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"Campus Update" is a weekly e-newsletter published by LaGuardia's Division of Communications and External Affairs to provide news and information to the college community.
| | The Division of Communications and External Affairs offers various additional resources to help you share news with the campus, including an event calendar, photography, graphic design, and more. | | LaGuardia Welcomes New Students at Orientation | | On September 2, incoming Red Hawks attended New Student Orientation. The orientation featured a full day of activities to help introduce new students to life at LaGuardia. Students attended a general presentation in the Main Stage Theater in the morning before breaking out into departmental sessions throughout the afternoon. LaGuardia also hosted a Resources Fair Block Party and Campus Tours on the LaGuardia Community Greenway. The event included a live DJ, games, and the opportunity for new students to meet with staff from various areas of the college including Campus Life, Student Financial Services, Veterans Services, Health Services, LaGuardia CARES, Student Success Mentors, and the Wellness Center to name a few. Another New Student Orientation session will take place on September 9. | | LaGuardia Hosts Annual Staff Appreciation BBQ | | LaGuardia staff came together on August 28 for a fun-filled Staff Appreciation BBQ in the Poolside Café and Cobblestone Courtyard. President Kenneth Adams and members of the President’s Cabinet were on hand to serve up a delicious spread of hot dogs, burgers, roasted chicken, corn on the cob, mac ’n’ cheese, salad, ice cream, and homemade banana pudding. The event was an opportunity to celebrate and thank the college’s dedicated staff for their hard work, commitment, and continued contributions. Good food, great company, and plenty of appreciation made for a fun day. | | |
On September 1, five LaGuardia graduates began pursuing bachelor’s degrees in Animal Science at Rutgers University’s School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) on full scholarships covering tuition, housing, meals, and fees. The scholars (pictured above, from left to right), Apdiel Millet, Naydeline Navarrete, Steven Garcia, Yenelis Gutierrez, and Lucy Molina (bottom row), earned Associate in Science degrees in Environmental Science: Animal Science as members of LaGuardia’s Class of 2026. Their scholarships are funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) through the Next Generation (NEXTGEN) initiative, which aims to develop the future workforce in food, agriculture, natural resources, and veterinary science, fields facing a growing demand for skilled professionals. The students are continuing their academic journeys through a partnership between LaGuardia and Rutgers University led by Dr. Preethi Radhakrishnan, professor and director of LaGuardia's Environmental Science Program. As principal investigator of the USDA-funded Animal Science Discovery (ANSCId) program, Dr. Radhakrishnan oversees efforts to create educational pathways that prepare students for careers in animal science and related fields. Her co-PI is Dr. Aparna Zama, program director of Animal Science at SEBS, Rutgers.
Read more about the scholars here.
| | LaGuardia is inviting students, faculty, and staff to help shape the college’s future identity by submitting ideas for a new slogan or motto. Our current slogan, “Dare to Do More,” has proudly represented LaGuardia since 2012. As we look ahead, we are seeking fresh suggestions that capture the spirit of our college, reflect the experiences and aspirations of our diverse community, and align with LaGuardia’s mission and core values. To submit your suggestions, please fill out this form by October 15. Learn more here. | | | LaGuardia Shares Community Bulletin Board Guidelines | | | | |
Eight bulletin boards have been reserved across campus for members of the LaGuardia community to post flyers promoting services, events, programs, and activities that are officially offered or sponsored by LaGuardia Community College or its community partners. These Community Bulletin Boards are located in the following areas on campus:
- E-Building
- 1st Floor Atrium (directly facing the window to the courtyard)
- 2nd Floor Atrium (next to Room E-221)
- 2nd Floor hallway (next to Room E-225)
- M-Building
- 1st Floor in the Hall of Flags (corner of M-116)
- 1st Floor M-Building walkway
- C-Building
- 1st Floor lobby across from the elevators
- 2nd Floor across from Room C-211
- 3rd Floor across from Room C-316
To place a flyer on one of the Community Bulletin Boards, postings must be reviewed and approved with an official stamp from either the Office of Student Life (M-115) or the Communications and External Affairs Division (E-509). If you would like to post a flyer on one of these bulletin boards, click here for guidelines and requirements for approval.
| | From Foundation Named Scholarships to Faculty Council Scholarships and Awards, there are several opportunities for LaGuardia students to receive additional funding toward their degree. Degree-seeking and Continuing Education students can now explore scholarship opportunities offered at LaGuardia on the new Scholarships webpage. The webpage highlights scholarships and financial assistance programs offered by the LaGuardia Community College Foundation, Faculty Council, and LaGuardia CARES, to name a few. If you know a student who is looking to apply for scholarships and programs to fund their studies, direct them to this page or the CUNY Scholarship Search page to help them in their search. | | | |
Workday Go-Live Date Moved to Late 2027
CUNYWork leadership has announced that Workday will now go live in late 2027, instead of the initially planned January 2027 launch, to allow the team more time to complete testing, readiness and planning. CUNYWork leadership is refining milestone dates and will share the detailed implementation schedule in Fall 2026. In the meantime, CUNYWork/Workday Teams will continue to participate in CUNYWork meetings and complete campus-specific actions, including data cleanup, campus test scenarios, identifying legacy system representatives, and planning for revised testing and training. For more information, check your August 27 email from the LAG Workday Team or visit LaGuardia’s Workday webpage.
| | FACULTY AND STAFF UPDATES | | Professor Joni Schwartz-Chaney Publishes New Book on Race, Faith, and Healing | | Humanities professor Dr. Joni Schwartz-Chaney's new book, Healing Our Collective Wound: Racial Literacy and the Church was released on September 1. LaGuardia faculty and staff are invited to attend two book launch events in Brooklyn: September 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Café Lakay (3323 Avenue I) and October 7 at 7 p.m. at Café con Libros (724 Prospect Place). Dr. Schwartz-Chaney will also have a booth at the Brooklyn Book Festival on September 27. The book explores the church's role in America's racial history and examines how a deeper understanding of race can help foster healing and reconciliation. “My teaching propels me to write,” said Dr. Schwartz-Chaney. “In my Race & Communication course, I find students eager to become racially literate in a country that often denies its racial history and finds it hard to communicate around race. I wrote this book to address a wound that festers for all Americans, and the wound of racism that has reared its ugly head in Christian nationalism. The book is a way forward for America and the church.” | | | LaGuardia Connects with Queens Families at the NYCACS’s Back-to-School Event | | | | |
LaGuardia recently participated in the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) Division of Child Protection for a back-to-school event in Jamaica, Queens. The event brought together local families and community organizations for a day of live music, free school supplies, and backpack giveaways. LaGuardia’s table was a popular stop for families, with children enjoying our Spin the Wheel activity for a chance to win LaGuardia T-shirts, stress balls, and pins. The activity was a huge success and created a fun way for children and families to engage with the college. The event also provided an opportunity to connect with community members and share information about LaGuardia’s ACE programs. Many attendees expressed interest in English courses and opportunities to gain new skills and pursue career changes. Interested in volunteering at upcoming community events? Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to get involved. Please contact Lyudmila Spajic at lspajic@lagcc.cuny.edu for more information and upcoming volunteer opportunities.
Pictured from left to right: Luda Spajic and Zulma Caceres Mejia, Family Advocate from Family and Youth Peer Support Queens Alliance
| | Life Science Training-to-Internship Program Holds Closing Ceremony and Student Poster Presentation | | On August 24, LaGuardia students in the Life Science Training-to-Internship Program were recognized at a program closing ceremony and student poster presentation. The program offered students an opportunity to get hands-on training and complete internships relating to life sciences. Students and attendees gathered in E-242 for remarks from Dr. Na Xu, Dr. Claudette Davis and President Kenneth Adams. Adam Volini, Executive Director and Vice President of Life Sciences & Strategic Partnership at Empire State Development served as the event's keynote speaker. Students who completed their summer internships and poster presentations received completion certificates; additionally, students with exceptional posters received awards for Biotechnology Innovation and Research Excellence, Science Communication, Laboratory Operation Excellence, and an audience choice award. | | LaGuardia has hired Shormina S. Ahmed, Esq. as Campus Counsel and Labor Relations Director, starting September 1. In her new role, Ahmed will work in the Office of the President and report to Maria Cook, J.D., Executive Counsel to the President/ Labor Designee. She will assist in providing legal guidance on staff and student related matters, particularly labor/employment, contract arbitration, collective bargaining agreements, employee discipline, compliance, administrative proceedings, litigation, and serving as liaison to the University and various governmental agencies. “I want to contribute not only as a legal counsel, but also as a strategic partner who helps create a productive and fair campus environment,” Ahmed said. | | | Women's Center and LGBTQ+ Hub and Wellness Center Introduce "Got Something on Your Mind?" Wednesdays September 16 to December 16 | | Beginning September 16, members of the campus community will be able to drop-in at various locations across campus to speak with staff about topics weighing on their mind and receive guidance and support. The new initiative, "Got Something on Your Mind?" is a collaboration between the Women's Center and LGBTQ+ Hub and the Wellness Center, with sessions available every Wednesday from September 16 to December 16 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Other mindfulness programs coordinated by the Women's Center and LGBTQ+ Hub this semester include Mindfulness Meditation on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from September 14 to December 17, and "Your Body, Your Breath, Your Practice," on Thursdays from September 17 to December 17. For specific details on times and locations of each program, check the Campus Calendar. | | Fifteenth Cohort of Healthcare Finance and Operation Training Program Celebrates Graduation | | LaGuardia recently celebrated the fifteenth cohort of Healthcare Finance and Operation Training program graduates. On August 25, members of the graduating cohort gathered in the Little Theater to celebrate their completion of the six-month program, which aims to prepare students for entry-level jobs in healthcare, such as billing coordinators, revenue cycle specialists, insurance and financial clearance specialists, patient access coordinators, and customer service representatives. President Adams delivered welcoming remarks, while the program's instructional associate, Daniel Lino, presented students with their certificates. | | | |
- The Library has reduced hours during intersession. Please check our calendar before you make the trip.
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Renovation Updates:
- As you approach the E-Atrium, the first stairway is now completely walled off. Please use the second stairway off the E-Atrium, the stairways off the E-Building entrance, or the elevators to access the Library’s entrance on the second floor.
- We have moved a lot of book collections to the second floor. Check out our Children’s, Parenting, Manga and Graphic Novels, and Leisure Reading Collections. If you need a book that is not on the second floor, just request it. Ask a Librarian if you need help.
- The Library will be closed Friday, August 21 - Sunday, August 23. Check our Library hours before you make the trip.
- Our MoneyBoss website and our Events and Workshops page have been updated. Visit these pages to see all the workshops and events we’ll be having in the Fall semester.
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Meet with a TIAA Financial Consultant about Retirement
Register for a one-on-one session with a TIAA Financial Consultant to discuss your retirement planning. All sessions are in the E-Building, with meeting slots available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- September 22, 2026 – E-409
- October 23, 2026 – E-407
- November 6, 2026 – E-407
- November 20, 2026 – E-407
- December 18, 2026 – E-407
Register here.
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Attend a Dementia Awareness Webinar on September 9
LaGuardia employees are invited to attend a virtual session designed to stimulate conversation about awareness, care, and support for Alzheimer’s and dementia, “Empowered Caregiver: Exploring Care & Support Services,” as part of the Dementia Awareness & Education Series hosted in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association and the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. The virtual session will take place online from 1 to 2 p.m. on September 9, register here.
| | LaGuardia Seeks to Fill Open Faculty and Staff Positions | | Current faculty and staff are welcome to share the openings below with individuals who they believe may be a good fit for the role or apply for the positions themselves. For all LaGuardia openings, visit Employment Opportunities. | | DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DoIT) | | |
Updated Student Wi-Fi Login Information
Students can now log in to the LaGuardia Wi-Fi network using the first part of their username for CUNYfirst (i.e., firstname.lastname##, without @login.cuny.edu). The wi-fi password remains the student's full EMPLID followed by the last two digits of their birth year. For example, a student with EMPLID 12345678 and birth year 2001 would use 1234567801 as their password. Only active students will be able to join the LaGuardia Wi-Fi network. If students need help logging into LaGuardia Wi-Fi, please direct them to CUNY IT Help to open a ticket in ServiceNow, or the Student Technology Helpdesk in B-127. Students may also call 718-482-6117.
| | Discover Microsoft Copilot Chat—Included with Your CUNY Microsoft 365 Account | | All CUNY faculty, staff, and students have access to Microsoft Copilot Chat through their CUNY email account. Copilot can help you draft emails, summarize documents, answer questions, brainstorm ideas, and support everyday work. Because it operates within Microsoft's enterprise environment, Copilot is designed to protect institutional data, making it appropriate for working with college documents, student information, grades, and other university data. If you have any questions, contact LaGuardia Tech Advisory. | | |
Cybersecurity Alert: One Simple Way to Stay Safe Online
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself and the college is to be cautious of urgent messages requesting immediate action. Be skeptical of emails asking you to verify your password, purchase gift cards, approve payments, or share sensitive information. When in doubt, contact the sender directly using known contact information rather than replying to the message. If you’ve received a suspicious email, please report it to SPAM@lagcc.cuny.edu, or use the report feature in Outlook. Do not forward it to any LAG Information Technology distribution list, other group lists, or employees, including DoIT personnel. If you have questions, please contact LaGuardia’s Information Security Manager Maritza Acero at informationsecurity@lagcc.cuny.edu.
| | LAGUARDIA IN THE HEADLINES | | |
INSIDE HIGHER ED: LaGuardia offers free and reduced cost year-round childcare for children of student parents through its Early Childhood Learning Center and Horizons NYC, a free seven-week summer program.
QUEENS CHRONICLE: Natalie Briones (LaGuardia'26, Human Services: Mental Health) is transferring to an Ivy League school, Brown University, thanks in part to help from the Kaplan Educational Foundation's Kaplan Leadership Program.
BRONX NET: Interview with Kenny Lin (LaGuardia’26, Political Science) about how the Kaplan Leadership Program Scholar helped him transfer to Georgetown University. (Interview starts at 2:10)
QUEENS CHRONICLE: LaGuardia has a new Health Studies associate of science program starting this semester, which begins Sept. 14. The new major aims to give students an interdisciplinary foundation in the health sciences and prepare them for employment or transfers to related bachelor’s programs.
GOTHAM CENTER FOR NEW YORK CITY HISTORY (blog): Interview with Dr. Stephen Petrus, Director of Public History Programs at LaGuardia and Wagner Archives, about “Panic, Politics, and Policy: New York City during the AIDS Crisis, 1981-1996,” a digital exhibit on the AIDS crisis in NYC.
ALL OTSEGO: Bill Michaels, owner of the Fly Creek Cider Mill and Orchard in Upstate New York, writes about the positive impact of his participation in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) program at LaGuardia Community College. He reports that Goldman Sachs is bringing 10KSB statewide, with its first New York statewide cohort beginning in February 2027.
| | "Campus Update" is produced and published by the Communications and External Affairs Division. Faculty and staff who wish to submit items for publication can email CampusUpdate@lagcc.cuny.edu. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Tuesday to be considered for publication on Thursday. |
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