BMCC One of Three Two-Year Colleges Nationwide Named to Cohort
BMCC has been included in the inaugural cohort of the First Forward Institutions, an initiative of the Center for First-generation Student Success. BMCC was one of just three two-year institutions among 80 colleges and universities nationwide that was selected to join the cohort.

BMCC Holds NSLS Induction Ceremony
BMCC inducted 534 students into the college’s chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) on May 3 in Theatre 1 at 199 Chambers Street. This is the first year for BMCC’s NSLS chapter. Students are screened by GPA and leadership potential.They must have completed at least six credits within one semester. BMCC now has one of the largest NSLS first-year chapters in the nation, according to BMCC chapter Co-Advisor Denise DellaPorta, student life specialist for peer mentoring and success. The NSLS is the largest leadership honor society in the nation.

Modern Languages Professor Receives CUNY Award Professor Ángeles Donoso Macaya was awarded the 2018 CUNY Book Completion Award for her forthcoming book, The Insubordination of Photography, University Press of Florida, 2020 during a ceremony May 15 at the CUNY Graduate Center. Macaya's book is the first to analyze how various collectives, organizations and independent media used photography to expose and protest the crimes of Pinochet’s authoritarian regime.

BMCC Hosts 54th Commencement: May 31
On May 31, BMCC's 54th commencement will present two ceremonies at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden – one in the morning, and one in the afternoon. The 54th Commencement Presidential Medal honorees are Margaret Chin, Council member for the 1st District of the New York City Council (D) and Bill Fisse, Managing Director, Institutional Clients Group, Citi. The Morning Ceremony will feature Accounting, Business Management, Computer Information Systems, Teacher Education, English, Health Education, Mathematics, Media Arts and Technology, Science, Speech, Communications and Theatre Arts, Music and Art and Modern Languages majors. The Afternoon Ceremony will feature Liberal Arts, Allied Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Human Services and Criminal Justice, and Nursing majors. For more information visit the BMCC website or call the Office of Student Affairs at (212) 220-8130.

BMCC Employee Appreciation Awards, June 7
The BMCC Community is invited to the 2019 BMCC Employee Appreciation Awards ceremony and reception. The nominations are in and the winners will be announced on June 7 at 10:30 a.m. in Theater 1, 199 Chambers Street.

Call for Volunteers: Commencement Production Assistants BMCC staff members interested in serving as Production Assistants at the college's 54th Commencement Ceremonies on May 31 at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden are invited to RSVP online by April 26, selecting either a morning (8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) or afternoon (1:30 to 6:30 p.m.) shift. Production Assistant meetings will be held at 199 Chambers Street in Room N-451 on May 14 at 10 a.m., and May 16 at 2 p.m. For more information, contact Katherine Bedoya, kbedoya@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Emergency Funds Available to Students From Petrie Foundation
BMCC has received funds from the Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation to offer emergency grants to eligible students who are facing short-term emergencies. Please encourage students who can demonstrate need and who are facing an unexpected emergency to apply for the Petrie Grant. Applicants will be asked to complete certain requirements before they may be eligible to receive grant funding and all grant requests require documentation. While Petrie grants will not be given for tuition cost, college debts or legal representation, we encourage students to visit the Single Stop office to discuss their concerns. To find out more and to access the application, students may visit Single Stop online or stop by in Room S-230 at 199 Chambers Street.

Workshops for Full-time and Adjunct Faculty: Create a Faculty Page
Learn how to access and edit your faculty page on BMCC's new website platform.
We will have a photographer on hand to take headshots, as well as Librarian Jean Amaral doing a segment on faculty publications. Class will take place on June 12 from 3 to 4 p.m. or on June 18 from 3 to 4 p.m., both in Room S-510D (CETLS). Contact cetls@bmcc.cuny.edu to RSVP for a workshop.

BMCC and Weight Watchers Will Host an Open House and Raffle: May 20
Faculty and staff are invited to attend a free open house and raffle on May 20 in Room S-341 at 199 Chambers Street from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. You do not need to be a current Weight Watchers member to attend. Sample Weight Watchers topics: What's for Dinner?, Meal Prep for the Work Week and Healthy Eating on the Road. There is no RSVP for the open house. For more information or to suggest topics for the open house, please contact Lori Mazzola, lmazzola@bmcc.cuny.edu.

BMCC Upgrades Charging Stations
BMCC has upgraded its charging stations at 199 Chambers Street to meet the needs of students, faculty and staff. As technology continues to evolve, more members of the BMCC community are highly dependent on communication by cell phones and tablets. BMCC’s upgraded charging stations have been placed at S-130A, N-450, N-430, N-466, N-480, S-530, S-533, N-561, N-580, N-598, S-613, N-662, N-679, N-698 and N-777. For more information, contact Information Resources and Technology, (212) 220-8360.

Save the Date: Civil Service Employee Recognition Day, June 12
The BMCC community is invited to a special luncheon in Richard Harris Terrace at 199 Chambers Street, to honor Civil Service Classified Staff who have served for 20 or more years. Seating is limited, so please RSVP by May 24 to Maria Deckinger, mdeckinger@bmcc.cuny.edu

Guidelines for Posters and Flyers on Campus The Office of Public Affairs consults with BMCC departments, offices, faculty and staff to promote events and initiatives in an effective manner, reaching audiences on multiple platforms. Learn how to maximize college resources including the @BMCC e-newsletter, TV monitors, BMCC calendar and social media.

Summer 2019 STEM Tuition Waiver
BMCC is offering tuition waivers to eligible students who enroll in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) courses in Summer 2019. To be eligible, a student must be matriculated at BMCC, a New York City resident, and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at the time the waiver is applied. For more information visit the Academic Advisement and Transfer Center, Room S-108, 199 Chambers Street, or email advisementandtransfer@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Faculty Invited to Participate in COACHE Job Satisfaction Survey
Full-time faculty are invited to participate in the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) job satisfaction survey. Data collected by COACHE gives voice to faculty about the successes and struggles of working in academia. By participating in the study, faculty will have an opportunity to share their perspective about working at BMCC and CUNY in a secure and confidential manner. Faculty will receive an email with a personalized link to the survey. For more information, visit the COACHE survey page.

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, 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 Website Faculty Pages Guide Available
The Office of Public Affairs has installed WordPress—a content management system which will make BMCC website use easier for faculty and staff—and is scheduling training sessions with liaisons from BMCC offices and departments on the use of this system. In addition, BMCC faculty can now access and update their Faculty Pages, using the Faculty Page Guide found on the BMCC Faculty and Staff Resource webpage. If you have questions, please call Manny Romero, Executive Director of Public Affairs, (212) 220-1238.

What is BMCC's Graduation Rate?
BMCC’s most recent graduation rate—based on students starting in Fall 2015—was 22.7 percent, according to data reported in the college’s Enrollment, Retention, and Completion Report, starting at page 35. Typically, the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Analytics examines completion rates within three years that are then broken down by full-time status, success-cohort, academic major, gender and ethnicity. The Enrollment Retention Completion Report is also available on request in Excel. Please contact Musa Elbulok at melbulok@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Summer and Fall 2019 Registration Is Open
Please encourage students to continue on their path to success and register for the summer and fall 2019 semesters. All students must meet with their advisor before registering. Students can register on CUNYfirst or visit Lab Services in Room S-114.

A few important dates:
Continuing Students Advisement Deadline – June 17
In-Person Registration – Week of August 12
First Day of Fall 2019 Classes – August 27

For more information, visit the Registration page, contact Academic Advisement in Room S-108 or call (212) 220-8315.

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, check the Admissions website​, or contact the Admissions Office, (212) 220-1265.

Say Hello to the Admissions Office on Social Media
The BMCC Admissions Office has launched new social media accounts. Stop by online and say hi! We appreciate your likes, follows and thumbs up. Facebook: @bmccadmissions Twitter: @bmccadmissions Instagram: @bmccadmissions Snapchat:@explorebmcc

BMCC Professor Tiffany Schreane weighs in on Google features
May 16, 2019—CMS Wire

Year Up cohort program to expand to Hudson County Community College
May 15—Times Union

Rosenfield Family to be honored at ceremony
May 13, 2019—Morningstar, Forex TV, Benzinga, Globe Newswire

Public Affairs staffer Lynn McGee's new book reviewed
May 13, 2019—Indolent Books blog

Public Affairs staff Cody Lyon's op-ed featured
May 10, 2019—Truthout

E-Learning Director Christopher Medellin publishes op-ed
May 9, 2019—University Business

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

Mandatory Workplace Violence Prevention Training: Classroom Session May 28
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 by the end of the Spring 2019 semester; full-time employees by July 31.A classroom session will be held May 28 in Room S-341 at 199 Chambers Street. To RSVP, please contact Maria Deckinger, mdeckinger@bmcc.cuny.edu or (212) 220-1496.

Deer Oaks EAP Now Offers Phone and Video Counseling As part of BMCC's Employee Assistance Program, Deer Oaks offers organizational training and skills development, crisis management, wellness services and other services including video, structured telephonic and in-person counseling services. Employees can schedule calls with a counselor in advance by calling (855) 492-3633 or emailing eap@deeroaks.com.

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.

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).

Workshop: How to Get Money for College
May 17

Coffee and Conversation: Learn About Entrepreneurship
May 21

BMCC Continuing Education Open House
May 21

Year Up Information Session
May 22

	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

Make a Splash! Welcome to the Community Swim Program
The BMCC swimming pool has been renovated and is ready to welcome community swimmers, ages 18 and up. Lockers are available. Bring your own lock and towel. Entrances are at 199 Chambers Street and 77 Harrison Street. For fees and registration, contact the BMCC Athletic Department, (212) 220-8260 or the BMCC Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development, (212) 346-8410.

Certified Lifeguards Needed
If you are interesting in becoming a lifeguard at the BMCC swimming pool this summer, email a resume to Senior Lifeguard Judith Gamboa, judjud125@gmail.com. Lifeguards are required to have American Red Cross certification and be First Aid/AED/CPR certified. Experience is preferred.

Spring 2019 Recreation Schedule
BMCC students, faculty and staff with current college ID — and BMCC alumni with a current BMCC alumni card — are eligible to use the BMCC Fitness Center and pool for free. In addition to fitness machines and a pool, the BMCC Fitness Center offers Zumba classes and activities including badminton, tennis, half-court basketball and more.

@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.