@BMCC

July 30, 2020

Resilient Teaching Workshops Address Challenges of Distance Learning
To reflect on their abrupt switch to teaching online in Spring 2020 and in preparation for the Fall 2020 semester — which will largely be taught online — more than 400 BMCC faculty are taking part in a series of Resilient Teaching workshops that focus on pedagogy as well as online tools. (Shown left: Jean Amaral leading staff development before the switch to distance learning)

BMCC Business Management/General Management Degree Program Available Fully Online
Students at BMCC can now earn an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in the Business Management/General Management fully online starting in Fall 2020. The program prepares students to work in any industry as a support provider or as part of a management team.

Announcements

Learn How BMCC Is Being Reimagined for Fall 2020
BMCC will use the guidance of CDC and New York State Department of Health experts as college administrators decide how and when to open campus buildings. To protect the health of the college community, the majority of BMCC classes will be delivered from a distance for the Fall 2020 semester. Learn more about how BMCC is being reimagined.

Learn More About BMCC’s Academic and Career Communities
BMCC Interim President Karrin Wilks unveiled the college’s Academic and Career Communities website on July 13. Academic and Career Communities provide students with information about career opportunities and pathways related to their academic and social interests, and opportunities for additional engagement with faculty, staff and peers all along their educational journey. In an email message, Wilks thanked the many faculty, staff and students who provided guidance and feedback over the past two years as part of BMCC’s Designing for Success strategic planning process.

BMCC Nursing Program Alumna Reflects on Battle Against COVID-19
Regina Kachakoff-Enk (Nursing, '14) was featured in the New York Presbyterian publication Health Matters along with other frontline workers in an article commemorating the 150th day of the hospital's battle against COVID-19. Kachakoff-Enk worked several shifts in the Adult Emergency Department at NYP Columbia University Irving Medical Center (NYO). NYP has cared for more than 17,200 patients who contracted the virus. To read more of her story, click here.

LEAP to Teacher Program Helps Students Complete Learning Journey
The LEAP to Teacher (LTT) program at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) serves as a central resource for para-professionals who have questions or concerns about their learning journey. The program helps each student complete degree requirements in a timely fashion and without undue stress. For more information, visit the program website.

Now Available: Summer/Fall 2020 Course Catalogue
With all courses offered online — many of them free to qualifying students — opportunities abound in the BMCC Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development. "The Center provides cutting-edge technology, hands-on experience, partnerships with local businesses and industry, and an engaging classroom experience designed to help you meet your goals," said BMCC Interim President Karrin E. Wilks.

Summer Blood Drives Scheduled at BMCC
BMCC will host blood drives throughout the summer at the BMCC Express Center, 255 Greenwich Street, from 12 to 6 p.m. on August 5, August 12 and August 19. For more information, email Health Services Director Penny Jordan at pjordan@bmcc.cuny.edu. To schedule an appointment, click here.

STUDENTS: Virtual Learning Resource Center (LRC) Is Ready to Help
The LRC provides online tutoring, academic coaching and more. Students can meet virtually with certified tutors and academic coaches. Faculty can access the LRC's Online Services Orientation for an online demo of virtual LRC services for students.

Bursar Holds Removed for BMCC Students
While balances incurred before Spring 2020 must be paid in full to register for Summer and Fall 2020 semesters, there will be no bursar’s hold on balances up to $4,000 incurred during Spring 2020. For more information, please contact Bursar@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Compliance and Diversity Policies: Equity Is our Strength
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. If you have experienced or witnessed unlawful discrimination and harassment, you can report it to the Office of Compliance and Diversity.

Campus Planning and Facilities

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

There’s Still Time for Students to Register for Fall 2020
Please encourage students to register for the fall semester. After meeting virtually with their advisor, students can use Schedule Builder on CUNYfirst to select classes and register. For more information, visit the Registration page, or contact Academic Advisement at eadvisement@bmcc.cuny.edu.

STUDENTS: Virtual Admissions and Enrollment Services Can Assist You
To keep everyone safe and healthy, admissions and enrollment services have transitioned to an online-only format. Students can explore online the many resources BMCC has to offer, and they are welcome to reach out by email, phone or text. They can also join zoom sessions for more assistance:

ADMISSIONS. Students with questions including how to complete the BMCC application or apply as a readmit can zoom with an admissions specialist on Thursdays at 10 a.m. or Tuesdays at 2 p.m.
REGISTRATION. Students with questions including how to register for a class or change their class schedule can zoom with a registration specialist on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. or Wednesdays at 2 p.m.
FINANCIAL AID. Students with questions including how to file a FASFA, loans and TAP can zoom with a financial aid specialist on Mondays at 10 a.m., Wednesdays at 10 a.m. or Mondays at 2 p.m.

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

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

Making Headlines

BMCC student veterans discuss importance of BAH funds for housing
July 27, 2020—The City

Retired BMCC Professor Ethel Carter celebrates 102nd birthday
July 29, 2020—Sag Harbor Express

Former SGA President Sekou Koulibaly and former SGA Senator Shiana Louis discuss America's uprising against police brutality
July 29, 2020—YouTube

Human Resources

BMCC Employees Returning to Campus Required to Watch Return to Work Video
The training video is available via Blackboard and must be completed before returning to the BMCC campus and facilities. There is also a Daily Staff Screening requirement. All staff entering BMCC premise must be screened prior to the start of each shift. If you answer 'YES' to any question you must inform your supervisor and HR immediately via email and you will not be permitted to enter BMCC.

BMCC’s Four-Day Summer Workweek Continues
BMCC will be closed these Fridays: July 31 and August 7. For more information, visit the CUNY Employee Holidays.

Complete WPV and ESPARC Training by August 7
In compliance with New York State law, full- and part-time CUNY employees must complete these online trainings by August 7: The Employee Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Response Course (ESPARC) and Workplace Violence Training (WPV). Please log into CUNY Blackboard to access each course. For help disabling pop-ups or other assistance, contact Maria Deckinger, mdeckinger@bmcc.cuny.edu or Lori Mazzola, lmazzola@bmcc.cuny.edu.

CUNY Work/Life Program Offers 24/7 Assistance
BMCC employees can now access CCA@Your Service, a confidential, 24/7 employee assistance program provider. For more information, visit the program flyer and list of services. Call any time at (800) 833-8707 or log on at: www.myccaonline.com/, Company Code: CUNY.

How to Receive Paychecks or Pay Stubs by Mail
To receive paychecks by mail, send several self-addressed, stamped envelopes to: Bursar-Payroll Distribution Unit,199 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007. To receive pay stubs by mail, send several self-addressed, stamped envelopes to: HR Pay-stub Distribution, 199 Chambers Street, NY, NY 10007.

Claim Paychecks Before They Expire
Employees who have not picked up paper paychecks issued from January through March are urged to email, as soon as possible, officeofhumanresources@bmcc.cuny.edu, and have the checks mailed out before they expire.

Sign up for Direct Deposit or Suspend Transit Benefit Deductions
To sign up for Direct Deposit or suspend payroll-deducted transit benefits, complete the Direct Deposit form or Transit Benefit form and send to: officeofhumanresources@bmcc.cuny.edu.

WorkWell Summer Fitness Classes Available Through August 12
Schedule includes Martial Arts Cardio and Bootcamp classes, Yoga, Pilates and more. To register use the links in the calendar.

WW and Workwell Offer Private Virtual Workshops
WW (Weight Watchers) and WorkWell NYC have launched Private Virtual Workshops for City of New York employees, their families and retirees. WW Coach Silmara Roman will host a Private Virtual Workshop on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. To sign up for a workshop or join WW, reach out to Lori Mazzola, lmazzola@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Alumni and Donors

Webinar: Why You Need a Will and the Importance of Estate Planning August 11
BMCC alumni, faculty, staff and friends are invited to a webinar with Daniel A. Timins, Attorney of Law and Certified Financial Planner on August 11 from 1 until 2 p.m. The law offices of Daniel Timins specialize in Estate Planning, Probate and Medicaid Planning. Please join us for this unique learning opportunity. Register to receive webinar information. The event is sponsored by the BMCC Office of Institutional Advancement. For more information, contact Phillip A. Keefe at pkeefe@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Alumni Chat: Abraham Albarracin August 5
Learn about careers in insurance underwriting from alumnus Abraham Albarracin ’13. He will be sharing his “Start here. Go Anywhere” journey from Starbucks Barista to star Liability Insurance Underwriter. He will discuss his experience working at Zurich North America and why more should consider a career in underwriting. The event will be August 5 at 3 p.m. on Zoom.

An Easy Way to Make a Positive Impact
Interested in helping BMCC with our mission but feel overwhelmed and anxious about possibly outliving your current assets? A simple, flexible way to ensure we can continue our life-changing work for years to come is a gift in your will or living trust, known as a charitable bequest. A charitable bequest is a written declaration that a donation be made to BMCC Foundation. You may indicate the purpose and use of your bequest; such as scholarships, food insecurity or general needs. For additional information or a confidential conversation, please contact Phillip Keefe, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at (212) 346-8650 or pkeefe@bmcc.cuny.edu. We are deeply grateful for your support.

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.

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