@BMCC

October 12, 2023

A Message from the President About the Attacks on Israel
As CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez has shared in his messages, the CUNY community is devastated by the violent attacks carried out by Hamas militants on the people of Israel. At BMCC, we share this sense of devastation and shock, and remain deeply concerned about the impact of the ongoing violence in the region on all members of our community. Our hearts are with those who continue to suffer. Read the full message here.

From Jersey Boys to Cinema, Live Music and More, Italian Heritage Month Brings Italy to Tribeca
Italian Heritage Month at BMCC will present a live performance with Dominic Scaglione, Jr.— known for his role as Four Seasons frontman Frankie Valli in the Tony-Award winning Broadway musical “Jersey Boys”—on Tuesday, October 24 in Theatre 2 at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center. Other events that day and on October 31 include a talk by acclaimed actress, writer and theater director Laura Caparrotti; a live performance by BMCC students, a performance by singer/songwriter, Mario Giacalone, and a talk on Donatella di Pietrantonio’s highly acclaimed novel, “A Girl Returned,” led by Professor Lisa Sarti. Italian Heritage Month reflects the vibrancy of the BMCC Modern Languages Department, which provides associate degree programs in Italian, French, Spanish and Spanish Translation and Interpretation, as well as a certificate program, Spanish Translation for the Health, Legal and Business Professions.

Speech, Communications and Theatre Arts Students and Faculty BMCC Live @ PAC NYC Set for October 18
Students and faculty from the Speech, Communications and Theatre Arts department will make their debut appearance on the Vartan and Clare Gregorian stage at the newly opened Perelman Performing Arts Center on October 18 at 2 p.m. The monologue slam, directed by Professor Angela Polite, is an hour-long performance that features a series of monologues woven together by the beat and sound of the drum and spoken word. “Our monologues come from a diverse group of writers and they beautifully exemplify the universal themes of love and loss, second chances, family and redemption,” said Professor Polite. The event is free and open to the public.

Professor Lisette Acosta Corniel Featured in American History Association Publication
Ethnic and Race Studies Professor Lissette Acosta Corniel is featured in the American Historical Association's Perspectives on History newsmagazine spotlight in the publication's October 6 issue. In a lengthy interview, Professor Acosta describes her career path and how her interests have evolved. Among other projects, Professor Acosta is editing a collection of essays, “Transatlantic Bondage: Slavery and Society in Spain, Santo Domingo, and Puerto Rico,” for the Afro-Latinx Futures series at SUNY Press. “History is the door to knowledge,” Professor Acosta said. “You can write about any subject from a historical perspective.” Read the entire interview here.

Grow With Google Career Readiness Block Party a Resounding Success
More than 250 students attended the BMCC Center for Career Development’s Grow with Google career readiness block party October 11 in Richard Harris Terrace. The Grow with Google Hispanic Serving Institution career readiness program helps students gain the necessary digital skills to land competitive jobs and internships. “This program teaches students how to prepare a resume, how to use Google work space and other skills many companies expect job applicants to have,” said Elizabeth Yan, IT Coordinator at the BMCC Center for Career Development. Since its launch in 2017, the Google program has proven tremendously popular, with BMCC ranking second among all other community colleges in student participation. See photo gallery.

Making Headlines

BMCC debuts student concert series at Perelman Performing Arts Center
October 9, 2023—The Ticker

Did You Know?

Announcements

BMCC Hosts Events for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, held each October, aims to promote screening and prevention of the disease that affects one in eight women in the United States every year. Known for its pink theme color, the month features a number of campaigns and programs aimed at supporting people diagnosed with breast cancer, including metastatic breast cancer; educating people about breast cancer risk factors, and stressing the importance of regular screening. Learn about Breast Cancer Awareness events planned throughout the month by visiting here.

BMCC Hosting National Transfer Student Week Events Starting October 16
BMCC Academic Advisement and Transfer Center (AATC) is hosting several events for National Transfer Student Week from October 16 to October 19. The AATC is here to help students plan a course of study at BMCC and assist with transferring to a four-year college. Learn more about BMCC’s Transfer Student Week events here.

World Food Day Is October 16
The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization has designated October 16 as World Food Day. At BMCC, students can visit the Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) and meet with a student life specialist to access the numerous services ARC provides to address food shortages, financial hardship, emergency needs and referrals to more in-depth services. Find out more about World Food Day and BMCC’s ARC here.

BMCC Employees Invited to Dr. Javier Ávila’s "The Trouble with My Name" October 18
CUNY University Human Resources Diversity Dialogues series will host poet and professor Dr. Javier Ávila’s dynamic show, "The Trouble with My Name" on October 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Technology Center, 395 Hudson Street in Manhattan. The in-person and virtual event, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, is open to all CUNY employees. The virtual registration deadline is October 17. "The Trouble with My Name" examines the issues of language, race, and social justice in an eye-opening performance where Ávila engages the audience as he tells the story of his life and reads poetry that illustrates what it means to be the American of the future. Ávila’s show breaks barriers and embraces the diversity of a nation whose history is rich and colorful. The message transcends boundaries of race, ethnicity, and geography. It is a show not to be missed.

BMCC Fall 2023 Student Job Fair October 18
The Center for Career Development will host the Fall 2023 job fair October 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the gymnasium. So far, representatives from more than 80 organizations are expected to be on hand accepting resumes and meeting with students about potential job and internship opportunities. Before the fair, students are encouraged to stop by the Center for Career Development office for a resume review. If students need professional attire or have any questions they are encouraged to call (212) 220-8170. Register to attend the job fair here.

U.S. Secret Service Special Agent to Discuss Career Opportunities at October 25 Event
The BMCC Center for Career Development and the Alumni Relations Office will host Jahir Blanton, Special Agent, U.S. Secret Service for an in-person presentation and networking event on October 25 at 5:30 p.m. in Richard Harris Terrace. Special Agent Blanton will discuss employment opportunities within the Secret Service and more. Contact Driada Rivas, Interim Director for Center for Career Development at drivas@bmcc.cuny.edu. Sign up to attend the event here.

Students Giving Voice to Poverty: Submission Deadline October 31
CUNY community college students interested in participating and contributing ideas, artwork, and organizing skills can participate in a variety of ways in the upcoming Students Giving Voice to Poverty Conference on November 10 in Richard Harris Terrace. Learn more here. If you have questions or would like more information, contact voicingpoverty@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Read About CUNY’s Religious Accommodations Policy
CUNY is committed to providing reasonable accommodations that allow every member of the community to observe their religious practices without compromising their academic or work progress. Learn more about the CUNY’s religious accommodations policy. Watch the Chancellor's PSA on Religious Accommodations.

Personal Protection Items Available
Personal protection items such as masks and hand sanitizer will be sent to your department within 24 hours if you send a request to PPE@bmcc.cuny.edu.

BMCC Community Encouraged to Sign up for CUNY Alert
CUNY Alert allows you to receive text, email and/or voice alerts of emergencies or weather-related closings on campus. You can choose your campus or office locations, phone numbers for voice and text messages, and email addresses for emergency notifications delivered directly to you. BMCC community members are also encouraged to sign up for the CUNY Alert system here.

Trainings on “Understanding Muslim Experiences and Combating Anti-Muslim Bias” and “Understanding Jewish Experiences and Antisemitism”: Virtual Sessions offered November 17 and November 28
The Office of Compliance and Diversity invites BMCC students, faculty and staff to attend two trainings presented by the New York City Commission on Human Rights.

A virtual session of “Understanding Muslim Experiences and Combating Anti-Muslim Bias” will be offered on November 17 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Monday, October 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Fiterman Hall, Rooms 1404/05/06: “Understanding Jewish Experiences and Antisemitism" will address antisemitism as well as its impact on Jewish New Yorkers and the larger society. It will introduce Jewish history and practices and outline best practices for working with Jewish New Yorkers.
A virtual session of “Understanding Jewish Experiences and Antisemitism” will be offered on November 28 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The workshops will also elaborate on protections for Muslim and Jewish New Yorkers against discrimination under the City Human Rights Law. Please fill out this form to register for the trainings.

Enrollment

NY High School Students Can Apply to BMCC for Free in October
New York City seniors can apply to BMCC with no application fee from October 1 to October 31. New York State high school seniors can apply to BMCC with no application fee from October 16 to October 31. Click here to apply.

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 until the end of the current semester.

Sports and Wellness