"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 Kicks off Upcoming School Year with Opening Sessions Fall 2024 | |
Faculty and staff gathered in the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center’s Mainstage Theater on Wednesday, September 4 for Opening Sessions Fall 2024, which focused on the theme of “Career Readiness & Pathways: Guiding Students Towards Success in Education and Beyond.” This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Niesha Taylor, Director of Career Readiness, at the National Association of Colleges and Employers and a former staff member here at LaGuardia. | |
In addition to Dr. Taylor, several speakers addressed the audience at the day’s plenary session, including President Kenneth Adams, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Billie Gastic Rosado, and Senior Director of Workforce Development Hannah Weinstock. The day also featured various breakout sessions for attendees to discuss topics related to career readiness. Later on in the day, new employees were invited to attend a luncheon to mingle with one another and enjoy good food. Opening Sessions closed with a reception in the E-Atrium at 3:45 p.m. | |
LaGuardia Hosts Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Pinning Ceremony | |
On September 3, President Kenneth Adams congratulated the 40 graduates from the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program at a pinning ceremony in Little Theater. Other speakers included Hannah Weinstock, Senior Director of Workforce Development. The valedictorian was Chelsea Bendeck, and the salutatorians were Diosdado Javellana and Islem Taveras. LaGuardia’s CCMA program, offered through the college’s Adult Continuing Education (ACE) has had a 100% pass rate for students taking the national CCMA certification exams (National Health Career Association: EKG Technician, Phlebotomist, and CCMA) for the past four years. | |
This fall, LaGuardia welcomes nine new full-time faculty members. Dr. Billie Gastic Rosado, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, said students will benefit from the new faculty members’ academic expertise, industry and disciplinary engagement, and unique perspectives shaped by their varied experiences and backgrounds. They are (pictured clockwise from top left): Chelsea Encababian (Natural Sciences); Dr. Adam Thomas (Social Sciences); Dr. Sungsu Lee (Natural Sciences); Aarti Maharaj (Business & Technology); Dr. Cuiyuan Wang (MEC); Dr. Travis Alvarez (Social Sciences); Dr. hephzibah strmic-pawl (Social Sciences); Andreas Karras (Social Sciences); and Maribel Arias (Business & Technology). Read more about these educators. | |
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The High Line recently announced Arthur Simms’ commission artwork, A Totem for the High Line., is now on exhibit from August 2024 through August 2025. Looming 40 feet tall over the High Line, the work is installed at the 16th Street Spur Preserve, location marked with visible remnants of the High Line’s industrial and wild past. The sculptural assemblage, composed of weathered utilitarian materials and personal effects wrapped meticulously in rope, is a trademark of the artist’s decades-long career. In addition to comprising materials that have become core to his body of work—wood, rope, and personal objects—A Totem for the High Line. speaks directly to its site, both on the High Line and in New York City. This new site-specific sculpture incorporates a decommissioned utility pole found on Randall’s Island, assorted cables, and discarded license plates from various states, suggesting intertwined journeys across great distances that connect in New York City. Mr. Simms is a professor of Art in the Humanities Department at LaGuardia.
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Last week in a letter to students, Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez announced the expansion of on-going anti-hate efforts through the launch of “Our CUNY: Hate Divides Us, Diversity Defines Us,” a student-developed campaign that celebrates who we are and provides support for creating campus environments that embrace the full breadth of CUNY’s diversity. | |
CUNY will introduce a systemwide campus climate survey this fall to assess students’ perceptions of issues surrounding inclusivity and experiences with discrimination. The results will be used to inform additional initiatives and programs and help CUNY to make measurable progress. In addition the Chancellor highlighted a brief introduction to free speech that includes what forms of expression are protected and which aren’t, and an overview of the Rules and Regulations for the Maintenance of Public Order. These are important reminders to keep in mind as a new academic year begins. | |
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LaGuardia aims to be an inclusive and welcoming environment with an appreciation for celebrations and observances that are important to a wide range of cultures and religions. Here are just a few of the religious and cultural observances recognized in our community throughout the month of September:
- September 6: Ganesh Chaturthi
- September 15 through October 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month
- September 17: Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
For a full listing of holidays and observations celebrated this month and throughout the year, please visit the CUNY Religions & Ethnic Holiday Calendar.
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CUNY Reminds Students to Familiarize Themselves with University Policies and Guidelines | | |
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In a letter to students sent on August 22, 2024, Dr. Wendy Hensel, CUNY Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and University Provost, shared information about new and revised policies and guidelines for students. Dr. Hensel mentioned beginning Fall 2024, the deadline for students to withdraw from a course and receive a grade of “W” has changed to the completion of 60% of the course rather than the last day of classes. The exact deadlines for the 2024-2025 academic year are posted on CUNY’s Academic Calendar. | |
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Remember that an official withdrawal (W) must be initiated by the student. A “WU” (Withdrew Unofficially) will be assigned where the student “attended class at least once, stopped participating, did not drop the class or receive approval for an incomplete, did not officially withdraw from the course, and did not complete enough work for the instructor to calculate an earned grade using the criteria outlined in the course syllabus.” Please remind students to familiarize themselves with CUNY's Uniform Grade Guidelines, which can be found here. Also, the CUNY Board of Trustees recently approved a new Learning Management (LMS) Use Policy (LMS Use Policy). The policy requires instructors to use the University LMS for synchronous and asynchronous online classes. The LMS is the primary tool students will use to access course materials for online courses. If students are enrolled in an online course (designated as "O" when they register), the course should be delivered in either Blackboard or Brightspace LMS. To learn more students can visit the LMS transition website or the LMS login page. Other new and revised policies students should familiarize themselves with include:
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Introducing Navigate, LaGuardia’s Student Portal | |
Navigate enables LaGuardia students to meet with advisors and connect with other members of the campus community. For students, it replaces My LaGuardia, which shut down earlier this summer. For faculty and staff, it will replace C2C and SEMS; C2C has been deactivated, while SEMS will be deactivated November 1. Navigate offers a user-friendly experience for appointment booking, messaging campaigns, shared student notes, and more. Please visit our Navigate landing page to access the portal and learn more, or contact navigate@lagcc.cuny.edu. | |
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Sign Up for Professional Headshots for Faculty and Staff | | |
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LaGuardia’s Communications and External Affairs Division is hosting a series of “Photo Days” for faculty and staff who need to update their professional headshots! The Photo Days are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Room E-509. Book your timeslot here for one of the following dates:
- September 18
- October 23
- November 13
- December 11
For more information contact Anastasia Figuera, photographer, Ext. 7471.
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Faculty Encouraged to Submit Profiles for LaGuardia Website | |
All LaGuardia faculty members are invited to submit personal profiles to be included on the website. Faculty profiles include a personal biography, information about your research interests, contact information, and other relevant details to share with the campus community. These profiles will be accessible through each department's "Faculty and Staff" webpage. You may submit a faculty profile for yourself here. | |
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Rebel the Red Hawk Try-Outs Scheduled September 16 and 26 | | |
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LaGuardia is looking for students to show their school spirit and become the next Rebel the Red Hawk. Rebel is the college’s official mascot and symbol of unity, academic excellence, and school spirit. Do you know a student who might be a good fit? Encourage them to try out next month! Students who want to be Rebel should demonstrate their abilities to entertain, interact with individuals and crowds, while exhibiting professionalism, following instructions, showing initiative, and participating with reliability in scheduled events. Students who would like to tryout must fill out an INTEREST FORM. Try-outs will be held in room E-111 on the following dates:
- September 16 from 1 to 4 p.m.
- September 26 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Learn more about Rebel the Red Hawk here.
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An Update on Digication, LaGuardia’s ePortfolio Provider | |
Starting this semester, all users will need their CUNY login credentials to access the ePortfolio/ Digication. Watch this short video for a quick tutorial. If you have any questions, please email the ePortfolio program at eportfolio@lagcc.cuny.edu. | |
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Changes at LaGuardia’s Parking Lot | | |
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Metropolis recently acquired SP+ and have installed new license plate readers for lot access.
- Annual and semester parking permit holders must register their vehicle with Metropolis to ensure they are not billed—check your LaGuardia email for messages sent recently by Metropolis. This technology means that permit holders do not need to tap their ID cards to enter; the gate arm will rise as you enter the lot.
- Those wishing to park without a permit will have their plate read and will be billed by Metropolis.
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From the Business Office
The FY2025 Tax Levy July 31, 2024 Operating Budgets by department are available for viewing.
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IT Update: Mandatory CUNY Cybersecurity Awareness Training Course | | |
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Beginning this year, all faculty and staff must complete the 40-minute Cybersecurity Awareness training annually. This course will help safeguard the security of our data against increasing cybersecurity risks, such as phishing attacks, spam, and hacked accounts, while providing best practices for safeguarding your data. You can access the course on Blackboard, under the "Organizations" tab. We encourage you to take it as soon as possible to protect the University's data, as well as your own. If you have any questions regarding the training, please contact Maritza Acero. | |
As the new semester begins, the Faculty Council welcomes John Toland (Natural Sciences) as President. Joining Dr. Toland are Tara Coleman (English) as vice president and Sandra Ribeiro (Health Sciences) as Secretary; Derek Stadler (Library) continues to serve as treasurer. “It was an honor to serve you in my capacity as president and I have no doubt that our new officers will serve us just as well. Congratulations, John, Tara, and Sandra!” said outgoing president Dr. Rochell Isaac, who is now on sabbatical. Learn more about Faculty Council. | |
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Associate Deans of Academic Affairs to Take Title of Associate Provost | |
Associate Deans of Academic Affairs Dr. Dionne Miller and Dr. Eric Hofmann will now be referred to with the title of Associate Provosts of Academic Affairs. This change was announced by Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Billie Gastic Rosado during her address to the audience at this fall’s Opening Sessions. Dr. Gastic Rosado said at Opening Sessions that the decision to change their titles from Associate Dean to Associate Provost was made to more accurately reflect the kind of work that Dr. Miller and Dr. Hofmann do within the division of Academic Affairs. | |
LIC Book Discussion to feature Three Humanities Faculty; Moderated by Provost | |
Three faculty in LaGuardia’s Humanities Department will take part in a book discussion, moderated by Provost Billie Gastic Rosado at Book Culture LIC. Ari Richter’s “Never Again Will I Visit Auschwitz: A Graphic Family Memoir of Trauma & Inheritance,” Dr. Joni Schwartz-Chaney’s “Critical Faith: What It Is, What It Isn’t & Why It Matter,” and Dr. Jessica Boehman’s “Cafe Au Lait: A Story of NF1 and My Special Spots” will be featured. The discussion will be followed by a book signing. Learn more. | |
Students looking for enrollment services support can now access virtual office hours every Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Virtual One Stop takes place on Zoom and allows students to drop in and meet with staff from the Admissions, International Student Services, Registrar, Student Financial Services, Student Information Center, Transfer Credit Evaluation and Testing offices. | |
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LaGuardia Women’s Volleyball Wins Against Kingsborough CC, Loses Against Queensborough | |
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On Friday, Aug. 30, LaGuardia Women’s Volleyball kicked off its season playing best out of five matches against Kingsborough Community College (KCC). Coach Charles Young said, “We had a slow start to the game and then we woke up,” he said. “It was an all-around effort, but Valeria Duque and Daniela Acosta were very impressive.” LaGuardia won 3 matches to 1 against KCC. On Tuesday, Sept. 3, LaGuardia played against Queensborough Community College but lost 3 matches to 1. LaGuardia’s next Women’s Volleyball game 6 p.m., Monday, Sept. 9, at Kingsborough. LaGuardia’s next home game is Tuesday, Sept. 10 against Queensborough in the LaGuardia Red Hawk gym, located in the E-Building. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to come out and cheer for the Red Hawks! For more information about the Red Hawks Volleyball schedule visit the Athletics website.
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Updates from LaGuardia’s Library | | |
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- Welcome to the Fall semester! The Library is in room E-101 and we will resume our regular hours on Thursday, Sept. 5, when we open at 8 a.m. Please make sure to check our calendar before heading in.
- We have copies of almost all textbooks in the Library available to check out for 2 hours (you can’t leave the Library, though). If we don’t have it, please let us know. If you can’t make it into the Library, you can request a chapter scan.
- Students can borrow chromebooks, ipads, calculators, and laptops from our Media Help Desk on the second floor.
- MoneyBoss financial literacy workshops are back for the Fall semester and will be IN PERSON! Our first workshop is Sept. 19. To register, and find out more information, visit our MoneyBoss website.
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HUMAN RESOURCES AND PERSONNEL UPDATES | |
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In-Person New Employee Orientations Are Back!
We’re happy to announce the return of in-person new employee orientations. They’re a great way to help new employees feel more comfortable by learning more about LaGuardia’s history, values, work environment, culture, employee resources and more. Orientations are also a terrific opportunity for new employees to meet other newly hired colleagues and begin establishing strong working relationships.
Scheduled for September and October:
- September 25 – New Employee Orientation - Faculty and HEO Series
- October 2 – New Employee Orientation – Adjuncts
- October 9 – New Employee Orientation – All Classified Staff – Full and Part Time
Save the date that applies to you. More information will follow in future issues of Campus Update and other College communications channels.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, contact Human Resources at HRHelp@lagcc.cuny.edu or at (718) 482-5075.
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Reminder: Remote Work Agreement in Effect | |
As we welcome students back to campus, please keep in mind that as of Monday, August 12, staff members are required to work 70% of the time in person, just as in Spring 2024 and Fall 2023. This means seven in-person days and three remote days for every two weeks that full-time staff work. The remote work agreement is currently in effect through June 30, 2025. Completed and signed remote work agreements are due to Human Resources by Friday, September 13. Please see the email issued Monday, August 12 with the subject line "New Remote Work Agreement w/ Schedule A&B Option for 70/30" for more information. You can also review the CUNY Flexible Work Arrangements to learn more. If you have any questions, please speak to your supervisor, or contact Human Resources at HRHelp@lagcc.cuny.edu or (718) 482-5075. | |
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Security Alert: Guard Against Increasing Phishing Email Attacks
There has been an increase in phishing attacks directed at CUNY from a variety of Gmail accounts. Most are of the familiar job scam variety which students are prone to acting on. CUNY/CIS teams are working with Microsoft to block these attacks, which are not “spammy” or “phishy” in nature so they aren’t automatically blocked by email security measures. CUNY/CIS urges all to guard against responding to potential phishing emails, as well as to communicate with colleagues and students to generate greater awareness about the scam increase.
Recommended User Actions Include:
- DO NOT reply to unexpected or unusual emails.
- DO NOT reply to emails with personal information or passwords.
- DO NOT click links or open attachments in unsolicited emails.
- DO read the CUNY Ransomware and Phishing Advisories.
- DO complete security awareness training at security.cuny.edu.
If you suspect you’ve received a suspicious or phishing email, please forward it to spam@lagcc.cuny.edu. Do not forward it to the LAG Information Technology Division or other group distribution lists or employees, including IT personnel. If you already responded to a phishing email, immediately contact our IT HelpDesk by submitting a ticket through the Faculty & Staff Portal or by email at ITHelp@lagcc.cuny.edu, or call 718-482-6134. If you have questions, please contact LaGuardia's Information Security team.
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LAGUARDIA IN THE HEADLINES | |
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CHALKBEAT NEW YORK: Profile of NYC teen Jahsani Peters, a participant in LaGuardia's Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). For the past two summers, LaGuardia's SYEP placed him in paid jobs with Community Capacity Development (CCD), a Queens-based nonprofit supporting marginalized communities and combatting gun violence.
QUEENS CHRONICLE: With the new school year comes new courses, programs and more at LaGuardia Community College. This includes three courses serving the new Business Administration: Facilities Management major, for students interested in business operations and maintenance for spaces such as warehouses, office complexes, storefronts or residential buildings.
STAMFORD ADVOCATE: LaGuardia Provost Dr. Billie Gastic Rosado writes that teaching young people about respect, trust, communication, and consent from an early age equips them with the tools that help prevent the development of abuse behaviors and enable young people to recognize unhealthy relationships.
NEW YORK POST: Small business owners who participated in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program at LaGuardia Community College in Queens have secured more than $200 million in capital funds, since the program launched in 2009.
SPECTRUM NEWS NY1: Upon his graduation from LaGuardia Community College, Edward Molina transferred to Columbia University's School of General Studies (GS). Edward and fellow GS students say that Columbia’s unequal financial aid policies lead to debt and even homelessness.
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"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. Monday to be considered for publication on Wednesday. |
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