@BMCC

September 7, 2023

BMCC Leads Partnership to Address Dire Shortage of Early Childhood Special Education Teachers
Many New York City preschoolers with disabilities are not receiving the services they need, due to the shortage of certified early childhood special education teachers (ECSE). To develop much-needed ECSE associate degree programs, the U.S. Department of Education has awarded BMCC a two-year, $200,000 grant to lead a partnership with Brooklyn College, Bronx Community College, Hostos Community College, Kingsborough Community College, LaGuardia Community College and the Kennedy Children’s Center. “Given individualized supports, all children can thrive in the least restrictive environment possible,” says Teacher Education Professor and grant PI Jennifer Longley. “Early childhood teacher educators in CUNY recognize the importance of this work and want to be a part of it.”

2023 Gala Set for October 25: Invest in Our Students, and Their Future
The BMCC Invest in a Future Scholarship Gala is set for Wednesday, October 25 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Tribeca 360, 10 Desbrosses Street, New York, NY 10013. The Gala is an unforgettable, celebratory event that brings together the BMCC community and friends of the college, all of whom share a deep commitment to BMCC’s talented and ambitious students. This year’s Gala Honoree is Ron Fauber, President and CEO of Moody’s Corporation. Gala sponsorship levels span a wide range of options, and you can register online. BMCC and the BMCC Foundation are grateful for your support. For more information about sponsorships and getting involved in the Gala, please email advancementevents@bmcc.cuny.edu.

The Fall 2023 Welcome Fair helped build community and acquaint new and returning students with all that BMCC has to offer. Visit here for more photos of the event.

BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe Selected for 2023 Manhattan Power 100
City & State New York, a non-partisan media organization that covers New York politics and policy, has named BMCC President Anthony Munroe to its 2023 Manhattan Power 100, an exclusive list the publication describes as “the most influential political actors in the borough, including key members of Congress, powerful policymakers, trailblazing prosecutors, outspoken advocates and others who are leading the way in New York and beyond.” Congratulations, President Munroe!

BMCC Community Honors Historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom with Viewing of Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” Speech
In 1963, a quarter of a million people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. as part of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his renowned “I Have a Dream” speech that day, and now 60 years later, on August 30, BMCC students, faculty and staff gathered in Richard Harris Terrace to watch footage of Dr. King’s call for equal opportunity and an end to racism. Dean Michael Hutmaker provided context including the story of A. Philip Randolph, who directed the March on Washington and for whom the BMCC Library is named. Student Development Librarian Elizabeth Arestyl demonstrated how to make buttons reminiscent of those worn at the march itself, and Arestyl along with OER Librarian Craig Nielsen and Open Knowledge Librarian Jean Armaral distributed hand-made zines with excerpts from Dr. King’s speech and biographies of women activists who made the march a reality—all available in the Library's Zine Collection. Visit here for more photos of the event.

How to Win a Scholarship: Love of Learning and Faculty/Staff Support
Computer Science major Florian Charles (above, left) is the first BMCC student to receive a $10,000 scholarship from Garden of Dreams Inspire. Writing and Literature major Kaya Fader (above, right) and Computer Science major Amanda Loeung each received $1,000 as this year’s Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars, an opportunity made available by their membership in Phi Theta Kappa, BMCC’s Alpha Kappa Chapter. All three students attribute their scholarship awards to faculty and staff support, a sense of belonging and their own passion for learning.

First-Gen Students Kick Off the Year in Panther Partners Meet and Greet
Last year, over 100 first-generation students were matched with faculty and staff mentors who helped them navigate college life. This year’s Panther Partner students kicked off the new year on August 30 with a gathering at the Hudson Room. New and First-Year Student Programs Specialist Rahana Belle-Jerome, who has shepherded the nationally recognized Panther Partners program since it was piloted in 2017, along with Director of First-Year and New Student Programs Shahreen Laskar welcomed students with music, pizza and swag bags. “You’ll have opportunities to participate in research, earn scholarships and learn to be a better communicator,” Dean Michael Hutmaker told the new cohort, “but don’t forget the fun stuff, like group trips to Broadway shows and ball games, participating in clubs and events that will build up your co-curricular transcript and give you an edge when you apply to your next college or start your career.” Staff and faculty interested in being a Panther Partner mentor can visit here.

Making Headlines

Former BMCC writing professor Jourdan Bennett-Begaye elected to Indigenous Journalists Association
September 6, 2023—Maverick 102.3

BMCC partnership with Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC) highlighted
September 5, 2023—Vogue

BMCC alumnus Kevin Jason Smith featured in profiles of Fall 2023 incoming class, Columbia School of General Studies
September 5, 2023—www.columbia.edu

BMCC Professor Kelly A. Rodgers and Ohio State Univ. Professor Donna Y. Ford examine impact of culturally relevant pedagogy on teacher burnout
August 29, 2023—Diverse Issues in Higher Education

Did You Know?

Announcements

BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe, VP Sanjay Ramdath and UMLA members represented BMCC at the West Indian American Day parade in Brooklyn on September 4.

Support Students by Sharing These Updated Brochures
The Office of Public Affairs has released the new Comprehensive Academic Programs brochure, which provides degree program information, and Support Programs brochure, which highlights offices and services such as financial aid and tutoring programs. These valuable resources are available on the BMCC website.

BMCC Kayak Club Highlighted in NYT; Club Fair Is September 13; Deadline to Join Clubs Is September 20
The BMCC Kayaking and Outing Club was featured in The New York Times with a photo blast of a student kayaking adventure on the Hudson River in Cold Spring, NY. “The launch of the Kayak and Outing Club this Spring was a great success, and we look forward to new students joining in the Fall,” said Doug Israel, BMCC's director of government and community relations and faculty advisor to the club. "Students experience the joys of kayaking as well as learn about basic water safety, leadership, and the Hudson River ecosystem, which supports a variety of fish, birds and other wildlife and can be accessed directly across the street from BMCC.” All registered students interested in kayaking and other outdoor activities are invited to join. No experience is required. For more information contact disrael@bmcc.cuny.edu. To learn of other student clubs offered through the Office of Student Activities, students can attend the Club Fair on September 13 from 12 to 4 p.m. in the outside Lower Lobby at 199 Chambers Street. The deadline to join a club is September 20. Photo credit Lauren Lancaster for The New York Times

Join Italian American Planning Committee by September 14
The Italian diaspora has influenced cultures around the world, and the Italian language is an essential component of international commerce. BMCC’s nationally recognized Italian language program is offered through the Modern Languages department, and Italian Heritage Month is set for late October. The day-long event will be loosely tied to the theme of this year’s national celebrations, "The Joys of Learning Italian." The Italian Heritage Committee—a multi-ethnic group of colleagues whose purpose is to foster appreciation of the Italian and Italian-American experience and encourage understanding among all groups—welcomes BMCC community members of all backgrounds to join a planning meeting on Thursday, September 14 from 11 to 12 p.m. This year, the planning meetings will be on Zoom. For the link, please email nradix@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Do You Work with STEM Students? Share Exciting Research Opportunities
BMCC provides hands-on lab research that enables students to hit the ground running when they transfer to a bachelor’s in STEM program. Share these opportunities with tomorrow’s scientists. For details, visit Student Research Opportunities or contact ooresearch@bmcc.cuny.edu.

CUNY Research Scholars Program (CRSP): Requires 3.0 GPA, 12 credits earned so far, U.S. Citizen or permanent resident status, and three previous semesters mentored research. $5,000 stipend.
NYC Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP): Requires 2.5 GPA, no credit minimum and must take fall seminar before starting. $3,000 stipend.
BMCC Foundation Fund for Undergraduate Research (BFF): Requires 3.0 GPA, 12 credits earned so far, U.S. citizen or permanent resident status and one previous semester mentored research. $1,500 stipend.
Becoming a Scientist Program: No GPA, earned credit or citizenship requirement. Includes 10 workshop sessions with Rockefeller University scientists and $250 stipend.

Join Pride Month Planning Committee or Submit an Event Proposal by September 13
BMCC is committed to advancing equity, a backbone priority reflected in its programs and initiatives—but this isn’t the experience of all college students across the country. This October’s Pride Month at BMCC exists against a national backdrop that is increasingly hostile to queer students. The ACLU is tracking almost 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills. “Don’t Say Gay” legislation censors queer-related instruction in Florida. Books with queer content are banned in Texas, Florida, Missouri, Utah and South Carolina. Gender-affirming medical care is restricted in 20 states, and the intersection of race and LGBTQ+ identities continues to imperil students nationwide. LGBTQ+ students at BMCC are aware of and affected by these threats. Faculty and staff interested in celebrating and supporting queer students can help plan this year’s Pride Month by first joining the Pride Month Email List or submitting an event proposal by September 13. To learn more, visit the Pride Center or contact Dean Michael Hutmaker at mhutmaker@bmcc.cuny.edu.

BMCC's National Society of Leadership & Success Chapter (NSLS) Application Deadline Is September 22
Eligible students will soon receive email invitations to join the NSLS chapter at BMCC. The application deadline is September 22. Once students accept their nominations and apply, they will be contacted by the chapter to complete the five-step leadership program to become inducted members and enjoy a fully virtual NSLS experience. There is a one-time registration payment of $95 which includes a lifetime membership to the society, and benefits such as scholarships, leadership skills, professional communication training and more.

BMCC Cafeteria Open for Fall
The BMCC Cafeteria at 199 Chambers Street, also known as MBJ Food Services, serves hot meals, salads, healthy snacks, coffee and more. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Please Review the CUNY Policy on Religious Accommodations
BMCC faculty, staff and administration are encouraged to review the CUNY Policy on Religious Accommodations, which allows students to request and be granted academic and attendance accommodations on the basis of religious belief. Another resource is the Religious & Ethnic Holidays Calendar, provided by the CUNY Interfaith Council. For more information or to request the inclusion of additional observances, please contact Sophia McGee, CUNY Director of Intercultural Student Engagement and Dialogue, at sophia.mcgee@cuny.edu.

Lactation Rooms Ease the Return to Campus
Students, faculty and staff can access nurturing environments designed to ease the transition back to school or work while nursing, pumping and other needs. To reserve a Lactation Room, email the Women’s Resource Center at wrc@bmcc.cuny.edu, call (212) 220-8166 or stop by 199 Chambers Street, Room S-340. To reserve a lactation space through BMCC Health Services at 199 Chambers Street, Room N-380, call (212) 220-8157. For more information, please review the CUNY Lactation Policy.

Enjoy Merchandise and Entertainment Discounts, as Well as Free Subscriptions to “The New York Times” and “Wall Street Journal”
BMCC students, faculty and staff are eligible for retail and entertainment discounts and other perks throughout the year. The College community can also sign up for free online subscriptions to “The New York Times” and “The Wall Street Journal.” Visit the discounts page to learn more.

Enrollment

There’s Still Time to Register for Fall 2023 Express Sessions!
There is still an express session available for Fall 2023. This 8-week session is from October 26 to December 20. While the Express Sessions give students the flexibility to take courses during a shorter time frame, please keep in mind that they offer limited course offerings and have some financial aid limitations. Learn more here. Students can speak with an advisor to determine whether the Express Sessions are the best option for them. They can register on CUNYfirst or meet with a Panther Station Specialist on Zoom. For more information, visit the Fall Express page or contact Academic Advisement at (212) 220-8315 or aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Human Resources

Gender-Based Violence Training Joins ESPARC and WVP Mandated Trainings

The state- and CUNY-mandated Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Course (ESPARC) and Workplace Violence Prevention Training (WVP) are available for the 2023-2024 academic year. All part-time employees, including adjuncts, must complete both trainings by the end of the current semester. Full-time employees have until May 31 to complete the trainings.
The state- and CUNY-mandated Gender Based Violence Training (GBVT) is required for HR professionals and managers with at least one direct report. Full-time employees notified by email about GBVT must complete it by May 31; part-time employees who are contacted have till the end of the current semester.

Sports and Wellness