May 7, 2020 FacebookTwitterInstagram
@BMCC

News

State

We Are all in This Together: State of the College Brings Shares Challenges and Highlights
BMCC Interim President Karrin E. Wilks delivered the 2020 State of the College address on May 5. The event was live-streamed from her office on the BMCC campus.

Logo BMCC Community Selects Mission and Vision Statement
As part of the 2020-2025 Strategic Planning process, nearly 1,000 faculty, staff, students and external partners over an 18-month period provided input on the college's strengths and areas for improvement. They also provided recommendations on a BMCC mission, vision and statement of values, and voted to choose between the existing mission statement and two proposed mission statements, as well as 14 values. To view the college's new Mission, Vision and Values statement, click here.
Give Back BMCC Students Give Back During COVID-19 Pandemic
From a busy Albany distribution center to a food bank in San Francisco, students from BMCC have been working or volunteering in a variety of ways to help frontline workers or vulnerable populations impacted by COVID-19.
Respiratory BMCC Respiratory Therapy Students Graduate Early to Help COVID-19 Patients
At a time when hospitals are treating three to five times more patients on ventilators, 18 BMCC Respiratory Therapy students have graduated early to join the effort in saving lives.
Finance

Future Finance Professional Lewis Welt Finds Opportunity and Acceptance at BMCC
BMCC Business Management major Lewis Welt is committed to supporting the economic stability of individuals who less well versed in finance. 

Announcements

Summer

Encourage Students to Register Now for Summer 2020, and Be Considered for a Tuition Waiver
BMCC Summer 2020 tuition waivers cover $210 per credit for eligible students. The Petrie Completion Waiver helps students who need up to two courses to complete their BMCC associate degree and have enrolled in a course that counts toward that degree, in one or both summer sessions starting May 26 and July 14. The STEM Waiver is for students who are NYC residents and a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or NYS Tap-Eligible (includes Dreamers), and it covers credit-bearing math, science, computer science or other courses that count toward a BMCC STEM degree in the session starting May 26 only. To receive either waiver, students must register by May 1 for classes starting May 26, and by June 15 for classes starting July 14. Waivers are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Students with questions should contact the Academic Advisement and Transfer Center: advisementandtransfer@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Bursar Holds Removed for BMCC Students
Students with Spring 2020 semester balances of $4,000 or less can now register for Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 semesters. (Please note: Balances prior to Spring 2020 must be paid in full to register.) Also, there will be no Bursar holds applied until after the start of the Fall 2020 semester, August 26. For more information, please contact Bursar@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Ballot Deadline EXTENDED TO MAY 11: Submit your BALLOT for the 2019-2020 Employee Appreciation Awards
BMCC students, faculty and staff can show their appreciation for staff (non-faculty) members who demonstrate outstanding achievement, performance and creativity 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 submitting a detailed nomination no later than May 11, 5 p.m.

RSVP Now for Virtual Entrepreneurial Summit: May 12
Faculty, students, alumni and staff are invited to RSVP for the 4th Annual Entrepreneurial Summit by the BMCC Business Management Department and set for May 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students and alumni can apply now to showcase their idea or business for a chance to win a business grant. The summit will present demo sessions and talks by business leaders. Participants can interact online and vote on student/alumni business ideas. For more information, contact Professor Shane Snipes at rsnipes@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Phishing and Spam Emails: What to Do
If you receive spam or phishing emails, please delete them immediately. Do not click on any link included in the email. If you already clicked on the link in the email, reset your password immediately. For step-by-step instructions,visit the Service Desk knowledge base, or reach out to (212) 220-8379 or servicedesk@bmcc.cuny.edu. 

COVID-19 Flexible Grading Policy
In the Spring 2020 semester, BMCC/CUNY students have the option to convert letter grades (A-F) to Credit/No Credit grading. The CUNY Board of Trustees approved this policy change in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more details, click here.

Vote NY Voter Registration Deadline Extended to May 29
The new voter registration deadline is May 29 and the presidential primary as well as several local elections has been pushed back to June 23. Take two minutes and register to vote at cuny.edu/vote.
Choir Virtual Choir Submissions Deadline Extended to May 31 
Join aspiring singers from around the world by recording and uploading a performance onto the CUNY Virtual Choir Project website, through May 31. The performances will be synced and blended and live-streamed later in Spring 2020.

COVID-19 Website Offers Information and Resources
The BMCC's COVID-19 Updates web page includes updates from CUNYFacilities ManagementFaculty Course Continuity ResourcesStudent Distance Learning and Services as well as messages from BMCC Interim President Karrin Wilks. To receive campus updates, update your contact information in CUNYfirst. The college will also send community notices through CUNY Alert text messages and updates are posted on BMCC’s FacebookTwitterInstagram and Linkedin.

Yes STUDENTS: The Virtual Learning Resource Center Is Available for Assistance
The BMCC Learning Resource Center (LRC) provides online tutoring, academic coaching and other services. Through Upswing, students can meet with certified tutors. They can also meet one-on-one with an academic coach committed to their success. Faculty can access the LRC's Online Services Orientation, for an online demo of virtual LRC services for students. The LRC is ready to help students of all majors feel confident about their distance learning experience.

Compliance and Diversity Policies: Diversity Is our Strength
BMCC remains committed to the safety, equity and inclusion of students, faculty and staff. BMCC policies protect equal educational and employment opportunity and prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. These policies may also apply to online and off-campus incidents. BMCC community members who have experienced or witnessed unlawful discrimination and harassment can report it to the Office of Compliance and Diversity.

NYC Well Offers Counseling Assistance
In this stressful time, NYC Well offers free apps, brief counseling and referrals for care assistance in more than 200 languages. BMCC faculty, staff and students can contact NYC Well’s confidential 24/7 helpline staffed by trained counselors at (888) 692-9355. They can also text "WELL" to 65173, or reach help via Chat.

BMCC Community Encouraged to Participate in U.S. Census
BMCC students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in the 2020 U.S. Census. An accurate count of all New Yorkers is crucial to securing the state's fair share of more than $650 billion in available federal funds for schools, pell grants, hospitals, food stamps and numerous other programs.  To participate in the Census, click here.

Campus Planning and Facilities

Building

Limited Building Access
The Office of Campus Planning and Facilities is unable to accommodate individual requests for access to BMCC campus buildings. Thank you for your cooperation. Please follow the Governor’s directive to stay home and help us stop the spread of this deadly virus.

Enrollment

Yes STUDENTS: Admissions, Financial Aid and Enrollment Services Is Available Online for Assistance
Students can explore online the many admissions and enrollment resources BMCC has to offer, and they are welcome to reach out by email, phone or text. The web page also links to staff members who can help them make their college dreams a reality.
Registration

Weekly Virtual Admissions Information Sessions
Whether it’s a prospective student getting a jump start on the college selection process, or an admitted student with follow-up questions, students can tune in via Zoom on Thursdays at 6 p.m. to learn more about academic and success programs at BMCC from an admissions representative.

Live Help Virtual Chat with a Campus Tour Guide
While COVID-19 might prevent our traditional on-campus tours, college tour guides are available virtually via Zoom on Tuesdays at 3 p.m. to engage students in a conversation about the BMCC experience.

Summer and Fall 2020 Registration Is Open
Please encourage students to continue on their path to success and register for the Summer and Fall 2020 semesters. Things to know: All students must meet virtually with their advisor before registering. Students can use Schedule Builder on CUNYfirst to create a schedule and register for classes. For more information, visit the Registration page, or contact Academic Advisement: eadvisement@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Say Hello to the Admissions Office on Social Media
We appreciate your likes, follows and thumbs up. 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat

Making Headlines

Music Professor Henrique Eisenmann featured in story about musicians performing virtually for hospital patients
May 3—New York Times

BMCC Early Childhood Center featured in video about distance learning during COVID-19
April 28—World Forum Foundation

BMCC Early Childhood Center featured in article about colleges weathering COVID-19 outbreak
May 6—Education Dive

Human Resources

HR

Information Sessions for College Assistants and Blue Collar
Human Resources will be hosting two more information sessions via Zoom on the dates below.  To ensure HR can address as many questions as possible, there are a limited number of slots available per session. To reserve a spot, RSVP to officeofhumanresources@bmcc.cuny.edu.  Please include the session you would like to attend in your RSVP.

College Assistants
Thursday, May 7, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Blue Collar Staff
Tuesday, May 12, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Instructions for Having Paychecks Mailed
Starting in June, employees who do not have direct deposit and would like checks mailed, please provide the Bursars office with several self-addressed stamped envelopes. Please send the stamped envelopes to the "Bursar-Payroll Distribution Unit," 199 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007. Please consider signing up for Direct Deposit at this link, and email the form with required documents to officeofhumanresources@bmcc.cuny.edu

Sign up for Direct Deposit and Suspend Your Transit Benefits
Now might be a good time to have your paycheck deposited directly into your bank account. Also, if you are not commuting to work, consider suspending your payroll-deducted transit benefits. To get started, complete the Direct Deposit form, Transit Benefit form and/or Park and Ride form and send to officeofhumanresources@bmcc.cuny.edu.

COVID-related FAQs Provides Updates and Contact Information
A resource document, HR COVID-19 FAQs provides information related to direct deposit, transit benefits, college assistants, full-time classified staff and more. For more HR-related pandemic information, visit the Human Resources website.

Alumni and Donors

Emergency

DONATE NOW: COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund Enables Students to Continue Their Education
The COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund at BMCC can help students overcome hardship and move forward with their educational goals. To make a donation, please click here. For corporate donations and matching gifts, please contact Ana Fernandez at AFernandez@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Panel May 7: Alumni Panel, Social Work Month Is Every Month
Join in for a virtual alumni panel on May 7, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and hear the stories of BMCC alumni who have earned their bachelor’s in social work (B.S.W.) and Masters in Social Work (M.S.W.) degrees and are working in the field. Talk with BMCC graduates who have transferred to B.S.W. and human services programs, and learn how the pandemic is affecting the social work profession. Click here to register

Use your IRA-Qualified Charitable Distribution to Help During this Time of Student Need
The CARES Act of March 2020 waives the requirement for IRA owners to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) in 2020. However, the Qualified Charitable Distribution allowance (QCD), for donors 70½ or older is still in force, and the annual limit remains at $100,000. This means that at age 70½, you can still help students and use your IRA to make a QCD of up to $100,000 for the year. 

New Charitable Deduction for Non-Itemizers
Taxpayers who take the standard deduction rather than itemizing their deductions will nevertheless be able to claim a charitable deduction of up to $300 for cash donations made in 2020. Only cash gifts are entitled to the $300 deduction. Gifts of stocks, clothes, vehicles and land are not eligible. Please contact Phillip Keefe, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving (212) 346-8650 or pkeefe@bmcc.cuny.edu for more information. We are deeply grateful for your support.

Bragg, Anderson Naming Opportunities Send a Message of Support to Students, When They Return to Campus 
In recent years, 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 commitment to BMCC students — many of whom have had their educations disrupted by a global pandemic — we have established memorial funds in support of naming opportunities on the BMCC campus. Make a donation today and select a memorial fund under the “Designation” option. Your name and visual message of hope could inspire students when they eventually return to campus.

Calendar

Online Free Workshop: Introduction to Microsoft Word (Students Only)
May 9

Online Free Workshop: Adobe Photoshop (Students Only)
May 11

14th Annual Entrepreneurial Summit (Online)
May 12

Admissions Spotlight on Majors: Explore Modern Languages
May 12

Virtual Group Tours for Schools and Community Organizations
May 13

Connect with BMCC

Twitter Discussion Twitter Discussion
   
Facebook Discussion Facebook Discussion

@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.

Borough of Manhattan Community College
Office of Public Affairs
245 Greenwich Street
(212) 346-8501
The City University of New York