News

BMCC Ranks as Fifth Best Community College in New York State

BMCC ranks among the top-five community colleges in New York State according to an analysis from WalletHub. Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst wrote in the report that “a good community college minimizes costs for students while also providing an enriching learning experience that leads to high student retention and high graduation rates. The best colleges also help their students even post-graduation by offering employment services to help them find jobs with good salaries. Finally, many of the best community colleges realize school isn’t the only place people learn, so they offer credit for life experiences.”

Mathematics Professor Andrew Stout Featured Speaker at Conferences at Duke and the University of North Carolina Mathematics Professor Andrew Stout was the keynote speaker at the ANT-CoG (Algebra, Number Theory, Topology, Combinatorics, and Geometry) seminar held at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro on September 26. Additionally, Professor Stout will present his research at the Algebraic Geometry seminar at Duke University in North Carolina on October 1. Professor Stout’s presentations focus on his research titled “Singularity Theory, the Rogers-Ramanujan Identities, and the Cohen-Macaulayness of Jet Schemes.” He explained that each field of mathematics can be thought of as the study of objects and the maps between those objects. In Algebraic Geometry, the objects are relatively simple—solutions to polynomial equations. However, the maps between these solutions sets (objects) are extremely difficult to understand. “There is one exception to that rule, and that is when the source—the solution set we map out of—is just a one-point space (called a fat point),” said Professor Stout. “When we collect all the maps in such a simplified situation, we arrive at a so-called jet scheme.” With the help of a BMCC Faculty Development Grant, Professor Stout was able to write software called “arc.lib,” in a C-based language called SINGULAR, which explicitly computes these jet schemes. “In other words, the computer can tell us explicitly what all these maps actually are,” said Professor Stout. “This software will have great significance to researchers in my field for decades to come.”

BMCC Modern Languages Professor Ángeles Donoso Macaya Named Interim Director at Center for Place, Culture and Politics BMCC Spanish and Latin American Literatures and Cultures Professor Ángeles Donoso Macaya has been appointed Interim Associate Director of the Center for Place, Culture and Politics at The CUNY Graduate Center. Ángeles Donoso Macaya (she/they) is an immigrant feminist scholar and writer from Santiago, Chile. In addition to BMCC, she is affiliated faculty in the PhD Program in Latin American, Iberian, and Latino Cultures and in the Advanced Certificate in Public Scholarship at The CUNY Graduate Center. Her teaching interests and writing span Latin American and Caribbean photography theory and history, human rights activism, and counter-archival production during the Latin American Cold War, documentary film, (trans) feminisms in the Southern Cone, migration studies, memory studies, public humanities, and environmental humanities. Read the full announcement the Center for Place, Culture and Politics.

Fall Business, STEM and Health Job Fair Brings Students Together with Employers

BMCC’s Center for Career Development hosted the Fall 2025 Business, STEM and Health Job Fair on September 18 in the College gymnasium at 199 Chambers Street.  The well-attended event brought together employers and students for networking, professional growth and career opportunities. The job fair also featured employer panels led by Google and HealthFirst as well as refreshments, prize giveaways and free headshots from LinkedIn. “We had an incredible turnout and a valuable experience was had by all who attended," said Michelle Kismatali-Marrero, Employer Relations Coordinator at the Center for Career Development. 

BMCC Receives Additional Support from the New York City Council to Support Adult Literacy

The New York City Council has awarded BMCC an additional $218,000 in Adult Literacy funding for Fiscal Year 2026 according to a modification to city’s expense budget announced on September 25. This funding is on top of $50,000 awarded when the budget passed in June and will go towards supporting adult literacy and high school equivalency classes at our partner locations at P.S. 188, Educational Alliance, Henry Street Settlement, Hamilton-Madison House, and our Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development at 25 Broadway. These programs have a 35-year history of helping students make measurable improvements in their English language skills and readiness to gain their high school equivalency or general education diploma. Through the city’s discretionary budget process, BMCC also received the following awards for FY26: $9,000 from Council Member Christopher Marte for the Early Childhood Center; $10,000 from Council Member Justin Brannan for Project Impact; and $5,000 from Council Member Carmen De La Rosa for Project Impact at CUNY in the Heights.

Making Headlines

BMCC Business Administration alumnus Emily Blanco featured in article about Kaplan Scholars at University of North Carolina
September 19, 2025—The Daily Tar Heel

Renovated Washington Market Park reopens
September 22, 2025—Chelsea News

BMCC Makes WalletHubs list of best community colleges
September 23, 2025—Press and Sun Bulletin

Finance Lecturer Brett Whysel pens opinion article focused on role of AI
September 22, 2025—Faculty Focus

Did You Know?

The BMCC website features a page with a video that tells the history of the College.  
Check it out here.

Announcements

SAVE THE DATE—Middle States Town Hall

The town hall will include information about BMCC's Middle States accreditation process and feature a conversation with the President and team leaders. When: October 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. Where: Room N-452 at 199 Chambers Street.

BMCC Pride Month is in October

BMCC Pride Month is officially in October but some events are happening in September and into December. This year’s theme “Spaces of Joy and Resistance” officially kicks off with a Pride Month opening lunch hosted by the one and only Freeda Kulo in Richard Harris Terrace on October 6 in Richard Harris Terrace.  Read about all the events from September to December here on the Pride web page.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month at BMCC

For 40 years, Breast Cancer Awareness Month has helped raise awareness of breast cancer across the nation. It has encouraged millions to take action, resulting in increased early detection and advancements in treatment that have saved more than half a million lives. BMCC will take part in thes month with several informative, community building events including a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, a Breast Cancer Health Workshop with the Maurer Foundation and in November, a mobile Mammogram unit will be on campus.  Find out more including dates and details for the event here.

Alert from BMCC Public Safety

Public Safety has been made aware of recent incidents involving scammers targeting students in the Greenwich Street and Chambers Street area. These individuals are reportedly approaching students with false promises of job opportunities or employment information and demanding cash in exchange.

Public Safety Advises that:

• If approached by individuals you do not know, do not engage and walk away immediately.
• Call 911 if you feel threatened or unsafe.
• Report any suspicious encounters to BMCC Public Safety at (212) 220-8080 as soon as possible.
• The safety and security of the BMCC community remain Public Safety’s highest priority. Please stay alert and cautious when approached by strangers near campus.

Free Naturalization Clinic for BMCC Students – Register by Oct. 20 for Nov. 4 Clinic

The BMCC Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) will host a free naturalization clinic with representatives from the City Bar Justice Center and Fragomen on November 4 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Richard Harris Terrace.  The clinic is designed to assist currently enrolled BMCC students who are Permanent Residents to complete a US Citizenship Naturalization application. Currently enrolled students who are permanent residents can attend the event.  The deadline to register is October 20. To Register: Visit the Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) Office at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-230, email ARC@bmcc.cuny.edu, or call (212) 220-8195.

BMCC IDs Currently Available

BMCC IDs are currently available to all registered students and active employees at the Service Desk located in room S-141 of 199 Chambers Street, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information, visit the Service Desk Knowledge Base.

BMCC Cafeteria and Fiterman Café Open for Fall Semester BMCC Cafeteria at 199 Chambers St. is open Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fiterman Café is open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

BMCC Arab and/or Asian Students Invited to Participate in Focus Group Calls

The AANAPISI Bridge Initiative (ABI—Hunter College and BMCC) is hosting three focus groups to better understand the diverse experiences of Asian and Asian American students. This is a chance for students to share their voice and lived experiences. Data from the focus groups will be used to support efforts to educate campus partners and may be used in broader research publications addressing the experiences of this population at community colleges. All data will be anonymized before being made public. Interested students can use the links embedded in each focus group’s title to sign up for the discussions: BMCC Arab and/or Muslim Students of Asian Descent;Married South Asian American Women Students at BMCC and BMCC LGBTQIA+ Students of Asian Descent. For questions or further information, contact ABI Program Associate Nadia Saleh at nsaleh@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Enrollment

Join us at the Admissions Fall Open House — October 15

The Admissions staff is calling all future BMCC Panthers to step onto the main campus of 199 Chambers St. for a college experience at the Fall Open House on Wednesday, October 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. Prospective students and their families are welcome for a night full of activities, including a tour of our vibrant campus, information about financial aid and resources, support programs, and the opportunity to engage with our dynamic faculty to discuss potential majors and career paths. Faculty are invited to participate in the open house. This is a great opportunity to highlight your academic programs and generate interest in enrollment. For more info, contact the Admissions Office at (212) 220-1265 or admissions@bmcc.cuny.edu. Learn more.

Human Resources

BMCC Health Fair — Your Wellness Starts Here

October 8, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Richard Harris Terrace
Join us for the BMCC Health Fair, a vibrant and informative event dedicated to your health and well-being. Whether you're looking to connect with health professionals, explore wellness resources, or discover services available to you, this is your opportunity to take charge of your health journey. Come with questions, leave with answers. Let’s build a healthier BMCC community together.

BMCC Flu Clinic — Protect Yourself This Season!

October 9, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. • Faculty Dining Hall
Stay healthy this fall by getting your free flu shot at the BMCC Flu Clinic! Quick, convenient, and essential—this clinic is open to all BMCC faculty and staff.

Why You Should Come:

• Free flu vaccinations
• No appointment needed
• Protect yourself and others

Let’s keep our campus community safe and strong. Stop by, roll up your sleeve, and take a simple step toward better health.

Annual Compliance Training Available Online

We are pleased to announce the launch of CUNY’s 2025–2026 annual compliance training program. All employees are required to complete their assigned trainings in Brightspace, the University’s new learning management system. This is the first year compliance trainings are being offered through Brightspace. We encourage all employees to log in and complete the required courses as soon as possible.

Required Trainings:

• ESPARC: Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Course
• WVP: Workplace Violence Prevention Training
• GBVT: Gender-Based Violence Training (Required for HR professionals and employees who supervise at least one direct report)

Deadlines:

• Full-time employees must complete all assigned trainings by May 29, 2026.
• Part-time employees, including adjuncts, must complete their trainings by May 29, 2026, or by the end of their employment for the semester, whichever comes first.
• Employees who become inactive in CUNYfirst will lose access to the trainings.

How to Access Your Trainings:
You have been automatically enrolled in your required compliance courses.
To get started:

1. Log in to Brightspace
2. Go to the "Compliance" section under My Courses

New employees will gain access the day after their CUNYfirst record becomes active.

Resources and Supports:

• Employee Navigation Guide
• Compliance Training FAQs
• Need help? Contact your campus compliance administrator.

Thank you for your continued commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for all members of the CUNY community.

Calendar

Workshop for Students who are Parents: Feelings Feelings, Tiny to Hug

September 30

ARC Immigration Information Session via Zoom

October 1

National Voter Information Week

October 3

Connect with BMCC

@BMCC is produced and published by the Office of Public Affairs.

Faculty and staff: Submit items for consideration in an upcoming @BMCC to publicaffairs@bmcc.cuny.edu by 12 noon, Wednesday.