Future Leaders Conference
On September 18, BMCC hosted a Future Leaders conference for students that included workshops led by industry professionals, panels and information sessions in the Fiterman Hall Conference Center. Workshops focused on personal branding, the transition from college to career life and how personal values can help identify and select a career an individual enjoys. Breakout sessions included a healthcare career center, women in technology and entrepreneurship in New York City as well as personal branding.

Modern Languages Professor Earns Grants, Fellowships Modern Languages Professor Kristina Varade has been granted several highly competitive grants and fellowships to be conducted over the course of her sabbatical term. Varade was awarded one of thirteen 2019-2020 visiting research fellowships competing against scholars worldwide at Trinity College, Dublin’s Long Room Hub for the project, “From Outside In and Inside Out: Historical Anglo-Irish/Italian Connections.” Subsequent to the fellowship at Trinity College, Varade will commence a second project as a research fellow at University College, Dublin’s Humanities Institute, in association with the School of English, Drama and Film. This research fellowship considers 19th-century comparative Italian and Irish literature written in English. In addition, Varade was awarded the 2019-2020 Maddock Research Fellowship at Marsh’s Library, Dublin, a globally renowned collection containing more than 25,000 books and 300 manuscripts. Varade will continue her Italian/Irish comparative research by consulting the rare holdings pertaining to her area of inquiry that are unique to the library.

BMCC Honors Campus Emergency Volunteers
The BMCC Office of Public Safety hosted the fourteenth annual recognition ceremony for emergency volunteers September 18 in Richard Harris Terrace. The event recognized new BMCC staff and faculty volunteer campus fire wardens as well as individuals who are first aid, CPR and AED certified. Since the volunteer program's inception in 2005, almost 2,500 BMCC community members have been trained by Public Safety. Michael Korn, BMCC's Public Safety director thanked all who participate in the program and noted that September is National Preparedness Month. BMCC Interim President Karrin E. Wilks said one of the college's highest priorities is to create a community where all members thrive and feel safe. "The work you are doing as emergency volunteers, trained to take action when action is needed is vital to ensuring we all feel safe and secure," she said. 

Elza Kicks Off  2019-2020 Spotlight Season at Tribeca PAC BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center presents the first concert event in its 2019-2020 Spotlight Series, Elza, on Friday, October 25, 2019 at 8 p.m. Award-winning singer songwriter Elza Müller-Römer is known for her world-class voice and unique, bluesy, jazzy Americana sound. Elza has shared the stage with such icons as Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, Andrea Bocelli, and Hootie & The Blowfish. Tickets — $25, or $15 for students and seniors — can be bought online, by calling (212) 220-1460 or visiting the BMCC TPAC Box Office at 199 Chambers Street, Tuesday through Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m.

BMCC Art Professor Featured in OUMA Exhibition
Artworks by BMCC Art Professor Thadeaus Radell were recently selected as part of OUMA Collects: Selections from the Permanent Collection, which is on exhibit at Oglethorpe University Art Museum, from September 13 through December 15. His pieces, Past the Gates  (34 x62. oil/wax on panel) and As I walked Out One Evening (15 x 20, mixed media on Bristol paper), pictured above, are now on exhibit. The exhibition highlights works from the permanent collection of the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art that ranges from 14th-century Japanese sculpture to contemporary abstract works of the 21st-century.

Are You Interested in Hiring a Work-Study Student in Your Department?
At BMCC, many students are employed part-time through the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program — and this funding has just increased. A work-study position helps students cover their educational expenses, as well as removing the time and commuting cost of an off-campus job. It also enables students to gain professional experience related to their field of interest. If your department is interested in hiring FWS students, please complete and return the FWS Rights & Responsibilities form. This is a great initiative that assists both the college community and our students. For more information, please contact Melissa Jardine, mjardine@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.

Free Digital Subscriptions: The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal BMCC students, faculty and staff can click here for free digital access to The New York Times and here for free digital access to The Wall Street Journal. Please share with students, the value in reading newspapers, and encourage them to take advantage of these free services.

Career Coach and Support Services Offer Opportunities to Explore Interests and Careers BMCC is committed to students’ long-term success and helps students explore professional opportunities. The college offers Career Coach for salary and employment information, job postings and a self-discovery assessment to help students find their academic and career paths. Students can visit Career Express to make an appointment with an advisor, search for jobs or sign-up for professional development activities with the Center for Career Development. They can also visit the Office of Internships and Experiential Learning to gain real world experience in preparation for a four-year degree and beyond.

CUNY BMI Conference: Restorative Justice Education. We are ALL Justice Involved, October 1 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 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.

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.

Students Who Attended Summer Immersion Had Higher Completion Rates
First-time freshmen who attended summer immersion in reading, writing or math at BMCC had higher overall three-year completion rates — 33.1 percent, compared to those that did not attend, and whose completion rate was 16.9 percent. More information can be found in the Three-Year Completion Study available on the BMCC Institutional Reports Page.

Admissions Fall 2019 Open House: Saturday, October 26
Do you have family member or friend who is interested in going to college? Invite them to the BMCC Admissions Open House on Saturday, October 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 199 Chambers Street, to learn about academic programs, financial aid options, student services, success programs and how/when to apply. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at (212) 220-1265.

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 23: Last day to apply for Fall 2019 graduation
September 30: No classes scheduled

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

Former Daily Show host Jon Stewart speaks at 9/11 information session at BMCC
September 17 — Spectrum NY1, WCBS, WPIX11

BMCC student featured in story about NYC housing lottery
September 16 — The New York Times

BMCC student shares how DACA changed his life
September 13 — Staten Island Advance

Former BMCC Professor starts small business after retirement
September 12, 2019 — The New York Times

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.

Training Available to CUNY Faculty and Staff
The OHRM Professional Development and Learning Management Office, working in collaboration with CIS Training and through a partnership with Microsoft Learning Consultants is excited to announce a series of free trainings for Microsoft Office 365 for Education to CUNY faculty and staff. These live, WebEx trainings delivered throughout Fall 2019 will introduce users to MS Office 365. Specifically, they will cover the OneDrive, Teams and OneNote applications, useful tools for team collaboration, file sharing and storage, and managing individual projects. Users can attend and re-attend sessions almost every Wednesday through December 11, 2019. To register, click here and login with your CUNYfirst credentials. A confirmation will follow. If you have questions, please contact  CISTraining@cuny.edu or University.Training@cuny.edu.

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).

Admissions and Financial Aid Information Session
September 19

UN Symposium of African Diaspora and International Education
September 24

Fit Mind Series: Adjusting to College
September 24

	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

Panthers Blank Bergen Community College on Road on Saturday, 5-0

Women's Soccer Upcoming Games
Sept. 24: BMCC vs. Nassau Community College (Garden City, NY)
Sept. 28: BMCC vs. Kingsborough Community College (Kingsborough Athletic Field)

Men's Soccer Upcoming Games
Sept. 21—BMCC vs. Rockland Community College (NYC Pier 40)
Sept. 24—BMCC vs. Nassau Community College (Garden City, NY)
Sept. 28—BMCC vs. Kingsborough Community College (Kingsborough Athletic Field)

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.