News

President's Advisory Council Tackles the Challenge of Diversifying the IT Talent Pipeline
The BMCC President’s Advisory Council met at the BMCC Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development, November 22. BMCC Interim President Karrin E. Wilks welcomed guests who included BMCC administrators and faculty, as well as executives at community-based organizations, Amazon, IBM, CISCO and other information technology leaders. “Many of you have goals to diversify your workforce,” she said. “Given our highly diverse student population, we can help you meet your goals. Together, we can create a pipeline of preparation to meet the workforce needs of your individual companies, the IT industry more generally, and to contribute to the economic and social vitality of New York City.”

2019 Holiday Greeting Card Features Performance by BMCC Concert Choir
For over a decade, thousands have viewed the BMCC digital holiday greeting. In 2019, the e-card will feature a special musical performance by the BMCC Concert Choir and bring more attention to the talented BMCC music department faculty and students.

Faculty and Staff Receive Grants for Research, Book Completion and Programs
On December 2 in the Shirley Fiterman Art Center at BMCC, the Office of Academic Affairs hosted a reception honoring more than 70 faculty and staff members who received grants for their research, to complete their books and other projects. The funders are city, state and national agencies, as well as nonprofits and other organizations. 

MEOC Unveils New Logo, Welcomes Community
The Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC) unveiled its new logo and marketing campaign during a Harlem community briefing on November 12 at the MEOC headquarters in the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State office building on 125th Street. The event was attended by community and academic leaders as well as state political representatives and former MEOC students. Watch the video to learn more about the special event.

Support BMCC: Donations Still Being Accepted
The BMCC community and friends of the college contributed — as we go to press — $8,211 for CUNY Tuesday as part of the national Giving Tuesday movement. The monies raised will go specifically to student scholarships which will be distributed by the BMCC Foundation. Help us meet our goal of $10,000 by making a Giving Tuesday donation by December 31, 2019 by clicking here.

End-of-Semester DeStress Events Are Underway
Now through December 11, BMCC will continue to offer de-stress activities for students at 199 Chambers Street. These include "Donut Panic, a Study Break," main lobby, December 7; Stress Reduction Workshop, 2-3 p.m., Room N-452, December 10 and Destress Arts & Crafts Event, 2-4 p.m., cafeteria, December 11. In addition, through December 11 in Room S410, the BMCC Library is providing — on top of extended hours for all its services including the Learning Resource Center and computer labs — Relaxation Stations with board games, a walking labyrinth, and art remedy activities. 

BMCC Community Invited to Lecture by John C. Williams, President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of New York: December 13 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.

Announcements

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.

Writers in Performance Features BMCC Students December 6 and 7
Two BMCC students — Daniel Pena and Nadine Seroor — will showcase their original scene work as part of the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center’s Writers in Performance on December 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. at 199 Chambers Street. Writers in Performance provides a semester-long workshop that offers playwrights, poets, monologists, writers of prose and spoken word artists the opportunity to create a performance piece from their writings. The event is free although there is a suggested $10 donation. For more information, call (212) 220-1460 or visit the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center

Women's HerStory Month 2020: Event Applications Deadline December 8
Faculty and staff — as well as students with 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 and the Right to Vote." Proposals could focus on topics such as 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 or Oluremi Alapo, oalapo@bmcc.cuny.edu.

BMCC Holiday Entrepreneur Fair December 11
BMCC students and alumni from all departments who are entrepreneurs or small business owners are invited to showcase their work at the BMCC holiday entrepreneur fair on December 11 from 12 until 2 p.m. For more information, contact Professor Shane Snipes, rsnipes@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Free Film Screening and Filmmaker Q&A, December 11
On December 11 at 5 p.m., 199 Chambers Street, Room N-451, the Social Sciences, Human Services and Criminal Justice Department presents a screening of the 2019 Emmy Award winning film Crime + Punishment, which examines policing in New York City from the perspective of officers who risk everything to expose racially discriminatory practices by the NYPD. The filmmaker, Stephen Maing and officers will be on hand for a Q&A following the screening, which is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Professor Sheniques S. Davis at shdavis@bmcc.cuny.edu.

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.

BMCC Students Encouraged to Apply for NSF Research Opportunity
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at BMCC offers paid summer internships for qualified undergraduate students to conduct biology research projects with BMCC scientists. The program, funded by The National Science Foundation, offers BMCC and non-BMCC students the opportunity to conduct research focused on the bioactivity of natural products at different biological levels of organization; for example, the potential antioxidant capacity of natural plant products; the effects of natural extracts on growth and development of different organisms; the regulation of genes involved in cellular differentiation; the potential protective effects on mammalian cells, and the use of plant polymers in the removal of heavy metals. Students will receive a $4,600 stipend, a housing allowance of $1,200, a MetroCard and daily meals. APPLY NOW! Spaces are limited. Student applications are being accepted now through March 1, 2020.

Students Can Apply by February 18 for Summer 2020 Study Abroad 
BMCC professors will take students to China, France, Mexico and Peru this summer through the BMCC Study Abroad program, open to students in all majors. The programs in China and France are language-based, while students traveling to Mexico and Peru examine cultural, health and political issues. To learn more, visit BMCC Study Abroad Courses. The BMCC Association Scholarship covers 60 percent of the program fee for every BMCC participant. Students may also use financial aid and apply for study abroad scholarships. The deadline for students to apply for the Summer 2020 Study Abroad program is February 18. In January and February, Experiential Learning and Study Abroad Manager Jessica Levin will offer scholarship workshops for student applicants. Meanwhile she can be reached at jlevin@bmcc.cuny.edu or (212) 776-6429.

Website Directory Listings
Faculty, staff and students, please note that BMCC Directory content is generated directly through CUNYfirst. Staff members are listed according to divisions and departments defined by CUNY. If there is a change in an employee’s status (for example, no longer working at BMCC, changed departments), 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.

CUNY in the Heights Expansion Improves Learning Environment Starting in January 2020, BMCC at CUNY in the Heights, 5030 Broadway between 213th and 214th Streets in Manhattan, will be closed for renovation to improve classroom spaces, technology and accessibility for students. Also, new courses will be offered through BMCC, the Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center and BMCC’s Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development. This expansion will add 15,000 square feet, double the number of classrooms and triple the classroom seats. 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! 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 educate, engage and mobilize their neighbors, friends, family and fellow 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!

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 teams to co-edit and create 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 that could interrupt their studies. Applicants must demonstrate need, provide documentation and complete other requirements. While Petrie grants will not be given for tuition costs, college debt 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 experience in 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, contact Melissa Jardine, mjardine@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Campus Planning and Facilities

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: Open stairs and escalators go to lower level and floors 2, 3 and 4. Mid-Rise bank elevators go to floors 5, 6, 7 and 8. High-Rise bank elevators go to floors 9, 10, 11 and 12. Elevator banks for people with disabilities will continue to be in service for all floors.

Report Non-Emergency Building Needs Through Archibus Work Order System
Individuals selected to be the Archibus Work Order liaison for their department can quickly alert the BMCC Buildings and Grounds team to non-emergency building needs ranging from a light bulb that needs replacement to building equipment not operating properly. To report an emergency, call (212) 220-8025, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and after business hours, call Public Safety, (212) 220-8080. To report hazardous conditions after 5 p.m., call the engineer on duty, (212) 220-8034. If you have questions or concerns, contact the BMCC Buildings and Grounds team, 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 in the underlayment of the existing pavers will be performed. This activity is regulated by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, which ensures safe and proper removal and disposal of these materials. Requisite abatement notifications are posted on all building entrances to inform occupants of these activities, which are performed in a safe and regulated manner. For more information, contact Eric Lugo at elugo@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Bathroom Renovation Update: Phase 5 Renovations have been completed in the north side bathrooms at 199 Chambers Street and now BMCC has undertaken a 26-bathroom renovation on all seven floors of the far south end. This will provide greater accessibility, ventilation and temperature control systems as well as new stalls, floors, fixtures, ceilings and lighting. For more information, contact Eric Lugo at elugo@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Enrollment

New Panther Station Hours
The Panther Station, 199 Chambers Street, Room S-225, has new hours of operation: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Panther Station assists new and continuing students with admissions, financial aid and registrar-related inquiries and serves as a referral center for other college services. For more information, contact the Panther Station at (212) 220-8000 ext.7320 or station@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Winter/Spring 2020 Advisement & Registration is Open
Students value the advice and support of BMCC faculty and staff. Please encourage the students you work with, 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 advisor before registering. Students can register on CUNYfirst or visit Lab Services at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-114. Students may also be advised online via Skype and email. For more information, 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 and 4) Contact the Center for Career Development for job placement assistance: 199 Chambers Street, 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

Making Headlines

Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams to speak at BMCC
December 4—National Post

Math Professor Clarie Wladis featured speaker at York College event
December 3—Pandora’s Box

Performance at BMCC/TPAC featured event in Weekend Guide for children
November 28—The New York Times

Study led by BMCC professors seeks answers to dearth of male teachers in early childhood education
November 28—The Hechinger Report, District Administration

Human Resources

Transitioning to Retirement? Seminars and Videos Help Clarify Health Benefits
BMCC employees planning for retirement are invited to register online for a Transition to Retiree Health Benefits Seminar offered by the City of New York Office of Labor Relations (OLR) Employee Health Benefits Program on December 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18 and 20 at 22 Cortlandt Street, 12th floor, New York, New York, 10007. Another resource is the Transitioning to Retiree Health Benefits videos Part One and Part Two.

Mandatory Workplace Violence Training Deadlines: Part-Time Employees by Dec. 18; Full-Time by May 20, 2020
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. Employees are also required to review factors for each campus or CUNY location at which they work, in the Campus Specific Information Supplement. For 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.  

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.

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 live, WebEx trainings for CUNY faculty and staff on Microsoft Office 365 applications including OneDrive, Teams and OneNote — useful tools for team collaboration and project management. Users can attend 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.

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 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

Dollars and Sense Discussion with Author Jeff Kreisler

Radical Reading Group for Students, Faculty and Staff
December 6

International Human Rights Day: Flash Mob
December 10

BMCC Entrepreneur Holiday Fair

Workshop: Working after Graduation for International Students 
December 11

Panther Pride

Dutchess Rallies Late in the Fourth Quarter to Stun Women's Basketball, 56-55, at Home Saturday

Elvys Ceballo’s Season: High 24 Points Not Enough as Hostos Holds Off Men’s Basketball, 112-102, In CUNY Action Tuesday Night

Panthers Fall To Dutchess Community College in Back-and-Forth Affair, 86-84

Women's Basketball, Upcoming Games
Dec. 10: BMCC vs. Bronx Community College (BMCC gymnasium)
Dec. 12: BMCC vs. Bergen Community College (Paramus, NJ)

Men's Basketball, Upcoming Games
Dec. 10: BMCC vs. Bronx Community College (BMCC gymnasium)
Dec. 12: BMCC vs. Bergen Community College (Paramus, NJ)
Dec. 14: BMCC vs. Schenectady County Community College (BMCC gymnasium)

Connect with BMCC

@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.