College-Wide Forum Updates Community on Designing for Success Initiative
A day-long forum in the Fiterman Conference Center provided updates on BMCC's Designing for Success initiative, which is part of the BMCC Strategic Plan, 2015-2020. Breakout sessions focused on improving equity at the college and how to build student success.

Shirley Fiterman Art Center BMCC and Lehman College, CUNY are presenting Mediums of Exchange, a two-part art exhibition which featured a reception on February 6 at 6 p.m. in BMCC's Shirley Fiterman Art Center. A reception will be held at Lehman College on February 9. (At left: Mark Wagner, Tentacular, 2015, currency collage on panel, 46 x 36 inches, detail. Courtesy of the artist and Pavel Zoubok Fine Art, NY.)

Save the Date: 2019 BMCC Foundation Gala May 16
The BMCC Foundation 2019 Gala—Invest in a Future, Celebrate Success—is scheduled for May16 at Cipriani, 25 Broadway in lower Manhattan. This year's honorees are Tim Gokey, CEO of Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc., and the Herbert and Audrey Rosenfield Fund. The emcee is Baruch Shemtov of Fox 5 News. For more information, contact Tracie Basch at (646) 483-8018 or tracie@baschproductions.com.

Professor Leigh Claire La Berge Named CUNY Fellow BMCC English Professor Leigh Claire La Berge has been named a Distinguished CUNY Fellow by the Advanced Research Collaborative at the CUNY Graduate School and University Center. "I will spend Spring 2020 working on a book which will examine the role of the humanities in generating funding for universities—contrary to popular opinion, the humanities generate more revenue than the sciences, yet continue to be undervalued by universities which are increasingly focused on STEM fields," La Berge says of her research project.

BMCC Commons: Closing Achievement Gaps The Spring 2019 Commons is now available online. This issues features stories of faculty and staff who are strengthening students outcomes from enrollment to graduation, through a college-initiative, Designing for Success. This issue also highlights faculty artists, grant-funded research projects, and the legacy of alumni. BMCC Commons is produced by the Office of Public Affairs.

BMCC Students Present Research at Joint Mathematics Meeting
BMCC students Adama Sene, Gianni Watts, Min Shin Khant, and Elvin Shoyfer presented research posters at the 2019 Joint Mathematics Meeting (JMM) in Baltimore on January 18. The students, working under the mentorship of Mathematics Professor Chris McCarthy, were among the more than 5,800 participants at the conference.

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 sponsored by Spectrum NY1 and the New York City Campaign Finance Board. Errol Louis of NY1 will moderate the event. The special election to elect New York City’s next public advocate will be held February 26. For more information and to RSVP, contact Douglas Israel at disrael@bmcc.cuny.edu or (212) 220-8067.

February Is African Heritage Month
BMCC will celebrate the 2019 African Heritage Month—Intersections in the Diaspora—with events planned throughout February. An opening ceremony, Africa United, was held February 6 at 199 Chambers Street and featured African drumming, art and dance, as well as African and Caribbean food. For information on upcoming events, visit the African Heritage Month webpage.

BMCC Students Invited to Student Parent Resources Fair​ The Pathways for Expecting and Parenting Students (PEPS) program at BMCC welcomes students to a Student Parent Resources Fair on February 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 199 Chambers Street, Richard Harris Terrace. PEPS supports expectant and student parents with referrals to services including child care, counseling, health care, nutritional counseling, Single Stop services, MetroCards, parenting workshops and much more. PEPS staff is available to assist students Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Single Stop Office, Room S-230, 199 Chambers Street. For more information, contact Shirlgandy Saint-Jean, ssaintjean@bmcc.cuny.edu or (212) 776-6403.

Free Meditation Course for CUNY Community Can Help Reduce Stress and More
The CUNY Office of Student Affairs has launched a partnership with The 10-Minute Mind, a service that provides a free mindfulness meditation course to students, faculty and staff. Research shows that mindfulness meditation reduces stress and improves memory, sleep, focus and academic performance. Sign up and try out mindfulness meditation for a week, a month or the entire semester.

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.

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 began 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 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.

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 February 25. If you have questions, please call Manny Romero, Executive Director of Public Affairs, at (212) 220-1238.

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.

Admissions Spring 2019 Open House: Saturday, March 23
Do you have family/friend who is interested in going to college? Invite them to the BMCC Admissions Open House on Saturday, March 23 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at 199 Chambers St., to learn about academic programs, financial aid options, student services, special programs and how/when to apply. RSVP at www.bmcc.cuny.edu/openhouse. For more info, contact the Admissions Office at (212) 220-1265.

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: @bmccadmissions Instagram: @bmccadmissions

Eight things to watch at upcoming public advocate debate at BMCC
Feb. 6— Gotham Gazette

Baruch College student government elects BMCC alumna VP of legislative affairs
Feb. 4—The Ticker (Baruch)

Highlights in Jazz concert series coming in spring to BMCC TPAC
Feb. 4—Broadway World

BMCC alumna Cardi B’s high school teacher defends the entertainer’s political outspokenness
Feb. 4—Hello Giggles

BMCC African History month events featured
Feb. 3—Campus News

CUNY Holidays: February 12 and 18
Tuesday, February 12 (Lincoln's Birthday), and Monday, February 18 (President's Day) are CUNY holidays for most BMCC employees. For more information, visit the CUNY Employee Holiday and Annual Leave Periods handout.

Meet With a TIAA Representative on Campus Faculty and staff can schedule an appointment with a representative from TIAA at various dates through June. For more information, call (800) 732-8353 or visit a session schedule.

All BMCC Employees Required to Complete Workplace Violence Prevention Training
All BMCC faculty and staff must complete an annual Workplace Violence Prevention Training by registering through CUNY Blackboard. Part-time employees must complete the course before the end of the Spring 2019 semester. Full-time employees must complete the course by July 31, 2019. After completing the course, and while still in Blackboard, employees must review the Campus Specific Information Supplement on workplace violence risk factors that may be present at their work location. Those employed at multiple campuses are required to review the supplement for each location at which they work. For more information or if you prefer to complete the training in a classroom setting, contact BMCC WVP Training Coordinator Maria Deckinger, mdeckinger@bmcc.cuny.edu or (212) 220-1496.

Deferred Compensation Plan Counselor on Campus
Faculty and staff interested in meeting with a New York State 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 Human Resources, 199 Chambers Street, Room S-717.

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 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 8

Blood Drive: Help Save Lives
February 11

Career Center: Nice to Meet You! Networking Basics
February 13

Fit Mind Series: Improve Your Relationships
February 14

	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

Alex Humphreys Drops 32 in Overtime Loss

Women's Basketball
Feb. 9: BMCC vs. Bronx Community College (BMCC gym)
Feb. 19: BMCC vs. Suffolk CountyCommunity College (Selden, NY)

Men's Basketball
Feb. 9: BMCC vs. Rockland County Community College (BMCC gym)
Feb. 19: BMCC vs. Suffolk County Community College (Selden, 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.