"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. | |
The LaGuardia community is invited to the 6th Annual Hunger Banquet and Food Day Fair on Wednesday, November 13. These interactive events, hosted by the Nutrition and Culinary Management Program of the Community Health and Wellness Department, aim to spark discussions on global food justice and foster understanding of food insecurity among different populations and income levels, both locally and globally. The Hunger Banquet will begin at 11:45 a.m. in room E-111. The first 100 participants will be randomly assigned to one of three tables—high-income, middle-class, or no/low-income—and will be served meals according to the socioeconomic level of each table. Faculty and student moderators will lead discussions on food insecurity. The Food Day Fair will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the E-Building Atrium. Hosted by Nutrition and Culinary students, the fair will feature games, giveaways, and healthy snacks prepared by the students. The annual Hunger Banquet was initiated in 2016 by Dr. Nicolle Fernandes, Community Health and Wellness Chairperson. It is now directed by Cynthia Vazquez, BS, RDN, Director of the Nutrition and Culinary Management Program, with Jenny Palios, the program's Chief Laboratory Technician. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food and winter clothing for distribution to students in need through LaGuardia CARES. | |
LaGuardia Students, Faculty, and Staff Celebrate Halloween | |
Last Thursday, LaGuardia's campus was abuzz with Halloween festivities. Several students, faculty, and staff attended the Halloween Harvest Fest out on the LaGuardia Community Greenway. The fest also marked the end of LaGuardia's programming on the Greenway for the year. Attendees spent the unseasonably warm afternoon participating in several spook-tacular festivities such as trick-or-treating, DIY Halloween crafts and a costume contest. | |
Back indoors, young children enrolled in the Early Childhood Learning Center's programs enjoyed a Halloween story read to them by Vice President for Student Affairs Alexis McLean. They also received a handful of visitors from the college's leadership team, including President Kenneth Adams, Vice President for Communications and External Affairs Manuel Romero, Executive Legal Counsel to the President Maria Cook and Human Resources Executive Director Mary DiGangi, and others. | |
Meanwhile in the E-Building Atrium, the Wellness Center hosted "Treats for Deets: Unmasking Ableism and Hidden Disabilities." Staff from the center doled out healthy snacks and sweet treats to students passing by, while also sharing insights on the importance of inclusion and the challenges faced by those with hidden disabilities. The event was part of an effort to lift the mask on ableism and raise awareness about everyday struggles that often remain unseen. | |
The Adult and Continuing Education Division of LaGuardia Community College will host its bi-annual Resource Fair on November 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the C-Building lobby. The fair will include resources to help students learn about High School Equivalency/GED and College Prep, English as a Second Language, Workforce Training and Certificate Programs, Healthcare, Technology and skilled trades and small business and entrepreneur services. The free event will also provide attendees with information about the College’s Career Development Center, Credit for Prior Learning, College Admissions, and LaGuardia CARES. | | |
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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 November:
- November 1-30: National American Indian Heritage Month
- November 11: Veteran's Day
- November 15: Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday
- November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance
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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Sign Up to Add a Professional Headshot to Your Faculty Profile | |
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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! Your headshot can be used for a variety of purposes, and adds a personal touch to your Faculty Profile on the LaGuardia website. 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:
For more information contact Anastasia Figuera, photographer, Ext. 7471.
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LAGUARDIA AND WAGNER ARCHIVES | |
As Clocks Fall Back an Hour, Take a Look Back on the History of Daylight Savings | | |
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Daylight Savings Time ended over the weekend. When we “fall back” we lose an hour of sunlight during the day but gain an hour of sleep. Did you know that New York City played a major role in the creation and passage of the Uniform Time Act of 1966, implementing Daylight Savings across the United States? England’s use of Daylight Savings following WWI, plus the normal time difference, meant that if New York used Daylight Savings, too, the financial exchanges could maintain an hour of arbitrage with London. NYC’s consistent and economically successful use of Daylight Savings proved it was a sound policy, and was a major factor in the passage of the Uniform Time Act. In fact, New Yorkers liked Daylight Savings so much that year-round Daylight Savings has had supporters here as far back as 1941? Take a look at this letter sent to Newbold Morris, then President of the City Council. | |
New Partnership Launches with Justice for All: Courts and the Community, an Initiative of the Federal Courts of the Second Circuit | |
On Wednesday October 30, Criminal Justice students went on a field trip to the Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse, accompanied by Social Sciences faculty members Dr. Jill Kehoe (Criminal Justice Program Director), Dr. Robin Kietlinski, and Dr. Lloyd Klein. The students met with Magistrate Judge Hon. Sarah L. Cave (pictured above with faculty and students), Federal Public Defender Kristoff Williams, and U.S. Probation Officer Specialist Ji'vonne Gilmore to discuss careers in the federal criminal justice system. Students were treated to a private tour of the Community Learning Center, a federal courtroom, and a defendant holding cell. This experience marks the start of a new partnership between LaGuardia and the Federal Courts of the Second Circuit's Justice for All: Courts and the Community Initiative. Stay tuned for future field trip opportunities open to all majors. | |
CPL Team Presents Work at Council of Adult and Experiential Learning Conference | | |
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The Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) team (Marsha Oropeza, Director of the Office of Credit for Prior Learning, Christine Pardo, CPL Admissions Coordinator) presented at the 50th Annual CAEL (Council of Adult and Experiential Learning) Conference in New Orleans, LA on October 31. The presentation titled, "Credits for Success: Navigating the Implementation of the Office of Credit for Prior Learning" talked about our journey in building the CPL office that leveraged CUNY's CPL policy and utilized funding from the Robin Hood foundation to establish the Office of Credit for Prior Learning. LaGuardia Community College was the only college in CUNY that was selected for an in-person conference session. Associate Provost Dionne Miller was in attendance in support of the CPL team. The presentation discussed the office’s cyclical practice, impacting the students it serves, and how the students’ experiences inform the office’s practices and processes. | |
Therapeutic Recreation Student Association Hosts One-Day Conference | |
LaGuardia’s Therapeutic Recreation Student Association will host the 2024 “Reunited in Recreation” conference in partnership with the New York State Recreation and Park Society (NYSRPS) and several New York colleges. This annual NYSRPS event brings together therapeutic recreation professionals and students to network, exchange best practices, and discuss innovative approaches in recreational programming, therapeutic practices, and community engagement. Therapeutic Recreation students from LaGuardia, Bronx Community College, Lehman College, Kingsborough Community College, and St. Joseph’s University will attend. The one-day event will take place on Friday, November 15, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the E Building Atrium. For more information, contact Jasmine Edwards, lecturer of Therapeutic Recreation. | |
Students Invited to Community-Based Learning Virtual Event on November 14 | |
The LaGuardia Community-Based Learning team invites students to attend an upcoming panel discussion, "Connecting Community-Based Learning to Your Course," on November 14 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. The event will offer insights into how students can engage in community service opportunities that enhance their course learning, creating meaningful experiences both inside and outside the classroom. If you know a student who is interested in participating in community service, encourage them to attend – they can RSVP here. | |
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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Women’s Basketball
- November 7, 5 p.m. at BMCC
- November 9, 1 p.m. at Dutchess
- November 12, 6 p.m. at Nassau
- November 19, 6 p.m. at KCC
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Men’s Basketball
- November 7, 7 p.m. at BMCC
- November 9, 3 p.m. at Dutchess
- November 12, 7 p.m. at Monroe
- November 14, 8 p.m. at Nassau
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Updates from LaGuardia’s Library | |
- The Library is partnering with the Philosophy Program to bring you the Wonder Workshop! Bring your child/children to the Library on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 3 p.m., for story time and a craft.
- Our next MoneyBoss financial literacy workshop will be on Monday, Nov. 18, at 1 p.m., in room E-111. Professors Jennifer Arroyo and Javier Serna will discuss “A Student's Guide to Financing College.” Don’t forget, these count as co-curricular workshops. To register, and find out more information, visit our MoneyBoss website.
- Free digital subscriptions to The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal are available to all students, staff, and faculty. Use your LaGuardia email to sign up.
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HUMAN RESOURCES AND PERSONNEL UPDATES | |
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HR Health Benefits Workshops – November 13 and 20
If you’re thinking about changing your health provider during the November 2024 open enrollment period, come to one of our Health Benefits Workshops to learn about all the health benefits and options available to you.
- Instructional Staff Members and Adjuncts
- Wednesday, November 13: E-400 and Teams*
- 2:30– 3:30 p.m.
- Classified Staff
- Wednesday, November 20: E-400 and Teams*
- 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
*Check your email regularly for your invitation and let us know if you will be attending in person or in Teams.
For more information or if you have any questions, contact Bonnie Brown.
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CUNY Benefits Office Open Enrollment Sessions Online Nov. 6 and 7 | |
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Open enrollment for active employees and retirees is November 1- 30. Open enrollment is the one time during the year when you can change your benefit elections, add or remove dependents for health, dental, vision and flexible spending account plans without a qualifying life event. This year’s open enrollment benefit presentations will take place virtually and include an overview and program highlights, as well as a question-and-answer period. More info: Benefits Open Enrollment 2024.
University Benefits Office (UBO) – Virtual Benefit Presentation Schedule:
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Benefits Webinars:
Thursday, November 7, 12 – 2:30 p.m.
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Join Zoom Meeting; Meeting ID: 873 7302 8263; Passcode: 593407
- DC-37 at 12 p.m.; Metro Plus at 12:30 p.m.; PSC-CUNY Welfare Fund at 1 p.m.; Emblem Health at 1:30 p.m.
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NYCERS Webinars:
Thursday, November 7, 1:30 p.m.
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Join Zoom Meeting; Passcode: 409358
- 62/5, 55/25, 57/5, 63/5 Pension Plans
- Note: NYCERS webinar will not be recorded.
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Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Open Enrollment Ends This Friday, November 8
Enrollment in the HCFSA (Health Care Flexible Spending Account) and DeCAP (Dependent Care Assistance Program) is not automatic and your previous year’s election will not rollover. New and current participants must enroll/re-enroll each year during the annual open enrollment period which ends November 8 for the effective date January 1, 2025. Download forms to enroll and get information at FSA Forms and Downloads.
After the FSA administrative office processes the employee’s HCFSA/DeCAP enrollment form, participants will receive a confirmation letter. Employees are encouraged to refer to the FSA website for updates to the HCFSA/DeCap program. For more information, view FSA Videos.
FSA forms must be submitted by the employee on/or by November 8, 2024 to NYC Employee Benefits Program.
Health Benefits Buy-out Waiver Program for 2025: The annual incentive payment for the 2025 Buy-out Waiver Program is $500 for waiving individual coverage and $1,000 for waiving family coverage. Current active participants in the Buy-out Waiver Program will be automatically enrolled in the program for Plan year 2025. If a participant would like to withdraw from the program, they must complete the 2025 MSC Enrollment/Change Form in addition to completing the Health Benefits Application and submit them to Human Resources.
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Recognizing and Reporting Phishing
Receiving unexpected messages requesting personal information should put you on alert to proceed with caution. Take a moment to assess whether the email looks legitimate before opening or clicking on links or attachments.
Resources to help Recognize and Report Phishing:
CUNY emails, supporting information and a growing security resources list are available on National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) and CUNY Information Security.
If you suspect you’ve received a suspicious or phishing email, please forward it to spam@lagcc.cuny.edu. If you already responded to a phishing email, clicked on an attachment or link, 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.
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IT Reminder: Complete Mandatory Cybersecurity Awareness Training | |
This is an important reminder to log in to Blackboard and complete the Cybersecurity Awareness Training course. You can find this course under the “Organizations” tab, along with the other essential annual training courses required for CUNY employees. This course was developed specifically for CUNY and covers phishing attacks, spam, and best practices for protecting your CUNY accounts and sensitive data. We encourage you to take it as soon as possible to protect the University's data, as well as your own. Your active involvement is crucial to our collective security efforts. If you have any questions regarding the training, please contact Maritza Acero. | |
LAGUARDIA IN THE HEADLINES | |
"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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