National Higher Education Leader Kay McClenney Presents Guided Pathways Open Forums, November 7 As a member of the Guided Pathways 2.0 national initiative of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), BMCC is redesigning the student experience from enrollment to remediation, course completion, graduation and further education or career entry.  On November 7, Kay McClenney, Senior Advisor to the President and CEO of AACC, will present two open forums to discuss Guided Pathways. Open to all BMCC faculty, staff and students, the forums are 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., in the 13th-floor Fiterman Conference Center.

BMCC Presents Significant Findings Speaker Series
The BMCC Office of Academic Affairs premiered its speaker series, Significant Findings, October 25 in Richard Harris Terrace at 199 Chambers Street. Criminal Justice Professor Shirley Leyro, the first featured speaker, shared initial findings from her research project, "CUNY American Dream Machine? Exploring Feelings of Belonging and Membership by CUNY Noncitizen Students." The next event will feature the research of Professor Elizabeth Wissinger.

BMCC Faculty Exhibition, In Form, Showcases Wide Range of Mediums Faculty artists who teach in the Art Foundations Program of the Music and Art department at BMCC will be featured in a group exhibition, In Form, opening with a reception on November 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Shirley Fiterman Art Center. Artwork shown: Vying For by Cathy Diamond

BMCC Hosts CUNY English Summit To Share Strategies for Remediation Reform
The annual CUNY English Summit was hosted October 26 by BMCC in the Fiterman Hall Conference Center. CUNY Interim Chancellor Vita C. Rabinowitz joined BMCC Interim President Karrin E. Wilks to welcome attendees from BMCC, across CUNY and community colleges around the country. 

BMCC Allied Health Students Win State Competition
A team of BMCC Respiratory Therapy Program students—Quasim Zia, Samantha Ortega and Jun Rou Lin—won an academic competition at the October 26 symposium of the New York Downstate Association for Respiratory Therapists Inc. (NYDART) at the Marriot Hotel in Uniondale, New York. Coached by BMCC Allied Health Sciences Professor and Clinical Educator Director Neil Rodia, the BMCC team beat Molloy College and the State University of New York at Stonybrook in two separate rounds. "It is significant that students from a community college came out ahead of bachelor's degree students who had already covered many of the topics; while our students had to learn some of the material on their own," said Allied Health Sciences Chair Everett W. Flannery. (L-R: Neil Rodia, Quasim Zia, Jun Rou Lin, Samantha Ortega, Ellington Maynard)

BMCC Prepares to Launch NSF Funded Summer Research Program
BMCC has received a two-year $227,267 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to fund a new undergraduate summer research program studying plant products beginning in Summer 2019. The grant is part of the NSF’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program—which supports active research participation by undergraduate students. BMCC was one of two community colleges in the CUNY system to receive the NSF REU funding. BMCC was also one of ten colleges and research institutions across New York state to receive the award. Eight students will receive financial assistance to work one-on-one with a faculty mentor doing hands-on research driven projects. The research they conduct has the potential to advance the current body of knowledge regarding plant products and food science.

Join a Charrette and Let Your Views Be Part of the Conversation!
This semester the Equity and Inclusion Task Force will conduct a series of charrettes (focus groups) exploring faculty, staff and student perceptions about the extent to which BMCC is a welcoming, inclusive and equity-minded environment. All BMCC community members are invited to participate in one of these 45-minute sessions, which will take the form of charrettes, allowing for maximum participation in idea generation, without compromising the quality of the brainstorming. Click here to sign up. For more information, please contact Peter Hoontis, (212) 220-8218. For scheduling questions, contact Erika Carlson, (212) 776-6338.

Hispanic Heritage Month Kicks off with Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead
Events through November 9 will celebrate Hispanic heritage at BMCC. These include the Day of the Dead Fiesta held outside Richard Harris Terrace at 199 Chambers Street on October 31, and which featured an altar to honor loves ones who have passed on—including those who have died in hate crimes, such as last year's attack on the West Side Highway next to BMCC—as well as a Ballet Folklorico Mexicano of New York and mariachi band procession. Other Hispanic Heritage events at BMCC will include a display of Hispanic authors in the A. Philip Randolph Library, a workshop for immigrant students, poetry and film.

Discounts at Modells and Other Vendors Available to BMCC Community​
BMCC faculty, staff and students receive discounts on a variety of goods and services. From food to car rentals, members of the BMCC community receive discounts from businesses including Best Buy, Apple, Enterprise Car Rental, Barnes and Noble and more.​

BMCC Community Joins for a 5K Run/Walk
On October 31, the BMCC community gathered for a 5k run/walk event in Hudson Park, near the 199 Chambers Street campus. The annual event, which celebrates fitness and community, took place between North Moore Street and Leroy Street. Participants received commemorative T-shirts.

Communication Studies Presents Panel on Women of Color in Media Careers
BMCC’s Communication Studies Program and Communication Studies Club presents A Seat at the Table, a career panel discussion on November 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Richard Harris Terrace at 199 Chambers Street. This free event, open to BMCC students, faculty and staff, is in collaboration with Project V, a non-profit talent network for women of color interested in media careers. Panelists include executives and creative leaders from Essence Marketing, the Powherful Foundation and more. Refreshments will be served. For information, contact Professor Tzu-Wen Cheng, (212) 220-8248.

Criminal Justice Career Session: November 7 BMCC is hosting a free Criminal Justice Career Information Session and Panel Discussion, November 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Richard Harris Terrace at 199 Chambers Street. BMCC students interested in speaking with a criminal justice professional are welcome to attend. The event is sponsored by the CUNY Justice Academy and A Title V Collaborative Grant. For more information, contact Professor Jason Ostrowe, jostrowe@bmcc.cuny.edu.

President Wilks Is Visited by Trick-or-Treaters BMCC Interim President Karrin E. Wilks greeted tiny trick-or-treaters on Halloween, October 31. The youngsters attend the BMCC Early Childhood Center, which serves children from the ages of two to 12, and whose parents attend BMCC. "Data we’ve collected indicate, and parents have widely voiced to us, that childcare is a key factor in their staying in school,” says Cecilia Scott-Crawford, the center's executive director.

Center for Ethnic Studies Invites Applications for Seminar: Deadline December 3
Full- or part-time faculty and staff—especially those in the Arts and STEM—are invited to submit an application now through December 3 at 5 p.m. to take part in a seminar series, Balancing the Curriculum Across Race, Gender, Class, Ethnicity, Sexuality, set for February 13, March 13, April 10 and May 8. Twelve to 15 participants will be selected to discuss poetry, fiction, history and critical analysis. All participants will receive copies of the books discussed, and faculty will receive a $500 stipend. For more information, contact Professors Kirsten Cole, kcole@bmcc.cuny.edu; Patricia Mathews, pmathews@bmcc.cuny.edu or Soniya Munshi, smunshi@bmcc.cuny.edu.

BMCC Employee Appreciation Awards: Nominations Open Show your appreciation for colleagues or fellow staff members who demonstrate outstanding achievement, performance and creative contributions through their role at BMCC—beyond what is normally expected of employees. Submit no more than one nomination for each of the following categories: Leadership, Inspiration, Innovation/Technology, Rookie of the Year and Team Achievement.

Happiness Expo: November 7 The BMCC Counseling Center will host the Annual Happiness Expo on November 7 from 12 to 3 p.m. in Richard Harris Terrace at 199 Chambers Street. The event will feature Happiness Stations and activities promoting healthy living and wellness resources. There will be a group meditation session, salsa lesson and grand finale dance contest—plus healthy snacks and raffles with great prizes! For more information, call the Counseling Center, (212) 220-8140.

Bathroom Renovations in 199 Chambers Street Building BMCC has begun the next phase of its restroom renovation capital project at 199 Chambers Street. This project will provide greater accessibility and upgrades to restroom fixtures, stalls, floors, energy-saving LED ceiling lights, ventilation systems and temperature controls. Restrooms under renovation will reopen in early 2019. For more information, contact Facilities Management, (212) 220-8025.

Office of Public Safety Offers Resources and Services The Office of Public Safety ensures a safe, secure and comfortable learning environment at BMCC through resources including free C.P.R., A.E.D. and First Aid, and Campus-Community Emergency Response Training for faculty, staff and students. Public Safety also trains staff as campus fire wardens. Watch the video, Run. Hide. Fight.® to learn about surviving an active shooter event. To report a crime or emergency, call Public Safety at (212) 220-8080 or 911. Blue call boxes are located throughout the campus.

Guidelines for Posters and Flyers on Campus The Office of Public Affairs consults with BMCC departments, offices, faculty and staff to promote events and initiatives in an effective manner, reaching audiences on multiple platforms. Learn how to maximize college resources including the @BMCC e-newsletter, TV monitors, BMCC calendar and social media.

Spring 2019 Registration Now Open
Please encourage students to continue on their path to success and register for Spring 2019. Things to know: All students must meet with their advisors before registering. Students can register on CUNYfirst or visit the Registrar’s Office, Room S-315 at 199 Chambers Street. For more information, visit the Registration page, contact Academic Advisement in Room S-108 at 199 Chambers Street or call (212) 220-8315.

Admissions Open House Highlights Resources and Community at BMCC
On October 27, more than 175 prospective students and 200 guests attended a Halloween-themed Fall Open House in Theatre 2 at 199 Chambers Street and around campus. Guests took part in campus tours, visited dozens of program booths and attended faculty-hosted breakout sessions, music jam circles, speed-round business idea pitches, a robotics demonstration and more. Speaker Keenan Charles (’18, Theatre), shared his college experience: “In every corner of BMCC there are people looking out for you,” he said, and a panel backed up that message by presenting college success programs such as ASAP and the BMCC Learning Academy. 

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, contact the Admissions Office, (212) 220-1265.

Say Hello to the Admissions Office on Social Media
The BMCC Admissions Office launched three new social media accounts. Stop by online and say hi! We appreciate your likes, follows and thumbs up.
Facebook: @bmccadmissions
Twitter: @bmccadmissions
Instagram: @bmccadmissions

BMCC mentioned during coverage of suspicious package found at Robert DeNiro’s studio
October 25—CNN

BMCC alumnus Jose “Joe” Martinez named coach of Madisonville Ky. baseball team 
October 25—The Messenger 

BMCC alumni and House of Xtravaganza Grandmother Coko Xtravaganza featured in article about legendary ballroom house
October 26—New York Magazine

BMCC was setting for Army Corps of Engineers meeting 
October 29—Fast Company

BMCC student appears in up-and-coming fashion designer’s video
October 30—Bronx Times

Health Benefits Transfer Period Extended to November 16
Now through November 16, employees may transfer into any health plan for which they are eligible, add or drop the Optional Rider and add or drop dependents. Changes will take effect the first day of the first full payroll period in January 2019. Contact Human Resources for the appropriate forms. Visit the New York City Office of Labor Relations, Health Benefits Website for plan summaries. For more information, contact BMCC Benefits Manager Diana Lopez.

Flexible Spending Account Enrollment Extended to November 16
The City of New York offers its employees a Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Program, through which they can deposit a portion of their pre-tax income into accounts maintained for certain health and dependent care expenses. The FSA open enrollment period is November 16, for an effective date of January 1, 2019. Forms are available on the OLR website. For more information, contact the NYC Office of Labor Relations.

Protect Yourself in the Digitally Connected Workplace
Learn best practices for cybersecurity at work. Protect yourself with alerts, tips and resources from @DHSgov @USCERT_gov and the OUCH! newsletter. For more information, contact BMCC’s Information Security Manager, Barry Williams, bwilliams@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Enhance Your Skills Through CUNY Professional Development 
The CUNY Professional Development and Learning Management (PDLM) Office presents the October 2018 through June 2019 CUNY Professional Development Program. BMCC faculty and staff can take part in innovative professional and training sessions in areas ranging from MS Excel to data analytics, conflict resolution, business writing and many others. Certificate programs are also available. View catalogue and sign up now.

Deer Oaks EAP Provides Free Health and Financial Resources  The Deer Oaks Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. BMCC employees, their dependents and household members are eligible to access services such as wellness support, workforce guidance and others at no cost. Contact Deer Oaks EAP Services at (855) 492-3633, or eap@deeroaks.com.

Health Benefits Seminars: Transitioning to Retirement 
Employees transitioning to retirement, as well as those remaining active are encouraged to sign up for seminars with the City of New York Office of Labor Relations (OLR) Health Benefits Program at 40 Rector Street, 3rd Floor, in lower Manhattan. You can also watch a brief, Part One and Part Two video series on how health insurance changes for retirees. 

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).

Free Workshop: Paragraph Structure
November 2

Free Workshop: Subject/Verb Agreement
November 2

Free Workshop: Excel Orientation
November 5

BMCC Alumni Business Leaders on Campus, Open to All CUNY Students
November 7

	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

Two Lady Panthers Represent BMCC on CUNYAC All Star Team

Women's Basketball
Nov. 3: BMCC vs. Union County College, (Cranford, NJ)
Nov. 6: BMCC vs. Kingsborough Community College (BMCC gymnasium)
Nov. 8: BMCC vs. Brookdale Community College (BMCC gymnasium)

Men's Basketball
Nov. 3: BMCC vs. Jefferson Community College (BMCC gymnasium)
Nov. 4: BMCC vs. Rowan College of Burlington County (BMCC gymnasium)
Nov. 6: BMCC vs. Kingsborough Community College (BMCC gymnasium)
Nov. 8: BMCC vs. Brookdale Community College (BMCC gymnasium)

@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.