Study Led by BMCC Professors Sheds Light on Black Hole Mergers
BMCC Science Professors Barry McKernan and K.E. Saavik Ford, both research associates at the American Museum of Natural History’s Department of Astrophysics, led a team of scientists in a study that suggests researchers might be able to see light from black hole mergers in space if the collisions happen in the presence of gas, something previously thought to be impossible. The professors collaborated with researchers from the California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, University of Edinburgh, Columbia University and University of Florida on the study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Students Give Feedback in Forums on Designing for Success
Phase II of BMCC's strategic planning process, Designing for Success, shares the same overarching goal as Phase I — to build student success not incrementally, but dramatically. Phase II will examine how to take to scale, the recommendations of Phase I: to increase retention, improve learning, expand career development and achieve equity. Students continue to be an important part of this process, and met with Interim President Wilks, Strategic Planning Chair Christopher Shults and others on November 19, 20 and 21 in the Conference Center at Fiterman Hall. The forums offer students the opportunity to talk about their academic and career exploration at BMCC and discuss ways of enhancing the learning experience at BMCC.

BMCC Community Invited to Lecture by John C. Williams, President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of New York BMCC students, faculty, alumni and donors are invited to meet Dr. John C. Williams, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on December 13, at 11 a.m., in Fiterman Hall, 13th floor. Dr. Williams’ lecture will provide an extraordinary opportunity for students to gain insight into monetary policymaking, the U.S. central banking system and a wide range of issues that affect our country and the world. The lecture will be followed by a question and answer session.

Exhibitions Open with Reception at Shirley Fiterman Art Center
Two exhibitions opened simultaneously with a reception November 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Shirley Fiterman Art Center at Fiterman Hall. The exhibitions — Feedback: Parent-Child Projects from the 70s by artist Dennis Oppenheim and A Family of Three by artist Zhiyuan Yang — will run through February 1, 2020. Coming up on December 11, SFAC presents In Conversation, an exhibition-related panel discussion between Teacher Education Professor Mindi Reich-Shapiro, Oppenheim Estate curator and executor Amy Oppenheim and artist Zhiyuan Yang. This event is free and open to the public.

SAVE THE DATE: CUNY Tuesday, December 3 BMCC is part of #CUNYTUESDAY, a 24-hour giving challenge on December 3 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 and support the success of all students. Faculty and staff members can also make donations through payroll deductions. For more information, call the Office of Development at (212) 220-8020.

BMCC Recognizes Transgender Day of Remembrance
The Womens Resource Center hosted a vigil and an open mic event recognizing Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20 at 199 Chambers Street. Transgender Day of Remembrance aims to bring awareness about the violence transgender people face in our society and to celebrate and remember victims of that violence. The open mic was moderated by BMCC Professor Elizabeth Whitney with an opening talk by BMCC Professor C. Ray Borc.

BMCC Website Directory Listings
Faculty, staff and students should be informed that the BMCC Directory reflects the content that is generated directly through CUNYfirst. Staff members are listed according to the divisions and departments as defined by CUNY. If there is a change in an employee’s status (i.e. no longer working at BMCC, relocated to another department), please contact the BMCC Human Resources department to make sure this information has been entered in CUNYfirst. If this information has been entered and it is not appearing on the directory, please contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@bmcc.cuny.edu

Submit your BALLOT for the 2019-2020 Employee Appreciation Awards
BMCC students, faculty and staff, show your appreciation for staff (non-faculty) members who demonstrate outstanding achievement, performance and creative contributions through their role at BMCC, beyond what is normally expected of employees. Fill out your ballot and SUBMIT ONE nomination in each category: Leadership, Inspiration, Innovation/Technology, Rookie of the Year and Team Achievement. Employees have one chance to submit their ballot... make it count by filling in a thoughtful, detailed nomination by no later than May 1.

Students Must Register by December 1 for Winter 2020 Tuition Waivers
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 needed to complete their associate degree. The Petrie STEM Waiver covers full tuition for students enrolled in a math, 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 an NYC resident, U.S. citizen or permanent resident at the time the waiver is applied. To qualify, students must register for the Winter 2020 course by December 1. Funding is limited; waivers are first-come, first-served, and 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.

Health Benefits Program Transfer Period Ends November 29
The Fall 2019 Health Benefits Program Transfer Period ends November 29, 2019. Health plan changes requested during the Transfer Period will take effect in January 2020. During the Transfer Period, you may enroll or make changes to your coverage. For a summary of each of the offered plans, please visit the New York City Office of Labor Relations - Health Benefits Website.

BMCC Observes Week of Thanks
Beginning November 16, BMCC observed a week of thanks with "thank you-grams" as well as a a Tree of Thanks. At the Tree of Thanks, located outside S-350 at 199 Chambers St., students were encouraged to leave messages of thanks for faculty, fellow students, mentors, family or others.

CUNY in the Heights Expansion Scheduled Starting in January 2020, BMCC at CUNY in the Heights, located at 5030 Broadway between 213th and 214th Streets in Manhattan, will be closed for renovation in order to improve its facilities and learning environment. The renovation will include improvements to classroom spaces, technology and accessibility for students of all levels. Other enhancements will include new course offerings through BMCC, the Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center, BMCC’s Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development. The expansion of this facility will add 15,000 square feet of space, which will double the number of existing classrooms and triple the number of available classroom seats. In the meantime, please visit the BMCC Off-site Programs website to learn about course offerings at the Tribeca-Main Campus and Off-site Programs. Students are encouraged to speak with an advisor to learn more about their options at (212) 220-8315 or eadvisement@bmcc.cuny.edu.

BMCC Students: CUNY Census Corps Is Hiring! BMCC STUDENTS: Are you passionate about improving your community? Do you want to earn money while you build your resume and professional networks? The CUNY Census Corps is hiring students to join their team in building awareness about the U.S. Census. CUNY Census Corps students will educate, engage and mobilize their neighbors, friends, family and other students to complete the 2020 census. CUNY Census Corps starts in mid-January and lasts for five to seven months. Students will earn $15 an hour and work approximately 12 hours per week. APPLY NOW!

BMCC Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
The BMCC community is invited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through December 4 on the BMCC campus. Events include a Library Book exhibit, film screenings and lectures. All events are open to the general public, except for the closing ceremony featuring live music and lunch on December 4 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in Richard Harris Terrace. For more information, please contact Professor Rosario Torres at rtorres@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Women's HerStory Month 2020: Event Applications Open Through December 8
Faculty and staff — as well as students who have a faculty or staff advisor — are invited to submit program ideas online by December 8 for Women's HerStory Month 2020. The theme is "Looking Back, Moving Forward: Women & the Right to Vote." Proposal topics, for example, could focus on women's journey to gain the right to vote and how that journey reflects their diverse identities. For more information, please contact Nicole Lopez-Jantzen, nlopezjantzen@bmcc.cuny.edu and Oluremi Alapo, oalapo@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Asian Heritage Month Committee Meets November 27
The 2019-2020 Asian Heritage Month Committee with meet on November 27 at 12 p.m. at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-341. BMCC community members of all backgrounds are invited to join the meeting and discussion on the month's activities and theme. For more information, contact Acting Provost and Senior Vice President Erwin J. Wong, ewong@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Dropbox Available Free for BMCC Students, Faculty and Staff CUNY is providing Dropbox and Dropbox Paper free of charge for all CUNY students, faculty and staff. Dropbox provides a tool to share files, collaborate and store work, while Dropbox Paper allows co-editing and creating task lists, timelines, image previews, spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations and PDFs within the same document in real-time. For more information, visit CUNY’s Dropbox website.

CUNY Student Technology Fee Policy and Procedures Online
The Student Technology Fee (“Tech Fee”) was created to enhance technology available to students on CUNY campuses. Fees are collected from students to fund projects that have a “demonstrable affect” on the student body. Each campus has an advisory committee of students, faculty and administrative staff that recommends project approval. The CUNY Technology Fee Policy and Procedures document was updated September 2019.

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 other 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: (212) 220-8000, Ext. 7149 or mhunter@bmcc.cuny.edu.

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 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. For more information, please contact Melissa Jardine, mjardine@bmcc.cuny.edu.

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.

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.

Elevator Programming Changes at Fiterman Hall As part of the college's ongoing 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: Elevators on the Mid Rise Bank go to floors 5 thru 8. Elevators on the High Rise Bank go 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.

Campus Planning and Facilities Encourage BMCC Community to use Archibus Work Order System
To improve customer service, 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. This alerts the Buildings and Grounds team to building deficiencies or operational improvements that could impact your ability to perform your job at BMCC. A Work Order can report non-emergency building needs from custodial services to a light bulb that needs replacement or building equipment not operating properly. To report an emergency, please call (212) 220-8025, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. After business hours, please call Public Safety, (212) 220-8080. To report hazardous conditions after 5 p.m., please call the engineer on duty, (212) 220-8034.

Please identify who in your department is the designated Archibus Work Order liaison. If you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to email the BMCC Buildings and Grounds team which is implementing and managing the system: b&g@bmcc.cuny.edu, subject line: “Archibus Work Order System.”

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.

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 Lab Services in Room S-114. Students may also be advised online via Skype and email. For more info, visit the Registration page, contact Academic Advisement in Room S-108, call (212) 220-8315 or email eadvisement@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Federal Student Aid and Other Financial Assistance Available
If you know a student who is delaying registration because of tuition concerns, please share these options: 1) Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Apply now to maximize the amount of money received. 2) Visit the Panther Station in Room S-225 to speak with a financial aid specialist. 3) Apply for a scholarship. 4) Contact the Center for Career Development for job placement assistance: Room S-342, career@bmcc.cuny.edu.

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 28-30:        COLLEGE CLOSED - NO CLASSES
December 1:               COLLEGE CLOSED - NO CLASSES
December 11:             Deadline for Submission of “WN” Grade Reversal Form
December 12:             Student Faculty Evaluations Submission Deadline
December 12:             Last Day of Classes
December 13              Reading Day/Final Examination
December 14-20:        Final Examination
December 14-27:        Grade Submission
December 24-25:        COLLEGE CLOSED
December 27:             Grade Submission Deadline
December 28:             CUNYfirst Shutdown for Grade Submission

BMCC alumnus profiled at nursing publication
November 20—Daily Nurse

BMCC alumnus named to board of petroleum company
November 19—Oil & Gas 360

Writers in Performance at BMCC TPAC highlighted
November 18—Broadway World

Single Stop Director Deborah Harte discusses BMCC food pantry
November 6—WHCR radio

Mandatory Workplace Violence Training Required for Full- and Part-Time Employees
In accordance with New York State Law, all part-time BMCC faculty and staff who have NOT completed Workplace Violence Training for the 2019-2020 academic year are required to do so by December 18, 2019; full-time employees by May 20, 2020. The course is accessible via CUNY Blackboard and also covers workplace violence risk factors specific to BMCC in the Campus Specific Information Supplement; employees are required to review factors for each campus or CUNY location where they work. For more information, instructions on disabling pop-up blockers or if you are unable to complete this online training, please contact Maria Deckinger, mdeckinger@bmcc.cuny.edu, (212) 220-1496 or Lori Mazzola, lmazzola@bmcc.cuny.edu, (212) 776-7063. For general questions, contact ViolencePrevention.Training@cuny.edu.  

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. 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 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 project management. Users can attend most Wednesdays 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.

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.

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 Faculty Concert
November 22

Film: In the Time of Butterflies
November 25

Hispanic Heritage Month Film: Fernando Birri Series, Part 4
November 27

Guest Lecturer Dr. Dale Caldwell: Intelligent Influence in Work, Life and Philanthropy
November 27

Honors in Action Bioethics Panel
December 6

	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 Suffer 87-78 Road Loss At Nassau Community College

Panthers Pick Up First Victory Of The Season, 60-31, Over Queensborough Community College

Queensborough Community College Holds Off Late BMCC Men's Basketball Rally, 86-82

Women’s Basketball Drops Regional Game At Nassau Community College On Saturday Afternoon

Women's Basketball, Upcoming Games
Nov. 23: BMCC vs. Dutchess Community College (BMCC gymnasium)
Nov. 26: BMCC vs. Hostos Community College (Bronx, NY)

Men's Basketball, Upcoming Games
Nov. 23: BMCC vs. Dutchess Community College (BMCC gymnasium)
Nov. 26: BMCC vs. Hostos Community College (Bronx, NY)

@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.