News

Professor Ayendy Bonifacio Comes Home to BMCC
Ayendy Bonifacio is a first-generation college graduate who enrolled at BMCC in 2005 and returned in the Fall 2019 semester, this time as a professor of English. He is the subject of the premiere episode of #CUNYPride: Stories that Inspire.

2020 Winter Convocation on January 22: Guest Speakers Include David Kirkland and Kirsten Grant All faculty and staff are invited to discuss teaching and learning in support of student success at the 2020 Winter Convocation, Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Engagement, on January 22 in Theatre One at 199 Chambers Street. This year’s keynote speaker is David E. Kirkland, Ph.D., J.D., executive director of The NYU Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools. The convocation’s featured guest speaker is Kirsten Grant, Ph.D., clinical professor of chemistry at Hunter College. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. while working sessions will run from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., followed by a reception. Please RSVP here.

Marks of Excellence: Students Test the Waters 
BMCC Professors Henry Bulley and Brenda Vollman have led a student team to examine how public perception of water quality correlates with its reality. The students distributed a survey to New Yorkers, and collected water samples from drinking fountains. This article is part of the 2019 Marks of Excellence (MOE), an annual publication from the Office of Public Affairs. The MOE stories appear in both a short version here, and individually as longer stories with a video throughout BMCC News.

E-Learning Relaunches Website to Include More Resources
E-Learning has relaunched its website to foster, support and promote excellence in teaching and learning in fully online, hybrid and in-person courses and programs. The site now offers more resources to students and faculty, and promotes innovative ways of teaching and learning across the college. Sections for students include: Prepare for E-Learning, which includes a video offering tips and strategies; E-Learning Student Orientation, which offers steps to enroll; and How to Succeed Online, which includes helpful videos on time management and growth mindset. Faculty support includes How to Teach Online at BMCC, which includes helpful steps and a video from a professor’s point of view; E-Learning Lab, offering a list of digital and multimedia options; and Faculty Policies and Procedures related to E-Learning best practices. For more information, contact the E-Learning Center at (212) 220-1243 or elearning@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Announcements

Audition for African Heritage Month Ceremony January 9 at 6 p.m.
Students, faculty and staff interested in participating in the opening ceremony of African Heritage Month are invited to audition Thursday, January 9 at 6 p.m. in the gym. All are welcome regardless of dance or experience. BMCC student Patricia McKenzie will choreograph the dance routine for the annual event scheduled for February 5. More information will be provided as audition sessions are added. For more information, contact Christopher Shults, African Heritage Month Chair, at cshults@bmcc.cuny.edu.

BMCC Students Encouraged to Apply for NSF Research Opportunity The National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at BMCC offers paid summer internships for qualified undergraduate students to conduct biology research projects with BMCC scientists. The program, funded by the NSF, offers BMCC and non-BMCC students the opportunity to conduct research focused on the bioactivity of natural products at different biological levels of organization; for example, the potential antioxidant capacity of natural plant products; the effects of natural extracts on growth and development of different organisms; the regulation of genes involved in cellular differentiation; the potential protective effects on mammalian cells, and the use of plant polymers in the removal of heavy metals. Students will receive a $4,600 stipend, a housing allowance of $1,200, a MetroCard and daily meals. APPLY NOW! Spaces are limited. Student applications are being accepted now through March 1, 2020.

Students Can Apply for Summer 2020 Study Abroad: Deadline February 18  BMCC professors will take students to China, France, Mexico and Peru this summer through the BMCC Study Abroad program, open to students in all majors. The programs in China and France are language-based, while students traveling to Mexico and Peru examine cultural, health and political issues. To learn more, visit BMCC Study Abroad Courses. The BMCC Association Scholarship covers 60 percent of the program fee for every BMCC participant. Students may also use financial aid and apply for study abroad scholarships. The deadline for students to apply for the Summer 2020 Study Abroad program is February 18, and scholarship workshops for student applicants will be held in January and February by Experiential Learning and Study Abroad Manager Jessica Levin, jlevin@bmcc.cuny.edu or (212) 776-6429.

Website Directory Listings
Faculty, staff and students, please note that BMCC Directory content is generated through CUNYfirst. Staff members are listed according to divisions and departments defined by CUNY. If there is a change in an employee’s status (for example, left BMCC or changed departments), please contact BMCC Human Resources to confirm the information has been entered in CUNYfirst. If it has been entered in CUNYfirst and still is not appearing in the directory, contact the Service Desk, servicedesk@bmcc.cuny.edu.

CUNY in the Heights Expansion Improves Learning Environment BMCC at CUNY in the Heights, 5030 Broadway between 213th and 214th Streets in Manhattan, will be closed for renovations to improve classroom spaces, technology and accessibility for students while adding 15,000 square feet and doubling the number of classrooms. Also, new courses will be offered through BMCC, the Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center and BMCC’s Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development. Visit the BMCC Off-site Programs website to learn about course offerings at the Tribeca-Main Campus and Off-site Programs. Students can speak with an advisor at (212) 220-8315 or eadvisement@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Is Your Department Interested in Hiring a Work-Study Student? Many BMCC students are employed part-time on campus through the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program. This helps cover their educational expenses, removes the cost and time of commuting for an off-campus job and enables students to gain experience in their field of interest. If your department is interested in hiring FWS students, please complete and return the FWS Rights & Responsibilities form. For more information, contact Melissa Jardine, mjardine@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Campus Planning and Facilities

Elevator Programming Changes at Fiterman Hall To improve the BMCC experience and in response to occupant feedback, the Fiterman Hall elevator banks perform as follows: Open stairs and escalators: lower level and floors 2, 3, 4. Mid-Rise bank elevators: floors 5, 6, 7, 8. High-Rise bank elevators: floors 9, 10, 11, 12. Elevators for people with disabilities stop at all floors.

Report Non-Emergency Building Needs Through Archibus Work Order System
Individuals selected as their department's Archibus Work Order liaison can quickly alert the BMCC Buildings and Grounds team to non-emergency building needs ranging from a light bulb that needs replacement to equipment not functioning. To report an emergency, call (212) 220-8025, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and after business hours, call Public Safety, (212) 220-8080. To report hazardous conditions after 5 p.m., call the engineer on duty, (212) 220-8034. If you have questions or concerns, contact Buildings and Grounds, b&g@bmcc.cuny.edu, subject line: “Archibus Work Order System.”

Plaza Reconstruction Project Update
As part of the Plaza Reconstruction project at BMCC, abatement of hazardous materials in the underlayer of the existing pavers will be performed. This activity is regulated by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, which ensures safe and proper removal and disposal of these materials. Abatement notifications are posted on all building entrances. For more information, contact Eric Lugo at elugo@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Bathroom Renovation Update: Phase 5 Renovations have been completed in the north side bathrooms at 199 Chambers Street and now BMCC has undertaken a 26-bathroom renovation on all seven floors of the far south end. This will provide greater accessibility, ventilation and temperature control systems as well as new stalls, floors, fixtures, ceilings and lighting. For more information, contact Eric Lugo at elugo@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Enrollment

New Student In-Person Advisement and Registration: January 13-24
Enrollment Services staff are excited to welcome new BMCC students and help ensure their successful enrollment for Spring 2020. Advisement and Registration will take place from Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Students will check in at Theatre 1, 199 Chambers Street. *Note: College Closed on Monday, January 20. For more information about advisement and registration, contact Academic Advisement in Room S-108, call (212) 220-8315.

There’s Still Time For Continuing Students to Register for Spring 2020
Please encourage students to continue on their path to success and register for Spring 2020. Things to know: All students must meet with their advisor before registering. Students can register on CUNYfirst or visit Lab Services in Room S-114. Students may also be advised online via Skype and email. For more info, visit the Registration page, contact Academic Advisement in Room S-108, call (212) 220-8315 or email eadvisement@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Federal Student Aid and Other Financial Assistance Available
If you know a student who is delaying registration because of tuition concerns, please share these options: 1) Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Apply now to maximize the amount of money received. 2) Visit the Panther Station in Room S-225 to speak with a financial aid specialist. 3) Apply for a scholarship. 4) Contact the Center for Career Development for job placement assistance: Room S-342, career@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Admissions and Financial Aid Info Sessions 
Prospective students are invited to attend information sessions for an overview of BMCC and the admissions and financial aid process. They can also take part in a Q & A with admissions and financial aid specialists. For more information, contact the Admissions Office, (212) 220-1265.

Say Hello to the Admissions Office on Social Media
We appreciate your likes, follows and thumbs up. Facebook: @bmccadmissions Twitter: @bmccadmissions Instagram: @bmccadmissions Snapchat:@explorebmcc

A Few Important Dates

Making Headlines

Muscle Maker location’s murals painted by BMCC students
January 6—QSR Magazine, Markets Insider

Community members discuss BMCC air rights
January 6—E Broadsheet Daily

BMCC pool renovations reduce wear and tear
January 6—The ACHR News

Highlights in Jazz Gala happening Feb. 13 at TPAC
January 3—Jazz News

Nursing student shares experiences from economy built on cans and bottles
December 27—New York Times

Human Resources

Work Well NYC Toning and Conditioning Classes are Back
Faculty and staff can participate in Work Well NYC toning and conditioning classes January 27 through March 23 from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. in the gym at 199 Chambers Street. For more information contact Lori Mazzola in Human Resources at lmazzola@bmcc.cuny.edu.

CUNY Employees: Mandatory Annual E-SPARC for the 2019-2020 Academic Year In compliance with New York State law, all full- and part-time CUNY employees are required to complete an annual online Employee Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Response Course (E-SPARC). If you have not already done so, please log into CUNY Blackboard to complete the course. This applies to all BMCC employees regardless of whether you have attended an in-person training. Please make sure to disable pop-up blockers and use either Firefox or Google Chrome as your web browser when taking the training. For more information, contact Maria Deckinger, mdeckinger@bmcc.cuny.edu or Loriann Mazzola, lmazzola@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Transitioning to Retirement? Seminars and Videos Help Clarify Health Benefits
BMCC employees planning for retirement are invited to register online for a Transition to Retiree Health Benefits Seminar offered by the City of New York Office of Labor Relations (OLR) Employee Health Benefits Program on December 20 at 22 Cortlandt Street, 12th floor, New York, New York, 10007. Another resource is the Transitioning to Retiree Health Benefits videos, Part One and Part Two.

CUNY Employees: Mandatory Workplace Violence Training Deadlines In accordance with New York State Law, all part-time BMCC faculty and staff were required to complete Workplace Violence Training for the 2019-2020 academic year by December 18; full-time employees by May 20, 2020. The course is accessible via CUNY Blackboard. Employees are also required to review the Campus Specific Information Supplement for factors specific to each CUNY campus at which they work. For instructions on disabling pop-up blockers or if you are unable to complete this training, contact Maria Deckinger, mdeckinger@bmcc.cuny.edu, (212) 220-1496 or Lori Mazzola, lmazzola@bmcc.cuny.edu, (212) 776-7063. For general questions, contact ViolencePrevention.Training@cuny.edu.

Deer Oaks January 2020 Newsletter Available The January 2020 Deer Oaks Employee Newsletter includes; Online Seminar Reminder: Your Financial Checkup; New Year's Resolution for Mental Health; Exercise: What Kind Should You Do and When Will You Do It? and Four Elements Define Personal Financial Well being.

Alumni and Donors

Support Memorial Funds  Last academic year, BMCC lost two beloved colleagues — Sadie Bragg, retired Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Scott Anderson, retired Vice President for Administration and Finance. To commemorate their deep and passionate commitment to BMCC, we have established memorial funds to raise money in support of naming opportunities of areas located on the BMCC campus. Make a donation today online and select a memorial fund under the “Designation” option. THANK YOU for your support!

Charitable Giving Through an IRA
Donors at least 70½ years old can take advantage of a simple way to satisfy minimum required distribution and benefit BMCC students at the same time. Donate up to $100,000 from an IRA directly to the BMCC Foundation without having to pay federal income taxes. Please contact Phillip Keefe, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving, (212) 346-8650 or pkeefe@bmcc.cuny.edu for additional information.

Alumni Invited to Connect and Network BMCC Alumni Affairs provides alumni benefits and services, as well as involving alumni in the advancement and support of BMCC. Alumni are invited to special events, profiled in BMCC publications and welcomed into the vibrant community that is BMCC. For more information, contact Yaritza Gonzalez, Manager of Alumni Relations and Annual Fund, (212) 346-8455 or ygonzalez@bmcc.cuny.edu

Make a Difference in Students’ Lives: Faculty and Staff Campaign
The faculty and staff of BMCC support our students in countless ways, every single day. That support includes contributing to the BMCC Foundation Scholarship Fund. Your support of the Faculty and Staff Campaign makes a significant difference in our students’ lives. There are three easy ways to give: Make a donation online.

• Text your donation to BMCC at (646) 876-2622.
• Send your check, payable to the BMCC Foundation, via interoffice mail to the Office of College Development, F-1330. (Please note, you can designate your donation to your department).

Calendar

Free Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training
January 10 - 17

Coffee, Startups and Innovation on Wall Street
January 15

Study Abroad Scholarships Information Session
January 16

Theatre Auditions for New Musical
January 21

Panther Pride

BMCC Baseball Tryouts
Thursday, January 30 (BMCC Gym)

Women's Basketball, Upcoming Games
January 14: BMCC vs. Kingsborough Community College (BMCC gym)
January 16: BMCC vs. Dutchess Community College (Poughkeepsie, NY)

Men's Basketball, Upcoming Games 
January 11: BMCC vs. ASA College (BMCC gym)
January 14: BMCC vs. Kingsborough Community College (BMCC gym)
January 16: BMCC vs. Dutchess Community College (Poughkeepsie, NY)

Connect with BMCC

@BMCC is produced and published by the Office of Public Affairs.

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