Friday, April 25, 2025 | Vol. 10, No. 12 | | MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS | | |
My Dear Colleagues and Students,
These past several days have brought us much that is hopeful and much to be grateful for, as we continue our intentional work to come even closer to a successful end of this academic year.
Generosity is palpable at Hostos, and engagement of so many in multiple cultural, health and other informational meetings are commendable. Poetry Month is coming to an end in joy and hope, as we shared early on this week the anthology “Peace and Poetry”. Consider the Mother Earth celebrations and the generous contribution of our Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Library, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Humanities and SDEM colleagues. There is so much more to look forward to these next few weeks as we celebrate students’ achievements, the Students’ Symposium, organized by Dean Fabrizio is incredibly beautiful and promising. We remain hopeful and are ever so grateful.
Mil gracias y bendiciones,
Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.
President
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“Working Together”
By David Whyte
We shape our self
to fit this world
and by the world
are shaped again.
The visible
and the invisible
working together
in common cause,
to produce
the miraculous.
I am thinking of the way
the intangible air
passed at speed
round a shaped wing
easily
holds our weight.
So may we, in this life
trust
to those elements
we have yet to see
or imagine,
and look for the true
shape of our own self,
by forming it well
to the great
intangible about us.
In Teaching with Fire: Poetry that Sustains the Courage to Teach, 2003.
| | MS. MACKENZIE SCOTT'S GIFT: PRESIDENT'S INITIATIVES | | |
Submitted by Sofia Oviedo, Ph.D., Research Programs Director
New Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift Request for Proposals
The new Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives Request for Proposals 2025-26 has just been issued! President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, in collaboration with the Hostos Advisory Corps members, are inviting members of the Hostos college community to submit proposals for funding to support up to two new pilot initiatives that can be implemented in the 2025-26 academic year. The committee seeks to engage the college community in sharing new project ideas that have the potential to advance the College’s important work in one or more of the key focus areas of our mission.
Funding of up to $10,000 will be awarded for up to two initiatives that can be implemented over the 2025-26 academic year. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to apply. Student applicants will need to apply with a full-time staff/faculty member as a mentor. This RFP presents an excellent opportunity for cross-disciplinary collaboration across departments and programs and these types of applications are encouraged.
For complete RFP guidelines and application template click here.
The application deadline is Friday, May 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
Information Session on Tuesday, May 6, from 3:00 – 4:00 PM via Zoom. Click here to register.
Seeking 2025-26 NextGen Public Health Scholars!
All current Hostos students interested in pursuing a career in public health and epidemiology are invited to apply to the NextGen Public Health Scholars 2+2+2 Program, which joins Hostos Community College and Columbia University in providing eligible students access to full tuition coverage, mentoring, and career development throughout their undergraduate and graduate education. Since the program’s start, seven students have been selected for this amazing program and we are now seeking two new students to begin this Fall 2025. We are inviting students that are currently enrolled at Hostos with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and on track to complete 35 or more credits this academic year to apply for consideration. Students from all majors are welcome to apply. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to jumpstart a meaningful career that will prepare the next generation of public health leaders and practitioners.
Click here to access the application. Application deadline is May 15, 2025 (subject to change).
Contact Dr. Sofia Oviedo at soviedo@hostos.cuny.edu for more information.
| | INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT (OIERA) | | |
Submitted by Director of Assessment AJ Stachelek, and Ash Walker, President of the Hostos Rainbow Club
Institutional Effectiveness and the Production of Safe/Sanctuary Spaces at Hostos: LGBTQIA2S+ Space
In the March 21, 2025 edition of “El Semanario,” AVP Audant connected the evaluation of institutional effectiveness to the spaces we inhabit on campus, posing two key questions that invite us to be more intentional about how we view space, create space, and protect space in ways that support student success. In terms of the LGBTQIA2S+* community on campus, both the Rainbow Club (students) and the LGBTQIA2S+ Council members (faculty and staff) have worked hard to develop heightened visibility and support of LGBTQIA2S+ students on campus by hosting various events that strive to build community, providing opportunities to enjoy and celebrate the rainbow of identities. These goals can be challenging in a political climate that seeks to erase LGBTQIA2S+ identities and set back years of progress that the community has worked so hard to achieve. In order to further this work and increase the idea of intentionality on campus, we took on the challenge of investigating one of the questions posed by AVP Audant.
How is the campus safe (or not) for LGBTQIA2S+ students, and where does it signal a sense of belonging, or of alienation? In the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, Goal 2: Build a culture of Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Hostos, the College reaffirms its commitment to improving students’ sense of belonging. By analyzing this question, we can see what this goal looks like in action for LGBTQIA2S+ students:
By looking at the recent bloom of LGBTQIA2S+ events, it’s clear that (especially) the more highly-attended events are opportunities for students to experience joy and build community. At Prom (held on February 13th), students, faculty, and staff had the opportunity to mix, mingle, and dance the night away as their best-dressed selves. On Transgender Day of Visibility (April 1st), another opportunity was provided for students to socialize with peers in a space that welcomed them exactly as they are, taking photos in front of a vibrant Hostos backdrop while draped in the Trans* and Non-Binary flags. In contrast, while other LGBTQIA2S+ events held this academic year helped to build community by sharing food and information, the food was a major attraction while the informational aspect of these events less successfully held the attention or interest of the attendees.
Ash Walker, Rainbow Club President, shared further insight from the student perspective: “In the day-to-day on campus, we don't see many representations of queer spaces, from the gender markers on public restrooms, to the outdated pride flag still hanging in the C-building atrium, to the lack of… LGBTQIA2S+ curriculum offered. In the Rainbow Club, visibility has taken a concerted effort of not only the club leaders but also of members of SGA, faculty and staff. However, many students have said that the sheer amount of posters on the bulletin boards, as well as the widened range of class schedules have not given them the opportunity to attend our events, get support if needed, or just be in a safe space. It leaves us wondering what permanent spaces we have here inside of Hostos that can be a resource for our students at a time when the spaces outside are being targeted. We have seen so many new LGBTQIA2S+ students and allies coming to the club room, which signals that we have a large community who need to know what a true resource center could offer.”
*LGBTQIA2S+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and Two Spirit.
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Highlighting CUNY Policies You Should Know
Submitted by Executive Counsel and Labor Designee Eugene Sohn, Esq.
Jury Duty Policy
Employees summoned to jury duty must notify their immediate supervisor and the Human Resources Office as soon as possible that they have been summoned and must submit a copy of the jury duty summons at this time. While serving jury duty, employees must keep their supervisors updated on a daily basis regarding the expected duration of service. When returning from jury duty, employees are required to submit a copy of the completed jury duty certificate to their supervisor and the Human Resources Office. A completed jury duty certificate will include the employee’s name, dates of jury duty service and the signature or stamp of the appropriate court clerk. If all of the above requirements are met, full-time employees except for certain skilled trade titles will be paid for their time serving jury duty without charge to leave credits. For federal and out of state jury service (as opposed to local or New York state jury service) the same procedure applies, but employees who received pay while performing jury service must reimburse the college if they receive a per diem jury service allowance from the federal or out of state governmental jurisdiction. Reimbursement may be done through the Human Resources payroll unit.
Certain skilled trade titles not entitled to be paid for their jury duty may at their discretion request the use of annual leave instead of receiving the per diem allowance from the court. Part time employees including college assistants, adjuncts, and other hourly employees will be paid either $40 for each of the first three days of jury service or their regular pay if less, if such employees perform jury service during their regularly scheduled hours of work.
| | OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS | | |
Submitted by Director Eric Radezky, Ph.D.
June Primary: What You Need to Know Before You Vote
This week’s update comes from NY1 and reporter DeAnna Garcia who provides a useful voter guide with information about how to vote in New York City’s primary elections that will be held on June 24 or during early voting from June 14 to June 22. Read the full story here.
In short, first time voters can still register to vote until June 14. You may only vote in the party primary of the party you are registered in. It is, unfortunately, too late for anyone who is already registered to change their party registration in time for the primary; the deadline was February 14.
Finding your poll site is easy using Find My Poll Site on the Board of Elections website. Please note that your early voting poll site might be different from your Election Day poll site.
| | OFFICE OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS | | |
Submitted by Dean Ana I. García Reyes
Hostos Continues to Stand in Solidarity: Honoring the Victims of the Jet Set Tragedy
As our President Daisy Cocco De Filippis stated in her message to the College community on April 9, we stand in mourning with the Dominican community after the loss of 231 lives in the aftermath of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy in Santo Domingo. We have been with the community for the past weeks by attending vigils and memorials across the city. The Office of Community Relations is with you, saying “presente” through these difficult times.
We extend our deepest sympathy and unwavering support to all those impacted, including the hundreds of injured and those from countries other than the Dominican Republic who were directly impacted by the loss of lives at the event: Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Mexico, Venezuela, and the United States. Hostos remains committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with our community during times of sorrow and resilience. May the victims of this tragedy rest in peace, and may their memories continue to unite and strengthen our communities.
Please note that the Latino Social Workers Coalition has established a hotline for those seeking confidential mental health support in English or Spanish following the Jet Set tragedy: 212- 684-3264. Counseling services are also available via our Hostos Counseling Center.
Important Notice About Summer Study Abroad Program to the Dominican Republic
The Summer Professional Development and Study Abroad Program applications are currently being reviewed. Applicants screening process is currently taking place. For additional information, please contact Mr. Gerson Peña via email gpena@hostos.cuny.edu.
| | OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE AND DIVERSITY | | |
Submitted by Chief Diversity Officer, Title IX Coordinator, and 504/ADA Coordinator Philip Oliveri, Esq.
Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Response Course for Both Employees (E-SPARC) and Students (SPARC)
All employees and students are required to complete the Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Response Course (“E-SPARC” for employees and “SPARC” for students). These are web-based training programs developed by the State University of New York in partnership with the City University of New York to satisfy the New York State requirement that every college must adopt a comprehensive orientation and ongoing education campaign to educate students and employees about sexual misconduct, including domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, and sexual violence. These training programs educate students and employees about various topics relating to sexual misconduct and harassment.
If you have not yet completed your respective training, please do so as soon as possible. You can access your respective training on Blackboard/Brightspace.
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Submitted by Provost and VP Shiang-Kwei Wang, Ph.D.
Students Meet the Faculty from the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department
On Wednesday, April 2, the Social Sciences Unit of the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department hosted an event for students, so they could meet the full-time faculty in the Unit, learn about the courses and Liberal Arts Options we offer, and hear about both career pathways and scholarship opportunities emanating in our disciplines. The event took place in the Faculty Dining Room from 12:30 - 1:45 p.m. We were fortunate to have Amanda Fousse-Lugo of the Student Success Coaching Unit tell students about how to connect with their academic advisers, as well as help students understand the process of declaring a Liberal Arts Option. We were also delighted to have Director Lisanette Rosario of Career Services tell students about the myriad career pathways available to students that major in economics, history, or political science. There were many students and staff who attended. The event was informative and contributed towards the department's efforts to recruit more students to learn how Social Sciences courses can benefit them, no matter what their majors are or what careers they want to go into.
Research Day
We are pleased to invite you to take part in Research Day 2025, hosted by the Grants Office and the Senate Grants Committee. This year’s event will take place on Wednesday, May 7, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. in Room C-391.
We are excited to welcome Dr. Casandra Silva Sibilin from York College as our keynote speaker. Her talk, titled “Beyond the AI Scare: Practical Paths to Empowered Teaching,” will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Victor Torres-Velez from the Humanities Department.
Faculty from all disciplines are encouraged to participate and present their work. Each presenter will have 3–5 minutes to speak, using the standardized PowerPoint template.
IMPORTANT: The previous submission link is no longer active. If you submitted your work earlier, please resubmit using the updated form below to ensure we have the correct information.
Submit your presentation using this form: Research Day 2025 Submission Form.
Submission Deadline: May 1
| | STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM) | | |
Submitted by IVP Althea Sterling, Ed.D.
Hostos Athletics – Get in the Game!
Whether you're looking to join a team, stay active, or just have fun, Hostos Athletics has something for you! Check out the upcoming opportunities for Intramurals, Tryouts, and Team Workouts. Don't miss your chance to get involved!
INTRAMURALS (April–May 2025)
CO-ED BASKETBALL & CO-ED VOLLEYBALL
Open to all students and staff.
Contact: Marquee Poole (Athletics Program Coordinator) by email, mpoole@hostos.cuny.edu.
TRACK & FIELD (Spring 2025)
Tryouts began March 17th!
Contact: Brent Wilson (Director of Athletics) by email, bwilson@hostos.cuny.edu.
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL (Fall 2025)
Contact: Jhonnattan Fernandez by email, jfernandez@hostos.cuny.edu.
CROSS COUNTRY & ESPORTS (Fall 2025)
Contact: Brent Wilson by email, bwilson@hostos.cuny.edu.
Don't miss your chance to compete, connect, and represent Hostos!
Student Activities
The Flag Family Continues Growing!
On Tuesday, April 8, the Office of Student Activities held the Spring 2025 Flag Installation Ceremony. In this instance, two national flags were added; the flag of Georgia (the country) and the flag of Bolivia. The flag of Georgia was added at the request of a student from the Radiology Program. The student celebrated the occasion by inviting three friends to be part of the ceremony. The flag of Bolivia was added at the request of Iber Poma from the Educational Technology unit. The addition of these two flags brings the grand total to eighty-eight flags, with eighty-six of them being country flags and two being community flags (Progress Pride flag and Traumatic Brain Injury flag). We anticipate adding an additional flag or two during the Fall semester!
Transfer Services
Whether you’re considering CUNY, SUNY, or private institutions, this is your chance to learn more about campuses and what each has to offer.
Upcoming Tour:
Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to learn more about your transfer options! For more information, contact Transfer Services at 718-518-4457. We hope to see you there!
Looking to transfer to a 4-year school? Have questions?
Schedule a one-on-one appointment by filling out our intake form here.
POEMS TO INSPIRE THE COMMUNITY
“Don’t Quit”
By Edgar A. Guest
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low but the debts are high,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is strange with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many failures turn about
When we might have won had we stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow –
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out –
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
You can never tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit –
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.
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| ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM) | | |
Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne
Asbestos Abatement Project Update
The asbestos abatement project on the third floor of the B-building is moving along smoothly per the contractor’s schedule. The anticipated completion date is the middle of this summer. There have been no disruptions so far. The Air Quality Sampling Reports shared with the college community by Environmental Health and Safety Director Marya Shuksta since the start of the project have shown that airborne fiber concentrations are reported at acceptable levels.
CUNYBuy Forum – June 4
The Division of Administration and Finance and Representatives from the Central Procurement Office will host a training/overview about the procure-to-pay platform, CUNYBuy, for all Hostos Community College team members on Wednesday, June 4 from 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Savoy Multi-Purpose Room. All users (AP Analyst, AP Approvers, Buyers, Category Approvers, Creators, Department Approvers, General Receivers, Inspectors, and PO Approvers) of the system are strongly encouraged to attend, as this is an opportunity to learn more about the solution and to ask questions.
Please confirm your attendance by registering here.
Once your registration is completed, a confirmation email will be sent. The registration will not automatically add the event to your calendar.
| | CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD) | | |
Submitted by Evelyn Fernández-Ketcham, Ph.D., LCSW
CEWD Virtual Information Sessions
Please click here to browse our online catalog. To learn more about CEWD’s program offerings, please attend one of our upcoming Virtual Information Sessions:
- Saturday, April 12, 11 AM
- Wednesday, April 16, 6 PM
- Wednesday, May 7, 6 PM
- Saturday, May 10, 11 AM
- Wednesday, May 14, 6 PM
- Wednesday, June 4, 6 PM
- Saturday, June 14, 11 AM
- Wednesday, June 18, 6 PM
To register for a session, visit https://tinyurl.com/HostosCEWD.
| | INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT (DIA) | | |
Submitted by VP Colette Atkins
Last Day to Purchase Discounted Faculty, Staff, and Alumni Tickets for the 2025 Scholarship Benefit
Hostos’ 2025 Annual Scholarship Benefit is next week! Today is your last chance to purchase discounted faculty, staff, and alumni tickets, which are available only through this link. Join us May 1 at the stunning Glen Island Harbour Club for cocktails, dinner, and dancing all while supporting scholarships for our incredible students. Hope to see you there!
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Celebrating the Accomplishments of the Hostos Community
Make sure to check our website and follow us on social media for all updates: Instagram (@hostoscollege), Facebook (HostosCC), and LinkedIn (CUNY Hostos Community College).
Congratulations to Professor Beachdel for the Launch of the HBO Documentary Featuring His Work
Congratulations to Humanities Associate Professor Thomas Beachdel for the launch of the feature-length HBO documentary on his work as art historian! It just premiered in Europe. “The World Between Us” is an award-winning documentary directed by Marie Dvorakova that follows artist Marie Tomanova and art historian Thomas Beachdel over five key years, exploring their lives and careers as they pursue to establish themselves in NYC’s thrilling yet challenging art world. The film is a testimony to the moments that shape a young artist's career, with all the uncertainties and obstacles that must be overcome.
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Free Services for the Community
Hostos Offers Free Preventive Dental Hygiene Services to the Public
The Dental Hygiene Patient Care Facility at Hostos Community College is a teaching unit that provides high-quality dental care, primarily cleanings and dental x-rays, to the community, while adhering to the most current sterilization techniques. Several appointments will be needed and each may last three hours at a time.
For more information and scheduling, call 718-319-7943.
The appointment schedule is as follows:
Mondays: 9 AM - 1 PM and 2 - 6 PM
Wednesdays: 8 AM - 12 PM and 2:30 - 6:30 PM
Fridays: 9 AM - 1 PM and 2 - 6 PM
Location: Hostos Dental Hygiene Patient Care Facility
500 Grand Concourse, Bronx NY 10451
B-Building
Note: The clinic does not provide restorative dental work such as fillings, implants, etc.
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Title: 2nd Hostos Community College First-Time Homebuyers Conference
Date | Time: Saturday, April 26 | 10 AM - 4 PM
Location: Hostos Cafe
Description: The State of New York Mortgage Agency is coming back to Hostos for another First-time Homebuyers Conference! Come for an informative day packed with resources to help you determine if home-buying is right for you. This event is open to Hostos faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the community.
Title: 3rd Annual Student Symposium
Date | Time: Monday, April 28 | 9 AM - 5 PM
Location: Various
Description: The Office of Academic Affairs invites you to the third iteration of our student symposium. Join us to learn about our students’ incredible work across disciplines.
Title: Hostos LGBTQIA+ Council Lunch & Learn
Date | Time: Thursday, May 1 | 3:30 - 5 PM
Location: C-391
Description: Snack with the LGBTQIA+ Council and Mukami Gatumo from the Department of Health. We’ll learn how to build healthy relationships and seek consent from our partners.
Title: 2025 Annual Scholarship Benefit Gala
Date | Time: Thursday, May 1 | 6 PM
Location: Glen Island Harbour Club
Description: Join the Hostos Community College Foundation for this year's Annual Scholarship Benefit Gala at Glen Island Harbor Club on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Join us for a delicious banquet and joyful dancing while supporting our students’ success. Get your tickets and learn more about the honorees here.
Title: Faculty Research Day 2025
Date | Time: Wednesday, May 7 | 9 AM - 12 PM
Location: C-391
Description: Join us to explore innovative research across multiple disciplines and engage with experts. The keynote speaker will be Ms. Cassandra Silva Sibilin from York College, who will deliver the lecture, “Beyond the AI Scare: Practical Paths to Empowered Teaching.” Deadline to apply for presentation is May 1.
Title: Community Health Industry Summit
Date | Time: Thursday, May 15 | 8:30 AM - 12 PM
Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room
Description: Employers, industry leaders, and academics come together in this summit to shape dynamic, industry-relevant curricula that address workforce needs and empower students to thrive as skilled professionals in rewarding careers. This event is organized by the Hostos Community Advisory Council and the Office of the President in collaboration with Academic Affairs & Continuing Education and Workforce Development.
Title: College-Wide Senate Meeting – May 2025
Date | Time: Thursday, May 15 | 3:30 PM
Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room
Title: Lavender Graduation Ceremony
Date | Time: Thursday, May 19 | 5:30 PM
Location: C-391
Description: The Hostos LGBTQIA+ Council invites you to the Lavender Graduation Ceremony. RSVP is required. Send an email to rcholst@hostos.cuny.edu to secure your space.
Title: 2025 Honors Convocation
Date | Time: Wednesday, May 21 | 6 - 9 PM
Location: Main Theater
Description: Join President Cocco De Filippis and the Office of Academic Affairs as our 2025 graduates receive their well-deserved academic honors and scholarships.
Title: 2025 Commencement Ceremonies
Date | Time: FIRST CEREMONY on Tuesday, May 27 at 2 PM |
SECOND CEREMONY on Wednesday, May 28 at 11 AM
Location: Main Theater
Description: Let’s celebrate this cherished moment in community with our graduates.
| | In observance of Spring Recess, Semanario will not be published next Friday, April 18. Publication will resume on Friday, April 25. | | ABOUT EL SEMANARIO HOSTOSIANO / THE HOSTOS WEEKLY | | El Semanario Hostosiano / The Hostos Weekly is a communication vehicle designed to unite our multiple voices as we share news about members of the Hostos family, provide updates on our projects and upcoming events, and disseminate policy that impacts our work. | | |
Past issues can be found here.
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