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 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.

BMCC Partners With Amazon for AWS Certification Program Starting in Fall 2019, BMCC’s Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development will offer new learning opportunities in one of the biggest software growth areas—cloud computing—an increasingly popular online-based technology that is used for data analytics and file storage. The certification program is the result of an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Educate partnership with BMCC. "The purpose of the project is to create a pathway so that students, graduates and employees can take advantage of tech opportunities in the New York City area, and join companies that may spin off from Amazon’s HQ2," said Sunil Gupta, Dean of BMCC’s Center for Continuing Education and Workforce development.“

Save the Date: 2019 BMCC Foundation Gala May 16
The BMCC Foundation 2019 Gala—Invest in a Future, Celebrate Success—is scheduled for May 16 at Cipriani, 25 Broadway in lower Manhattan. This year's honorees will be Tim Gokey, CEO of Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc., and the Herbert and Audrey Rosenfield Fund. For more information, contact Tracie Basch at (646) 483-8018 or tracie@baschproductions.com.

DREAMers Scholarships: Deadline February 28
BMCC alumnus José Perez immigrated to the United States in search of a better life. BMCC and the Dream.US scholarship were there to help. Learn more about applying for the THEDREAM.US Scholarship, deadline February 28.

February Is African Heritage Month
BMCC will celebrate the 2019 African Heritage Month—Intersections in the Diaspora— with special events planned throughout the month of February. The year’s opening ceremony is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. on February 6 in the student cafeteria at 199 Chambers Street. The theme of this year’s ceremony is Africa United and it will feature African drumming, African art and dance performances as well as African and Caribbean food. For more information on upcoming events, visit the African Heritage Month webpage.

January 31: Mediums of Exchange Opens at Shirley Fiterman Art Center
BMCC and Lehman College, CUNY will present Mediums of Exchange, a two-part art exhibition opening first on January 31, with a reception on February 6 at 6 p.m. in BMCC's Shirley Fiterman Art Center, and then on February 9 at Lehman College. (Shown above: Moyra Davey, Copperheads 101-200, 2013. Courtesy the artist, Janice Guy, New York and greengrassi, London)

BMCC Hosting NYC Public Advocate Debate February 20
Students, faculty and staff are invited to a live televised debate between candidates for New York City public advocate on February 20 at 7 p.m. in Theater 1 at 199 Chambers Street. The debate is being sponsored Spectrum NY1 and the New York City Campaign Finance Board. NY1’s Errol Louis will moderate the event. The special election to elect New York City’s next public advocate will be held February 26. For more information about the debate and to RSVP, contact Douglas Israel at disrael@bmcc.cuny.edu or (212) 220-8067.

BMCC Offers All-Gender Restrooms
These single-user restrooms have been given new signage, officially identifying them as all-gender restrooms and facilitating a safer environment for all members of our college community, regardless of gender identity or expression. These restrooms can be accessed without a key or ID card. The all-gender restrooms are located on 3 South, 4 North and the Lower Level of Theatre I in the Chambers Street building, and on the 3rd floor of the Murray Street building.

February 1: Community College Career Fair Presents Faculty Job Openings BMCC will host a Career Fair featuring associate degree-granting institutions on February 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Representatives from colleges across the New York City region will be in attendence to discuss full-time and part-time faculty and professional staff openings.

Free Tax Preparation Available to BMCC Community
BMCC students, faculty and staff who have a pre-tax household income at or below $54,000 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 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays; 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 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.

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.

Forensic Linguistics Conference February 1
BMCC will host the Forensic Linguistics Conference February 1 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. in Room N-452 at 199 Chambers Street. The event will feature a number of speakers and panel discussions. For more information and to RSVP, visit the event's webpage.

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 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.​ CUNY Arts has also announced that BMCC students can gain free admission to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

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.

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. 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 has launched three social media accounts. Stop by online and say hi! We appreciate your likes, follows and thumbs up. Facebook: @admissions Twitter: @bmccadmissionsInstagram: @bmccadmissions

Student whose father was impacted by government shutdown postpones enrollment
January 24—NBC News

Candidates qualify for upcoming NY1-sponsored public advocate debate at BMCC
January 29—Gotham Gazette

Theatre Professor Tariq Hamami wins Bauer Boucher Playwriting Award
January 29—NJ.COM

TIAA Representative on Campus Faculty and staff can visit with a representative from TIAA at various dates through June. For more information, contact 1-800-732-8353. Complete schedule of visits (PDF)

All BMCC Employees Required to Complete Workplace Violence Prevention Training
All BMCC faculty and staff have been registered for Workplace Violence Prevention Training provided by The City University of New York and available at CUNY Blackboard. New York State Law requires employees to complete this training upon hire, and then at least annually thereafter. Part time employees must complete the course before the end of the semester. Full time employee must complete this course by July 31, 2019. Registration instructions can be found at CUNY Blackboard. New York State Law also requires that employees be informed of workplace violence risk factors that may be present at their work locations. This information is presented in every Campus Specific Information Supplement. Upon completion of the basic course, employees must review the Campus Specific Information Supplement which is accessible via Blackboard. Those employed at multiple campuses are required to review violence for each location where they work. For more information of instructions campus Workplace Violence Prevention (WVP) Training Administrator Maria Deckinger via email: mdeckinger@bmcc.cuny.edu or by phone at 212.220.1496

Deferred Compensation Plan Counselor on Campus
Faculty and staff interested in meeting with a NYS Deferred Compensation Plan counselor on campus, please RSVP online.

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.

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 Alumni Champion?
BMCC Alumni 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 Alumni Champions by sending your information to us online. For more information, contact Yartiza Gonzales, (212) 346-8455 or ygonzalez@bmcc.cuny.edu.

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).

DACA and TPS Students: Apply for THEDREAM.US Scholarship
February 1- February 26

African Heritage Film Screening; Detroit
February 1

Moneyworks Workshop: Money Can't Buy Me Love
February 6

Writing Across Curriculum Day
February 6

	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

Quran Dublin Reaches 1000 Point Milestone

Lauren Malcolm Earns CUNYAC Rookie of the Week

CUNYAC Community College Men's Basketball Report, Week 11

Women's Basketball
Feb. 2: BMCC vs. Nassau Community College (Garden City, NY)
Feb. 5: BMCC vs. Queensborough Community College (Bayside, NY)
Feb. 9: BMCC vs. Rockland Community College (BMCC gym)

Men's Basketball
Feb. 2: BMCC vs. Nassau Community College (Garden City, NY)
Feb. 5: BMCC vs. Queensborough Community College (Bayside, NY)
Feb. 9: BMCC vs. Rockland Community College (BMCC gym)

@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.