October 31, 2019 FacebookTwitterInstagram
@BMCC
News
Coache

More Faculty Participate in COACHE Survey
In Spring 2019, BMCC and CUNY administered for the second time since 2015, the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) Faculty Job Satisfaction Survey. “Job satisfaction changes over time,” said BMCC Associate Dean of Faculty Jim Berg. “The results for BMCC showed improvement in most categories with much more room for growth."

Candy

Children Enjoy Halloween at BMCC
On October 31, BMCC Interim President Karrin E. Wilks handed out Halloween candy at the Early Childhood Center. The Center is a developmental program designed to provide a quality early childhood education for the children of BMCC students, while it frees parents to pursue their college related activities.

Sabbatical Professors Deepen Understanding and Pedagogy, on Sabbatical
Faculty sabbaticals, also known as fellowship leaves, enable professors to take time off from their teaching responsibilities, and focus solely on their research, pedagogy and creative projects. Among the faculty who returned from sabbaticals in Fall 2019 are Cheryl J. Fish, Heather B. Finn (shown left) and J. Thomas Means.
Childhood Center Early Childhood Center Expands Services and Hours, Thanks to Family Empowerment Grant
The Early Childhood Center at BMCC has been selected to participate in the CUNY Family Empowerment Community College Pilot Program, and will receive a total of $451,941 over three years. Hours of service will expand, and the Center will serve more student parents in programs such as ASAP.
SAGE BMCC Students Volunteer at SAGE During Pride Month
During Pride Month, BMCC students participated in #BMCCCgivesback by assisting with dinner service at SAGE (Advocacy and Services for LGBT Elders). SAGE Centers are accessible, inclusive and welcoming gathering places for services and programs related to arts and culture, fitness, food and nutrition, health and wellness, and lifelong education. On October 28, BMCC volunteers served food and drinks with individualized attention, bussed tables as guests finished and took part in conversations before guests headed to their next activity.
Open House

BMCC Hosts Open House
On October 26, more than 1,100 prospective students and their family and friends visited our campus to discover what it means to be a BMCC Panther. Visitors toured the main campus building, learned ways to secure money for school and collected information from dozens of campus programs and services. Faculty from more than 20 different academic programs engaged students in interactive mini-lessons to give them a feel for what their future classes will be like. Popular sessions included demonstrations of video editing and sound editing, improvisational music techniques, and practicing a business pitch.

Announcements
Elevator

Elevator Programming Changes at Fiterman Hall
As part of the college's constant efforts to improve the BMCC experience and in response to occupant feedback, the Local Service Function in both elevator banks at Fiterman Hall has been activated as follows:

All elevators on the Mid Rise Bank will provide access to floors 5 thru 8

All elevators on the High Rise Bank will provide access to floors 9 thru 12

For access to floors 2 thru 4 and lower level, the open stairs and escalators will get you there faster and keep you active. Elevator banks for people with disabilities will continue to be in service for all floors. Course waivers now available

CUNYTuesday SAVE THE DATE: CUNY Tuesday, December 3
BMCC is taking part in #CUNYTUESDAY, a 24-hour giving challenge on December 3, 2019, presented by the City University of New York. Donations can be made HERE to support student scholarships, the Sadie Bragg Memorial Fund and the Scott Anderson Memorial Fund. BMCC’s on-going fundraising efforts aim to improve the learning experience for all students by offering support to help students be successful in college. BMCC faculty and staff members can also make donations through payroll deductions. For more information, call the Office of Development at (212) 220-8020.
Symposium Modern Languages Symposium November 6
The Modern Language Department invites BMCC students, faculty and staff to the annual symposium, Our Roots, Our Traditions, on November 6 in Room S-341 at 199 Chambers beginning at 10 a.m. For more information, contact the Department of Modern Languages at (212) 220-8105 or lan@bmcc.cuny.edu
Expo

BMCC Hosts Happiness Expo
The BMCC Counseling Center hosted the Happiness Expo on October 30 in Richard Harris Terrace at 199 Chambers Street. The purpose of the event was to promote healthy living and mental health wellness by demonstrating how students can achieve happiness by incorporating healthy lifestyle changes and utilizing various resources. The event also promoted a broader and more holistic perspective of what it means to be “healthy.”

Petrie Funded Tuition Waivers Available for Winter 2020 Semester
Degree-seeking students may be eligible to receive one of two tuition waivers for the Winter 2020 semester. The Petrie Completion Waiver offers $210 per credit for students enrolled in a course that meets the four or fewer credits they need to complete their associate degree. The STEM Waiver covers full tuition for students enrolled in a mathematics, computer science, Introduction to Linguistics (LIN 101), Introduction to Psychology (PSY 100) or Introduction to Multimedia (MMP 100) course that counts toward their degree. PLEASE NOTE: Students must be a New York City resident and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at the time the waiver is applied. To qualify, students must register for the Winter 2020 course no later than December 1. Funding is limited and waivers will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Waivers cover tuition but not fees and materials, such as textbooks. If students receive a waiver for a course they drop or fail to attend, the waiver may be revoked and they will be responsible for the tuition. Students who have questions can visit the Academic Advisement and Transfer Center at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-108 or contact advisementandtransfer@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Petrie Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation Funds Student Emergency Grants
The Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation has provided funds to help students resolve short-term emergencies without interrupting their studies. Applicants for the Petrie Grant must demonstrate need, provide documentation and complete certain requirements. While Petrie grants will not be given for tuition cost, college debts or legal representation, students are encouraged to visit the Single Stop office to discuss their concerns. To find out more, students may go online, visit the Single Stop Office at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-230, or contact Maxine Hunter at (212) 220-8000, Ext. 7149, or mhunter@bmcc.cuny.edu.

A Message From the Office of Campus Planning and Facilities
In an effort to improve customer service, the Office of Campus Planning and Facilities is pleased to report the Archibus Work Order system, in operation since Summer 2019, has enabled campus departments to submit over 2,000 work orders in an efficient and productive manner.

Through the Archibus Work Order system, a designated individual submits work orders and tracks the progress and completion of the request. The Work Order system is the most effective way to alert the Buildings and Grounds team to any building deficiencies or operational improvements that you may have noticed or that are impacting your ability to perform your job at BMCC. A Work Order can be used to report all non-emergency building needs, from custodial services to a light bulb that needs replacement or building equipment that is not operating properly. To report an emergency, please continue to call (212) 220-8025, from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. After business hours, please call Public Safety at (212) 220-8080. To report hazardous conditions after 5 p.m., please call the engineer on duty at (212) 220-8034.

Please identify who in your department been designated as the Archibus Work Order liaison. If you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to email our Buildings and Grounds team which is leading the implementation effort and managing the system. They can be reached at b&g@bmcc.cuny.edu, subject line: “Archibus Work Order System.”

Workstudy Is Your Department Interested in Hiring a Work-Study Student?
Many BMCC students are employed part-time on campus through the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program. This helps cover their educational expenses, removes the cost and time of commuting for an off-campus job and enables them 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. For more information, please contact Melissa Jardine, mjardine@bmcc.cuny.edu.
Courses Free Courses Available to BMCC Community
BMCC students, faculty and staff can access free courses through LinkedIn Learning. Through this online platform, industry experts provide courses on presentation skills, Adobe Creative Cloud and other topics. For instructions on how to sign in to LinkedIn Learning, contact Instructional Computer Services Manager Leticia Dinkins, (212) 220-1377, ldinkins@bmcc.cuny.edu.
Meditation 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 helps relieve stress, improves memory and more. To try The 10-Minute Mind, click here.

Faculty and Staff Now Have Access to Student Co-Curricular Transcripts
The Co-Curricular Transcript (CCT) is an official record of student participation and achievements outside the classroom while enrolled at BMCC. Co-curricular activities encourage life-long learning and active citizenship. Faculty and staff can view students’ unofficial CCTs and submit events or activities to be considered for placement on the CCT.

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.

Data and Analytics
Retention

Fall to Fall Retention Higher for Students Who Pass Developmental Courses
Among typical courses taken by new freshmen in their first semester, fall-to-fall retention rates for those who passed are at least 70%. However, for those who took but did not pass English 101 or English 100.5, retention rates drop to less than 25%. In contrast, more than half of those who t did not pass Math 56, more than half returned the following fall. For more data, visit the “Critical Factors for Fall-to-Fall Retention among New Freshmen at BMCC" page at the Office of Institutional Effectiveness Facts and Statistics.

Enrollment
Enrollment

Winter/Spring 2020 Advisement & Registration is Open
Students value the advice and support of BMCC faculty and staff. As trusted influencers, please encourage students to meet with their advisor to track their academic progress and set a plan for success. Things to know: All students must meet with their advisors before registering. Students can register on CUNYfirst or visit the Registrar’s Office in Room S-315. For more info, 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 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

A Few Important Dates
November 1: Deadline for completion of INC grade from Spring and Summer
November 5: Last day to withdraw with a grade of "W"
November 5: Last day to opt for an “NC” grade
November 7: Student Faculty Evaluations available online
November 28-30: COLLEGE CLOSED- NO CLASSES

Making Headlines

Census Bureau kickoff at BMCC cited
October 28—Bushwick Daily

Theater Works returns to BMCC TPAC
October 28—Broadway World

Shirley Fiterman Art Center called one of Manhattan's best curators in review
October 26—Hyperallergic

Human Resources
Deer Drug and Alcohol Counseling Services for CUNY Employees
The Deer Oaks Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Services provides free drug and alcohol counseling for CUNY employees. To learn more, visit the Deer Oaks website and enter “CUNY” as the company code or call (855) 492-3633. Some employees can access drug and alcohol counseling through a union employee assistance program or their health plan. The BMCC Office of Human Resources at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-717 is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist employees in accessing drug or alcohol counseling services, whether through Deer Oaks, a union employee assistance program or health plan. 

Training Available to CUNY Faculty and Staff
The OHRM Professional Development and Learning Management Office, in collaboration with CIS Training and Microsoft Learning Consultants provides free trainings for Microsoft Office 365 for Education to CUNY faculty and staff. These live, WebEx trainings introduce MS Office 365 applications including OneDrive, Teams and OneNote—useful tools for team collaboration and managing individual projects. Users can attend almost every Wednesday through December 11. To register, click here and login with your CUNYfirst credentials. If you have questions, please contact CISTraining@cuny.edu or University.Training@cuny.edu.

Smoking 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 free NYC HelpMeQuit mobile app. 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.

Alumni and Donors

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 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).
Calendar

TPAC Presents The Opera Collective (Free for BMCC Students)
November 1

Kismet, Ms. Marvel and the Evolution of the Muslim Superhero
November 4

Italian Heritage Month Book Discussion: “Been Here a Thousand Years” by Marolina Venezia
November 4

Internship Information Session
November 4

Writers Guild: Discussion of the Horror Genre
November 6

The 400th Anniversary of Slavery in America
November 6

TPAC

BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center Listings

Career

Center for Career Development Events

CETLS

Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Scholarship Events

CONED

Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development Events

Panther Pride
Panthers

Panther's (Volleyball) Season Comes to an End With Loss to Queensborough in 2019 Region XV First Round Action

Fernandez selected as a 2019 CUNYAC Community College All-Star

NJCAA Region XV Preview: Third-seeded Panthers Duel With Second-seed Suffolk County College in 2019 NJCAA Region XV Tournament semifinals

Cisse’s 55th-Minute Tally Lifts BMCC to Regional Finals for First Time Since 2012

Diallo Brothers Earn First Team All-Region Honors; Konadu, Velasquez, McLaren & Fernandez selected to All-Region Second Team

Women's Basketball, Upcoming Games
November 2: BMCC vs. Bunker Hill Community College (BMCC Gymnasium)
November 5: BMCC vs. Kingsborough Community College (Brooklyn, NY)

Men's Basketball, Upcoming Games
November 2: BMCC vs. Bunker Hill Community College (BMCC Gymnasium)
November 5: BMCC vs. Kingsborough Community College (Brooklyn, NY)

Connect with BMCC
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