Friday, August 29, 2025 | Vol. 11, No. 1 | | MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS | | |
My Dear Colleagues and Students,
It has been a joy to walk down our hallways as the fall semester begins. It is encouraging to see and hear the enthusiasm, the hope and high expectations a new semester and academic year bring to the campus. Our welcome back BBQ was a true delight. Enrollment has grown, details to be shared by our colleagues in SDEM. As in the past, collaboration has been strong and productive among the divisions. I am very grateful.
I look forward to a number of gatherings to learn, to support and to move forward in kind and engaged ways to ensure successful completion. Let me affirm, once again, our commitment to respect, diversity, inclusivity and caring for one another. Those from all backgrounds, beliefs, religions are included in loving and respectful ways – that is Hostos. I take this opportunity, once again, to affirm our commitment to the integrity of shared governance and our belief that in an academic setting there is room for open and respectful differences of opinions, even when there are strong disagreements. That is the essence of a democratic education. I am proud of our diverse and inclusive community, knowing that we are all enriched and strengthened by the different backgrounds represented in the Hostos family.
It is with great pride that I share the news that the MTA has officially designated our local stop as the 149th Street–Hostos Station. The new sign will be a visible reminder of Hostos’s legacy of access, opportunity, and excellence that greets thousands of students, neighbors, and visitors every day.
With this legacy in mind, we look ahead to next week, when I invite you to join us on Wednesday, September 3, at 12 noon for a campus-wide gathering at 558 Grand Concourse. This occasion will be highlighted in our shared communications and will bring us together in a spirit of unity and hope, as we celebrate the enrichment it promises for our students in Allied Health, Nursing, and the Natural Sciences. I look forward to seeing you all there.
Mil gracias y bendiciones,
Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.
President
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Canto 17 en “Contracanto a Walt Whitman”
Por Pedro Mir
¿Por qué queríais escuchar a un poeta?
Estoy hablando con unos y con otros.
Con aquellos que vinieron a apartarlo de su pueblo,
a separarlo de su sangre y de su tierra,
a inundarle su camino.
Aquellos que lo inscribieron en el ejército.
Los que violaron su barba luminosa y le pusieron un fusil
sobre sus hombros cargados de doncellas y pioneros.
Los que no quieren a Walt Whitman el demócrata,
sino a un tal Whitman atómico y salvaje.
Los que quieren ponerle zapatones
para aplastar la cabeza de los pueblos.
Moler en sangre las sienes de las niñas.
Desintegrar en átomos las fibras del abuelo.
Los que toman la lengua de Walt Whitman
por signo de metralla,
por bandera de fuego.
¡No, Walt Whitman, aquí están los poetas de hoy
levantados para justificarte!
“-¡Poetas venideros, levantaos, porque vosotros debéis justificarme!”
Aquí estamos, Walt Whitman, para justificarte.
Aquí estamos
por ti
pidiendo paz.
La paz que requerías
para empujar el mundo con tu canto.
Aquí estamos
salvando tus colinas de Vermont,
tus selvas de Maine, el zumo y la fragancia de tu tierra,
tus guapos con espuelas, tus mozas con sonrisas,
tus rudos mozalbetes camino del riachuelo.
Salvándolos, Walt Whitman, de los traficantes
que toman tu lenguaje por lenguaje de guerra.
¡No, Walt Whitman, aquí están los poetas de hoy,
los obreros de hoy, los pioneros de hoy, los campesinos
de hoy,
firmes y levantados para justificarte!
¡Oh, Walt Whitman de barba levantada!
Aquí estamos sin barba,
sin brazos, sin oídos,
sin fuerzas en los labios,
mirados de reojo,
rojos y perseguidos,
llenos de pupilas
que a través de las islas se dilatan,
llenos de coraje, de nudos de soberbia
que a través de los pueblos se desatan,
con tu signo y tu idioma de Walt Whitman
aquí estamos
en pie
para justificarte,
¡continuo compañero de Manhattan!
Canto 17 in “Countersong to Walt Whitman”
By Pedro Mir
Translated by Jonathan Cohen
Why did you want to listen to a poet?
I am speaking to one and all.
To those of you who came to isolate him from his people,
to separate him from his blood and his land,
to flood his road.
Those of you who drafted him into the army.
The ones who defiled his luminous beard and put a gun
on his shoulders that were loaded with maidens and pioneers.
Those of you who do not want Walt Whitman, the democrat,
but another Whitman, atomic and savage.
The ones who want to outfit him with boots
to crush the heads of nations.
To grind into blood the temples of little girls.
To smash into atoms the old man's flesh.
The ones who take the tongue of Walt Whitman
for a sign of spraying bullets,
for a flag of fire.
No, Walt Whitman, here are the poets of today
aroused to justify you!
- “Poets to come! … Arouse! for you must justify me.”
Here we are, Walt Whitman, to justify you.
Here we are
for your sake
demanding peace.
The peace you needed
to drive the world with your song.
Here we are
saving your hills of Vermont,
your woods of Maine, the sap and fragrance of your land,
your spurred rowdies, your smiling maidens,
your country boys walking to creeks.
Saving them, Walt Whitman, from the tycoons
who take your language for the language of war.
No, Walt Whitman, here are the poets of today,
the workers of today, the pioneers of today, the peasants
of today, firm and roused to justify you!
O Walt Whitman of aroused beard!
Here we are without beards,
without arms, without ears,
without any strength in our lips,
spied on,
red and persecuted,
full of eyes
wide open throughout the islands,
full of courage, of knots of pride
untied through all the nations,
with your sign and your language, Walt Whitman,
here we are
standing up
to justify you,
our constant companion
of Manhattan!
Pedro Mir, “Countersong to Walt Whitman,” translated by Jonathan Cohen, San Juan: Ediciones Puerto, 2003.
NOTE: Pedro Mir, internationally renowned Dominican poet and writer, published “Countersong to Walt Whitman” in 1952 in Guatemala. It is a poem that responds to Whitman’s “Song of Myself” (1892). Mir’s verses celebrate the U.S. poet and highlight the contrasts with his own Caribbean and Antillean identity.
| | MESSAGE FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) PRESIDENT NICHELLE HEMPHILL | | |
Good morning and welcome to Hostos Community College! I’m Nichelle, your SGA President. Like many of you, I once sat right where you are, wondering what the next chapter of my life would look like.
It all started on a typical trip to work. I picked up an AM/METRO New York free paper and stuffed it in my bag for later. When later came, I flipped through the pages and an ad caught my eye: Community Health Worker training. Online-synchronous. No cost. I took a mental note.
But then I kept seeing that flyer on the train and in my building. (Pause. Gesture with open hands.) That was my “aha!” moment.
I took the course, earned nine college credits and a certificate, and connected with Jaunia Clarke and Sam Byrd at the Continuing Education and Workforce Development division. That’s how I enrolled at Hostos.
Hostos is more than just a college; it’s a space where resilience, community, and excellence meet. Whether you're here to explore new passions, reclaim old dreams, or rewrite your narrative, you belong.
(Smile. Look around the room.) Let me ask you: Who here is ready to build something powerful this year? (Pause for hands or cheers.) That’s the energy we need!
In my case, I joined the Student Leadership Academy, volunteered at a Hostos Student Pantry event, met my predecessor Dainma Martinez, and joined the Student Government Association. The rest is herstory.
I made friends at those events. I built connections. I joined clubs like the Podcast Club and the Origami Club. And I found my voice.
I understand that you may feel nervous. But I invite you to lean in, to ask questions, show up, take risks, and build something unforgettable.
Let today be the beginning of not just your education, but your legacy.
As Maya Angelou once said: “Your legacy is every life you’ve touched.”
So let’s start touching lives, starting with your own.
Best,
Nichelle
| | MS. MACKENZIE SCOTT'S GIFT: PRESIDENT'S INITIATIVES | | |
Submitted by Sofia Oviedo, Ph.D., Research Programs Director
Announcing New President’s Initiatives Funded by Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift
Greetings and welcome students, faculty, and staff to the start of a new academic year at Hostos! On behalf of the Office of the President and the Hostos Advisory Corps, I am delighted to announce the new grantees of Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives 2025-26 that were selected from the Request for Proposals issued in the spring. Three new initiatives have been awarded funding to implement innovative strategies for building a stronger bridge to the transfer experience through student and alumni connections, providing increased and targeted support to students in the Hostos fully online programs, and creating a mentored cohort learning experience in Latina/o/x, Latin American, and Caribbean (LLAC) Studies.
Congratulations to all the awardees! We look forward to the successful implementation of these new initiatives in the upcoming year and to the positive impacts for our stuents these new efforts will generate. Click here to learn more about the new initiatives.
Title: See It, Believe It, Achieve It: The Hostos-Lehman Transfer Success Initiative
Project Lead(s): Assistant Director Samantha Maldonado and Director Rocio Rayo, Transfer Services Office
Award: $9,877.48
Title: ONLN Peer Assistant Learning Scholars (PALS)
Project Lead(s): Professor Tram Nguyen, English Department and IVP and Provost Andrea Fabrizio, Office of Academic Affairs
Award: $10,000
Title: Transfer and Career Pathways in LLAC Studies: Establishing a Mentored Student Cohort
Project Lead(s): Professor Inmaculada Lara-Bonilla and Professor Emmanuel Velayos Larrabure, Humanities Department
Award: $5,000
| | INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT (OIERA) | | |
Submitted by Assistant Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness Babette Audant, Ph.D.
Highlights of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) - Part I
Even as summer is winding down, and entering its glorious month, the new semester marks the start of the season, weeks ahead of the autumnal equinox. I hope there was time to relax, rejuvenate, disconnect, and ignore the headlines.
In preparation for the 2024-25 Operational Plan Report, OIERA has updated a number of key performance indicators (KPIs) that help us track how effectively Hostos is supporting our students’ outcomes. The KPIs include enrollment (aka headcount), retention (the number of students who return after one term, one-year, etc.), Gateway English and math completion in Year 1, and graduation. The KPIs allow us to compare our institution to others within CUNY (our community college peers, and the four-year institutions), as well as nationally. They are imperfect, incomplete and do help us hold ourselves accountable while providing us with metrics that are widely understood. In addition to looking at students overall, OIERA also disaggregates data and we look at outcomes for students by gender, ethnicity/race and age, as well as intersections of these variables. While not all disaggregations reveal significant gaps, some do, and these we typically highlight as opportunities to respond intentionally to advance equity.
It is fair to say that Hostos’ KPIs illustrate hard-earned gains in several areas; positive trends include:
1. Enrollment/headcount: Thanks to coordinated efforts led by Student Development and Enrollment Management (SDEM), overall headcount will meet its target growth for five semesters in a row and we are on track to meet and/or exceed enrollment targets for Fall ’25 for all student groups including first time freshmen and readmit students. Since Fall ’22, Hostos total enrollment has grown by 10.5%, from 4904 to 5478. While not yet at our pre-COVID enrollment (Fall ’20 = 6136), we are making steady gains.
Other enrollment trends to watch as they impact our FTEs, retention and time to degree:
The rate of part-time (vs full-time) overall enrollment increased between Fall ’22 and Fall ’24 from 50.8% to 57.5%. This means students are attempting (and completing) fewer credits/semester, which stretches their time to degree (aka graduation). At Hostos, the average time to degree is more than four years.
2. Retention: We are making gains in our first-term retention and believe Hostos’ comprehensive First Year Experience is making a difference. However, first-year and second-year retention continue to be tough to move. While Hostos’ retention rates are comparable to Hispanic and Black-serving institutions nationally, they remain below the average for public community colleges nationally and at CUNY.
First-term retention: Fall ’24 to Spring ’25 retention was stronger (78.2%) than first-term retention for the Fall ’23 (71.4%) and Fall ’22 (77.4%) cohorts. Retention gains coincide with Hostos’ introduction of a comprehensive First Year Experience, a College-wide effort and accountability framework comprising milestones correlated with strong first year outcomes.
First-year retention: Our Fall ’23 first-year retention was 54%. As of August 12, 2025, Fall ’24 first-year retention was 54.3%. While we will continue investing in strategies to improve first-year retention, many contextual factors continue to make it hard for our students to remain in school, including the impacts of living in the South Bronx and the associated inequities and consequent vulnerabilities. That, on top of the federal administration’s newly enacted tax reform (proposed as the Big Beautiful Bill) and its expected impact on college accessibility and affordability, alongside extensive anti-DEI and anti-immigrant measures will make sustaining retention — let alone increasing retention — a significant challenge at Hostos, situated in what remains the nation’s poorest congressional district, and where ~80% of our students live in households earning less than $30K/year.
Over the following weeks, there will be more discussion of KPIs in this space, as well as examination of the external factors that shape the context in which we work and in which our students fight to achieve their dreams.
And in the spirit of celebrating hope and light while fighting the forces that conspire to terrorize and subdue us:
While the number of Humanities degrees earned at baccalaureate-granting institutions has decreased by 24% since the Great Recession (2007), there is growing interest and enrollment in the humanities at community colleges. As a counter and humanistic collaborator to AI, as resistance to the rewriting of history as propaganda, as an invitation to think critically and sustain democratic principles and justice, I invite you to participate in the following forum: The Growing Role of the Humanities at Community Colleges, organized by the Chronicle for Higher Education.
| | OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS | | |
Submitted by Director Eric Radezky, Ph.D.
Do You Qualify for the Fair Fares MetroCard Program?
Fair Fares NYC is a City program created to help New Yorkers with low incomes manage their transportation costs. Using the Fair Fares NYC MetroCard, eligible New York City residents receive a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares. Pay-per-Ride, weekly unlimited, and monthly unlimited options are all available. Fair Fares can also provide 50% off MTA Access-A-Ride paratransit trips. Because Access-A-Ride customers do not use a MetroCard their discount is applied automatically to their Access-A-Ride trips once their Fair Fares and Access-A-Ride accounts are linked.
To qualify you must be between the ages of 18 and 64, live in New York City, meet income limits (see website), and not receive a discounted MetroCard from any other New York City program.
Visit the Fair Fares website to check your eligibility, create an account and apply.
| | OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE AND DIVERSITY | | |
Submitted by Chief Diversity Officer, Title IX Coordinator, and 504/ADA Coordinator Philip Oliveri, Esq.
Two Important Policies
The Office of Compliance and Diversity (OCD) is committed to a community where ALL are welcomed and to ensuring that we maintain an environment free from bias, prejudice, discrimination, and harassment in all forms.
To that effect, please be reminded of, and review, two important CUNY policies geared toward achieving this goal: (1) Policy on Sexual Misconduct, which prohibits sex-based misconduct, and (2) Policy on Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination, which prohibits discrimination of an individual because of their protected characteristics- such as race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, or any of the other bases prohibited by this Policy.
If you experience or witness any form of discrimination or harassment, please contact Philip Oliveri, Esq. who serves as our Chief Diversity Officer, Title IX Coordinator, and ADA/504 Coordinator, at x4284 or by email at poliveri@hostos.cuny.edu. You may also file an online complaint here.
Welcome back!
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Submitted by Director Ivano Leoncavallo
Paid Internships Available in Our Office!
Hello Students,
We hope you enjoyed your first week! Are you looking for work opportunities within the College? The Office of Communications has some positions available, including Graphic Design Assistant and Copywriting Intern. Please go here to learn more about each available post.
We look forward to hearing from you!
| | OFFICE OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS | | |
Submitted by Dean Ana I. García Reyes
This summer was a season of connection, collaboration, and celebration for Hostos Community College. From honoring Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage to advancing academic exchange and professional development abroad, we stood alongside our community partners, elected officials, colleagues, and scholars to strengthen bonds that uplift our students, faculty, and the broader Bronx and New York community.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our community partners and elected officials for welcoming us to numerous meetings and celebrations this summer in honor of Puerto Rican and Dominican Heritage Month.
I am deeply appreciative of my Hostos colleagues and scholars who graciously supported the Summer 2025 Professional Development and Study Abroad Program, which was a resounding success.
The Hostos delegation to the Dominican Republic included NYC DOE principals, CUNY faculty, and DOE teachers — three of whom received the nation’s highest educational award, conferred by the Hon. President of the Dominican Republic and the Minister of Education during National Teachers’ Day. Honorees were Carisa Musialik, Prof. Juan Soto Franco, and Ana del Carmen García.
Special thanks go to Professor Yoel Rivera, Professor Nieves Angulo, Dr. Wilfredo Burgos Matos, and Mr. Rafael Torres for their invaluable contributions.
From June 16 to July 6, 2025, participants engaged in workshops, lectures, and field experiences. Site visits included the National Palace, the House of Representatives’ Education Committee, the Museum Hermanas Mirabal, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Instituto de Formación Docente Salomé Ureña, among others.
As part of the Office of Community Relations’ ongoing engagement with policymakers and external stakeholders, we continue to welcome individuals seeking to join the Hostos Community College family, whether to pursue their studies or host events on our campus. We are grateful to Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Council Members Carmen de La Rosa and Pierina Sanchez, Assembly Member George Alvarez, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, and our community partners for referring prospective students and inviting us to community events.
We also extend our thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, Congressman Espaillat, and their teams, along with Deputy Mayor Ana Almanzar, Consul General of the Dominican Republic in New York Jesús Vásquez Martínez, Deputy Commissioner Miosotis Muñoz, Commissioner and CUNY Trustee Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, and other city leaders for the courtesies extended during the Flag Raising Ceremony at Wall Street. We are honored by the award recognition received on this occasion.
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Submitted by Interim Provost and VP Andrea Fabrizio, Ph.D.
FYE Mentorship Program: Summer 2025 Highlights
Dr. Silvia Reyes, Director, FYE Mentor Program
During June and July 2025, the First Year Mentorship Program hosted two New Student Events, welcoming more than 100 incoming and transfer students. Led by dedicated First Year Mentors, the events featured interactive activities to help students navigate essential platforms such as CUNYFirst, Brightspace, Navigate, and Microsoft 365 email. A highlight was the mentor-led panel, where students shared personal experiences and practical tips for thriving in the first semester. New students also enjoyed guided campus tours that introduced them to Hostos life.
Beyond these events, First Year Mentors played a vital role in both in-person and virtual Enrollment Sessions, assisting over 300 students. They also supported the Summer Bridge Program by guiding participants through learning platforms, leading campus tours, and offering insights into the student experience at Hostos.
This summer also saw the launch of the Gateway to Year 2 initiative, designed to support students as they transition into their second year. The program provided an opportunity to complete a gateway course in either Math or Writing, with support from mentors, peer leaders, and tutors. Throughout the summer, students met regularly with peer mentors who offered guidance, encouragement, and academic support to strengthen their success and readiness for the upcoming academic year.
Thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of our First Year Mentors, these summer initiatives made a lasting impact on student success and community building at Hostos.
First Year Experience New Student Orientation
Temu Watson, Co-chair, FYE Orientation Subcommittee
On July 16, we proudly welcomed our newest cohort of students at the First Year Experience New Student Orientation. More than one hundred incoming students, joined by their families and friends, filled the campus with excitement as they explored the many resources and opportunities that will support them throughout their academic journey. The day was filled with engaging sessions designed to set clear academic expectations, highlight student activities, and connect attendees with the offices and services that will help them succeed. This year’s orientation also introduced two exciting enhancements: a dedicated family session that offered valuable insights into financial aid, academic advisement, faculty and professor tips for supporting students, and the overall student experience, as well as a relaxing “de-stress room” presented by the Accessibility Resource Center, which featured technical aids and a tranquil space to unwind. The event not only marked the beginning of a new chapter for our first-year students but also underscored Hostos commitment to fostering a welcoming, supportive, and vibrant learning community.
FYE Summer Bridge: Foundations for Success
Professor Natasha Yannacanedo, Director of First Year Experience
“The Summer Bridge: Foundations for Success” program was conducted in two separate cohorts, each spanning two days, and was designed to ease the transition into college by equipping incoming students with the academic, social, and personal tools necessary for success. Each cohort participated in structured workshops, campus tours, interactive discussions, and peer mentorship activities. The initiative was led by me. I oversaw the program’s design and facilitation and served as a lead instructor throughout the sessions. Emphasizing community building, resource awareness, and the early development of essential academic skills, the program supported first-year persistence and retention.
We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of our dedicated campus community who served as presenters and facilitators throughout the Summer Bridge program. Their expertise and engagement enriched the student experience and reinforced our commitment to student success. Presenters included Chief Librarian Madeline Ford; Ambar Rojas; Director of Career Services Lisanette Rosario; Student Career Program Specialist Cheryl Thomas; Professors Gregory Marks, Lauren Wolf, and Alison Lowenstein; Associate Director of the Student Success Coaching Unit, Santa Orocho; and Carina Colón, MSEd, from the Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP).
Thanks to the generous support of the Title V grant, students who completed the program received a stipend to support their academic transition, and several students were awarded laptops through a raffle, helping ensure equitable access to essential digital tools. We extend our sincere gratitude to Title V Director Shaneka Crossman and Provost Fabrizio for their leadership and partnership in making this program possible.
By the end of the two-day program, students had developed a foundational understanding of what it takes to succeed in college. They were able to identify key differences between high school and college, particularly in expectations, independence, and academic responsibility — and applied a growth mindset to approach challenges with resilience and openness to learning. Students became familiar with essential academic tools and campus resources, including the syllabus, academic calendar, and student support services, and were introduced to practical time management strategies that promote long-term success.
The program also addressed common anxieties around math and writing, offering coping strategies and tools for self-expression, revision, and help-seeking. Students practiced building professional relationships with professors through effective communication and classroom engagement and participated in peer-to-peer networking through interactive activities such as icebreakers and mentor-led sessions. With guidance from FYE student mentors, students navigated key digital platforms, including Navigate, CUNYfirst, Brightspace, and Hostos email. Additionally, they explored vital campus services such as the library, financial aid, counseling, academic support, and transfer and career services, and assessed their readiness for online learning. Students also began to develop financial literacy and set academic and career goals for their time at Hostos and beyond.
Based on the self-assessment survey administered at the conclusion of the Summer Bridge program, there was a measurable positive impact on student confidence and preparedness, especially in areas tied to first-year retention: academic planning, resource awareness, and social connection. These results suggest that the program effectively supports students' transition into college and lays a strong foundation for their long-term academic success. Overall, the program empowered students with the confidence, tools, and relationships needed to thrive in their first year at Hostos Community College.
First-Year Seminar Faculty Professional Development (PD)
Dr. Linda Hirsch, Director, A.A. Degree in Liberal Arts and Science, and Professor, English Department
In Spring 2025, OAA sponsored a First Year Seminar Faculty Professional Development workshop led by Professors Linda Hirsch and Natasha Yannacanedo. The First-Year Seminar is a one semester course that introduces first-year students to the college experience. Centered on a specific inter-disciplinary academic theme, “A New York State of Mind: What Makes a City Great,” the seminar introduces students to the academic experiences of college life while providing them with an integrated approach to developing the study skills and habits of mind they will need to succeed in college. The three-day FYS PD focused on preparing and certifying faculty to teach this innovative curriculum. Among the topics covered, participants learned about the origins of the FYS at Hostos; the challenges confronted by first-year students as they transition to college; significant aspects of the FYS syllabus and effective pedagogical practices; holistic self-assessment, and alternative grading practices. Overall, the FYS PD sought to ensure faculty comfort with the course syllabus through gaining an appreciation of its integration of content and freshman orientation skills and learning how to connect the vibrancy of New York City with college readiness.
This year’s certified professors are Asrat Amnie (Education); Michelle Cheikin (English); Charles Drago (Education); Nicola McDonald (English); Elizabeth Garcia de Souza (English); Michael Gosset (Education); Roderick Jackman (English); Alison Lowenstein (English); Sergio Mauritz Ang (Humanities); Angel Morales (Humanities); John Murphy (English); J.C. Williams (English); Emmanuel Velayos Larrabure (Humanities) and Nicole Wallenbrock (Humanities).
Hostos Students Visit Kelley Drye & Warren Law Firm in Manhattan
Professor Amy Ramson, Behavioral and Social Sciences Department, Public Policy and Law Unit
Professor Amy Ramson brought students from Hostos and invited students from John Jay College and Baruch College to join a group of thirty who visited Kelley Drye & Warren, an international full-service law firm in New York City. The visit was organized by Yen-Yi Anderson, Esq., founder and managing principal of Anderson & Associates Law, PC. A guided tour of the firm was followed by a panel discussion with three associates who shared insights about their roles as junior attorneys, the paths that led them to Kelley Drye & Warren, their practice areas, and the factors — such as prior work experience, personal interests, skills, and law school experiences — that influenced their career choices. They also offered valuable advice for students considering a future in law.
This event is part of the ”President's Initiative for Student Success, College Growth and Stakeholders' Engagement” ADELANTE project, which Professor Ramson was awarded to establish a pre-law program at Hostos and promote the legal profession as a career path for Hostos students.
Launch Your Career This Spring – Paid Internship Opportunity
Lisanette Rosario, Director of Career Services
Dear Student,
Are you ready to jumpstart your career and get paid for it? The CUNY Spring Forward Program is offering Summer internships that pay up to $20/hour!
Earn up to $20/hour this Summer as a Spring Forward Intern! Join 800+ CUNY undergraduates interning this semester and gain real-world experience in:
● Healthcare
● STEM/Green
● Marketing & Communications
● Community & Social Impact
Never had a paid internship? Perfect! Spring Forward is designed for CUNY students like you to get your foot in the door.
Are You Eligible?
✔ Never had a paid internship
✔18+ by 9/9/925
✔ Enrolled as a CUNY undergraduate for Fall 2025 & Spring 2026
✔ GPA of 2.0+
✔ Eligible to work in the U.S.
Applications open on September 9. Apply by October 13th at 11:59 PM! 👉Visit our website
Questions?
Join a Virtual Info Session: Click here to register.
Need help applying?
Visit Career Services, D-210, 718-518-4468
Office Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM
Have more questions?
Visit the FAQ section of our webpage or email us at careerlaunch@cuny.edu.
Don’t miss this opportunity to launch your career!
| | STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM) | | |
Submitted by VP Althea Sterling, Ed.D.
A Message from Vice President Sterling
Welcome to the Fall 2025 Semester – Your Journey Starts Here!
Dear Caimans!
Welcome to the Fall 2025 semester! Whether you're just starting your journey at Hostos or coming back for another exciting chapter, we’re so glad you’re here. The Division of Student Development and Enrollment Management (SDEM) is ready to support you every step of the way.
College is a time to grow, explore, and transform. And guess what? You don’t have to do it alone. We have various resources to help you thrive. Take advantage of our resources including: Counseling Services, Health & Wellness, One Stop, Accessibility Resource Center (ARC), Scholarships, Leadership Academy Student Clubs & Activities.
At Hostos, learning goes beyond the classroom. It’s about building connections, discovering new passions, and becoming the best version of yourself. We’re here to cheer you on, lift you up, and help you succeed.
So, dive in, get involved, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You’ve got this — and we’ve got you.
Here’s to a fantastic semester, Caimans!
Sincerely,
Dr. Althea Sterling
Student Activities
Welcome Days Fall 2025 – Join Us for Exciting Events!
The Office of Student Activities is excited to kick off the Fall 2025 semester with a series of welcoming events:
- Welcome Munchies at the SGA Counter:
- Tuesday, August 26 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 27 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Friday, August 29 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Club Registration for new and returning clubs is open for the Fall 2025 semester. Interested students should stop by the Office of Student Activities (C-371) to pick up a club registration form.
- SGA Vacancy Applications are available in Room C-371.
We look forward to seeing you at these events!
Financial Aid Office
Get Money to Help Pay for School: Have you applied for FAFSA? TAP?
There is still time to apply for 2025-2026 TAP by filling out the FAFSA. Once submitted, New York State residents attending NYS campuses can link directly to the TAP application.
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| ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM) | | |
Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne
Campus Facilities Updates
Welcome back to a new semester! We hope everyone has been able to refresh and recharge for their return to school. While most students and faculty were away, the College was able to complete several campus facilities projects. Some of the more visible ones are listed below.
A-Building
A refresh of the old wing of the A-Building was completed this summer. New floor tiles were installed in all of the corridors, labs, chemical storage spaces, and in select offices. The doors and corridors of the second floor were also repainted to complement the color of the new floor tiles and to give the space a brighter feel. The doors and corridors of the other floors in the building are scheduled to be painted as well. In addition, the Prayer room A-009 was rejuvenated with a new ceiling, carpeting, lighting, and freshly painted walls.
A-Building Parking Lot
Over the course of two days in June, the A-Building parking lot was milled, re-leveled and resurfaced. The rolling entry gate was also repaired with new parts to ensure smooth and quiet movement.
B-Building 3rd Floor Renovation and Connection between B- and C-Buildings
In the last Semanario of the spring 2025 semester, we reported that as part of the B-Building 3rd floor renovation, a connection between the B- and C-Buildings at the third-floor level would be installed. To support the link between the two buildings, additional structural bracing would be needed. The work to incorporate the bracing is located in the ceiling of the 2nd floor space, which happens to be in the back area of the Human Resources Office (Suite 215).
The asbestos abatement of the third floor and of the connection location was completed in late July. Penetration from the B-Building to the C-Building has been made and the structural bracing work has been completed. The HR department will be able to move back to their suite B-215 in September post-cleanup.
C Building - Gymnasium
To prepare for yet another busy year, the Gymnasium floor was refinished in the latter half of July. The gym is one of the most highly used spaces on campus and this year, our students will return to play on a newly cleaned and shiny surface.
| | CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD) | | |
Submitted by Evelyn Fernández-Ketcham, Ph.D., LCSW
Announcement
The CEWD Fall 2025 Catalog is available. Please click here, to browse our online catalog.
CEWD Information Sessions
To learn more about CEWD’s program offerings, please attend one of our upcoming Information Sessions:
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 6 p.m. (In-Person)
Saturday, Sept. 13, 11 a.m. (Virtual)
Wednesday, Sept. 24, 12:30 p.m. (Virtual)
Saturday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m. (Virtual)
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 12:30 p.m. (Virtual)
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 12:30 p.m. (Virtual)
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 12:30 p.m. (Virtual)
Wednesday, Jan. 7, 6 p.m. (In-Person)
Saturday, Jan. 10, 11 a.m. (Virtual)
To register for a session, visit https://tinyurl.com/HostosCEWD.
Still Recruiting Students for CEWD’s No-Cost Community Health Worker Training Program
CEWD is currently enrolling students in our no-cost Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Program. The CHW training program prepares students to provide effective community outreach, build trust with communities, support connections to care and support services, and contribute to the overall health and well-being of their communities.
Students that enroll in CEWD’s CHW program receive textbooks, assistance with transportation (if needed), and a stipend upon completing each module in the training program. In addition, students that successfully complete the CHW Training Program may be eligible to obtain credit for prior learning that can be applied to their college transcript when they enroll in a Hostos degree program. CHW students can earn up to nine (9) academic credits towards an A.S. degree in Community Health or an A.A.S. in Aging & Health Studies at Hostos.
To learn more about the CHW program, please contact Jaunia Clarke at jclarke@hostos.cuny.edu.
| | CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD) | | |
Submitted by Evelyn Fernández-Ketcham, Ph.D., LCSW
Hostos Alumni Faculty and Staff Directory Updates
Strengthening the Hostos alumni network starts with you! If you are a Hostos grad who works at the College, please complete this form or reach out to Alumni Relations Manager Felix Sanchez at fsanchez@hostos.cuny to confirm your contact information.
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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 the Winning Proposals!
Hostos Community College is pleased to announce the 2025-26 Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives Winning Proposals: “See It, Believe It, Achieve It,” “ONLN Peer Assistant Learning Scholars (PALS),” and “Transfer and Career Pathways in LLAC Studies: Establishing a Mentored Student Cohort.” Learn more about the winner proposals here.
Public Safety Department Receives Prestigious FBI Organization Award
Hostos Community College is proud to announce that its Department of Public Safety has been awarded the prestigious Agency Trilogy Award from the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA) on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. This distinguished honor recognizes the department’s dedication to law enforcement leadership, demonstrated by the successful completion of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Series by all members of its Command Staff. Read more here.
Shout Out to Michelle-Lee St. Marthe!
Michelle-Lee St. Marthe, Associate Director to the Chief of Staff in the President’s Office, journeyed through the 34 branches of the New York Public Library in the Bronx! We’ll be sharing more about her adventure in September during National Library Card Sign-Up Month. Stay tuned!
Dr. Linda Hirsch Recognized as Writing Across the Curriculum Distinguished Fellow
Hostos Community College is thrilled to share that Dr. Linda Hirsch, Ph.D., has been recognized as a Distinguished Fellow by the Association for Writing Across the Curriculum (AWAC). She is the first CUNY WAC coordinator to ever receive this accolade. Read more here.
CUNY EVC Hector Batista Gives Surprise Concert at Hostos
On August 12, as the bright sun streamed in through the windows of the A-Atrium at Hostos Community College, the irresistible rhythms of a salsa band pulled faculty, staff and students onto the floor to dance. The percussionist propelling the band was none other than CUNY’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer Hector Batista who had come to Hostos to fulfill a promise to President Daisy Cocco De Filippis: to come play for her at the College. Read more about this lovely afternoon here.
Way to Go, Natural Sciences!
The Department of Natural Sciences, led by Professor Yoel Rodríguez, has been having an enriching and productive year. Take a look at their accomplishments on their newsletter here.
Another Successful Summer of HOPE
On Thursday, July 24, Hostos Community College's Holistic Oasis for Parents' Education (HOPE) program concluded its summer session with an exciting showcase and completion ceremony, led by Mistress of Ceremonies Leyla Caballero, a 2025 HOPE alumna and research assistant. Read more here.
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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: College Expansion Celebration to 558 Grand Concourse
Date | Time: Wednesday, September 3 | 12 PM
Location: Lobby at 558 Grand Concourse
Description: President Daisy Cocco De Filippis is delighted to invite the entire College community to join her as she welcomes NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Executive Vice Chancellor Hector Batista, and other VIPs for the celebration of a very special development: Hostos is expanding its campus into the historic Bronx General Post Office building at 558 Grand Concourse! Once renovations are completed, the building will be the new home of the Allied Health program and the Natural Sciences department. Please join us for music, food, and joyous celebration of our expanding campus!
Title: First All-College Meeting: The Beginning of a New Semester
Date | Time: Tuesday, September 9 | 12 - 2 PM
Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room
Description: Come and learn about the state of our institution at our first All-College Meeting of the academic year. It will take place at the Savoy Multipurpose Room on Tuesday, September 9, from 12 - 2 p.m.
Title: Exhibition Opening: Sensorial Fusion: Relationship Art & Architecture
Date | Time: Wednesday, Sept. 10 | 6 p.m.
Location: Hostos Art Gallery
Description: Join us in the Hostos Art Gallery for the opening reception of this celebration of Latin American Arts. Hostos Center, in collaboration with NYLAAT, presents a collective exhibition exploring how contemporary artists from Latin America and the Caribbean engage with architecture as both context and concept, unpacking themes such as urban memory, gentrification, and cultural identity. RSVP here.
Title: Hispanic Heritage Month | Chiqui Vicioso and Orlando Hernández
Date | Time: Thursday, September 18 | 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Location: TBD
Description: Join President Daisy Cocco De Filippis and her guests, internationally renowned poet Chiqui Vicioso and Professor Emeritus Orlando Hernández, for an enriching literary conversation. More details coming soon.
Title: September 2025: College-wide Senate Session
Date | Time: Thursday, September 18 | 3:30 - 5 PM
Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room
Title: Aramis Camilo – 40 Years of Merengue
Date | Time: Friday, September 26 | 7:30 PM
Location: Main Theater
Description: Get ready for a night of rhythm, celebration, and Dominican pride! This electrifying concert honors 40 years of music from merengue legend Aramis Camilo. Fresh off his appearance at the 2025 Premios Los Nuestro and recipient of a Special Soberano Award for his incredible contributions to Dominican music, Aramis, who is known for his hits like “El Motor” and “La Varita,” takes the stage for a one-night-only anniversary event. The party doesn’t stop there! Joining him are special guests, including Henry Jiménez, Lilu, Wishow, DJ Albert, DJ Frank, and more. Plus, experience the vibrant spirit of the Dominican Republic with live folkloric dance performers. Get tickets here.
Title: “Tuya Siempre, Julita” by Roberto Ramos Perea
Date | Time: Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 7 p.m.
Location: Hostos Repertory Theater
Description: Much has been said about Julia de Burgos, her poetry and her tragic life. However, history continues to surprise us with new findings about her lovers and her struggle to become what she eventually was and continues to be, the greatest Puerto Rican national poet in our entire history. Get your ticket and don't miss the secret love life between these two poets... Julia de Burgos and Luis Llorens Torres, caressing each other to the rhythm of the waves of the sea and plagiarizing each other's verses. Contact the Box Office for tickets at 718-518-4455.
Title: 19th Annual Hostos Community College Foundation Scholarship Fund Golf Outing Classic
Date | Time: Thursday, Oct. 9 | 10 AM - Registration; 11 AM - Lunch;
12 PM - Tee off; & 5:30 PM - Cocktail Reception
Location: Pelham Bay & Split Rocks Golf Courses
Description: Get your tickets today for the 19th Annual Hostos Community College Scholarship Fund Golf Outing Classic on October 9. Join for the whole day at the scenic Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses or just for the cocktail hour and awards dinner. All proceeds support emergency scholarships for Hostos students. To purchase tickets and see photos from last year, visit www.hostosgolfouting.com.
Title: October 2025: College-wide Senate Session
Date | Time: Thursday, October 15 | 3:30 - 5 PM
Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room
Title: Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Date | Time: October 17, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Location: Repertory Theater
Description: As part of the Diamonstein-Spielvogel Initiative, this free concert series brings world-class chamber music — including works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Elgar — directly to the Bronx community.
Title: Full Circle Souljahs
Date | Time: October 25, 2025 | 8:00 PM
Location: Repertory Theater
Description: Bronx dance legends Kwikstep and Rokafella reunite for a groundbreaking hip-hop choreography performance, blending street dance traditions with deep cultural roots and honoring the Bronx origins of the art form. More details coming soon.
Title: Danza Fiesta – Annual South Bronx Folk Festival
Date | Time: November 15, 2025 | 3 PM
Location: Main Theater
Description: A vibrant festival celebrating Puerto Rican and South Bronx folk traditions, featuring music, dance, and cultural performances in the heart of the community. Stay tuned for more details.
Title: November 2025: College-wide Senate Session
Date | Time: Thursday, November 20 | 3:30 - 5 PM
Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room
Title: Spanish Harlem Orchestra – “Salsa Navidad”
Date | Time: December 6, 2025 | 8 PM
Location: Main Theater
Description: A festive holiday salsa concert featuring beloved classics and new music. Led by this Grammy-winning ensemble, the show bridges traditional and contemporary sounds. More soon.
Title: December 2025: College-wide Senate Session
Date | Time: Thursday, December 20 | 3:30 - 5 PM
Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room
Title: Papo Vázquez – “Holiday Jazz & Latin Jazz Parranda”
Date | Time: December 21, 2025 | 3 PM
Location: Main Theater
Description: Grammy-nominated and NEA Master Artist Papo Vázquez celebrates the holiday season with parranda music and Latin jazz–influenced holiday songs — a warm, inclusive celebration perfect for families. Details coming soon.
| | 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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