News

Professors Barry McKernan and K.E. Saavik Ford Join NASA’s Latest Mid-EX Mission Team; BMCC the Only Community College Represented
Two astrophysicists, Professors Barry McKernan and K.E. Saavik Ford, are the only CUNY, the only community college and the only New York state members of NASA’s prestigious 56-member team for its latest Medium Explorer or Mid-EX mission, the Ultraviolet Explorer (UVEX) space telescope project. The telescope is set to launch in 2030. BMCC students have joined Professors Ford and McKernan in their work as research associates in the Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York City. Ford and McKernan are also members of the doctoral faculty at the CUNY Graduate Center, members and co-founders of CUNY Astro, and lead the combined Laser Interferometric Space Array (LISA) research group across CUNY and the AMNH.

BMCC Hosts Dinner and Discussion on Morehouse Transfer Partnership
BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe welcomed current and prospective BMCC students, high school principals, and parents to Fiterman Hall February 27 to learn about BMCC’s transfer partnership with Morehouse College—one of the nation’s top HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)—in Atlanta. In addition to BMCC, representatives from Morehouse answered questions about the transfer process and discussed the benefits of attending an HBCU. Through the partnership, students receive guaranteed admission and Morehouse College facilitates the transfer of BMCC students who have completed an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT). In addition to rigorous academic programs with distinguished faculty, Morehouse provides a supportive environment, fostering brotherhood and camaraderie among students. To learn about the partnership click here.

Historian Walter Greason and Artist Tim Fielder Discuss The Graphic History of Hip Hop
Historian and author Walter Greason and artist and illustrator Tim Fielder (The Graphic History of Hip Hop) presented a history of hip hop and discussed its relationship to social struggles during a special Afrikan Heritage Month event at Richard Harris Terrace on February 22. The Graphic History of Hip Hop takes readers on a journey of the music revolution that changed the world over the last half-century. Students at the event had a chance to showcase their Hip Hop skills and celebrate Hip Hop’s rich history. L-R: Tim Fielder and Walter Greason

Making Headlines

Michelle Hernandez appointed Assistant VP Communications, Marketing and External Affairs
February 27, 2024—Diverse Issues in Higher Education

Distinguished accountant and author who got her academic start at BMCC profiled
February 26, 2024—Caribbean Life

Did You Know?

Announcements

Women’s Herstory Month Opening Ceremony March 6
BMCC community members are invited to attend the opening ceremony for Women’s Herstory Month in Richard Harris Terrace on March 6 at 11 a.m. This year’s event celebrates the 30th anniversary of the BMCC Women’s Resource Center. The ceremony’s special keynote speaker will be Robyn Greer, an entrepreneur, nutritionist, marathon runner, powerlifter competitor, award-winning author and owner of The BLOOM brand. This year’s event will feature food, drinks, giveaways and a book signing. Read more about the ceremony here. See all Women's Herstory Month events.

Encourage Students to Run for Student Government Association Office: Deadline March 15
Current BMCC students are encouraged to run for office in the upcoming Student Government Association elections.  In addition to president, vice president and treasurer, there are a number of senate seats. SGA officers manage a budget and vote on boards that impact campus life at BMCC. Officers also receive a stipend. Learn more about the BMCC SGA here.

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.

National Slam the Scam Day Is March 7—but Stay Vigilant Year-Round As part of National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 3 - 9, National Slam the Scam Day is March 7. Don’t fall for imposters claiming to be government representatives, who email or text doctored credentials and pressure you to take immediate action. Some tips: Hang up. Don’t trust your caller ID. Don’t give money or personal information. Don’t use a gift card to pay the IRS, Social Security or tech support, to help a family member the scammer says is in trouble or to keep your utilities on. If you think your information was exposed, visit the Federal Trade Commission  or Social Security Administration for next steps and more. Guide BMCC students to review this booklet, “Fraud and Scams Targeting College Students.” Check in with your friends and family to keep awareness high during tax season and year-round. Together, we can Slam the Scam!

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

BMCC Continuing Education Program Offers CISCO Certified Education Program.
Help us empower our students' futures by sharing exciting job training opportunities available through BMCC's Continuing Education Program. Encourage students to explore programs for Cisco Certified Networking, CompTIA A+, Hemodialysis Technician, and Medical Biller & Coder. Scholarships, career counseling and internships are available! For more information, visit www.bmcc.cuny.edu/nyct. 

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

WorkWell NYC’s Annual Step Challenge, "Let’s Move NYC," Is Back
During this four-week challenge, thousands of City employees will walk, run, or roll towards their fitness goals and a healthier NYC from April 22 through May 19.  The deadline to register is April 5.

The "Five-a-Day Your Way" Challenge Starts March 11
Staff and faculty are encouraged to join WorkWell for the 5 A Day challenge and increase their daily intake of fruits and vegetables.  To join the tracker, click here. 

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.

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

Kennedy Earns To 2024 All-Region XV Second Team Honors; Simmons Named To All-Region XV Sportsmanship Team

Marte And Black Grab All-Region XV Second Team Accolades; Jarrett Lands On All-Region XV 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

The Art of Journaling
March 4

Storytelling Workshop: Tell Us About Your BMCC Journey
March 6

Women’s Herstory Month: “Power of the Intentional Woman: Past, Present and Future” Open Mic
March 7

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