News

Dear Colleagues, As part of our ongoing efforts to improve student learning and success, and to better apply the research knowledge and expertise of faculty and staff, we will establish a President’s Advisory on Student Learning and Success Research. The Advisory will meet twice per semester to: Recommend program evaluation priorities and strategies Provide feedback on BMCC strategies to improve student learning and success Encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration Develop strategies to recognize and celebrate faculty and staff research on student learning and success, including to expand public awareness of these contributions If you are currently engaged in research on BMCC, community college students, or have data on the impact of your programs on student learning and success, and would like to serve on the President’s Advisory, please send an email to President@bmcc.cuny.edu no later than February 14 with the following information: Your name and title A brief description of your research A citation for a related publication or link to a presentation Thank you in advance for your interest and, as always, for all the good work you do.

Karrin E. Wilks

Karrin E. Wilks
Interim President
Borough of Manhattan Community College

BMCC/CUNY Monitors Coronavirus BMCC and CUNY are monitoring an outbreak caused by the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), a so-called “novel virus,” or respiratory tract illness that presents flu-like symptoms. The virus was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. It has spread to several countries, including the United States, but as of this posting, there are no confirmed cases in New York State. CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez recently announced that CUNY is following guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), New York State Department of Health and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to proactively manage the risk. Members of the BMCC community can contact Penny Jordan, nurse in Health Services, Room N-380 at 199 Chambers Street, or call (212) 220-8256. Visit  BMCC Health Services to learn more about Resources on Coronavirus or read through Frequently Asked Questions.

Faculty and Staff Invited to Strategic Planning Forum, February 13
The collective efforts of hundreds of students, faculty and staff in Designing for Success working groups, college-wide forums and focus groups have raised student success at BMCC. Reversing a trend toward decline, students’ one-year retention rate has improved to 59.7 percent, and they are attempting and earning more credits in their first year. The percentage of freshmen completing college-level math has risen to 44.4 percent, and the college’s three-year graduation rate has increased for the sixth year in a row to 24.5 percent. To continue this important work, faculty and staff are invited to attend a college-wide strategic planning forum on February 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the 13th-floor, Fiterman Conference Center. All are invited to attend, share their input and help make BMCC a wonderful place to teach, work and learn. PLEASE NOTE: Student forums will be held on March 31, April 1 and April 2.

BMCC Contingent Garners Honors at Kennedy Center Theatre Festival
A group of 13 BMCC students led by Theater Professor Charles Burks attended the Region 2 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, also known as “Festival 52,” January 14 through 18 at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland — and garnered honors as finalists and semi-finalists in many categories.

February Is African Heritage Month
BMCC will celebrate the 2020 African Heritage Month — Empowerment: Awakening the Strength That Lies Within — with events throughout February. An opening ceremony, Africa United, will be held February 6 at 199 Chambers Street and feature African drumming, art and dance, as well as African and Caribbean food. In addition, a Black Entrepreneur Panel is scheduled February 19 featuring Damian Smikle, BMCC alumnus and co-founder/managing partner at Community Blooming Realty, LLC; Al-Jabbar Riddle, Esq., principal consultant at Riddle Compliance, LLC; Terrell Brown, chief investment officer and CEO of Sports Marketing Division at Loyalty Alliance, Inc.; Gaelle Mair, BMCC alumna and managing director at UCare Staffing, LLC; and Keenan Charles, BMCC alumnus and co-founder at Black Petal Theatre Group. To learn more, visit the African Heritage Month webpage.

Welcome Back Super Fair Engages Students
BMCC students attended the Welcome Back Super Fair on January 29 to learn about student support services programs, academic programs and activities to engage students on campus. In addition, new and transfer students had the opportunity to learn about more than 50 majors and career paths offered at BMCC. For more information about the fair, contact Joseph Ginese in New Student Programs at jginese@bmcc.cuny.edu or at Ext. 8121 or stop by Room S-136.

BMCC Community Invited to Provide Input in Presidential Search The search process for BMCC’s next president has officially begun. Students, faculty or staff who were unable to attend the open forum on January 28, can still provide input through an online survey. Also, questions regarding the BMCC Presidential Search can be sent to Doug Israel, campus liaison, at disrael@bmcc.cuny.edu.

A Cappella Live! Features Committed, The Filharmonic, Blake Lewis and Women of the World The BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center (BMCC TPAC), presents four contemporary a cappella ensembles on Sunday, March 8 at 3 p.m. This musical celebration will feature the boy-band sound of The Filharmonic; the rich R&B harmonies of Committed; chart-topping vocals by Blake Lewis, and internationally inspired songstresses, Women of the World. Tickets are $35 and $40 and can be purchased online, by calling Ticketing Services at (212) 220-1460, or visiting the BMCC TPAC Box Office at 199 Chambers Street, Tuesday through Saturday, from 12 to 6 p.m.

Transitions and Transactions V: Teaching Literature Among the Arts, April 24-25 BMCC will host the Transitions and Transactions V conference, “Teaching Literature Among the Arts” on April 24 and 25 at 199 Chambers Street. Register Now! This year’s keynote speakers are Dawn Lundy Martin; a poet, essayist, and conceptual video artist, and Will Alexander; a poet, novelist, playwright, essayist, aphorist, visual artist and pianist now writing his 40th book.

Announcements

Fair Fares Program Provides MetroCard Discounts for Eligible New Yorkers
Eligible BMCC students may now apply for Fair Fares NYC for a 50 percent discount on subway and bus fares. The program was created by Mayor Bill de Blasio and members of the City Council to assist low-income New Yorkers. 

Submit your BALLOT for the 2019-2020 Employee Appreciation Awards BMCC students, faculty and staff, show your appreciation for staff (non-faculty) members who demonstrate outstanding achievement, performance and creative contributions through their role at BMCC, beyond what is normally expected of employees. SUBMIT ONE nomination in each category: Leadership, Inspiration, Innovation/ Technology, Rookie of the Year and Team Achievement. Employees have one chance to submit their ballot. Make it count by filling in a thoughtful, detailed nomination by no later than May 1.

BMCC Community Invited to Join Asian Heritage Month Committee Meeting, February 5
Faculty and staff are invited to attend the 2019-2020 Asian Heritage Month Committee meeting on February 5 from 12 to 1 p.m. in Room S-341 at 199 Chambers Street. This multi-ethnic group of colleagues seeks to increase awareness and appreciation of the Asian and Asian-American experience and to encourage understand among all groups. For more information, please contact Acting Provost Erwin Wong, ewong@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Distinguished Teaching Awards: Nominations Open Through February 10
Faculty and staff are invited to submit nominations for the 2020 Distinguished Teaching Award, now through February 10, and inform the nominees' department chair. Self-nominations are also acceptable. Nominees — full-time tenured faculty, full-time tenure track faculty, full-time lecturers, and adjunct faculty with 10 or more semesters teaching at BMCC — must have a consistent record of outstanding teaching performance and show an ongoing commitment to student success. Faculty can receive only one Distinguished Teaching Award during their time at BMCC. Click here for more information. Shown above: 2019 winners (L-R) Jose Fernandez Romero, Rifat Salam, Kathleen Offenholley, Chris McCarthy and Sam Sloves. Distinguished Teaching Award recipients and finalists will be recognized at a Celebration of Teaching on April 29 at 4 p.m. in the Fiterman Art Center.

Free Tax Preparation Available to BMCC Community BMCC students, faculty and staff with a pre-tax household income at or below $64,000 can take advantage of FREE tax preparation at BMCC. Walk-in services are offered at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-230 now through April 15 from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays; from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays; and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. This service is provided with support from Citigroup in collaboration with BMCC Single Stop. For more information visit online or call (212) 220-8195.

Students: Apply for NSF Research Opportunity by March 1 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. Funded by the NSF, BMCC and non-BMCC student researchers examine 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 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. Spaces are limited. APPLY NOW!

CUNY in the Heights Expansion Improves Learning Environment BMCC at CUNY in the Heights, 5030 Broadway between 213th and 214th Streets in Manhattan, has 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 BMCC Off-site Programs to learn more or speak with an advisor, (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 of commuting for an off-campus job and provides experience in students' 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.

Promote Your Events on the BMCC Web Calendar and Social Media
A friendly reminder: If your department, office or unit is hosting a campus event, make sure to include it in the BMCC web calendar. The calendar listing will enable you to promote your event to members of the on-campus community and beyond. Don’t forget to share your event listing on your social media using the hashtag: #BMCC.​ The Office of Public Affairs is available to assist with placing your events on the BMCC web calendar and promoting them effectively through social media. Contact the Office of Public Affairs at publicaffairs@bmcc.cuny.edu or (212) 346-8501 for assistance.

Campus Planning and Facilities

Faculty/Staff Lounge Opens at Murray Building
We are pleased to announce the opening of the Faculty/Staff Lounge (Room M317A) at Murray Building. The room provides a comfortable environment with access to computers and connectivity to the Faculty Copier Room M317B, next door.

Plaza Reconstruction Project Update As part of BMCC's Plaza Reconstruction project, abatement of hazardous materials beneath existing pavers is underway. Notifications have been posted on building entrances and this activity is regulated by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection. For more information, contact Eric Lugo at elugo@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Report Non-Emergency Building Needs Through Archibus Work Order System
Individuals serving as their department's Archibus Work Order liaison can alert the BMCC Buildings and Grounds team to non-emergency building needs ranging from a light bulb that needs replacing to equipment malfunctioning. To report an emergency, call (212) 220-8025, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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. For more information, contact b&g@bmcc.cuny.edu, subject line: “Archibus Work Order System.”

Bathroom Renovation Now Complete Newly renovated, ADA compliant bathrooms on the south end of 199 Chambers Street mark completion of a critical capital project led by the BMCC Office of Buildings and Grounds (B&G) with CUNY and its construction/design team. B&G appreciates the college community's patience during these upgrades to campus facilities.

Enrollment

Resources for Supporting Students: Two Updated Brochures The Office of Public Affairs has released the new Comprehensive Academic Programs brochure, which provides degree program information, and Student Support Programs brochure, which highlights offices and services such as financial aid and tutoring programs. Printed copies are available on campus and downloadable versions are on the BMCC website.

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

Business and marketing major at BMCC reflects on citizenship fees
January 28, 2020 — Marketplace

Diane Tandia, BMCC alumna and owner of Berber Street Food, profiled
January 23, 2020 — News 4 Valley Central, KIMA CBS 29, CNY Central, abc6, WFXL Fox 31

Human Resources

Civil Service Examination Open for Campus Peace Officer
Individuals can now file to take the Campus Peace Officer Exam No. 2060. The filing fee is $47 and the exam is open competitive. Applications are NOT accepted at any college HR department or at the 395 Hudson street location. Applicants are encouraged to apply via Exams Xpress.

BMCC Faculty and Staff Invited to Weight Watchers Meetings
All BMCC employees are invited to attend a no-obligation Weight Watchers meeting, February 3 from 2 to 2:30 p.m. in Room S-341 at 199 Chambers Street. Those who join online using Employer ID 11612222 by January 31 — and attend four meetings — receive a kick-start kit and are entered into a raffle. For more information, contact Lori Mazzola, lmazzola@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Office of Payroll Administration of NYC Provides W-2 Information
The W-2 Quick Reference Guide provides information to help CUNY employees better understand their W-2 statements, which report the amount of federal, state and other taxes withheld from a person's salaries and wages.

CUNY Employees: Mandatory Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Response Training New York State law requires full- and part-time faculty and staff to complete an annual online Employee Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Response Course (E-SPARC). Please log into CUNY Blackboard and find the E-SPARC training module at the My Organizations tab. For more information, contact Lori Mazzola, lmazzola@bmcc.cuny.edu or Maria Deckinger, mdeckinger@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Transitioning to Retirement? Seminars and Videos Help Clarify Health Benefits
BMCC employees planning for retirement are invited to view Transitioning to Retiree Health Benefits videos, Part One and Part Two.

CUNY Employees: Mandatory Workplace Violence Training New York State Law requires all full- and part-time faculty and staff to complete an annual online Workplace Violence Training by May 20, 2020. The course is available on CUNY Blackboard. Employees must also review the Campus Specific Information Supplement relating to each CUNY campus where they work. For help disabling pop-up blockers, contact Maria Deckinger, mdeckinger@bmcc.cuny.edu, (212) 220-1496 or Lori Mazzola, lmazzola@bmcc.cuny.edu, (212) 776-7063.

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!

Gifts of Stocks and Mutual Funds Are an Extremely Tax-Efficient Gifting Option
A gift of highly-appreciated securities offers you tax savings by avoiding the capital gains tax you’d owe if you sold the stock and then made the gift. Making a gift of appreciated stock allows you to take an income tax deduction for the full fair market value of the stock at the time of the gift, regardless of how much you paid for the shares when you bought them. (Stock should be owned for more than one year to qualify for the tax advantages.) Please contact Phillip Keefe, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving, (212) 346-8650, or pkeefe@bmcc.cuny.edu, for more information about donating appreciated stock to the BMCC Foundation. Your gift is an investment toward a better tomorrow for BMCC students. We are deeply grateful for your consideration and friendship.

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

Study Abroad and Scholarships Information Session January 31, February 6, February 11

Personal Tour of BMCC Campus for Future Students
February 5

Admissions and Financial Aid Information Session
February 6, February 11

Panther Pride

BMCC Baseball Tryouts: January 30 and 31

Women's Basketball Tripped Up by Hostos

Panthers Fall to Sharks on the Road

Bentinck Named CUNYAC Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week

Men's Basketball Game Against Hostos Moved to February 11

Monroe College Snaps BMCC's Three-Game Winning Streak, 91-85

Women’s Basketball, Upcoming Games 
Feb. 1 — BMCC vs. Nassau Community College (BMCC gym)
Feb. 4 — BMCC vs. Queensborough Community College (BMCC gym)
Feb. 8 — BMCC vs. Rockland Community College (BMCC gym)

Men’s Basketball, Upcoming Games
Feb. 1 — BMCC vs. Nassau Community College (BMCC gym)
Feb. 4 — BMCC vs. Queensborough Community College (BMCC gym)
Feb. 8 — BMCC vs. Rockland Community College (BMCC gym)

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.