News

BMCC Women in STEM Initiative Hosts GALA Event

Nearly 100 participants, including more than 80 Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) students, filled Richard Harris Terrace for the STEM Gala — Women in STEM edition — on November 13. Organized by the College’s Women in STEM initiative, the evening event featured a panel of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math professionals who shared their career journeys, answered questions, offered advice, and participated in a sit-down dinner that included opportunities for networking. During his welcoming remarks, BMCC President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe explained the overarching goal of the College’s Women in STEM initiative, which was launched earlier this year. “BMCC launched the Women in STEM initiative to address a critical gap: the persistent underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” said President Munroe. “We know that innovation thrives only when it incorporates a wealth of diverse perspectives. Today’s gathering is a significant milestone, bringing together students, faculty, staff, and accomplished professionals to share insights, foster connections, and ignite new aspirations.”

Teacher Education Professor Yolanda Medina Receives NACCTEP Award BMCC Teacher Education Chairperson and Professor, Yolanda Medina, has been selected for the 2025–2026 National Association of Community College Teacher Education Programs (NACCTEP) Leader Award. The award recognizes individuals who have provided outstanding leadership in community college teacher education programs. Honorees are celebrated for their vision, dedication, and contributions to shaping the future of teacher education and advancing the role of community colleges in educator preparation. She is one of three educators from across the United States selected for the Leader Award category. In a congratulatory letter, NACCTEP Executive Director Julie Ferin wrote that the newly announced 2025–2026 award recipients represent the very best of community college teacher education—leaders, partners, faculty, and programs that are lifting students, strengthening pathways, and transforming educator preparation across the nation. Professor Medina called receiving the award an incredible honor. ”I have dedicated my life to empowering educators to embrace the values of social justice, equity, and inclusion,” said Professor Medina. “This commitment is fueled by the hope that we can prepare teachers to embrace those values and educate children to create a better world. My leadership as chairperson of the Teacher Education Department at BMCC has been the most rewarding achievement of my career. I do work with the best faculty in the world. Receiving this award reaffirms my commitment to the education of all children.”

BMCC Alumni Included in CUNY Under 50 Alumni Awards

CUNY announced that four BMCC alumni— Darnell Wold ’21, Jayshawn Lee ’19, Nolvia Delgado ’09, and Shaina Steward ’15— are included in the second annual 50 Under 50 alumni awards celebrating the University’s outstanding graduates and their social, cultural and economic contributions to New York and beyond. In a press release, the University said this year’s cohort highlights the depth of talent within the CUNY community, representing public servants, journalists, entrepreneurs, artists and more.

BMCC Signs Articulation Agreement with Seton Hall University

On November 19 at 199 Chambers Street, BMCC signed an articulation agreement with Seton Hall University that seeks to establish the direct admission of BMCC graduates who satisfy certain requirements into Seton Hall’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations. “This partnership between BMCC and Seton Hall’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations creates a powerful new pathway for our students to continue their studies on global issues at a leading institution,” said Director, Office of Diplomatic Engagement and Training and Adjunct Assistant Professor Daniel Katz. “It aligns with the deep commitment by BMCC to expand international educational opportunities and ensure that its graduates are prepared for success in our interconnected world.” Learn more about Seton Hall’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations here.

Native American Heritage Month Hosts Local Indigenous Artist Tecumseh Ceaser

BMCC’s Native American Heritage Month welcomed local Indigenous artist Tecumseh Ceaser for a special presentation on November 17 in Room S-341 at 199 Chambers Street. Ceaser discussed how he draws on his Indigenous culture to create artwork and inform his activism. Ceaser is of the Matinecock Turkey Clan, Montaukett, and Unkechaug descent. His ancestors are quahog peoples—ocean peoples—and he says that is what calls him to carve shells in a traditional way. He has been making art and jewelry for over 16 years and carving quahog shells since 2014. In doing so, he continues the ancient tradition of creating wampum carvings and beads historically used in ceremonies, regalia, gifts, trade agreements, and treaty belts. Event organizer, English Professor Francisco Delgado, said he hopes “attendees left with a better understanding of our regional Indigenous history, as well as an appreciation of how Indigenous artists like Tecumseh Ceaser use their cultural heritage in their artwork.”

CUNY in the Heights Open House Celebration

On November 13, BMCC hosted an Open House Celebration at its CUNY in the Heights location on Broadway at 213 Street in the Washington Heights/Inwood community. The event welcomed local residents and current students to explore the wide range of programs and resources available at the site. Guests participated in financial aid and application workshops, as well as résumé writing and interview skills sessions. In partnership with Chase Bank, community members also attended workshops focused on building financial confidence and stability. The evening included an information session on a new Apple Hub program launching in January, in collaboration with the Hispanic Federation, which will teach participants how to use Apple programs and introduce them to coding and app development. Beyond showcasing educational and career opportunities, the event strengthened CUNY in the Heights’ connection with the community—bringing together students, local organizations, and elected officials. Representatives from the Inwood Public Library, Northwell Health, and the Hispanic Federation shared valuable resources, while Congressman Adriano Espaillat and State Senator Robert Jackson offered remarks and greeted attendees. The celebration was presented in collaboration with their offices, as well as those of Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa.

BMCC Receives $5K Grant from National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship

BMCC’s has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Everyday Entrepreneur (EE) Program, a national initiative of the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE). This funding supports student-led business innovation through micro-grants, curriculum integration, and experiential learning. The award includes $4,000 dedicated to student mini-grants and startup funds, and $1,000 for program coordination and workshop implementation. “This award directly strengthens BMCC’s ability to support student entrepreneurs from idea to launch,” said Dr. Shane Snipes, Deputy Chair of the Business Management Department. “We’re building a pathway that starts in the classroom and ends with real-world business impact.”

BMCC Hosts Commemorative Gathering Marking Transgender Day of Remembrance

BMCC’s Center for Belonging and Inclusion, home to the Women’s Resource Center and the LGBTQIA+ Pride Center, hosted a commemorative gathering in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20 in Room S-341 at 199 Chambers Street. BMCC Vice President of Student Affairs Marva Craig delivered opening remarks at the annual observance, which honors the lives of trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals lost to violence while affirming the importance of gender diversity and community care. The event included a Grief Water Ritual and other ceremonial offerings to honor those who have been lost. The event’s special guest, Chanel Lopez, Deputy Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs at the New York State Executive Chamber, presented the BMCC Center for Belonging and Inclusion with an official, embossed copy of a State of New York proclamation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul declaring November Transgender Awareness Month to celebrate transgender, nonconforming, and nonbinary communities in New York State and across the country.

Project Impact Clothing Drive a Resounding Success

BMCC’s Project Impact hosted a two-day event collecting gently used clothing and household items on November 18, followed by an all-day donation drive and potluck on November 19 at Richard Harris Terrace at 199 Chambers Street. In addition to donations from more than 250 BMCC students, faculty, and staff, Project Impact has also collected items over the past few weeks from organizations such as Flushing Bank and the Knights of Columbus in Ossining. Project Impact estimates that it has distributed 70 percent of the donations so far. The remaining items will be given to the BMCC SGA for its coat drive.

Making Headlines

Former BMCC President Augusta Kappner weighs in on what Mamdani’s win might mean for higher-ed

November 20, 2025—Inside Higher Ed

Did You Know?

On October 6, 1941, Congress passed a joint resolution declaring the last Thursday in November to be the legal Thanksgiving Day.
Read the full history of the Thanksgiving holiday at the National Archives.

Announcements

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 Fall Hours The BMCC Cafeteria at 199 Chambers St. is open Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Fiterman Café is open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Call for Proposals: BMCC Transitions and Transactions Conference

BMCC’s English department invites faculty to submit paper and panel proposals for “Transitions and Transactions VIII: Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, and the Classroom,” scheduled for April 17-18, 2026. The Transitions and Transactions conference is dedicated to helping community college teachers of literature flourish and excel as they envision, invent and expand ideas. The deadline for submissions is December 15. For more information, visit the event’s web page.

Enrollment

Winter, Spring and Summer 2026 Advisement and Registration is Open

Faculty and staff, please encourage students to talk to their advisor to discuss their academic progress and registration. Things to know: All students must meet with their advisor before registering. Students can register on CUNYfirst or meet with a Panther Station Specialist on Zoom. When choosing classes on CUNYfirst, students should pay close attention to the class meeting mode (in-person, online or hybrid), as well as the class session (15, 8 or 7 weeks). For more information, visit the Registration page or contact Academic Advisement at (212) 220-8315 or aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Human Resources

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.

Sports and Wellness

BMCC Men’s Basketball Team Rides the Wave over Kingsborough

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

Mobile Mammogram Unit: Walk-ins Welcome

November 25

World AIDS Day

December

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.