News

Criminal Justice Professor Shirley Leyro Receives Eastern Sociological Society Award
Criminal Justice Professor Shirley Leyro’s published paper “Exploring feelings of belonging and membership of CUNY noncitizen students," has been selected as the Eastern Sociological Society’s 2024 Barbara R. Walters Award winner. The Barbara R. Walters Community College Faculty Award recognizes community college faculty who are actively engaged in scholarly work. Professor Leyro will receive the award during a March 1 ceremony at the Eastern Sociological Society’s annual meeting in Washington D.C.

BMCC Hosts Congestion Pricing Town Hall with MTA and Local Elected Officials
On February 15, BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe welcomed officials from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), elected officials as well as local residents to the Tribeca Performing Arts Center for a town hall presentation on congestion pricing.  MTA officials presented details of the existing plan to charge motorists a fee to enter Manhattan's Central Business District in order to reduce congestion and increase revenue that will fund regionwide public transportation projects. The presentation was followed by questions from local elected officials and a public comment period. The event was co-sponsored and attended by Senator Brian Kavanagh, Assemblymember Deborah Glick, Assemblymember Grace Lee, and Councilmember Christopher Marte. The public comment period is open until March 11. Submit comments online or get info on upcoming public hearings here. (L-R) President Munroe, Assemblymember Glick and Senator Kavanagh

College Transfer Fair Encourages Students to Explore Exciting Next Steps After BMCC
Richard Harris Terrace and the front lobby at BMCC’s 199 Chambers Street campus buzzed with conversation as students met with representatives from more than 40 colleges and universities at the CUNY, SUNY and Private College Transfer Fair sponsored by the BMCC Academic Advisement and Transfer Center. The abundance of transfer possibilities for BMCC graduates was underscored by representatives from Trinity Washington University, as well as opportunities such as the Pathway to Medicine program that links BMCC, the College of Staten Island and St. George’s University School of Medicine. BMCC has long-standing transfer connections, such as those through the CCTOP and POISE programs at New York University, as well as transfer pathways with private colleges such as Columbia University and many others. Email aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu or call (212) 220-8315 to learn more about BMCC transfer opportunities.

Modern Languages Professor Tom Means Debuts Segment on CUNY TV’s Book It Modern Languages Professor Tom Means is joining CUNY TV’s “Book It” as a regular contributor in a segment called Books to Box Office. Professor Means, an expert on world cinema, will discuss books and their movie or television adaptations.  Watch Professor Means’ debut on the show where he talks about “Where the Crawdads Sing.”

Shirley Fiterman Art Center Hosts Opening Reception for Faculty Art Show
On February 21, the Shirley Fiterman Art Center (SFAC) at BMCC hosted 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. The exhibition will be up for through March 23 at SFAC North and South Galleries in Fiterman Hall, 81 Barclay Street in lower Manhattan.

Making Headlines

With Rousing Dances and Drumming, BMCC Celebrates Black History Month
February 18, 2024—Tribeca Tribune

Did You Know?

Announcements

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, financial resources and more. Bring your students and learn more at a dinner and discussion on February 27 at 5 p.m. RSVP now. 

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.

Professor Fish Joins Fulbright Board English Professor Cheryl J. Fish has joined the newly launched Fulbright Association, Community Colleges Chapter inaugural board. Professor Fish was a Fulbright U.S. Scholar in Finland and has served on the Friends of Fulbright Finland board. In addition to Professor Fish, BMCC’s Fulbright scholars include Professors Cynthia Wiseman, Elizabeth Whitney, Sarah Haviland, Annie Yi Han, Saniye Gokcora, Jason Schneiderman and others. Visit the Fulbright Scholar Program for more information on applying for an award.

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.

Let Students Know: Social Justice Week 2024 Art Contest
The Social Justice Week steering committee invites BMCC's vibrant artistic student community—artists, poets, photographers, songwriters, rappers and all creators—to express their voices against hate through art. This year, we're seeking submissions that do two things: Celebrate BMCC's Spirit and Challenge Injustice. We encourage students to use their creativity to inspire, educate and spark meaningful conversations about these critical issues. Two cash prizes of $250 are available. The submission deadline is Monday, March 4. Learn more and submit artwork here. Social Justice Week 2024 is March 19–21.

Faculty, Staff and Students Encouraged to Learn How to Stop the Bleed Life-threatening bleeding can happen any time or place to individuals injured in accidents or disasters. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to learn three potentially life-saving steps to stop dangerous bleeding at one of four classes offered by the BMCC Public Safety Department starting at 2 p.m. on March 6, 13, 20 or 27. The Stop the Bleed classes will take place at 199 Chambers Street in Room N-490. To learn more and register for a spot in a class, click here.

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.

Would Your Students Benefit From a Free Naturalization Clinic? Registration Deadline is April 11 for April 18 Workshop.
The BMCC Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC), the City Bar Justice Center and Fragomen, a law practice, will sponsor a free naturalization clinic on April 18 at 199 Chambers Street, Richard Harris Terrace, from 2 until 5 p.m. Students who are permanent residents can attend the clinic and work with a licensed attorney in completing their U.S. Citizenship Naturalization application. The registration deadline is April 11 for the April 18 workshop. To register, students can visit ARC at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-230; email ARC@bmcc.cuny.edu or call (212) 220-8195.

Transitions and Transactions Conference April 5-6: Proposals Due March 1
BMCC’s English department 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 March 1. 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 specialist on Zoom. For more information, contact Academic Advisement at (212) 220-8315 or aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu.  

Human Resources

Work Well Presents Art is Life Paint & Relax, March 14
Employees interested in participating in events such as the Art is Life Paint & Relax event can sign up for the Work Well Waiting list.

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.

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 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.

CUNY Offers Free Workshops and Trainings on City Human Rights Law, Disability Awareness and more The University Human Resources, Professional Development & Learning Office (PDL) is excited to announce this semester’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) workshops, free of cost to CUNY employees. These courses are offered as live webinars, e-courses or in-person at the DCAS Citywide Training Center at One Centre Street, 24th floor, NYC 10007. View the free courses and register online. For more information, reach out to University.Training@cuny.edu.

Sports and Wellness

Lea Reimer Leads Women's Track and Field with Two First Place Finishes In Mile and 3000 Meters at 2024 CUNYAC Championships

Christian Davis Earns Medal to Highlight Men's Track and Field's Stellar Showing at 2024 CUNYAC Indoor Track and Field Championship

Kennedy and Jackson Grab CUNYAC Women’s Basketball All-Star Accolades; Simmons Lands On Sportsmanship Team

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.

Calendar

Afrikan Heritage Month: My Eyes Will Send a Light to You: Africa Cinema Icon to Narrative Film Series 4
February 26

Afrikan Heritage Month: Dominican Studies Book Club featuring The Mulatto Republic: Class, Race, and Dominican National Identity
February 26

Pre-Health/Pre-Med Information Session
February 26

Afrikan Heritage Month: Unifying America with Black History: A Conversation with Dr. Dale Caldwell, President, Centenary University: Registration required
February 28

Connect with BMCC

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