BMCC Community,

The Office of Public Affairs is planning to launch a new version of the BMCC website in mid-January 2019. The new website will look similar to the college’s existing site; however, it will be placed on a new WordPress-based Content Management System (CMS). The new CMS will improve the user experience for students, faculty, staff and the public.

As we finalize the content migration of the website, we would like to limit changes to our current website to ones that are critical and time sensitive. These changes will need to be made no later than December 15.

From December 15, 2018 to January 15, 2019, Public Affairs will be checking and finalizing the new site. Editorial access to department, office and faculty pages will be “frozen” during that time for the current site. If there is an urgent need to change something during that period, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at (212) 346-8501 or publicaffairs@bmcc.cuny.edu and we will assist you.

Once the new BMCC website is launched, Department Web Liaisons will be trained in the new system to learn how to update information on their department’s pages and enter events on the BMCC web calendar.

The Office of Public Affairs will also be scheduling training sessions with each academic department and support service office to inform faculty and staff on how to use the new CMS to update their own faculty profile pages.

We appreciate your continued support and collaboration to complete this important project for the college.

Yours truly,

Manny Romero
Executive Director of Public Affairs

BMCC Announces 2019 Cohort of Faculty Leadership Fellows
The 2019 cohort of the Faculty Leadership Fellows Program at BMCC includes 17 full-time faculty from 13 departments. More than 50 faculty members were nominated by department chairs, past faculty fellows or Cabinet members – 25 faculty members applied and 17 were accepted.

Students Pack Event to Hear Community Activist Akeem Browder and View Screening
On November 28, the BMCC community attended a screening from the documentary series, “Time: The Kalief Browder Story,” followed by a presentation from Kalief’s brother, Akeem Browder. At age 16, Kalief Browder was arrested after being accused of stealing a backpack. Unable to post the $3,000 bail, Browder spent three years—including two in solitary confinement—awaiting trial at Rikers Island, and in 2015, after his release, he committed suicide. Akeem Browder, who founded the Kalief Broder Foundation, told BMCC students they can make a difference by becoming involved. “We’re the ones who have to change the criminal justice system,” he said. Criminal Justice Professor Shenique Davis, who organized the event with Criminal Justice Peer Success Coaches Leanna Feliciano and Kimberly Ramirez said, “Many of our students hope to work in the criminal justice system. It’s important for them to be exposed to the disproportionate impact the system has on people of color."

BMCC Professors Secure Funding for Cutting-Edge Research
BMCC professors, staff and administrators have collectively secured a series of grants in 2018 that is enabling bold pedagogy and cutting-edge research.

BMCC Tribeca PAC Presents Writers in Performance Showcase: "Longing"
BMCC students Akeema "Keemz" and Daniel Pena are among the 11 cast members directed by Mario Giacalone and culminating in a 12-week writing and performance workshop hosted by the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center. Tickets are free, with a suggested donation of $10, and can be bought at the door or by visiting the BMCC TPAC ticketing services in the lobby of 199 Chambers Street.

BMCC Banking and Finance Team Wins District Competition at Federal Reserve
A team of students from the BMCC Finance & Banking Club won first place in the final round of the Maiden Lane division of the College Fed Challenge Competition, November 14, at the New York Federal Reserve Bank in lower Manhattan. The BMCC team bested nine other college teams in the New York Fed’s second district. This is the second time the BMCC team has won the district competition. The BMCC team was invited to observe the national competition at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington D.C. scheduled for November 29.

BMCC Updates Comprehensive Academic Programs Brochure The Office of Public Affairs recently published the Academic Programs brochure which includes descriptions of all academic programs offered at BMCC. The comprehensive brochure is designed to be used by students, faculty and staff to obtain information about the degrees offered and the areas of study. Printed copies are available on campus and a downloadable pdf is available on the BMCC website.

BMCC Updates Student Success Programs Brochure The Office of Public Affairs recently published the Student Success Programs brochure which highlights offices and services available to BMCC students. From Advisement to Financial Aid to College Readiness Programs and Learning Opportunities, the comprehensive brochure offers vital information to help BMCC students succeed and earn their degree. Printed copies are available on campus and a downloadable pdf is available on the BMCC website.

UN Peacekeeping Officer Speaks to BMCC Students
Colonel Siva Methil, Program Officer, United Nations Peacekeeping Strategic Partnership, Office of the Under-Secretary-General (OUSG), Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), United Nations Headquarters, New York spoke to BMCC students on November 28 at Fiterman Hall. Methill discussed strategies surrounding the implementation of United Nations peacekeeping missions around the world. The event was organized by Economics Professor Christine Farias.

Donations Accepted for 4th Annual Toy Drive Now through December 18, the BMCC Veterans Resource Center and the Organization for Student Veterans will be accepting donations of new toys for families in need. For more information, contact the Veterans Resource Center at (212) 220-8000 ext. 5363.

BMCC Celebrates Grant Recipients: Today, November 29
BMCC will host a reception to celebrate faculty leading grant-funded research projects on November 29 at 5 p.m. in the Shirley Fiterman Art Center. BMCC professors serve as experts in a variety of fields and their work is reflected in a wide range of research projects. This free event is hosted by the Office of Academic Affairs and open to the BMCC community. For more information, call (212) 220-8320.

Faculty Development Day
Around 60 faculty members attended the BMCC faculty development day—"Let's Play"—on November 28 at Fiterman Hall. Sponsored and coordinated by the Faculty Development Committee of the BMCC Academic Senate, the event included workshops focused on incorporating fun, play and experimentation into the classroom. "Research shows that students can maximize learning with play and when they learn together," said Teacher Education Professor Kara Cronen. "It's fun for everyone and makes everyone in the classroom feel successful."

BMCC Concert Choir Performs at UNIQLO, December 22 and 23
The BMCC Concert Choir, comprised of BMCC music majors, has been selected by the retail clothing store Uniqlo as this year's seasonal performance group on December 22 and 23 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Uniqlo on 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10103. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Professor Eugenia Oi Yan Yau, (212) 776-7240.

BMCC Coat Drive Through December 20 BMCC students, faculty and staff are invited to donate gently used coats and other clothes as part of the 30th Annual New York Cares coat drive. Donations can be made at the Women's Resource Center in Room S-340 or in the Main Lobby at 199 Chambers Street. For more information contact the Women's Resource Center, (212) 220-8165.

Fall 2018 De-Stress Fest Offered Through December 5
Chair massages, tai chi and game night are a few of the activities offered to BMCC students to help them de-stress as they head toward finals.

Hispanic Heritage Month Closes with Film Festival, November 30
Hispanic Heritage Month has featured readings, dance, music, theater and more. On November 30, the month-long celebration will close with a free, Hispanic Literary Film Festival in Fiterman F-303.

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

BMCC Employee Appreciation Awards: Nominations Open Show your appreciation for colleagues or 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.

BMCC Office of Admissions Launches #FuturePanther Blog
The Office of Admissions has launched the #FuturePanther blog, a new website filled with information to help prospective students explore all that BMCC has to offer and guide them through the application and enrollment process. The blog also features posts from BMCC students, faculty and staff.

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 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

Former Council Speaker Mark-Viverito announces candidacy for NYC Public Advocate at BMCC
November 27—New York 1, El Diario, New York Post, Gotham Gazette, The New York Times

South Bronx Elementary school students visit area colleges, including BMCC to put college directly in their sight
November 24—The Hechinger Report

DC 37 on Campus to Discuss Labor Contract, December 14
Members of the District Council 37 Research and Negotiations Department will present sessions discussing the tentatively agreed-to labor contract on December 14 at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. in N-452, 199 Chambers Street. No RSVP needed.

Enhance Your Skills Through CUNY Professional Development
The CUNY Professional Development and Learning Management (PDLM) Office presents the CUNY Professional Development Program, now through June 19. BMCC faculty and staff can take part in 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.

BMCC 2019 CUNY TUESDAY Donations Surpass Previous Year BMCC's College Development office received $8,525 in donations for the 2019 CUNY Tuesday giving day. That compares to last year's total of $5,000. "I’m excited to see that we are creating a culture of giving for Giving Tuesday here at BMCC. All the funds raised go to supporting scholarships for well-deserving students. I hope that we can continue this trend of surpassing our Giving Tuesday goals each year," said Yaritza Gonzalez, manager alumni relations and annual fund. The BMCC CUNY Tuesday donor portal will be available through November 30.

Charitable Giving through an IRA
Donors at least 70½ years old can take advantage of a simple way to satisfy minimum required distribution and also benefit BMCC students at the same time. Donate up to $100,000 from an IRA directly to BMCC Foundation without having to pay federal income taxes. Please contact Phillip Keefe in the College Development Office at (212) 346-8650 or pkeefe@bmcc.cuny.edu for additional information and assistance.

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).

Study Abroad Information Session
November 30

Admissions and Financial Aid Information Session
December 1

Choir Concert: Dawn, Dusk and the Break of Day
December 4

MLA Style Workshop
December 5

Let's Celebrate Diversity: Stop by the 1st Annual International Festival
December 5

	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

Women's Basketball
Nov. 29: BMCC vs. Monroe College (BMCC gymnasium)
Dec. 1: BMCC vs. Dutchess Community College (Poughkeepsie, NY)

Men's Basketball​
Nov. 29: BMCC vs. Monroe College (BMCC gymnasium​)
Dec. 1: BMCC vs. Dutchess Community College (Poughkeepsie, 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.