News

Pinning Ceremony Celebrates Nursing Graduates from Class of Fall 2025

BMCC celebrated 92 graduates from the Nursing program’s Class of Fall 2025 during a pinning ceremony held January 7 in Theatre 1 at 199 Chambers Street. Ten of the graduates completed the Licensed Practical Nurse program while 82 completed the Registered Nurse program. Sounds of joy and pride filled the room as family members, friends, and partners cheered on the graduates as they stepped in unison—dressed in crisp white uniforms—making their way to the middle of the auditorium in front of the stage, all against the backdrop of Pomp and Circumstance. In the weeks to come, the graduates will sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Upon passing the rigorous test, they will be in high demand in the local job market. New York is projected to face a shortage of nearly 40,000 registered nurses by 2030, according to a report from the New York State Department of Health.

BMCC Students Complete Sustainable Tourism Class in Palma de Mallorca Spain

From exploring the city’s vibrant streets to discovering the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana, BMCC students Steven Odowd (Urban Studies) and Anna Julajuj Solis (Business Administration) had quite the adventure during their Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) study-abroad experience in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Odowd and Solis are two of 190 BMCC students studying in locations around the world during the Winter 2026 term. As part of CIEE’s Sustainable Tourism class, the students took part in two field trips in the Serra de Tramuntana. The first took place in Raixa, a historic estate and cultural landmark, where students learned about Mallorca’s agricultural heritage, water management systems, and the estate’s restoration efforts. The students also visited Albufera Natural Park, where they participated in a bird-watching session and explored one of the island’s most important wetlands and biodiversity hotspots. Odowd and Solis also got the chance to swim in the sea and watch Palma’s Three Kings Parade. BMCC Students interested in learning more about the College’s growing study abroad opportunities can reach out to the Global Exchanges and Experiences office.

Teacher Education Professor Yolanda Medina Receives NACCTEP Leader 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. She is one of just three educators from across the United States selected for the award. “Congratulations to Professor Yolanda (Jolie) Medina on receiving the Leader Award from NACCTEP,” said Acting Dean Fernandez.  “Professor Medina is a leader in her field, a prolific author, a dedicated educator, and caring colleague and leader. She is one of many excellent faculty members in our Teacher Education Department.”

Making Headlines

BMCC Transfer Student, now at University of Pittsburgh, pens column on health supplements

The Pitt News—January 12, 2026

Did You Know?

BMCC is closed on Monday January 19 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day—a federal holiday.

Announcements

Upcoming Info Sessions for Faculty and Staff Interested in Advising a Student Organization and Session for Students Interested in Starting a New Club: January 21 and 28

Do you know students who have ideas for a new student club on campus? Are you a faculty or staff member interested in advising a student organization? The Office of Student Activities is inviting you to learn how to make both those things happen during a Start a Club Information Session for students as well as a Club Advisor Information Session for faculty and staff. Both sessions will take place on Zoom on January 21 and 28.

Here are the dates, times and zoom links:

Start a Club Info Session Details: For BMCC Students
January 21 and January 28
1 – 2 p.m.
Zoom Link

Club Advisor Info Session Details: For BMCC Faculty/Staff
January 21 and January 28
2 – 3 p.m.
Zoom Link

NY Blood Center to Host Blood Drive at BMCC on February 5 and 18

The New York Blood Center will host a Blood Drive at BMCC on February 5 and February 18  from 12 to 6 p.m. in Richard Harris Terrace. Appointments are available for February 5 here and February 18 here. For medical questions, call 800-688-0900. 

Cafeteria Hours The BMCC cafeteria at 199 Chambers Street cafeteria is open Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Fiterman Café will remain closed until the start of the Spring semester.

Enrollment

Let Students Know, There's Still Time to Register for Spring 2026!

Please encourage students to attend BMCC’s Advising and Registration sessions, online or in-person.

• January 20-23: Online via Zoom Meeting ID: 833 2685 8454, Passcode: BMCC
• January 20-23 & 26-30: In-person at 199 Chambers St. Theater 1 (Student Ambassadors will guide incoming students.)

Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m.- 5:15 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m.- 3:15 p.m.
Please note that students can also register for Spring Express Sessions (7W1 and 8W2). Learn more.
For more info, visit the Panther Station webpage or contact Academic Advisement staff 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.

Calendar

MLK Days of Service
January 21

Internship and Apprenticeship Expo
January 21

How to Apply to BMCC Workshop
January 22

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.