News

President Munroe Welcomes Faculty & Staff to Spring Semester

In a message to the college community, BMCC President, Dr. Anthony E. Munroe, welcomed faculty and staff to the Spring 2026 Semester, which began on January 26. In the message, he said “I want to express my deep appreciation for your seamless transition and unwavering commitment as we launched another semester of dynamic teaching, learning, and support for our students. Your resilience and adaptability have become defining characteristics of our BMCC community, and I thank you for continuing to rise to every challenge with dedication, professionalism, and care.” Dr. Munroe also shared news that enrollment for the past Fall 2025 semester was 21,900 students, an 8.8% year-over-year increase over Fall 2024’s numbers. Read the entire message here.

Five BMCC Students Accepted into BMCC-Columbia School of General Studies NYC Scholars Program

Five BMCC students—Ricardo Distefano, Jasmin Garcia Arevalo, Aye Chan Mo Mo, Daunte Monroe and Jada Moore (shown above)—have been selected into the BMCC–Columbia NYC Scholars program, a highly competitive transfer pathway from Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) to Columbia University School of General Studies (GS). Together, the students make up the third cohort selected since the program was launched in Fall 2024. They are set to start classes at Columbia GS in Fall 2026. Students accepted into the program are recognized as dually enrolled in both institutions during their dual enrollment year, focusing their studies at BMCC. After completing their associate degree, the students seamlessly transition to Columbia GS to pursue their bachelor’s degree. This collaborative program creates pathways and fosters a supportive community that empowers our students. Each of the scholars took some time to share a bit more about their academic and life journey thus far, as well as plans for the future.

Psychology Professor David A. Caicedo Receives Grant from The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues Psychology Professor David A. Caicedo received a $2,000 Grants-In-Aid Award from The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) that will advance an ongoing student-focused research project involving psychology students from BMCC and Rhode Island College (RIC). The study examines life stories and intergenerational life advice (iLAP), particularly within families, and investigates the effects of such advice on recipients. Students will conduct in-depth interviews with individuals aged 60 and over and analyze their own pre- and post-interview reflections. The SPSSI GIA Award will support student presentations at the upcoming annual SPSSI summer conference in New Orleans by covering registration, and offering mentorship and professional development opportunities.

BMCC Names New Directors in Admissions and Student Affairs

BMCC has named two new directors at the Division of Student Affairs and one new director in Admissions. Nicole Leach has been named Director of the Office of Accessibility. Ms. Leach previously served as the Assistant Director for the Office of Accessibility at BMCC. Hayden M. Greene has been named Director of Student Activities and Leadership in the Office of Student Activities. Before joining BMCC, Mr. Greene served as an Educational and Experiential Consultant to academic institutions on student leadership development, group dynamics, and team building. Jose Altamirano has been named Director of Admissions and Outreach. Previously, Mr. Altamirano was Associate Director of Admissions at BMCC. Congratulations to all three!

Making Headlines

BMCC Alumni Brian Romero in race for NYS Assembly District 34 seat

January 29, 2025—Queens Ledge

Did You Know?

Announcements

Afrikan Heritage Month Opening Celebration February 4

Join BMCC community members for the launch of Afrikan Heritage Month on February 4 in the cafeteria at 199 Chambers Street from 1:30 to 4 p.m. The vibrant opening ceremony will celebrate the stories, accomplishments, resilience, and future of peoples of African Descent. Expect an afternoon filled with energy and culture, featuring dancing and drumming, spoken word and poetry, hip hop and live performances, and more moments of community, pride, and celebration. African and Caribbean food and refreshments will be available for attendees.  The opening celebration will be preceded by a tribute to Civil Rights activist and icon Rosa Parks that begins at 11 a.m. in Richard Harris Terrace. See a list of all Afrikan Heritage Month events. For more information, contact Ashtian Holmes at aholmes@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Every Election Counts—Early Voting Now Open for Three Special Election Races Special Elections are happening right now for three districts in Manhattan and Queens to fill vacant seats in the State Legislature: Queens Assembly District 36 which covers part of Astoria and Ditmars-Steinway in Queens; Manhattan Assembly District 74 on the East Side of Manhattan; and Manhattan Senate District 47 on the West Side of Manhattan. Registered voters in any of these three districts are eligible to vote. Early voting runs from January 28-February 1 and Election Day is Tuesday, February 3. Check the NYCVotes site for more information on the candidates, polling hours, and locations.

On Campus Immigration Services Available at ARC

The BMCC Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) has partnered with CUNY Citizenship Now! to bring high-quality, confidential immigration law services to currently enrolled BMCC students. Immigration attorneys are available on-site in the ARC office once a month. Consultations are by appointment only. Please note, students must be currently enrolled and attending classes at BMCC to access ARC services. APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. Contact ARC at (212) 220-8195 or email ARC@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Help with Enrolling in Health Insurance

The BMCC Advocacy and Resource Center has partnered with several Health Insurance companies to assist currently registered students to enroll in health insurance. Please email ARC@bmcc.cuny.edu for more information or to request an appointment.

Free Tax Preparation Services Available

The BMCC Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) is providing the following free tax preparation resources this tax season: To find out more, click here.

Spring 2026 Cafeteria Hours MBJ Food Services has posted the Spring 2026 Cafeteria Hours. 199 Chambers Street Cafeteria Monday to Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Fiterman Cafe Monday to Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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. 

Enrollment

Spring 2026 Express Session – Fast & Flexible!

A Spring 2026 Express Session lets students earn credits faster, but course options and financial aid may be limited. Encourage them to check with an advisor to see if it’s a good fit. Learn more here. Students can register on CUNYfirst or meet with a Panther Station Specialist on Zoom. For more information, visit the Spring Express 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.

Calendar

Medina's Career High Not Enough For 1st Victory

Athletics Dept. posts Fitness Center Spring 2026 Hours

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

BMCC Study Abroad Fair

February 4

Spring 2026 Super Fair

February 10

Film Screening of “A Home Worth Fighting For”

February 25

Connect with BMCC

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