Mediums of Exchange Opens at Shirley Fiterman Arts Center
BMCC and Lehman College, CUNY will present Mediums of Exchange, a two-part art exhibition and the first collaboration between two of the largest gallery spaces in the City University of New York network, opening first on January 31 at BMCC and then on February 9 at Lehman. An opening reception is scheduled for the downtown iteration of the show at BMCC on February 6 at 6 p.m. (Moyra Davey, Copperheads 101-200, 2013. Courtesy the artist, Janice Guy, New York and greengrassi, London)

BMCC Welcomes Jorge E. Yafar as AVP for Campus Planning and Facilities BMCC welcomed Jorge E. Yafar, Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Campus Planning and Facilities on January 7. His primary responsibilities include overseeing the planning, development and implementation of the college's capital construction program under the management of the City University of New York (CUNY) and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). He will also develop and implement protocols for the construction of capital projects on the BMCC campus.

Register by January 18 for 2019 Winter Convocation
Staff and faculty are encouraged to attend the BMCC 2019 Winter Convocation—Student Success Inside and Outside the Classroom— scheduled for January 23 from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 199 Chambers Street. The deadline for registration is January 18. This year’s convocation will be an opportunity for all BMCC faculty and staff to gather to discuss student success inside and outside of the classroom. For details and program schedule visit the event webpage. To register please click here.

Join Designing for Success Community Forum, February 4
On February 4 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Fiterman Conference Center (13th and 14th floors), BMCC faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in a Designing for Success Forum that will feature breakout sessions and presentations on the college's ongoing and cross-departmental efforts to build student success. A previous forum on this topic was held October 16, 2018. Five working groups will present information about their work. Learn more about Designing for Success and stop by the upcoming forum.

Free Tax Preparation Available to BMCC Students, Faculty and Staff
BMCC students, faculty and staff who have a total pre-tax household income at or below $54,000 can take advantage of FREE tax preparation services offered at the college. The walk-in services are offered at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-230, January 22 through April 25; from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m on Monday through Thursday; from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays; and from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. This service is provided with support from Citigroup in collaboration with the BMCC Single Stop. For more information visit online or call (212) 220-8195.

Plaza Reconstruction Capital Project
As part of the upcoming Plaza Reconstruction project at BMCC, abatement of hazardous materials identified in the underlayment of the existing pavers will be performed at various phases of the construction project. This activity, which will begin January 21, 2019, is regulated by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, which ensures the safe and proper removal and disposal of these materials. Abatement notifications posted on all building entrances are part of these requirements and are there to inform the occupants of these activities. The required notices are not meant to alarm our building occupants, but rather to keep everyone informed that the work will be performed in a safe and regulated manner. We apologize for any inconvenience this upcoming construction may cause as we work to improve our facilities.

Community College Career Fair February 1
BMCC will host a Career Fair featuring associate degree-granting institutions on February 1, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Representatives from colleges across the New York City region with full-time and part-time faculty openings will be in attendance.

Symposium on Justice-Involved Students: Proposals Deadline January 21
BMCC will host the Re-Entry/Entry Symposium: Pedagogy, Programs and Policies that Support and Sustain Justice-Involved [formerly incarcerated] CUNY Students on May 3 in the Fiterman Conference Center, 14th floor, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Proposals to present on themes of pedagogy, barriers, distinct populations, support and equity, inclusion and justice may be submitted by January 21.

Meet the ACEN Site Team, February 6 BMCC will host a site review for continued accreditation of its Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S) Nursing Program by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The BMCC community and the public are invited to meet the site team and share comments about the program from 1 to 2 p.m. on February 6 at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-748.

BMCC Panther Pantry: An Important Resource for Students Students experiencing food insecurity can find support at the BMCC Panther Pantry, located in Single Stop at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-230. "The Panther Pantry provides nutritionally balanced, nonperishable food for students in need," says Single Stop Director Deborah Harte. "We also help students connect with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. We are currently developing our donation policy, in compliance with Food Bank guidelines, so we are not accepting food donations at this time. Please check our website for how to donate food items in future. We are very appreciative of the BMCC community's support of this vital resource for our students."

BMCC Website Content Management System Update
The Office of Public Affairs has been installing WordPress, a content management system which will make website use much easier for faculty and staff. This system will be in place at the beginning of the Spring 2019 semester. Public Affairs will begin scheduling training sessions with liaisons from BMCC offices and departments on the use of this system after the semester begins. Please hold off submitting web edits to Public Affairs until after 2/25/19. Questions, please call Manny Romero, Executive Director of Public Affairs, at (212) 220-1238.

CUNY Black Male Initiative Conference - Call for Planning Committee Members
BMCC will host the 14th Annual CUNY Black Male Initiative (BMI) conference—I Was Not Born A Crime: Effective Strategies to Bond Education and Criminal Justice Reform—scheduled for October 1, 2019.  BMCC community members interested in serving on the planning committee or who have ideas to contribute should email BMCC Urban Male Leadership Academy Director Ashtion Holmes at aholmes@bmcc.cuny.edu

Resources for Supporting Students: Two Updated Brochures The Office of Public Affairs has released a new Comprehensive Academic Programs brochure, which provides degree program information, and Student Success Programs brochure, which highlights services from financial aid to mentoring programs. Printed copies are available on campus. Downloadable versions are on the BMCC website.

Discounts at Modells and Other Vendors Available to BMCC Community​
BMCC faculty, staff and students receive discounts on goods and services from food to car rentals, at businesses including Best Buy, Apple, Enterprise Car Rental, Barnes and Noble and more.​

Free Admission to 9/11 Memorial and Museum Through March 21st For BMCC/CUNY Students CUNY Arts announced that the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at 200 Liberty Street will provide CUNY students with free admission through March 21. Students must bring their BMCC ID with them to gain free access during hours of operation. The museum will also offer free admission to BMCC faculty organized class trips. Faculty interested in organizing a class trip to to the 9/11 Museum and Memorial should contact BMCC Government and Community Relations Director Doug Israel at (212) 220-8067 or disrael@bmcc.cuny.edu.

BMCC Employee Appreciation Awards: Nominations Open Show your appreciation for colleagues or staff members who demonstrate outstanding achievement, performance and creative contributions through their role at BMCC—beyond what is normally expected of employees. Submit no more than one nomination for each of the following categories: Leadership, Inspiration, Innovation/Technology, Rookie of the Year and Team Achievement.

New Student In-Person Advisement and Registration: Ends January 19
Enrollment Services staff are excited to welcome new BMCC students and help ensure their successful enrollment for Spring 2019. Advisement and Registration will take place Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students will check in at Theatre 1, 199 Chambers Street. For more information, contact Academic Advisement in Room S-108 at 199 Chambers Street, call (212) 220-8315 or check social media @BMCC_CUNY; #BMCCSpringForward

There’s Still Time For Continuing Students to Register for Spring 2019
Please encourage students to continue on their path to success and register for Spring 2019. Things to know: All students must meet with their advisors before registering. Students can register on CUNYfirst or visit the Registrar’s Office, Room S-315 at 199 Chambers Street. For more information, visit the Registration page, contact Academic Advisement in Room S-108 at 199 Chambers Street or call (212) 220-8315. 

Share Your Tips for Student Success
You – the instructors and student support staff of BMCC – know from experience what actions lead a student to succeed in the classroom. Help our Panthers start off on the right foot! This month the Admissions Office will publish a list of ‘Top Tips for Success' on the #FuturePanthers blog, and we’re asking you to share your insights. From your experience as an instructor or student supporter, what is the best thing a student can do now and throughout the semester to set themselves up for success? What student behaviors help you to help them? Submit your piece of advice in three minutes online.

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
The BMCC Admissions Office launched three new social media accounts. Stop by online and say hi! We appreciate your likes, follows and thumbs up. Facebook: @admissions Twitter: @bmccadmissions Instagram: @bmccadmissions

BMCC alumnus Charlie Kleinman participates in 2019 X Games and Special Olympics
January 16—ESPN

BMCC Criminal Justice program offers ZTC/OER degree
January 9—Campus Technology

Modern Languages Professor Margaret Carson Recognized in Paris Review
December 14, 2018— The Paris Review

Pre-Tax Limit for Wageworks Commuter Benefits Increased
The pre-tax limit for monthly Commuter Benefits deductions (WageWorks) increased from $260 to $265 on January 1. No paperwork is required to activate the increase, but those who wish to change their deduction or enroll in the program may visit the Benefits page of the BMCC Human Resources website, complete the WageWorks Transit Benefit form and submit it to the Human Resources front desk, 199 Chambers Street, Room S-717.

Join Weight Watchers and Get a Free Jumpstarter Kit BMCC employees and their families are eligible for discounted memberships in Weight Watchers (WW). Enroll in WW online. Input City of New York, Employee ID: 11612222. Once enrolled, redeem your starter kit online by February 8. You can also join fellow WW members every Monday at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-341. For more information, contact LoriAnn Mazzola, lmazzola@bmcc.cuny.edu or call WW customer service, (866) 797-2836.

CUNY Holiday: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 21
Monday, January 21 is a CUNY holiday for most BMCC employees. For more information, click here.

Enhance Your Skills Through CUNY Professional Development
The CUNY Professional Development and Learning Management (PDLM) Office presents the CUNY Professional Development Program now through June 19. BMCC faculty and staff can choose sessions ranging from data analytics to business writing and many others. Certificate programs are available. View catalogue and sign up now.

Are you a BMCC Champion? BMCC Champions are BMCC Alumni who are currently a staff or faculty member at BMCC? The Office of Alumni Relations is gearing up to create special programing in appreciation for your continued dedication and service to your alma mater. We want to hear from you so we can extend special invitations to events and activities at BMCC. Please join our list of BMCC Champions by sending your information here.

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 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 and assistance.

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).

The CUNY Games Conference
January 18-19

Auditions for Spring 2019 Music Program
January 22

Title IX: On the Basis of Sex: Call to Activism
January 25

	BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center Listings		Center for Career Development Events
	Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Scholarship Events		Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development Events

Lady Panthers Fall to Orange Colts 68-65

Panthers Get Back on Track With 15-Point Win Over SUNY Orange

Naya Verley Named CUNYAC Rookie of the Week

Quran Dublin Earns CUNYAC Player of the Week​

Women's Basketball
Jan. 12: BMCC vs. Mohawk Valley Community College (BMCC gymnasium) 
Jan. 15: BMCC vs. Kingsborough Community College (Brooklyn, NY)
Jan. 17: BMCC vs. Dutchess Community College (BMCC gymnasium)
Jan. 22: BMCC vs. Monroe College (Bronx, NY)

Men's Basketball
Jan. 12: BMCC vs. Mohawk Valley Community College (BMCC gymnasium)  
Jan. 15: BMCC vs. Kingsborough Community College (Brooklyn, NY)
Jan. 17: BMCC vs. Dutchess Community College (BMCC gymnasium)
Jan. 22: BMCC vs. Monroe College (Bronx, NY)

@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.