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March 20, 2026

Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC)

News

BMCC Celebrates 68 new Out in Two Scholars

BMCC celebrated the induction of 68 students into the Spring 2026 cohort of the College’s Out in Two Scholarship program during a ceremony at Fiterman Hall on March 18. Out in Two is a donor-funded, in-house scholarship cohort program. Since its inception in 1999, more than 90 percent of BMCC’s Out in Two Scholars have transferred to prestigious institutions such as Columbia University, New York University, and Cornell University, as well as CUNY institutions, including Baruch, Hunter, and others. They are often selected as valedictorians and awarded prestigious scholarships, such as the Jack Kent Cooke award, to continue their studies. BMCC President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe congratulated the students, saying the Out in Two scholarship is about focus, momentum, and completion. "It is a commitment to helping students stay on track, maintain strong GPAs, and complete their Associate degrees in two years, while preparing them for what comes next, transfer, careers, and leadership,” said Dr. Munroe.

Leading with Purpose: BMCC’s Dr. Cecilia Scott-Croff Honored for Empowering Communities and Inspiring Change

BMCC Early Childhood Center Executive Director Dr. Cecilia Scott-Croff was honored at the Elite Scholarship Foundation’s “Passionately Pursuing Purpose: An Evening to Esteem Exemplary Educators” gala at the Coral House in Baldwin on March 8. Dr. Scott-Croff, one of six educators recognized for work that has made significant contributions to students, families, and communities, was also the event’s keynote speaker. In February, Dr. Scott-Croff received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen for her “steadfast dedication, visionary leadership, commitment to the field of education, and impact on the community.” In addition, she was recognized by New York State Assemblymember Michaelle Solages for her outstanding community commitment, dedication to education, and leadership and advocacy in providing services, stability, and empowerment to youth as well as the disabled community in New York. During her keynote remarks at the gala, Dr. Scott-Croff said, “Community building, activism, rallying others, and remaining focused require lots of energy, all while we are building businesses, working full time, creating foundations, attending school, and networking.” She added, “There is no blueprint for this work, but we build it as we climb, uplifting others in the process.”

BMCC Students Present Research at Regional Research Expo

BMCC Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) and Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) students presented their research at the 9th Annual Bronx & Manhattan C/STEP Regional Research Expo at John Jay College on March 14. CSTEP students Vanessa Marie Gonzalez and Pan Pwint Nyi Nyi, both mentored by Science Professor Abel Navarro, presented research focused on environmental applications of chemistry. Vanessa Marie Gonzalez’s project, “Decolorization of Malachite Green Dye Using Agricultural Wastes,” received a perfect score. Pan Pwint Nyi Nyi presented “Adsorptive Removal of Ciprofloxacin as a Model Antibiotic from Aqueous Solutions Using Organophilic Clays.” Representing BMCC’s STEP, high school student Sasha Parris, mentored by Social Science and Human Services Department Professor Henry Bulley, presented “Drinking Water in NYC: A Gold Standard for High Tap Water Quality, or a Bottled Water Mirage?” The presentations reflect the strength of BMCC’s research pipeline, which provides students with hands-on, faculty-mentored research experiences and opportunities to present their work in professional academic settings.

Gender and Women’s Studies Class in Collaboration with Archivist Curate Exhibition Telling Story of BMCC’s Women’s Herstory Month

A new Women’s Herstory Month exhibition—on display outside the Office of Student Affairs in Room 350 through April 10— tells the story of how generations of BMCC students, faculty, and campus leaders have worked to make women’s histories visible, valued, and contested within public institutional space. The exhibition was curated by Sociology Professor Dr. Marci Littlefield and students in her Gender and Women’s Studies GWS 100 course, in collaboration with BMCC Archivist Erin A’Hearn. The exhibit shows that BMCC has been a site of creativity, political engagement, and collective memory-making since 1983, when then-BMCC President Augusta Kappner initiated formal recognition of women’s contributions to society and the College. Spanning three decades from 1985 to 2015, materials including posters, event programs, protest letters, photographs, and commemorative displays document a vibrant tradition of feminist organizing and cultural expression, revealing how campus communities have used art, performance, scholarship, and activism to shape conversations about gender, race, power, and social justice. These artifacts show that Women’s Herstory Month at BMCC has been both celebratory and a space for debate, where students and faculty have challenged exclusion and pushed for more inclusive narratives.

BMCC Director of Research Odaelys Pollard Nominated for CUNY Research and Sponsored Awards

BMCC Director of Research Dr. Odaelys Pollard has been nominated for the CUNY Research and Sponsored Awards celebration scheduled for April 26 at the CUNY Graduate Center. Dr. Pollard’s award— Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP)—has been nominated in the City & State Impact category. Out of 306 awardees, only five were nominated in the City and State Impact category. As part of the ceremony, which will be attended by CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez and Executive Vice Chancellor Alicia Alvero, Dr. Pollard will present a poster showcasing the impact of CSTEP at BMCC.

Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice Hosts From Violence to Vision: Community Organizing, Youth, and the Making of Peace

BMCC’s Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice hosted the event From Violence to Vision: Community Organizing, Youth, and the Making of Peace featuringpresentation from Senator Allan Bernard (Jamaica) on March 16 in Fiterman Hall. Senator Bernard shared the story of Flanker, Jamaica, and the grassroots organizing that led to the creation of Flanker Resource Center as a response to youth violence. Senator Bernard also talked about the important role organized community activism plays in keeping neighborhoods safe and in helping temper fear.

Health and Nursing Faculty Receive Training on New Simulated Mannikins

Faculty from BMCC’s Nursing, Allied Health, and Health Studies departments were trained this week on new simulated mannikins in the new Hospital Sim Lab at the Murray Building the week of March 16. Simulation mannikins, such as the new ones at BMCC, give nursing and allied health students repeated, low-stakes opportunities to practice high-stakes clinical skills — from airway management and IV insertion to obstetric emergencies and cardiac resuscitation — before they ever encounter a real patient. Research consistently shows that simulation-based training accelerates competency development, reduces clinical errors, and builds the confidence and critical thinking skills that translate directly to better patient outcomes in real-world healthcare settings.

BMCC Social Sciences Professor featured on BNN Bloomberg TV segment on Wearable Tech

BMCC Social Sciences Professor Elizabeth Wissinger, who is also a faculty member in the Fashion Studies concentration of MALS at the Graduate Center, was featured in a BNN Bloomberg TV segment discussing a new iteration of wearable technology: smart glasses. Professor Wissinger said corporations such as Google are “betting these products will be the next big thing in wearable.” Her conversation touches on inherent problems—such as privacy concerns—and the gap between function and fashion. Watch the entire segment here at BNN Bloomberg.

Making Headlines

BMCC alumnus Romario Raji Ricketts featured in NY Times mini-vows story

March 20, 2026—New York Times

Writing and Literature alumna Florencia Arozarena getting stories published through internship at Schneps Media

March 18, 2026—AM New York

BMCC Early Childhood Education program featured in story about CUNY Reconnect

March 17, 2026—Chalkbeat

Downtown Alliance Highlights upcoming Gala

March 16, 2026—Downtown Alliance

Early Childhood Center Executive Director Cecilia Scott-Croff honored at gala

March 13, 2026— Long Island Herald

Did You Know?

BMCC’s Health & Wellness Center is hosting a Crunch and Munch Smart Snacking Workshop on March 23.
Find out more here.

Announcements

Middle States Town Hall, April 16

All BMCC students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend to attend the upcoming MSCHE (Middle States Commission for Higher Education) 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. RSVP and join us on April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room N-451 at 199 Chambers Street. Learn more about BMCC's MSCHE Accreditation Self-Study.

Submissions to 2026 FRAME FORWARD CUNY Student Video Competition open until April 10

BMCC students are invited to submit a video project to the Frame Forward CUNY student video competition by April 10 (Late deadline April 30). This year’s theme, "We Are More Alike Than Unlike," honors the ties that bind us. Drawing inspiration from Maya Angelou’s poem The Human Family, this year’s theme encourages CUNY students to uncover the echoes of similarity within our many differences. Through video, students are invited to illuminate the shared emotions, challenges, and hopes that unite their campus and community experiences. The Competition is open to all CUNY students. Students who completed at least one class in Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026, or Spring 2026 are eligible to submit, even if they have since finished their studies or graduated. Students must be in good academic standing. Learn more here.

Invest in a Future, Change a Life Gala Set for April 21 at BMCC Athletic Club

The BMCC Foundation Scholarship Fund announced that it will host its annual gala, Aspiration to Action, on April 21 from 6 to 9 p.m., in the BMCC Gymnasium “Athletic Club” at 100 North Moore Street. This year’s honorees are Michael Dowling, CEO Emeritus of Northwell Health, and Shana Stephenson, Chief Brand Officer for the New York Liberty. The gala supports scholarships and other critical resources that enable student success. Visit the gala web page for more information and a link to special rates for faculty and staff. (As this event is taking place in the Athletic Club, sneakers are allowed!)

Campus Conversation with Nikole Hannah-Jones and President Anthony E. Munroe on May 12

Nikole Hannah-Jones, the Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and creator of The 1619 Project—will join BMCC President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe for a special campus conversation on race, history, democracy, and justice on May 12 in Theatre 2 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. The program will offer a rare opportunity for learning, reflection, and dialogue for students, faculty, staff, and community members. A reception will follow in Richard Harris Terrace.

Teacher Education Dept. Career Fair is March 24

BMCC students are invited to the Teacher Education Department’s Fifth Annual Career Fair on March 24 from 12 to 2 p.m., in Richard Harris Terrace at 199 Chambers Street. Representatives from schools, social service agencies, childcare programs, and after school programs are among the organizations that will be in attendance to meet BMCC students. All students are invited to attend. There will be raffles and refreshments. Professional attire is encouraged and students should bring at least 10 copies of their resume. For more information, contact Lissette Ayala at layala@bmcc.cuny.edu

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 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 1 p.m.

The Fiterman Cafe
Monday to Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

Cybersecurity Awareness Training Available Now

The 2025–26 CUNY Cybersecurity Awareness Training is now available. Every active employee is required to complete this training each year to help protect university data and enhance our cybersecurity.

This is the first year that all compliance trainings are being offered through Brightspace. While the deadline for completion has been extended to May 29, 2026, to match the schedule of other compliance training, we encourage all employees to log in and complete the required courses as soon as possible.

Required Training:

Cybersecurity Awareness Training

Deadline:

All full-time and part-time faculty and staff must complete the 40-minute course no later than May 29, 2026.
Faculty and staff who become inactive in CUNYfirst will lose access to the training.

How to Access Training:

You have been automatically enrolled in your required compliance courses.

To get started:

Log in to Brightspace.
Go to the "Compliance" section under My Courses.
Select and complete Cybersecurity Awareness Training.

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

To confirm completion of any CUNY Compliance course:

Log into CUNYfirst.
Select Employee Self-Service and click the Other Employee Tasks tile.
Select the Compliance link to display all the compliance training activities.

Resources & Support:

Need help? Contact CIS Training at CISTraining@cuny.edu.

Thank you for your continued commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and responsible digital environment for all members of the CUNY community.

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:

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

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.

Sports and Wellness

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

Office of Public Affairs
245 Greenwich Street
(212) 346-8501