News

(L–R) NYC City Council Member Rafael L. Espinal Jr, CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, BMCC student Letisha Moumin, NYC City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, BMCC Interim President Karrin E. Wilks

Council Speaker Corey Johnson and CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez Announce $1 Million Plan to Address Hunger Among CUNY Students
At a December 12 press conference hosted at BMCC, New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez announced a $1 million pilot to address food insecurity among CUNY students. The program is part of the Speaker’s multi-pronged approach to stemming food inequity in New York. 

Students Join the Global Fight Against AIDS
BMCC Science Professor Jose A. Fernandez is leading a team of students in HIV-related research at the Population Council lab in Rockefeller University. Data the students are gathering will help inform development of an HIV prevention tablet for those who want “an on-demand, inexpensive, discreet, portable product to prevent HIV acquisition,” Romero says.
Read the full 2019 Marks of Excellence.

Students Attend "Crime + Punishment" Screening Followed by Q&A With Filmmaker and Officers
More than 100 BMCC students attended a screening of the Emmy Award winning documentary "Crime + Punishment." The film focused on the experiences of the “NYPD 12” – officers who have filed a class action lawsuit alleging they have been forced to engage in illegal, and discriminatory practices, such as arrest quotas. The film was followed by a question and answer session with the filmmaker, Stephen Maing as well as police officers featured in the film. The event was hosted by the department of Social Services, Human Services and Criminal Justice.

BMCC President Speaks at Google NYC Workshop Karrin E. Wilks, Interim President of BMCC was a featured speaker at the CUNY + Google: Community Engagement Workshop on Dec. 12, at the Grow with Google NYC Learning Center on 8th Avenue in Manhattan. The half-day workshop on tech-industry readiness was attended by more than 60 faculty and representatives from New York City area community colleges. The event also included panels, breakout sessions and networking time with industry professionals.

Announcements

Watch: Web Live Stream: Dec. 13 Dr. John C. Williams, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York will be speaking with students on December 13 at 11 a.m. A web live stream will be available to watch Dr. Williams’ lecture on monetary policymaking, the U.S. central banking system and a wide range of issues that affect our country and the world.

Submit your BALLOT for the 2019-2020 Employee Appreciation Awards BMCC students, faculty and staff, show your appreciation for staff (non-faculty) members who demonstrate outstanding achievement, performance and creative contributions through their role at BMCC, beyond what is normally expected of employees. Fill out your ballot and SUBMIT ONE nomination in each category: Leadership, Inspiration, Innovation/Technology, Rookie of the Year and Team Achievement. Employees have one chance to submit their ballot. Make it count by filling in a thoughtful, detailed nomination by no later than May 1.

Faculty invited to submit papers for Transitions and Transactions Conference
Community college faculty are invited to submit paper and panel proposals for the fifth annual Transitions and Transactions conference presented by the BMCC English Department. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2020. The 2020 Transitions and Transactions V conference, scheduled for April 24 and 25, will focus on “Teaching Literature Among the Arts,” raising critical questions and proposing creative ways of attending to aesthetic experience. For more information, click here.

BMCC Kicks Off Canned Food and Toys for Tots Donation Drives BMCC is getting into the holiday spirit with a canned food and Toys for Tots donation drive. Students, staff and faculty can drop off non perishable food items at the Academic Advisement and Transfer Center in Room S-108. Proceeds will be sent to City Harvest via the FDNY. BMCC community members are also invited to bring new toys to the Veterans Resource Center in Room S-115M. The deadline for toy donations is December 16.

Holiday Reminder: Acceptance of Gifts
CUNY staff and faculty are reminded not to solicit or accept gifts from any interested source; for example, vendors, students and publishers. Food or beverage items worth $15 or less, and promotional items with no resale value such as calendars or pens, are excluded from the definition of "gift." 

BMCC Students Encouraged to Apply for NSF Research Opportunity
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at BMCC offers paid summer internships for qualified undergraduate students to conduct biology research projects with BMCC scientists. The program, funded by The National Science Foundation, offers BMCC and non-BMCC students the opportunity to conduct research focused on the bioactivity of natural products at different biological levels of organization; for example, the potential antioxidant capacity of natural plant products; the effects of natural extracts on growth and development of different organisms; the regulation of genes involved in cellular differentiation; the potential protective effects on mammalian cells, and the use of plant polymers in the removal of heavy metals. Students will receive a $4,600 stipend, a housing allowance of $1,200, a MetroCard and daily meals. APPLY NOW! Spaces are limited. Student applications are being accepted now through March 1, 2020.

Students Can Apply for Summer 2020 Study Abroad: Deadline February 18 
BMCC professors will take students to China, France, Mexico and Peru this summer through the BMCC Study Abroad program, open to students in all majors. The programs in China and France are language-based, while students traveling to Mexico and Peru examine cultural, health and political issues. To learn more, visit BMCC Study Abroad Courses. The BMCC Association Scholarship covers 60 percent of the program fee for every BMCC participant. Students may also use financial aid and apply for study abroad scholarships. The deadline for students to apply for the Summer 2020 Study Abroad program is February 18. In January and February, Experiential Learning and Study Abroad Manager Jessica Levin will offer scholarship workshops for student applicants. Meanwhile she can be reached at [email protected] or (212) 776-6429.

Website Directory Listings
Faculty, staff and students, please note that BMCC Directory content is generated directly through CUNYfirst. Staff members are listed according to divisions and departments defined by CUNY. If there is a change in an employee’s status (for example, no longer working at BMCC, changed departments), please contact the BMCC Human Resources department to make sure this information has been entered in CUNYfirst. If this information has been entered and it is not appearing on the directory, please contact the Service Desk at [email protected].

CUNY in the Heights Expansion Improves Learning Environment Starting in January 2020, BMCC at CUNY in the Heights, 5030 Broadway between 213th and 214th Streets in Manhattan, will be closed for renovation to improve classroom spaces, technology and accessibility for students. Also, new courses will be offered through BMCC, the Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center and BMCC’s Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development. This expansion will add 15,000 square feet, double the number of classrooms and triple the classroom seats. Please visit the BMCC Off-site Programs website to learn about course offerings at the Tribeca-Main Campus and Off-site Programs. Students are encouraged to speak with an advisor to learn more about their options at (212) 220-8315 or [email protected].

BMCC Students: CUNY Census Corps Is Hiring! The CUNY Census Corps is hiring students to educate, engage and mobilize their neighbors, friends, family and fellow students to complete the 2020 census. CUNY Census Corps starts in mid-January and lasts for five to seven months. Students will earn $15 an hour and work approximately 12 hours per week. APPLY NOW!

Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation Funds Student Emergency Grants The Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation has provided funds to help students resolve short-term emergencies that could interrupt their studies. Applicants must demonstrate need, provide documentation and complete other requirements. While Petrie grants will not be given for tuition costs, college debt or legal representation, students are encouraged to visit the Single Stop office to discuss their concerns. To find out more, students may go online, visit the Single Stop Office at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-230, or contact Maxine Hunter, (212) 220-8000, Ext. 7149 or [email protected].

Is Your Department Interested in Hiring a Work-Study Student? Many BMCC students are employed part-time on campus through the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program. This helps cover their educational expenses, removes the cost and time of commuting for an off-campus job and enables students to gain experience in their field of interest. If your department is interested in hiring FWS students, please complete and return the FWS Rights & Responsibilities form. For more information, contact Melissa Jardine, [email protected].

Campus Planning and Facilities

Elevator Programming Changes at Fiterman Hall As part of the college's ongoing efforts to improve the BMCC experience and in response to occupant feedback, the Local Service Function in both elevator banks at Fiterman Hall has been activated as follows: Open stairs and escalators go to lower level and floors 2, 3 and 4. Mid-Rise bank elevators go to floors 5, 6, 7 and 8. High-Rise bank elevators go to floors 9, 10, 11 and 12. Elevator banks for people with disabilities will continue to be in service for all floors.

Report Non-Emergency Building Needs Through Archibus Work Order System
Individuals selected to be the Archibus Work Order liaison for their department can quickly alert the BMCC Buildings and Grounds team to non-emergency building needs ranging from a light bulb that needs replacement to building equipment not operating properly. To report an emergency, call (212) 220-8025, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and after business hours, call Public Safety, (212) 220-8080. To report hazardous conditions after 5 p.m., call the engineer on duty, (212) 220-8034. If you have questions or concerns, contact the BMCC Buildings and Grounds team, b&[email protected], subject line: “Archibus Work Order System.”

Plaza Reconstruction Project Update
As part of the Plaza Reconstruction project at BMCC, abatement of hazardous materials in the underlayment of the existing pavers will be performed. This activity is regulated by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, which ensures safe and proper removal and disposal of these materials. Requisite abatement notifications are posted on all building entrances to inform occupants of these activities, which are performed in a safe and regulated manner. For more information, contact Eric Lugo at [email protected].

Bathroom Renovation Update: Phase 5 Renovations have been completed in the north side bathrooms at 199 Chambers Street and now BMCC has undertaken a 26-bathroom renovation on all seven floors of the far south end. This will provide greater accessibility, ventilation and temperature control systems as well as new stalls, floors, fixtures, ceilings and lighting. For more information, contact Eric Lugo at [email protected].

Enrollment

New Panther Station Hours
The Panther Station, 199 Chambers Street, Room S-225, has new hours of operation: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Panther Station assists new and continuing students with admissions, financial aid and registrar-related inquiries and serves as a referral center for other college services. For more information, contact the Panther Station at (212) 220-8000 ext.7320 or [email protected].

Winter/Spring 2020 Advisement & Registration is Open
Students value the advice and support of BMCC faculty and staff. Please encourage the students you work with, to meet with their advisor to track their academic progress and set a plan for success. Things to know: All students must meet with their advisor before registering. Students can register on CUNYfirst or visit Lab Services at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-114. Students may also be advised online via Skype and email. For more information, visit the Registration page, contact Academic Advisement in Room S-108, call (212) 220-8315 or email [email protected].

Federal Student Aid and Other Financial Assistance Available
If you know a student who is delaying registration because of tuition concerns, please share these options: 1) Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Apply now to maximize the amount of money received; 2) Visit the Panther Station in Room S-225 to speak with a financial aid specialist; 3) Apply for a scholarship and 4) Contact the Center for Career Development for job placement assistance: 199 Chambers Street, Room S-342, [email protected].

Admissions and Financial Aid Info Sessions
Prospective students are invited to attend information sessions for an overview of BMCC and the admissions and financial aid process. They can also take part in a Q&A with admissions and financial aid specialists. For more information, check the Admissions website, or contact the Admissions Office at (212) 220-1265.

Say Hello to the Admissions Office on Social Media
We appreciate your likes, follows and thumbs up!

Facebook: @bmccadmissions
Twitter: @bmccadmissions
Instagram: @bmccadmissions
Snapchat:@explorebmcc

A Few Important Dates

Making Headlines

Science Professors Kathleen E. Ford and Barry McKernan’s research on black holes and light featured
December 12—Scientific American

TheaterWorks USA will return with Peter Pan
December 10—Broadway World

Free Medical Benefits for those impacted by the events of 9/11/2001
December 9—WPIX 11

NY Federal Reserve CEO and President to lecture at BMCC
December 9—The Trader Zone

Former BMCC student, the entertainer Cardi B profiled in cover story
December 9—Vanity Fair

Ethnic Studies Professor Lissette Acosta Corniel comments in story about the history of hand-clapping games
December 6—The New York Times

Human Resources

Transitioning to Retirement? Seminars and Videos Help Clarify Health Benefits
BMCC employees planning for retirement are invited to register online for a Transition to Retiree Health Benefits Seminar offered by the City of New York Office of Labor Relations (OLR) Employee Health Benefits Program on December 13, 16, 18 and 20 at 22 Cortlandt Street, 12th floor, New York, New York, 10007. Another resource is the Transitioning to Retiree Health Benefits videos Part One and Part Two.

Mandatory Workplace Violence Training Deadlines: Part-Time Employees by Dec. 18; Full-Time by May 20, 2020
In accordance with New York State Law, all part-time BMCC faculty and staff who have not completed Workplace Violence Training for the 2019-2020 academic year are required to do so by December 18, 2019; full-time employees by May 20, 2020. The course is accessible via CUNY Blackboard. Employees are also required to review factors for each campus or CUNY location at which they work, in the Campus Specific Information Supplement. For instructions on disabling pop-up blockers or if you are unable to complete this online training, please contact Maria Deckinger, [email protected], (212) 220-1496 or Lori Mazzola, [email protected], (212) 776-7063. For general questions, contact [email protected].  

Deer Oaks EAP Offers Phone and Video Counseling As part of BMCC's Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Deer Oaks offers organizational training, skills development, crisis management, wellness workshops and other services including video, structured telephonic and in-person counseling. Employees can schedule calls with a counselor in advance by calling (855) 492-3633 or emailing [email protected].

Training Available to CUNY Faculty and Staff
The OHRM Professional Development and Learning Management Office, in collaboration with CIS Training and Microsoft Learning Consultants provides live, WebEx trainings for CUNY faculty and staff on Microsoft Office 365 applications including OneDrive, Teams and OneNote — useful tools for team collaboration and project management. Users can attend through December 11. To register, click here and login with your CUNYfirst credentials. If you have questions, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].

Alumni and Donors

Charitable Giving Through an IRA
Donors at least 70½ years old can take advantage of a simple way to satisfy minimum required distribution and benefit BMCC students at the same time. Donate up to $100,000 from an IRA directly to the BMCC Foundation without having to pay federal income taxes. Please contact Phillip Keefe, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving, (212) 346-8650 or [email protected] for additional information.

Alumni Invited to Connect and Network BMCC Alumni Affairs provides alumni benefits and services, as well as involving alumni in the advancement and support of BMCC. Alumni are invited to special events, profiled in BMCC publications and welcomed into the vibrant community that is BMCC. For more information, contact Yaritza Gonzalez, Manager of Alumni Relations and Annual Fund, (212) 346-8455 or [email protected]

Make a Difference in Students’ Lives: Faculty and Staff Campaign
The faculty and staff of BMCC support our students in countless ways, every single day. That support includes contributing to the BMCC Foundation Scholarship Fund. Your support of the Faculty and Staff Campaign makes a significant difference in our students’ lives. There are three easy ways to give: Make a donation online.

• Text your donation to BMCC at (646) 876-2622.
• Send your check, payable to the BMCC Foundation, via interoffice mail to the Office of College Development, F-1330. (Please note, you can designate your donation to your department).

Calendar

Jazz and Guitar Ensemble Recital
December 14

Free Concert: Handel's Messiah
December 15

Coffee and Conversation: Learn About Entrepreneurship
December 17

Panther Pride

Malik Bentick's Career Performance Sparks #BMCCMBB In a Thrilling Come From Behind Victory Over Bronx Community College

Women's Basketball Cruises to 45-26 Victory at Home Against Bronx Community College

Women's Basketball, Upcoming Games
January 14: BMCC vs. Kingsborough Community College (BMCC gym)
January 16: BMCC vs. Dutchess Community College (Poughkeepsie, NY)

Men's Basketball, Upcoming Games 
January 11: BMCC vs. ASA College (BMCC gym)
January 14: BMCC vs. Kingsborough Community College (BMCC gym)
January 16: BMCC vs. Dutchess Community College (Poughkeepsie, NY)

Connect with BMCC

@BMCC is produced and published by the Office of Public Affairs.

Faculty and staff: Submit items for consideration in an upcoming @BMCC to [email protected] by 12 noon, Wednesday.