Partnership With Harlem School Builds Retention and Impacts Pedagogy
A grant-funded partnership between the BMCC Teacher Education department and P.S. 125, (the Ralph Bunche School) an elementary school in central Harlem, has helped transform it into a more diverse progressive model school. The partnership has also provided BMCC students critical hands-on field experience that is inspiring them to become New York City public school teachers.

BMCC Remembers G. Scott Anderson Members of the BMCC community gathered with friends and family to celebrate the life and work of former vice president of Administration and Planning, Granville Scott Anderson on September 9 in Theater 1 at 199 Chambers Street.

Exhibition Featuring Artists Gaku Tsutaja and Sherrill Roland
Two exhibitions, A Trip to the Moon featuring the work of Gaku Tsutaja and Inertia featuring the work of Sherrill Roland opened with a reception the Shirley Fiterman Art Center on September 10. The show will be up until November 2. The Shirley Fiterman Art Center, 81 Barclay Street in Tribeca, is open to the public from Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m. For more information, contact shirleyfitermanartcenter@bmcc.cuny.edu or (212) 776-6237.

Connect2Success Now Available to BMCC Faculty BMCC faculty now have access to Connect2Success powered by Starfish, an academic alert tool that helps communicate crucial progress check-ins to students and create an academic support team for students. Connect2Success starts with faculty and is dependent on faculty involvement, but its structure builds in collaboration with academic advisors and campus resources and creates a support network. BMCC faculty will receive an email invitation to participate in the Early Semester or Mid-Semester Progress Report and will be invited to hands-on training sessions. Training sessions will offer faculty with opportunities to learn about the tool and its many features, such as raising a “flag,” sending “kudos” or making a “referral.” Training sessions will also help faculty strategically tweak Connect2Success settings and provide answers to questions.  The training sessions are scheduled September 16-19, from 10 to 11 a.m. and from 4 to 5 p.m., in 70 Murray Building, Room M-318. For more information, email connect2success@bmcc.cuny.edu, jhuie@bmcc.cuny.edu or hharris@bmcc.cuny.edu

Calling for Volunteers and Donations Last academic year, we lost two beloved colleagues—Sadie Bragg, previously the Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Scott Anderson, Vice President for Administration and Finance. To commemorate their deep and passionate commitment to Borough of Manhattan Community College, we have established committees to raise funds to dedicate spaces on campus in their names. VP Marva Craig will lead the effort to name the Mathematics Lab in Sadie’s honor (building on funds already donated for this purpose), and Dean John Montanez will lead the effort to name a room in Fiterman in Scott’s honor. BMCC faculty and staff who wish to serve on these committees should contact VP Craig at mcraig@bmcc.cuny.edu or Ext. 8132; Dean Montanez at jmontanez@bmcc.cuny.edu or Ext. 8011. Deadline to sign up for committees is Sept. 30. Those who wish to donate to these efforts should contact the Development Office at (212) 220-8020. We look forward to the college community celebrating our colleagues and good friends with naming ceremonies.

CUNY BMI Conference: Restorative Justice Education. We are ALL Justice Involved. The CUNY Black Male Initiative (BMI) and the BMCC Urban Male Leadership Academy present The Fourteenth Annual CUNY BMI conference, “Restorative Justice Education: We Are ALL Justice Involved,” October 1 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 199 Chambers Street. The conference will address issues facing the re-entry community, and higher education transitioning strategies. The morning keynote speaker is renowned activist and advocate, Shaun King, and the afternoon keynote speaker is world-famous hip-hop artist and activist, Talib Kweli. Registration is free for CUNY and Department of Education students and employees, and registration is $100 for the general public. Learn more here.

All BMCC Employees Required to Complete E-SPARC by October 9 In compliance with New York State law, all full- and part-time CUNY employees are required to complete an annual online Employee Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Response Course (E-SPARC). If you have not already done so, log into CUNY Blackboard to complete the course by October 9, 2019. This applies to all BMCC employees regardless of whether you have attended an in-person training. Please make sure to disable pop-up blockers and use either Firefox or Google Chrome as your web browser when taking the training. For more information, contact Maria Deckinger, mdeckinger@bmcc.cuny.edu or Loriann Mazzola, lmazzola@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Free Courses Available to BMCC Community BMCC students, faculty and staff can access free courses through LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com. Through this online platform, industry experts provide courses on presentation skills, time management, QuickBooks for accountants, Adobe Creative Cloud and many other topics. For detailed instructions on how to sign in to LinkedIn Learning, contact Instructional Computer Services Manager Leticia Dinkins, (212) 220-1377, ldinkins@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Free Mindfulness Meditation Service The CUNY Office of Student Affairs has launched a partnership with The 10-Minute Mind, a free service that provides mindfulness meditation for students, faculty and staff. Research shows that taking a few minutes to pause, reflect and reset is an effective strategy to relieve stress, improve memory and provide other benefits. To try The 10-Minute Mind for a week, a month or the entire semester, click here.

Faculty, Students and Staff Invited to Audition for Free Performance Workshop The BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center is seeking writer/performers of all ages, ethnicities, styles and levels of experience to audition September 18 or 19 for a 12-week writing and performance workshop that will culminate in a public performance on December 6. Contact Mario Giacalone, mgiacalone@tribecapac.org, September 9-17 to make an appointment for your audition.

Faculty and Staff Now Have Access to Student CCTs
BMCC’s Co-Curricular Transcript (CCT) is a comprehensive official record of student’s participation and achievements outside of the classroom while enrolled at BMCC. These co-curricular activities foster students' holistic development, and encourage life-long learning and active citizenship. Faculty/Staff now have access to view students’ unofficial CCTs, review a list of current eligible activities as well as submit events/activities to be considered for placement on the CCT.

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.

BMCC Students, Faculty and Staff: Free 9/11 Information Seminar A free informational seminar sponsored by the law firm Barasch & McGarry is scheduled on Monday, September 16, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Theater 1, 199 Chambers Street. Were you living, working, or a student in Lower Manhattan on 9/11, or any time during the eight months that followed? Congress has extended the free World Trade Center Health Program and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund for 72 years. We are advised that all downtown residents and office workers, as well as students, faculty and staff are eligible. You are welcome to attend the seminar to learn more about the benefits you are entitled to, whether or not you have been diagnosed with any serious illnesses, and to learn about how to protect your rights now. PLEASE NOTE: This free informational seminar is sponsored by the law firm of Barasch & McGarry. BMCC’s rental of this venue and communications concerning this event does not constitute an endorsement of the firm. All advice and representations made at the event are those of the speakers and not of CUNY or BMCC. To reserve free tickets, call (212) 220-1460 or download tickets online.

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.

Visits to Learning Resource Center Improves Graduation Rate
According to the Summer 2019 Three Year-Completion Study, BMCC students who visited the Learning Resource Center 11 times or more during their first semester had three-year graduation rates of 44.3 percent compared to a 15.2 percent three-year graduation rate for those who did not visit the Learning Resource Center. For more institutional reports, click here.

The Panther Station is Open for Student Service The Panther Station (One Stop Enrollment Center, Room S-225) is the central location for students to handle admissions, registrar and financial aid matters. The unit also serves as a referral center for other college services. Students who need to visit the Panther Station should queue up ahead of time on QLESS to join the line remotely.

A Few Important Dates
September 15: Priority deadline for CUNY transfer application
September 16: Last day to change a major to be effective for Fall 2019
September 23: Last day to apply for Fall 2019 graduation
September 30: No classes scheduled

Resources for Supporting Students: Two Updated Brochures The Office of Public Affairs has released the new Comprehensive Academic Programs brochure, which provides degree program information, and Student Support Programs brochure, which highlights offices and services such as financial aid and tutoring programs. Printed copies are available on campus and downloadable versions are on the BMCC website.

Share with students: Six Sure-Fire Ways to Crush Your Fall Semester
Here are a few tips from the Admissions #FuturePanthers blog that you can share with students to foster a strong start this fall semester.

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 at (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

BMCC faculty donate leave time to professor battling cancer after 9/11 exposure
September 11—WPIX 11

Academic Affairs Director Sara Crosby comments on 9/11 tribute lights toll on birds
September 9—The New York Times

BMCC hosts New York State Public Campaign Financing Commission hearing
September 11—Gotham Gazette

Register for the STEPtember Billion Step Challenge BMCC faculty and staff are invited to join STEPtember—a month-long walking challenge in which thousands of NYC employees walk, run or roll toward a collective goal of a billion steps! Challenge dates are September 10–October 8.

BMCC Employees: Free Flu Shots Available September 12 BMCC faculty and staff can get their flu shot on campus September 12 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Make an appointment here (type in Username: nyc Password: flu), or call (866) 481-4391. Download your consent form and bring it to your appointment to save time. Free flu shots are also available at participating pharmacies and in-network medical offices. For more information, visit nyc.gov/workwellnyc or contact Lori Mazzola, lmazzola@bmcc.cuny.edu, Ext. 7063.

Free Help Available to Quit Smoking CUNY employees and household members can enroll in the Employee Smoking Cessation Program (ESCAPE) for free, confidential counseling and smoking cessation medications. Download the NYC HelpMeQuit mobile app, another free resource. Learn more here. Call (347) 396-4403 to enroll.

Deer Oaks EAP 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).

Coffee and Conversation: Learn About Entrepreneurship
September 17

Emergency Preparedness Presentation
September 17

BMCC Future Leaders Conference
September 18

	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

Men's Soccer Rallies For Three Unanswered Goals in a Thrilling Road Victory Over Bronx Community College

Volleyball Splits Homeopening Tri-Match on Saturday

Men's Soccer Upcoming Games
Sept. 14—BMCC vs. Bergen Community College (Paramus)
Sept. 17—BMCC vs. Queensborough Community College (Pier 40)
Sept. 19—BMCC vs. Orange County Community College (Pier 40)

Community Swim Program Open 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.

@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.