credits. The event featured congratulatory remarks from President Anthony E. Munroe and Provost and Senior Vice President Erwin Wong. Achievers Anthony Chimbay and Irvin Aquino, as well as SGA President Jennifer Marquez offered closing remarks. Students also participated in activities including one where they could share what inspires them to achieve and why they love BMCC. One student said "from teaching to non-teaching staff, BMCC creates a friendly environment where I feel comfortable asking for help, and that in turn helps me to enlighten myself." The Achievers program provides specific programming and experiential learning opportunities to help students make the most of their time at BMCC. See photo gallery.

Math Professor Agwu Contributes Paper to Convening of Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program
A paper by BMCC Mathematics Professor Nkechi Agwu, "Culture, History and Women's Stories: A Framework for Capacity Building in STEM-Related Fields and for Fostering Entrepreneurship," presented at the 2021 Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program (CADFP) Alumni Convening has been included in the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program Alumni Convening publication, "A Vision for the Future," in the section "Mutually Beneficial Collaboration." The CADFP is funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). It connects the African academic diaspora in the U.S. and Canada with higher education institutions in nine African countries.

President Munroe Reaffirms Commitment to Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity, Diversity, and Inclusion
In a statement to the College community, President Anthony E. Munroe said "Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) and the City University of New York (CUNY) have a long-standing commitment to affirmative action, equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion. At BMCC, we value the rich diversity of experience and knowledge that the entire community brings to the College. We are all enriched and strengthened by the diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. Consequently, I reaffirm BMCC’s commitment, and my own commitment, to the principles of affirmative action, equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion at BMCC." Read the entire Reaffirmation of Commitment to Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity, Diversity, and Inclusion statement.

BMCC Student Performances at Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) Begin September 27
BMCC will present free monthly performances at PAC NYC, including student performances curated by the college’s music program (September 27 and November 15) as well as a “monologue slam” (October 18) and “storytelling live” (December 20) performed by students and faculty from the college’s Speech, Communications, and Theatre Arts department. BMCC’s inaugural performance on September 27 will feature music program students, showcasing a wide variety of contemporary and original material.

Mayor Eric Adams Delivers Policy Reform Proposal Speech at BMCC
BMCC was the setting for a high-profile announcement and press conference on September 21 by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is proposing reforms that will attempt to tackle the city’s housing crisis.

There are no classes scheduled for Sunday, September 24 or Monday, September 25 in observance of Yom Kippur.
See full academic calendar

Making Headlines

Mayor Eric Adams delivers speech at BMCC announcing proposal to address city’s housing shortage
September 21, 2023—The New York Times

BMCC alumna, inventor, advocate Gesy Duran profiled
September 20, 2023—Campus News

BMCC leads CUNY community college partnership with Kennedy Children’s Center funded by US DOE grant
September 20, 2023—Community College Daily

BMCC alumnus De Shaun Robinson joins WENY News
September 19, 2023—WENY News

NYCHA resident Janely Familia earns a GED through partnership between BMCC and NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment & Sustainability (REES); BMCC Continuing Ed (CE) Academic Counselor Erwin Sirena and CE Program Manager Irma Lance comment on the program
September 14, 2023—The NYCHA Journal

BMCC student team recognized for outstanding field research at Biodesign Challenge Summit
September 14, 2023—Stirpad

Did You Know?

Announcements

Trainings on “Understanding Muslim Experiences and Combating Anti-Muslim Bias” and “Understanding Jewish Experiences and Antisemitism”: October 2 and 23
The Office of Compliance and Diversity invites BMCC students, faculty and staff to attend two trainings presented by the New York City Commission on Human Rights.

Monday, October 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Fiterman Hall, Rooms 1404/05/06: “Understanding Muslim Experiences and Combating Anti-Muslim Bias” will address anti-Muslim racism, introduce Muslim beliefs and practices, and outline best practices for working with Muslim New Yorkers.
Monday, October 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Fiterman Hall, Rooms 1404/05/06: “Understanding Jewish Experiences and Antisemitism” will address antisemitism as well as its impact on Jewish New Yorkers and the larger society. It will introduce Jewish history and practices and outline best practices for working with Jewish New Yorkers.

The workshops will also elaborate on protections for Muslim and Jewish New Yorkers against discrimination under the City Human Rights Law. Please fill out this form to register for the trainings. Virtual sessions will also be offered later this semester. For more information, contact the Office of Compliance and Diversity at 212-220-1232 or DBaez@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Deadline to Register for Free Naturalization Clinic is Oct. 27
The BMCC Advocacy and Resource Center has partnered with City Bar Justice Center and Fragomen to sponsor a free naturalization clinic designed to assist currently enrolled BMCC students who are Permanent Residents to complete a U.S. Citizenship Naturalization application on November 8 from 12 to 3 p.m. in Richard Harris Terrace. Students will meet with a licensed attorney to complete the application. Registration by October 27 is required; space is limited. To register, visit the Advocacy and Resource Center Office, 199 Chambers Street, Room S-230, email ARC@bmcc.cuny.edu, or call (212) 220-8195.

BMCC Transitions and Transactions Conference April 5-6
BMCC’s English department invites faculty to submit paper and panel proposals for the seventh annual Transitions and Transactions conference scheduled for April 5-6, 2024. The Transitions and Transactions conference is dedicated to helping community college teachers of literature flourish and excel as they envision, invent and expand ideas. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2024. For more information and submission information, visit the event’s web page.

Voices and Experiences of Poverty: An In-Person Read-In of W. E. B. DuBois’ The Souls of Black Folk with Professor Jamie Warren, September 22
BMCC faculty directors of the project, “Voices & Experiences of Poverty: A New Interdisciplinary Humanities Curriculum” will host an in-person community read-in of W.E.B. Du Bois’ "The Souls of Black Folk" starting at 4 p.m. on September 22 in Room N-452 at 199 Chambers Street. Published more than a century ago, this seminal work by W.E.B. Du Bois is still powerfully resonant today and offers an example of what is possible when the minds and souls of the oppressed refuse to be silenced. For more information, visit the event webpage.

CUNY Senior College Student Services Directory
The CUNY Senior College Student Services Directory is a useful resource for students looking to transfer to senior colleges, and was created as part of the AcMo 2.0 initiative. This directory contains a comprehensive list of contact information for various support services available at CUNY senior colleges, designed to provide transfer students with additional guidance and assistance.

Submit a Session Proposal for Professional Development Conference: Deadline Sept. 25
Sr. Vice Chancellor Doriane K. Gloria invites BMCC faculty and staff to submit session proposals by September 25 for the CUNY Professional Development Conference, “Bridging the Growing Divide: Working Towards Inclusivity and Consensus,” set for November 9 and 10. To complete the conference proposal form, log in with your Office365 username and password (i.e. username: Jane.Doe20@login.cuny.edu, password: your CUNYfirst password).Please email University.Training@cuny.edu with any questions or concerns.

Domestic Violence 101 Webinar Series
BMCC staff and faculty are invited to attend a Domestic Violence (DV) 101 training. Throughout October, the New York Office for Prevention of Domestic Violence will be hosting a weekly one-hour, free webinar on domestic violence which is open to all. These webinars will cover definitions, power and control tactics, staying versus leaving and survivor-centered responses. The Lunch & Learns and the DV 101 webinars provide an opportunity for staff to learn about some of the intricacies of domestic violence. Please feel free to send the flyer, “OPDV DV101” to all staff in your agency as this series is open to the general public.” See available dates and registration information.

Enjoy Merchandise and Entertainment Discounts, as Well as Free Subscriptions to “The New York Times” and “Wall Street Journal”
BMCC students, faculty and staff are eligible for retail and entertainment discounts and other perks throughout the year. The College community can also sign up for free online subscriptions to “The New York Times” and “The Wall Street Journal.” Visit the discounts page to learn more.

Enrollment

There’s Still Time to Register for Fall 2023 Express Session!
There is still an express session available for Fall 2023. This 8-week session is from October 26 to December 20. While the Express Sessions give students the flexibility to take courses during a shorter time frame, please keep in mind that they offer limited course offerings and have some financial aid limitations. Learn more here. Students can speak with an advisor to determine whether the Express Sessions are the best option for them. They can register on CUNYfirst or meet with a Panther Station Specialist on Zoom. For more information, visit the Fall Express page or contact Academic Advisement at (212) 220-8315 or aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu.

New and improved Admissions landing page
We understand that the college decision-making process can be overwhelming for prospective students. We've revamped our Admissions landing page to better guide students from exploration to application. With a new sleek layout and easy-to-navigate content, the webpage serves as a valuable resource to help students learn more about BMCC’s dynamic academic programs, campus life, support services, alumni, and more.

Human Resources

Gender-Based Violence Training Joins ESPARC and WVP Mandated Trainings

The state- and CUNY-mandated Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Course (ESPARC) and Workplace Violence Prevention Training (WVP) are available for the 2023-2024 academic year. All part-time employees, including adjuncts, must complete both trainings by the end of the current semester. Full-time employees have until May 31 to complete the trainings.
The state- and CUNY-mandated Gender Based Violence Training (GBVT) is required for HR professionals and managers with at least one direct report. Full-time employees notified by email about GBVT must complete it by May 31; part-time employees who are contacted have till the end of the current semester.

Sports and Wellness