| February 6, 2026 |   |
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News |
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BMCC-John Jay Prison-to-College Pathways Program receives Approval from Middle States, establishing Otisville facility as Additional LocationBMCC recently received approval from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), establishing Otisville Correctional Facility (CF) as an additional location of the College. The approval, which followed a rigorous vetting process completed this past October, will help ensure the BMCC degree program can successfully transition to an official Prison Education Program (PEP) after this academic year closes, as required by federal Pell Grant regulations. John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) originally launched the Prison-to-College Pathways program at Otisville CF in 2011. The BMCC component, which joined John Jay’s existing college-credit-bearing program in early 2024, offers CUNY’s first and only degree-granting program, an associate degree in Liberal Arts, inside a New York State correctional facility. 
Afrikan Heritage Month Opening Celebration Launches a Month of Special EventsStudents, faculty and staff filled the 199 Chambers Street cafeteria on February 4 for the annual celebratory ceremony launching a full month of special events in observance of BMCC’s Afrikan Heritage Month. The joy-filled event featured music, drumming and dance from Channel View High School, Sesame Flyers Dancers and Learning Tree. Long-time Professor James Blake welcomed the crowd and told the audience that “regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in, we will overcome, and still we rise.” BMCC Afrikan Heritage Month Chair Dr. Ashtian Holmes noted that the observance was originally established 100 years ago by Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson as “Negro History Week,” which 50 years later became Black History Month. “Throughout those 100 years, we have endured and we have thrived, and still we rise,” said Dr. Holmes. BMCC President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe also spoke at the ceremony. “Today we launch Afrikan Heritage Month with more than words, we launch it with purpose,” said Dr. Munroe. “We gather today on the birthday of Rosa Parks, whose quiet courage ignited a movement that re-shaped a nation and re-shaped the world. History is not just about the past. It is a mirror of who we are and a compass guiding who we can become,” said Dr. Munroe. “At BMCC, we are living proof that history is not finished.” Visit the Afrikan Heritage Month event calendar here. 
Summer Session at London School of Economics and Political Science Offers BMCC Students Unique Global OpportunityThis summer, BMCC students will once again have an opportunity to study abroad through the College’s partnership with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in London, England. The partnership extends from an initial statement of shared interest between the two institutions that was signed in 2024. Students who take a class at LSE will have the benefit of traveling and studying abroad at one of the most prestigious schools in the world during the summer session. In 2025, 18 BMCC students took classes at LSE alongside students from around the globe. The students were also able to explore London, its rich historical architecture as well as the city’s thriving and diverse cultural scene. Two students who studied at LSE last summer shared a bit about their experiences.
BMCC Annual Faculty Exhibition: Works by Faculty in the Art and Media Arts Departments, Opens Feb. 11The Shirley Fiterman Art Center at BMCC’s Fiterman Hall annual faculty exhibition will open February 11, with a reception from 4 to 7:30 p.m. The show will continue through March 21. The annual faculty show offers viewers the opportunity to see the breadth of work produced by BMCC’s art faculty. The exhibition also highlights the College’s continued commitment to its growing art and media art programs. The Art Foundations Program confers an AA degree in Art History and AS degree in Studio Art. Meanwhile, the Media Arts and Technology department, confers an AS degree and offers concentrations in animation and motion graphics, multimedia programming, and video arts and technology.
Study Abroad Fair Inspires StudentsBMCC’s Global Exchanges and Experiences (GEE) department hosted a Study Abroad Fair in Fiterman Hall on February 4. Over the course of two hours, 85 students stopped by to explore study abroad opportunities for Summer 2026. Volunteers, GEE team members, and attending professors helped answer questions and guide students through the 18 program options being offered in collaboration with the College’s partner organization, the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). Students had the chance to learn about programs in destinations including Kolkata, Oviedo, Amsterdam, Athens, Dublin, Scotland, Kyoto, Legon, Monteverde, Paris, London, Seoul, Seville, Singapore, Taipei, and Tokyo. The fair was lively and informative, with many students leaving the event inspired and excited to take the next steps toward studying abroad. Visit the Office of Global Exchanges and Experiences for more information. |
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Making Headlines |
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Ethnic and Race Studies Professor Lissette Acosta Corniel featured speaker at CSI Black History Month eventCSI Clue |
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Did You Know? |
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BMCC’s Theater program kicked off the |
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Announcements |
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The Future of the United Nations: Navigating Geopolitical Strain and Institutional UncertaintyBMCC will host a high-level discussion on the future of the United Nations, February 11 starting at 6 p.m. in Theatre 2 at 199 Chambers Street. The conversation will bring together current Permanent Representatives and former senior UN officials to examine both the prospects and constraints of meaningful Security Council reform. Panelists include: The event will be moderated by Dr. Waheguru Pal Singh Sidhu, Clinical Professor and director of the United Nations (UN) Specialization at the Center for Global Affairs, School of Professional Studies (SPS), New York University. Student and Faculty Research Program Applications Deadline February 11The Office of Research and Scholarly Inquiry is currently accepting student applications for its one-semester research programs, including:
Application deadline: February 11 Faculty Research Interest Form
Completing the form does not obligate participation in a specific program, this simply helps us better support research at BMCC and update the websites. On Campus Immigration Services Available at ARCThe 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 InsuranceThe 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 AvailableThe BMCC Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) is providing free tax preparation resources this tax season. To find out more, click here.
NY Blood Center to Host Blood Drive at BMCC on February 18The New York Blood Center will host a Blood Drive at BMCC on February 18 from 12 to 6 p.m. in Richard Harris Terrace. Appointments are available here. For medical questions, call 800-688-0900. |
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Enrollment |
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Join us at the Admissions Spring 2026 Open House - March 17The Admissions staff is calling all future BMCC Panthers to step onto the main campus of 199 Chambers St. for a college experience at the Spring Open House on Tuesday, March 17 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 program and generate interest in enrollment. For more info, contact the Admissions Office at (212) 220-1265 or admissions@bmcc.cuny.edu. Learn more. |
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Human Resources |
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Annual Compliance Training Available OnlineWe 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:
Deadlines:
How to Access Your Trainings:
New employees will gain access the day after their CUNYfirst record becomes active. Resources and Supports:
Thank you for your continued commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for all members of the CUNY community. |
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Sports and Wellness |
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Suffocating Defense Spur Panthers Win Over Sharks
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Calendar |
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Spilling the tea on mental healthFebruary 9 Afrikan Heritage Month: The Life and Times of Zora Neale HurstonFebruary 10 Afrikan Heritage Month: Who Controls the Black Narrative? AI, Power, Memory, and RepresentationFebruary 11 |
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@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. |
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