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News |
Afrikan Heritage Month Opens With Inspiring Joy Filled Ceremony
BMCC students, faculty and staff filled the college’s cafeteria on February 7 for a joy-filled celebration of Afrikan Heritage that included live music, drumming and dance, as well as a buffet of African food. Performers including the Zante Sesame Flyers Dancers, the Channel View School for Research marching band and the BMCC Drummers brought the crowd to its feet throughout the opening event. Keynote speaker Craig Wesley, senior manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Simons Foundation—which recently gifted CUNY $75 million to boost its tech programs—delivered a speech detailing his journey to a career with one of the world’s largest science foundations. The ceremony kicked off a full month of scheduled Afrikan Heritage events. See photo gallery. Watch a video of event highlights here.
Join Opening Reception for Faculty Art Exhibition, “Drawing Alphabets,” February 21
The Shirley Fiterman Art Center (SFAC) at BMCC will host an opening reception for “Drawing Alphabets,” an exhibition of original work created by faculty in the Art Foundations programs, as well as in the Media Arts and Technology Department on February 21, from 5 until 7 p.m. The exhibition will be available for viewing February 15 through March 23 at SFAC North and South Galleries in BMCC’s Fiterman Hall, 81 Barclay Street in lower Manhattan.
Brightspace Launches Summer 2024. Here’s How Faculty Can Get Ready.
Starting with the Summer 2024 semester, Brightspace will replace Blackboard as BMCC’s learning management systems (LMS). Benefits to Brightspace include its ease of use on a phone or tablet. Besides being mobile-friendly, Brightspace prioritizes active and engaged learning, dynamic course design and use of collaborative tools. The first day of summer classes is May 28. As CUNY scheduling sometimes necessitates last-minute class assignments, all faculty are encouraged to prepare for the Brightspace transition. Here are four things you can do to hit the ground running in Summer 2024, with Brightspace as your LMS:
Learn more on the Brightspace Transition at BMCC website. Feel free to direct questions to lmstransition@bmcc.cuny.edu.
Spring 2024 Commons Highlights BMCC/PAC-NYC Alliance and More
The BMCC Commons is the College’s biannual print and online publication. The Spring 2024 issue showcases alliances BMCC has forged that propel students to new heights in the arts, STEM, bachelor’s degree programs and more. “Our strength as an institution is our ability to look inward as well as outward, to acknowledge the past and embrace opportunities for a brighter future,” says BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe in his column on page 2. “We continually assess what works for our students, and scale up from there.” A series of cameo comments commemorating BMCC’s 60-year anniversary include Nursing Professor Sung Gwak who says in her 37 years at the College, “One thing hasn’t changed—our Nursing graduates excel in New York State in academic excellence and achieving their nursing license.” Read more here.
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Making Headlines |
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Sociology Professor Elizabeth Wissinger comments on fashion trends
January 31, 2024—Never Post podcast
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Did You Know? |
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Announcements |
Do Your Students Envision Careers in STEM? Encourage Them to Apply to Research Opportunities at BMCC
Students dedicated to a future in STEM thrive in internships and paid faculty-mentored research projects that speak to their values and vision. The BMCC Foundation Fund (BFF) Research Program is now accepting applications from international students. The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Research Program has a few spots for spring and summer, so please share this application link. The CUNY Research Foundation also offers a spring internship with Hudson River Park through this application. For more information on research opportunities at BMCC, email ooresearch@bmcc.cuny.edu and encourage your students to stay up-to-date through the BMCC Office of Research newsletter.
Let Students Know: Tutors Available for Any Class Writing
English professors have volunteered their time and will be on hand to guide students in their writing during drop-in sessions in the Cafeteria, 199 Chambers Street on Tuesday, February 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thursday, February 15 from 2 to 6 p.m. and Tuesday, February 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Addressing Discrimination Based on Shared Ancestry or Ethnic Characteristics, Such as Antisemitic or Islamophobic Harassment, in Schools: Feb. 27
The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights will present a free zoom training for students, staff and faculty on Tuesday, February 27 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Speakers Lauren Numeroff, David Krieger and Coleen Chin are Senior Attorneys with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, New York Regional office. The office investigates, mediates and resolves complaints alleging violations of federal civil rights laws, including those based on shared ancestry, by educational institutions that receive financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. Registration is required. A zoom link will be sent to registrants close to the training date.
Join Campus Blood Drive, February 16
Help save a life. Start by rolling up your sleeve at the New York Blood Center Drive, Thursday, February 15 from 12 to 6 p.m. at 199 Chambers Street, Richard Harris Terrace. Make an appointment online. Please remember to eat, drink and bring a photo ID. If you have questions, contact healthservices@bmcc.cuny.edu.
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Encourage Your Students to Accept NSLS Invitation: Deadline February 23
Leaders start here! BMCC's National Society of Leadership & Success Chapter (NSLS) has sent out Spring 2024 membership invitations to all eligible students. A one-time registration fee of $95 provides lifetime membership and benefits such as scholarships, professional communication training and more. The deadline for students to accept their Spring 2024 invitation is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 23. Next, they complete a five-step leadership program to become inducted members and enjoy a fully virtual NSLS experience. For more information, contact NSLS@bmcc.cuny.edu. |
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Let Students Know: Free, Virtual Tax Assistance Is Available Through April 8
Staff from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance will help currently enrolled BMCC students prepare and e-file their income tax returns in free, self-help Zoom sessions on February 26, March 4, 11, 18 and 25, and April 1 and 8. Sessions are from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 1 to 3 p.m. The students will need an active email account, photo ID, social security number, proof of income, information related to claimed credits, their 2022 tax return and banking information for direct deposit. For details and to register, students can visit here. |
BMCC Grads Can Now Transfer to Morehouse College, a Top HBCU. Learn more at a Dinner and Discussion, Feb. 27.
Through the BMCC/Morehouse College Partnership, outstanding male graduates of BMCC have the opportunity to transfer to Morehouse College, one of the nation’s leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). This all-male, liberal arts college in Atlanta is revered for academic excellence and producing leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Students engage in rigorous studies led by distinguished faculty. The Morehouse experience fosters brotherhood and camaraderie, extending into a powerful alumni network. The BMCC/Morehouse partnership offers guaranteed admission, transferable credits, academic advisement and financial resources. Bring your students and learn more at a dinner and discussion on February 27 at 5 p.m. RSVP now.
CUNY/SUNY Library Initiative Dramatically Expands Access for Students, Faculty and Staff
An initiative led by the CUNY Office of Library Services and SUNY Office of Library and Information Services increases access for patrons of each system. This means BMCC students, faculty and staff will not only be able to access library resources across CUNY, they’ll be able to request books from SUNY Libraries. Also, they’ll enjoy longer loan periods; 16 weeks (up from eight weeks), renewable up to 48 weeks. Visit BMCC’s A. Philip Randolph Memorial Library online or in person at 199 Chambers Street, Rooms S-410 and S-430, to learn more. Encourage your students to make themselves at home in the spacious BMCC Library and avail themselves of resources such as quiet study spaces for both individuals and groups, laptop loans, guidance with assistive technology, recording booths and more.
Love to Sing? Downtown Chorus Looking for New Voices
BMCC Downtown Chorus is looking for new voices to join a friendly—and varied—core group of singers. Singers of all experience levels and vocal ranges are welcome. The ability to read music is a plus but not a requirement, as is prior chorale experience. Members include BMCC students, faculty and staff as well as residents of neighboring communities. Please contact the chorus founder and artistic director, Music and Art Department Chair Eugenia Oi Yan Yau at (212) 776-7240 or eyau@bmcc.cuny.edu for an audition.
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Be Aware of Fraudulent MSCHE Websites and Communications
CUNY has been made aware of fraudulent websites purporting to represent the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Here is the authentic MSCHE website. Everyone in the BMCC community is asked to be vigilant in assessing information that appears to come from the MSCHE. Address questions and report any suspected fraudulent activity related to the MSCHE to president@msche.org. Also, please review updates on scams affecting the BMCC community on the BMCC Public Safety website. |
LGBTQIA+ Faculty and Staff Encouraged to Inquire About Pride Mentoring Network
Faculty and staff who identify as LGBTQIA+ and are interested in serving as mentors to LGBTQIA+ BMCC students are encouraged to inquire about the BMCC Pride Mentoring Network. Mentors help students navigate college resources, connect to support networks within the college and community and more. For more information, please contact Professor Yuliya Shneyderman at yshneyderman@bmcc.cuny.edu or Professor Brian Kelley at bkelley@bmcc.cuny.edu. Join the BMCC Pride Alliance to receive LGBTQIA+ community-focused updates.
Save the Date: Social Justice Week Is March 19 – 21
BMCC students are keenly aware of social justice issues, and active in their communities to address them. Faculty are encouraged to add Social Justice Week to their syllabi and course schedules and encourage students to attend Social Justice Week events where they can share priorities, strategies and support. Hosted by the Race, Equity and Inclusion (REI) Steering Committee, this year’s events will take place March 19 through March 21. The theme will be "Challenging Conversations: Building Pathways to Hope and Unity," and the events will include keynote speakers, panel discussions, student performances and film screenings that foster dialogue and connection. For more information, please contact rei@bmcc.cuny.edu.
Transitions and Transactions Conference April 5-6: Proposals Due Feb. 15
The English department at BMCC invites faculty to submit paper and panel proposals for the 2024 Transitions and Transactions conference scheduled for April 5 and 6. The new deadline for submissions is February 15. For more information, visit the event’s web page. |
Enrollment |
Register Now for Spring Express Session
BMCC students can register for the Spring 2024 Express Session (eight weeks, 3/21 – 5/22). The session is ideal for part-time students or new and continuing students who missed registration for the regular 15-week session. Please note, there will be limited course offerings in the express session and some financial aid limitations. Students can register on CUNYfirst or meet with a Panther Station Specialists on Zoom. For more information, contact Academic Advisement at (212) 220-8315 or aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu. |
Human Resources |
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BMCC Closed February 12 and 19
The College will be closed Monday, February 12 for Lincoln’s Birthday and Monday, February 19 for President’s Day. View the CUNY Employee Holiday and Annual Leave Periods memo or the BMCC Academic Calendar for more information.
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, as well as full-time employees must complete both trainings by May 31.
- The state- and CUNY-mandated Gender Based Violence Training (GBVT) is required for HR professionals and managers with at least one direct report. Full and part-time employees notified by email about GBVT must complete it by May 31.
Human Resources will host pre-recorded, two-hour ESPARC and WPV Zoom sessions. Visit here to view the dates through April 25. To schedule a Zoom training, contact Lori Mazzola at lmazzola@bmcc.cuny.edu and include the training date and time you want to attend.
Spring 2024 Adjuncts: Apply for Health Insurance by February 23
Teaching and non-teaching adjuncts can apply for health insurance. Visit the PSC-CUNY Welfare Fund for details.
Teaching Adjuncts:
- Must have completed two consecutive semesters prior to this one,
- Must have at least six teaching hours per week in the current semester and maintain that all semester. (Notify the benefits officer on campus if you drop below the six hours and pick up additional hours at another CUNY campus.)
Non-Teaching Adjuncts:
- Must have completed two consecutive semesters prior to this one,
- Must have at least 15 non-teaching hours per week in the current semester and maintain that all semester.
Submit the application as a secure document (only include the first four social security numbers) to HR Benefits Manager Daniella Donald at ddonald@bmcc.cuny.edu. Ms. Donald will confirm eligibility and forward the application to staff in the University Benefits Adjunct Office, UniversityBenefitsAdjuncts@CUNY.edu, who will correspond with you directly.
Mandatory Ethics Training Offered Via Zoom in February
Pursuant to state law, all New York State employees, including CUNY employees, must attend a live ethics training every two years. BMCC faculty and staff can complete the training via Zoom through February. Please sign up here.
Training Session 3: Tuesday, February 13 at 11 a.m.
Training Session 4: Wednesday, February 21 at 6 p.m.
Training Session 5: Thursday, February 29 at 2:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Ms. Kathy Long, Office of the President, at klong@bmcc.cuny.edu. |
Sports and Wellness |
Emily Kennedy Grabs Third Straight CUNYAC Honor
Khalil Black Picks Up Back-to-Back Honorable Mentions
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Follow the Panthers
The BMCC athletic program leads eight varsity teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level. For more news on the Panthers, visit the official site of BMCC Athletics, and follow the Panthers on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. |
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Calendar |
You Can Make a Difference: Help America Vote!
Now through February 28
Study Skills Workshop: Syllabus Secrets
February 9
Annual NYC Men Teach Day: Reimagining Teacher Training
February 9
Afrikan Heritage Month: My Eyes Will Send a Light to You: Africa Cinema Icon to Narrative Film Series
February 13
Start Your Next Journey: Transfer Tools 101
February 13
What’s Your Love Language?
February 14 |
Connect with BMCC |
FOLLOW BMCC
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Faculty and staff: Submit items for consideration in an upcoming @BMCC to publicaffairs@bmcc.cuny.edu by 12 noon, Wednesday. |
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