Faculty and Staff: Refer Students With Enrollment Needs to the New Panther Station
Since its soft launch on July 23, almost 4,000 students who needed to visit the BMCC Admissions Office, Registrar’s Office or Financial Aid Office took care of their needs in one central location — The Panther Station. This spacious, light-filled office just past the Information Center in the main lobby at 199 Chambers Street provides dedicated staff who welcome students by guiding them to download on their phones, a virtual line management tool, QLess. Once signed up, the students receive text messages updating them on their place in line, how long their wait will be, and when it’s their turn to meet with an Enrollment Specialist. As an added perk while they’re waiting, the students can use the self-service computer stations to print forms they might need. 

So far, student feedback gleaned from an average 400 Panther Station visits a day, has been extremely positive. “All are welcome to stop by and visit the office,” says Enrollment Director Kristin Waters. “I also welcome the opportunity to meet with faculty and staff to discuss in greater detail the mission and goals of the Panther Station, as well as offer a personalized tour of the space.” An official opening along with ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place in the fall.  

Mellon/ACLS Fellow Soniya Munshi Sheds Light on Institutional Responses to Domestic Violence Survivors Professor of Sociology Soniya Munshi has been selected for a Mellon/ACLS (American Council of Learned Societies) Community College Faculty Fellowship for her project, Cultural/Sane: Immigrant Domestic Violence Survivors, Mental Health, and Logics of Citizenship. The fellowship is in effect from July 2019 through December 2020, with a stipend of $40,000.

BMCC Hosts CUNY's TheDream.US Welcome Event
More than 140 TheDream.US scholarship recipients joined a CUNY-hosted gathering at BMCC’s Fiterman Hall Conference Center on August 1.

Shirley Fiterman Art Center Presents Exhibitions by Gaku Tsutaja and Sherrill Roland A Trip to the Moon, featuring the work of Gaku Tsutaja in the North Gallery, and Inertia, featuring the work of Sherrill Roland in the South Gallery open with a reception on September 10 at 6 p.m. As part of Roland's Inertia, he will present The Jumpsuit Project, an interactive performance on September 10 at 3 p.m. and October 2 at 5 p.m. (IMAGE: Gaku Tsutaja, The Hope Inspection Team, 2017 Indian ink and acrylic on paper, 22 x 30 inches, Courtesy of the artist and Ulterior Gallery, NY)

BMCC TPAC Announces 2019-2020 Family Theater Season
Starting in November, the shows present family-friendly musical revues, plays and more for children of all ages. Tickets to are available now at (212) 220-1460 or online at the TPAC website.

Proposals for CUNY IT Conference Due September 25
Academics and administrators are invited to submit proposals for the 18th annual CUNY IT Conference, set for December 5 and 6 at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY. This year’s conference, “Bridging Gaps,” will explore how technology can help overcome barriers to learning, and novel approaches using technology across CUNY. Presentation proposals are due by September 15 at 5 p.m. For more information, click here.

Learning Resource Center (LRC) Brings Out Students' Strengths Faculty and staff, let your students know they can sign up to meet with an academic coach who will provide time management, note-taking and test-taking strategies. Students can also ask staff at the LRC, in Room S-510 at 199 Chambers Street, to connect them with a certified BMCC tutor, in person or online. Visit the LRC website for more information and events.

New Work Order System Implemented at BMCC
The Office of Campus Planning and Facilities has launched the Archibus Work Order system, which will allow designated individuals in each campus department to submit work orders and track the progress of the request. For more information, contact the Office of Campus Planning and Facilities by email and include “Archibus Work Order System” in the subject line.

Plaza Reconstruction Project Update
As part of the Plaza Reconstruction project at BMCC, abatement of hazardous materials identified in the underlayment of the existing pavers will be performed during 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 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 construction may cause as we work to improve our facilities. For more information, contact Eric Lugo at elugo@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Bathroom Renovation Update: Phase 5
BMCC has undertaken a comprehensive 26-bathroom renovation project at the Chambers Street building. The project’s focus is to provide greater accessibility, ventilation and temperature control systems. Upgrades include new stalls, floors, fixtures, ceilings and lighting. Renovations have been completed in the north side bathrooms, and those in the south side will be finished in Fall 2019. BMCC has begun Phase 5 (final phase) of renovations, affecting the restrooms located on the far south end of 199 Chambers Street building, on all seven floors. For more information, contact Eric Lugo at elugo@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Psychology Program Shows Steady Growth
The new psychology major at BMCC (in the Department of Social Sciences, Human Services and Criminal Justice) began in Fall 2016 and grew from eight graduates in the 2016-2017 academic year, to 75 graduates in the 2017-2018 academic year. Also, when the programs are ranked by the number of degrees awarded in the most recent available year (2017-2018) psychology ranks 12th. More information can be found on the first tab (Graduates by Degree Title) in the BMCC Graduates and Transfers Dashboard.

There’s still time for students to register for Fall 2019
Please be sure to remind students to register for Fall 2019. Things to know: 1) All students must meet with an advisor before registering.  2) Students can register on CUNYfirst or visit Lab Services in Room S-114. 

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

Fall 2019 New Student Fridays
The Panther Station is offering onboarding and registration support to new students on Friday, August 9 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 199 Chambers, Panther Station, Room S-225. New students who have outstanding items on their enrollment checklist are invited stop in to successfully complete their enrollment for the fall semester.

A few important dates:
In-Person Registration — Week of August 12 and August 19
First Day of Fall 2019 Classes — August 27
Last Day to Add/Change a Class — September 2
For more information, visit the Registration page, or visit Academic Advisement in Room S-108, 199 Chambers Street, 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 social media accounts. We appreciate your likes, follows and thumbs up. Facebook: @bmccadmissions Twitter: @bmccadmissions Instagram: @bmccadmissions Snapchat:@explorebmcc

Article by Sociology Professor Charles Post referenced in article on systemic equality and economic opportunity
August 7, 2019 — Center for American Progress

BMCC/TPAC’s 2019-2020 Schooltime and Family Theater Season announced
August 7, 2019 — Broadway World 

Help Available to Quit Smoking New York City government supports efforts to quit smoking. CUNY employees and household members can enroll in the Employee Smoking Cessation Program (ESCAPE) and receive personalized, confidential counseling and smoking cessation medications for free. Learn more here. Call 347-396-4403 to enroll. The New York City Health Department's mobile app NYC HelpMeQuit is a free resource to help you quit smoking. Download NYC HelpMeQuit for Android or iOS.

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

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

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).

BMCC Learning Academy Information Session
August 12

CUNY Assessment Test Orientation Workshop
August 12

International Students: F-1 International Student Orientation
August 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

Women's Volleyball Unveils 2019 Regular Season Schedule

Men's Soccer Reveals 2019 Regular Season Schedule

Community Swim Program Open for Summer The BMCC swimming pool welcomes 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.

Summer 2019 Recreation Schedule
BMCC students, faculty and staff are eligible to enjoy the cardiovascular and strength equipment (treadmills, free weights and more) in the BMCC Fitness Center with current BMCC ID. BMCC alumni are eligible with an alumni ID. Volleyball and other activities are also available in the BMCC Athletic Facilities.

Women's Soccer Team Tryouts, August 19 - 24
Women's Volleyball Team Tryouts, August 21 - 23
Men's Soccer Team Tryouts, August 8 - 24

@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.