February 13, 2020 FacebookTwitterInstagram
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News

Wilks President’s Advisory on Student Learning and Success: Deadline February 14
If you are engaged in research on BMCC or community college students — or have data on your program’s impact on student success — and would like to serve on the President’s Advisory on Student Learning and Success Research, please email 1) your name and title, 2) a brief description of your research and 3) a citation for a related publication or link to a presentation to President@bmcc.cuny.edu no later than February 14. The advisory will meet twice per semester to recommend program evaluation priorities and strategies, provide feedback on how to improve student learning and success, encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration, and develop ways to recognize faculty and staff research on student learning and success.
Campus

BMCC Joins IEBC Caring Campus Initiative to Strengthen Student Engagement and Success
On February 7, a kickoff meeting to mark BMCC’s participation in the Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC), Caring Campus initiative took place in the Fiterman Hall Conference Center. More than 30 BMCC staff from Student Affairs, Administration and Planning, Institutional Effectiveness and Analytics, Public Affairs, Sponsored Programs and other departments gathered to learn about the initiative and ways to support it through their role at the college.

CUNY Votes Summit at BMCC: February 21
BMCC students are invited to join NYC Votes and CUNY student groups for an intensive summit on February 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 199 Chambers Street. The event will focus on student voter engagement and organizing. Student and campus leaders across CUNY will gather for speakers, workshops and breakout sessions on organizing skills, adaptive leadership, issues-based organizing, voter rights and more. The summit, which will kick off the NYC Votes x CUNY "Pledge to Vote" campaign, will also feature speakers from NYPIRG and the Roosevelt Institute, as well as attorney and CUNY professor Frank Deale, with more civic leaders to be announced. Students can RSVP directly here.

Announcements

MetroCard

BMCC/CUNY Monitors Coronavirus
BMCC and CUNY are monitoring an outbreak caused by the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), a respiratory tract illness that presents flu-like symptoms. The virus was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. CUNY continues to provide updates, following guidance from 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. Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of germs to others. The CDC recommends cleaning hands in a specific way: Watch the video to learn more. Members of the BMCC community can contact Penny Jordan, nurse in Health Services, Room N-380 at 199 Chambers Street, (212) 220-8256. Visit  BMCC Health Services to learn more about Resources on Coronavirus or read Frequently Asked Questions.

Mediums Singers Wanted: BMCC Creating CUNY's First Virtual Choir
BMCC is creating CUNY's first user-generated virtual choir. Singers from around the world can record and upload their individual performances onto the CUNY Virtual Choir Project website through March 31. Those performances will be synced and blended with a live BMCC choral performance and live-streamed in May. For instructions on how to record and upload onto the virtual choir website, click here.
Mediums February Is African Heritage Month
BMCC will celebrate African Heritage Month throughout February with events that include a Black Entrepreneur Panel scheduled February 19 and featuring Damian Smikle, BMCC alumnus and co-founder/managing partner at Community Blooming Realty; Al-Jabbar Riddle, Esq., principal consultant at Riddle Compliance; Terrell Brown, chief investment officer and CEO of the Sports Marketing Division at Loyalty Alliance; Gaelle Mair, BMCC alumna and managing director at UCare Staffing, and Keenan Charles, BMCC alumnus and co-founder at Black Petal Theatre Group. To learn more, visit the African Heritage Month webpage.
Mediums “Group Dynamic: BMCC Art Faculty Show” Showcases Work in a Wide Range of Mediums
On February 19 from 5 to 7 p.m., a reception in the Shirley Fiterman Art Center (SFAC) at 81 Barclay Street will celebrate BMCC faculty artwork showcased in “Group Dynamic: BMCC Art Faculty Show.” In tandem with the exhibition, a BMCC faculty music recital will take place on February 26 at 2 p.m. at the SFAC. Artwork shown: Simon Carr, Falling Figure, 2019, Acrylic on canvas, 56 x 56 inches
METROCARD Fair Fares Program Provides MetroCard Discounts for Eligible New Yorkers
Eligible BMCC students are invited to apply for Fair Fares NYC for a 50 percent discount on their subway and bus fare. The program was created by Mayor Bill de Blasio and members of the City Council to assist low-income New Yorkers. 
Transactions 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.
CITH 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.
Tax 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.
Research 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!  
CITH 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.
Workstudy 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.

Workshop: Create or Update Your Faculty Page
A new BMCC website platform makes it easier for full- and part-time faculty to promote their publications, grant awards and current projects through their faculty home page. At this hands-on workshop facilitated by Cynthia Blayer, BMCC web content manager, faculty will learn to access and edit their page. Also, a photographer will be on hand so participants can update their profile photo. The workshop will be offered February 27 from 2 to 3 p.m., March 18 from 1 to 2 p.m. and April 21 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please sign up online. For more information, contact Cynthia Blayer, (212) 346-8531.

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

Cares Reminder to Take Care of Facilities
BMCC has completed bathroom renovations in the 199 Chambers Street Building, as part of a critical capital project led by BMCC’s Office of Buildings and Grounds. All bathrooms at BMCC are now ADA compliant and reflect sustainability practices that are cost-effective and protect our environment. BMCC reminds students, faculty and staff not to flush: baby wipes, cleaning wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, tissues or trash of any kind in our toilets. Let’s take care of our facilities together!
Lounge 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 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 malfunctions. 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.”

Enrollment

Destination

Destination: BMCC Spring 2020 Open House on Saturday, March 21
Is your family member or friend interested in going to college? Invite them to the BMCC Admissions Open House on March 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 199 Chambers Street to sit in on a class of interest, meet with BMCC students, tour the campus, learn about financial aid, student services, success programs and how to apply. Here are 8 more reasons to attend. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at (212) 220-1265.

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
February 16: Course Withdrawal Drop (WD) period ends
February 16: Last day to change a major to be effective for Spring 2020
February 16: Last day to drop with 25% tuition refund
February 16: Verification of enrollment rosters due from faculty
February 17: President's Day, COLLEGE CLOSED, NO CLASSES
February 17: Course withdrawal period begins
February 24: Last day to apply for Spring 2020 graduation
February 26: "WA" Grades Assigned for Immunization non-compliance

Making Headlines

BMCC used as example in article about tuition loan cost discrepancies
February 9 — Moneyweb, The Nation Thailand, BNN Bloomberg

Human Resources

Webinar – Banishing Burnout: How to Identify and Cope with Chronic Stress at Work
Burnout can be a serious threat to mental health. Join the BMCC Human Resources department on February 26 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. for an interactive webinar on how to identify signs of burnout and manage chronic stress at work. Register here.

Civil Service Exam Open for Campus Peace Officer: Application Due Feb. 28
Job seekers can now file to take the Campus Peace Officer Exam No. 2060. The filing fee is $47 and the exam is open competitive. Applications and official documents must be received (not postmarked) by February 28 at 5 p.m. Applications are NOT accepted at any college HR department or at the 395 Hudson Street location. Applicants are encouraged to apply via Exams Xpress. Applicants may call CPS HR Consulting, (866) 864-1072, option 5, for more information.

Office of Payroll Administration of NYC Provides W-2 Information
The W-2 Quick Reference Guide helps CUNY employees better understand their W-2 statements, which report the federal, state and other taxes withheld from their salaries and wages.

ESparc 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.

Violence 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

Bragg, Anderson 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 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

Nicole Shelley Nicole's blaKbushe: Hindsight Is 2020
February 14

Fit Mind Workshop: Adjusting to College
February 18

Coffee, Startups and Innovation (on Wall Street)
February 19

Panther Pride

Game

Malcolm and Preston Combine to Set New BMCC Single-Game Program Record as Women's Basketball Holds Off Rockland CC

Terrance McBride's Career-High 33 not Enough as Rockland CC Upends Men's Basketball

Mens Basketball Schedule
February 19: BMCC vs. Bronx Community College (BMCC gym)

Women's Basketball Schedule
February 18: BMCC vs. Kingsborough Community College (BMCC gym)

Connect with BMCC

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The City University of New York