Friday, August 30, 2024 | Vol. 9, No. 1

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

This is our third day of classes. Hope and joy in the new semester are to be felt as I walk on campus. I reflect on the multiple conversations I have regularly with faculty and students about big and small acts of support shown by our Hostos family, but also about engagement in their own lives and work.

There is still much work to be done in terms of enrollment— late registration and late start semester. A very special thank you to all who have been involved in the registration process. Our colleagues in SDEM, OAA and Administration have worked hard to support student registration and financial aid. At this time colleagues are projecting less than 5% growth in enrollment. Late Start Semester courses and late registration will help with enrollment as well. Provost Wang and Department Chairs continue to do generous work together this new academic year to ensure responsible, caring scheduling in support of our students and colleagues. The percentage of continuing students is also on the rise. Bravi!

It was my pleasure to bring welcoming remarks at one of our FYE Orientations these past few weeks. There were a good number of very inquisitive and engaged students and very thoughtful presentations. Outstanding! Last week Dr. Oviedo and Prof. Yoel Rodríguez and colleagues celebrated the MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives by holding a symposium to feature the work of the Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus faculty and students. Please review the latest RFP as it circulates for opportunities during this new academic year. With her generous gift, Ms. Scott recognized Hostos’ significant contribution to the South Bronx communities it has served with quality academic programs, hope, care and understanding.

At our Stated Meeting of the College on September 12 at noon in the Savoy Multipurpose Room, we will have the pleasure of greeting new faculty colleagues and to hear updates on many of our initiatives and enrollment. Although the fiscal landscape is challenging, we continue to manage well together, putting students and quality of programs and good teaching first. SVP Rodríguez-Chardavoyne will report on our steady budget. There also will be an opportunity to discuss our Operational Plan for 2024-2025. It is my hope to see many of you later today for the welcome back barbeque at the Antonetty Playground.



As this week comes to an end, we celebrate Labor Day by remembering those whose many efforts have made our lives better. I wish you all a restful long weekend, continued good health and joy in our work together in support of teaching and learning.

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

A POEM

“Eagle Poem”

By Joy Harjo

To pray you open your whole self

To sky, to earth, to sun, to moon

To one whole voice that is you.

And know there is more

That you can’t see, can’t hear;

Can’t know except in moments

Steadily growing, and in languages

That aren’t always sound but other

Circles of motion.

Like eagle that Sunday morning

Over Salt River, Circled in blue sky

In wind, swept over our hearts clean

With sacred wings.

We see you, see ourselves and know

That we must take the utmost care

And kindness in all things.

Breathe in, knowing we are made of

All this, and breathe, knowing

We are truly blessed because we

Were born, and die soon within a

True circle in motion,

Like eagle rounding out the morning

Inside us.

We pray that it all be done

In beauty.

In beauty.

Harjo, Joy. (1990). “Eagle Poem,” In Mad Love and War. 

MESSAGE FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) PRESIDENT DAINMA MARTÍNEZ

Welcome Back Everyone!

Welcome back, Hostos! We are the Student Government Association (SGA) and are here for YOU, the students. The SGA is committed to addressing the interests of all Hostos students and providing services and resources to the entire community. Let’s start this semester with positive attitudes and great motivation for one another!

As we welcome the new semester, we also welcome new events! This semester, we will have many wonderful ones on campus. One of them is SGA Spirit Week. Each day of the week, we will feature a different theme, followed by treats and prizes at the SGA Booth on the 3rd floor of the C Building. More details about dates are coming soon! Be sure to follow the SGA Instagram and check out the flyers around campus to stay updated (@sgahostos).

As CUNY continues to progress, so will the SGA. We encourage students to stop by with concerns or just for a conversation. As President, I look forward to growing alongside all of you. I am always open, and if you see me or another SGA member in the halls, feel free to stop us and exchange a few words. Each new month brings new events and opportunities, and we will continue to advocate for you, especially when we see many changes happening around us and in the world. Here at Hostos, we will continue to strive for success and thrive. Hostos is the heart of the South Bronx — Hostos is life within the Bronx, and it’s a life we will continue to nurture and grow.

Sincerely,

Dainma Martínez

CAIMAN CLUES

Weekly Tips & Reminders to Navigate Life at Hostos

Welcome to your first week at Hostos!  We look forward to sharing this weekly newsletter with you, so check your email for updates on events, deadlines, and campus resources.  

• Welcome Days: We celebrated our Welcome Days this week and shared valuable information with new and returning students since Wednesday, August 28.
• Scavenger Hunt for Free Swag: During the Welcome Days, we held a scavenger hunt. The winners received prizes and Hostos swag!
• Fitness Friday and BBQ: Today at 11 a.m., you can tour the Gym (C-building, third floor), locate the Health and Wellness Center, and enjoy a BBQ in the Evelina Antonetty Playground at noon.

MS. MACKENZIE SCOTT’S GIFT: PRESIDENT’S INITIATIVES

Submitted by Sofía Oviedo, Ph.D., Research Programs Director

Summer Updates

Dear Students and Colleagues,

I am delighted to welcome you back for the 2024-2025 academic year. I hope you had a restful and enjoyable summer break and are re-energized for the start of the new semester. This summer was especially notable for Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives, which sponsored an international trip for four Hostos students Altagracia De La Rosa, Susan Hu, Willie “Neo” Randall, and Manny Vivas, who had the incredible opportunity to attend the 14th Annual Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) International Conference held at the University of Salamanca, in Spain from June 3-5, 2024. This special opportunity was extended to students who served as interns/research assistants on projects funded through the Hostos Research Center’s ADELANTE grant funding and nominated by their faculty mentor. For our students, this was their first visit to Spain, participating in an international conference that provided them with the opportunity to meet and network with students and educators from Spain and the U.S.

Professor Yoel Rodríguez, Chair of the Natural Sciences department, and I served as the trip chaperones, which enabled us to see firsthand the impact of this experience on our students. After the conference in Salamanca, we also organized additional activities in the cities of Madrid and Toledo to enhance the students’ exposure to Spain's historical and cultural treasures. Upon their return from the trip, the students had the opportunity to express their gratitude to President Daisy Cocco De Filippis for this amazing opportunity at a special luncheon. They shared how this experience opened their worldview to the benefits of international education and study abroad programs.

This summer experience is the beginning of many more good opportunities that will be made available through Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift, and I look forward to sharing new developments over the coming weeks.

Sincerely,

Sofía Oviedo

INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT (OIERA)

Submitted by Dean Babette Audant, Ph.D.

The 2023-24 Operational Plan Final Report 

Welcome to the Fall 2024 semester! In addition to welcoming students and faculty back to campus, the start of the new academic year is an opportunity to share reflections and analyses of our collective achievements during the last academic year: OIERA worked with the President and Cabinet to complete the 2023-24 Operational Plan Final Report.

The report opens with a snapshot of “What Went Well” and “Next Phase” priorities for each Goal area and updated Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). In addition to the KPIs reported nationally and CUNY-wide (e.g., enrollment, first-year retention, three-year graduation), some KPIs have been expanded (e.g., retention, Year 1 credit attainment) to provide more details about student progression and outcomes. 

The following sections are in Goal order and include data and discussion of outcomes and discussion questions for each area. The report goes beyond KPIs and provides narrative context as well as deeper analyses representative of the work undertaken by OIERA and others in the past year. Examples include a deep dive into Gateway ENG and MAT attempt and completion rates (which in turn informed a student outreach plan developed by SDEM and OAA), analysis of First Year Seminar attempt and completion in Year 1, and a data-rich update from the Office of Financial Aid about their relentless efforts to ensuring there are no dollars left on the table. The report’s format anticipates (it’s never too early!) the next self-study cycle, dropping in data and other evidence of action in support of strategic goals, and will be used again next year.

Next steps: The 2024-25 Operational Plan is in draft form and will be shared with the College community in the following weeks. The operational plan documents the commitments made by each division, along with baselines and targets by which to measure what we achieve. It can be added to and modified during the year, with mid-year presenting an opportunity for divisions to add qualitative updates. For OAA, in alignment with the academic year calendar, Academic Implementation Plan (AIP) working groups comprised of faculty and staff will draft this year’s AIP by mid-November, complementing the high-level OAA actions included in the 2024-25 Operational Plan. 

POLICY OF THE WEEK

Submitted by Executive Counsel and Labor Designee Eugene Sohn, Esq.



CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy

It is the policy of the University that all of its activities shall be conducted in accordance with the highest standards of integrity and ethics and in a manner that will not reflect or appear to reflect adversely on the University’s credibility, objectivity, or fairness. Please read about the policy here.

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Submitted by Director Eric Radezky, Ph.D.

Check Your Voter Registration and Register To Vote For The 2024 Elections

The 2024 Presidential election will take place on November 5.  We also have elections for the US Senate, US House of Representatives, New York State Senate, and New York State Assembly on the ballot that day.

But are you registered to vote, and do you know where your poll site is? 

The New York City Board of Elections has a new online voter registration option. You no longer need a paper application to register to vote, and using the online form only takes minutes. You may also use the online form to update your address, party affiliation, or other voter information.

The registration deadline to be eligible to vote in this year’s election is October 26. All registration applications must be received by the Board of Elections no later than that date, whether registering online, by mail, or in person.

Other useful tools on the Board of Elections site include a way to check if you are registered to vote, the application for an absentee ballot, and an FAQs page about elections and voter registration in New York City. 

Finding your poll site is also easy; just use 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.

Don’t put it off: register to vote today!

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 policies geared toward achieving this goal: (1) CUNY Policy on Sex-Based Misconduct, which prohibits sex-based misconduct, and (2) CUNY 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!

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Submitted by Dean Ana I. García Reyes

Hostos Teacher Training and Study Abroad Program Empowers Educators in NYC and the Dominican Republic

In a remarkable fusion of cultures and educational excellence, the Summer Professional Development and Study Abroad Program to the Dominican Republic came to life this past June. Hosted by Hostos Community College, the international teacher training initiative offered a three-week program from June 17 to July 7, featuring workshops, seminars, and field research in NYC and multiple locations on the island.

The program was designed over three decades ago by Dean Ana García Reyes and facilitated by CUNY faculty and staff, Department of Education administrators, world-renowned Dominican scholars of Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, and Instituto Superior de Formación Docente Salome Ureña. The initiative helps teachers from New York City and the Dominican Republic understand the island’s educational system, immigrant experiences in the city, and socioeconomic, socio-historical, and socio-political cultural challenges to academic and career success for diverse youth. Read more here.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISIONS

OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (OAA)

Submitted by Provost and VP Shiang-Kwei Wang, Ph.D.

Updates

Behavioral and Social Sciences Update

Congratulations to principal investigator Sarah Hoiland, Associate Professor of Sociology, for collaboratively securing an NSF-supported grant, “Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI Program)”! Together with two professors from John Jay College, Professor Hoiland will be researching “the lack of data on Hispanic bilingual students at HSIs.” The grant aims to “enhance understanding of language proficiencies, belonging, and identity among these students and to develop bilingual education opportunities in STEM.” Read more here.

New Article in HigherEdJobs

Provost Shiang-Kwei Wang and Dean Andrea Fabrizio's most recent article about using AI in the classroom is online in HigherEdJobs. Read it here!

ASAP

By Siddique Mohammad, Director of ASAP

ASAP has just completed its most successful semester in recent years, with student engagement doubling over the past year — an achievement highlighted at our Central Office Summer Meeting. This significant progress led to our Associate Director, Ebony Pulley, being invited to contribute to a leadership training series, where she shared our best practices with peers across the ASAP network. We are also proud to report that our program ranked second among ASAP colleges, with 67% of our students reaching their career activity benchmark. Our recent Summer Institute, which hosted 100 new students on campus, marks the first of several initiatives designed to ensure a strong start for all incoming students. As we look ahead to the Fall semester, we are eager to welcome our new cohort of 400 students and counting! 

Connecting Incoming Students to Hostos through First-Year Experience Orientations & FYE Mentoring 

Dr. Silvia Reyes, Director of Special Programs, Student Engagement & CLIP 

To deepen the incoming Fall 2024 students’ relationship with Hostos, during the summer of 2024, the First Year Student Mentors were actively engaged with students through phone and email campaigns. Mentors made over 2,000 phone calls and sent weekly emails to students, inviting them to join the Summer Bridge Program, attend New Student Orientations, and other enrollment events. We have found that phone calls allow mentors to make genuine connections with students based on their experiences while guiding and answering their questions. 

On July 17 and August 17, 2024, the First Year Experience (FYE) committee, alongside President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, FYE Chair Dr. Silvia Reyes and Associate Dean Althea Sterling, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Shiang Kwei Wang, Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Management La Toro Yates and staff members from across the College welcomed over 500 students and their families to Hostos. These orientations were held in the cafeteria, where staff members conducted various presentations and discussions aimed at helping students build connections to Hostos, resources, and other students. 

During orientations, FYE mentors had the opportunity to partner with coaches and advisors to facilitate small group conversations with students to discuss their career interests, take them on a campus tour, and introduce them to the numerous resources Hostos offers. FYE mentors also strengthen the Summer Bridge Program by facilitating conversations with students to ease their transition to Hostos. Mentors also advocated and encouraged new students to develop strategies and techniques that will be central to their academic success at Hostos. 

Grants Office

By Dr. Kelba Sosa, Director OGRA

The Office of Grants & Research Administration (OGRA) is excited to announce that we will share information on upcoming professional development (PD) and grant events soon, including Research Foundation events, webinars, presentations and upcoming information for the PSC-CUNY award. Stay tuned for more details!

We are also thrilled to welcome Prof. Hoiland in her new role with the Grants Office. She will assist faculty with grantsmanship, including proposal reviews, idea development, and suggestions, and she will share her expertise. With her years of experience in successfully obtaining funding, Sarah is a valuable resource for all of us.

Office of Educational Technology

By Carlos Guevara, Director of the Office of Educational Technology and Center for Teaching and Learning

Continue Your Brightspace Journey



As we transition into the Fall 2024 semester, we're excited to continue building on the successful implementation of Brightspace during the summer. To ensure faculty are fully prepared to make the most of the new LMS, please take advantage of the following resources and support:

• Explore the Updated Brightspace Hub:

–Access enhanced training materials and guides to deepen your familiarity with Brightspace: Visit the Brightspace Hub.

• Attend a Professional Development Workshop:

–Join one of the ongoing workshops this fall. Check the calendar in the Brightspace Hub to find a session that fits your schedule or to join our Open Office Hour sessions.

• Schedule a One-on-One Consultation:

–If you're teaching this fall, it's vital to fine-tune your course materials. Arrange a personalized session with an instructional designer.

–Contact EdTech:

• Email: EdTechSupport@hostos.cuny.edu
• Phone: 718-319-7915
• Office: Room C-559
• Take Advantage of Extended Office Hours:

–Starting the week of August 26, 2024, EdTech will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with remote-only assistance after 5 p.m. Regular hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) will be followed on Fridays.

• Stay Tuned for Helpful Emails:

–EdTech will be releasing a series of emails containing how-to instructions and videos to assist you with Brightspace.

• Explore Additional Trainings:

–The CUNY LMS Transition team continues to offer valuable training sessions: Visit the LMS Transition Website.

We encourage all faculty to engage with these resources and continue leveraging Brightspace for a successful Fall 2024 semester.

Proyecto Access STEP and CSTEP Summer 2024 Program

By Diandra Jugmohan, Co-Director of Institutional Grants

This year, the Proyecto Access STEP summer session ran virtually from July 8 to August 9, serving 150 secondary school students, including 35 sponsored by the summer youth employment program (SYEP) in STEM courses. These courses include Common Core Algebra, Science, Computer Science, Intro to Algebra I, Living Environment, and Intro to Geometry, Chemistry, Geometry, Algebra II, Physics, Probability & Statistics, and Technical Writing. In addition, the following electives: Biology Lab, Computer Science, Forensic Science, Coding, Headache & Arts, Cyber Security and College Readiness/Technical Writing are taken by students based on their own interest in the topic. 

Program partners include neighboring secondary schools and community-based organizations:  

• The HERO High School and several high schools in the community 
• The Harlem Children’s Zone 
• The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) 
• NYU Langone Medical Center 
• The Montefiore Medical Community Center 
• The Office of Pupil Transportation 
• The Community Association of Progressive Dominicans (ACDP)  
• Hostos Technical Education in Cybersecurity (H-TEC) 

Concurrently, The CSTEP program at Hostos introduced four-week in-person and virtual summer enrichment workshops serving over 50 undergraduates to connect students' learning with real-world applications in healthcare professions and careers in technology. The workshop series started in the fourth week of June. They covered topics that include Anatomy and Physiology, Cybersecurity, Data Structures, Artificial Intelligence, SolidWorks, and Robotics in collaboration with NYU Opportunity Programs, CSTEP, and MACSS. The AI workshop was conducted using an object detection system called YOLO v8, based on Python. Also, participants utilized interactive learning platforms like ZyBooks to improve their engagement with their summer academic courses.

Additionally, participants were exposed to industry through hands-on experience in building robots using AI algorithms and robotic process automation (RPA). These workshops are designed to support students academically and provide comprehensive exam preparation for nursing and technology certifications. Moreover, they aim to enhance students' skills to further their studies and pursue future careers. The workshops have the potential to inspire and empower the next generation of CSTEP healthcare professionals and technologists. They serve as a stepping-stone toward fostering innovation and addressing the shortage of skilled workers in STEM professions.

Summer 2024 and Fall 2024 Title V Updates 

By Dean Andrea Fabrizio and Associate Director Yana He

Title V initiatives continue to work toward supporting faculty, students, and staff.

On June 25, we held an all-day professional development event for all advising units and faculty representatives from each academic department. Together, faculty and advisors strengthened communication and collaboration by exploring advising practices and tools, identifying resources for our students, and generating a draft communication strategy for engaging and supporting first-year students. Thank you to the planning committee, Prof. Ernest Ialongo (Chair, Behavioral and Social Sciences), Director Jason Pelosi (SSCU), Carina Colon (ASAP), Jennifer Reynoso (ASAP), Lenny Romano (ASAP), Allison Baptiste (SSCU), and Dr. Yana He (Associate Director, OAA). 

Under the leadership of Prof. Gregory Marks (English Department and FYS/CAP Coordinator), we launched our first cohort of the Hostos Summer Bridge. This weeklong non-credit workshop is designed to welcome students to campus, introduce them to student support services and college readiness skills, and to connect with peers and Title V peer mentors. Thirty-five students completed the bridge program this summer. Thank you also to Prof. Alison Lowenstein (English Department), Prof. Lauren Wolf (Math Department), Dr. Silvia Reyes, and the Title V mentors for supporting this initiative. 

This fall, we are excited to launch our first cohort of a semester-long professional development seminar designed to create a sense of belonging in our first-year courses. Ten faculty from across departments will participate. Thanks to Prof. Nelson Nunez-Rodriguez (Natural Sciences Department) and Prof. Amina Tajbhai (English Department) for leading this seminar. 

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM)

Submitted by VP La Toro Yates, Ph.D.

A Message from VP Yates

Whether you're starting as a freshman, transferring, or continuing your studies, we're excited to welcome you to Hostos for the Fall 24 semester. As you embark on your journey as a Caiman, know that the Division of Student Development and Enrollment Management (SDEM) is dedicated to providing exceptional academic, emotional, and social experiences to support your success.

Our SDEM team is committed to ensuring you have an amazing campus experience, with a wealth of resources available remotely and in person. We encourage you to explore our numerous programs and services, including Counseling, Wellness, Accessibility Resources, Food Pantry, Veterans Affairs, and Scholarships. At HCC, we're dedicated to supporting your personal and academic growth while broadening your perspective with new ideas and cultures.

We look forward to helping you succeed!

At Hostos, WE BUILD CHAMPIONS!

Hostos Welcome Days BBQ TODAY!

Friday, August 30, from 12-3 p.m. at Evelina Antonetty Playground.

Did somebody say barbecue? To begin the fall semester today, SDEM is hosting its annual Welcome Days BBQ at Evelina Antonetty Playground. Students, faculty, staff, and members of the extended Hostos family are welcome to connect and kick off the 2024-2025 academic year!

Let’s enjoy the company with laughter, community support, and reunions. It is a perfect kick-off for the new semester. See you all there!

Children’s Center

The Hostos Community College Children’s Center is open for the Fall 2024. Children of student-parents can enroll their children ages zero through five. Hours of operation are 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Funding is available for student parents to help with the cost. If space is available, faculty and staff can enroll their children based on a sliding fee scale. 

Please reach out to Program & Family Coordinator Paulina Martínez for more information. 718-518-4209, or pmartinez@hostos.cuny.edu. 

Financial Aid Office

Have you applied for FAFSA? TAP? 

Students enrolling in the Fall 2024 semester can still apply for TAP by filling out the FAFSA. Once submitted, New York State residents attending NYS campuses can link directly to the TAP application. Our Financial Aid team is here to guide you through the application process.  

For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 718-518-6555.

POEMS TO INSPIRE THE COMMUNITY

“The Road Not Taken”

By Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM)

Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne

Completed Campus Projects to Start Off the New Semester

Welcome back to a new academic year! Hopefully, you have had some rest and relaxation over the summer. Administrative and facilities projects on campus are constantly in motion and don’t stop when the summer begins or ends. Some of the projects that have been completed or are winding down include:

• The Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) has moved to the Advisement Center at 429 Grand Concourse. They moved in early August, completing the occupancy of the 429 GC space and in time for the new semester. As per usual procedures, IT, Campus Planning, Facilities, and Public Safety all helped facilitate the successful and smooth move of the ARC.

• All Hostos student, faculty, and staff emails were migrated to M365. Users can get to their email from the Hostos homepage by clicking on Login To and then Webmail. For M365 email, all users must log in with their CUNY credentials. Enhanced security on your emails requires Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to be set up before accessing webmail. If you haven’t done this yet, please set up MFA promptly. All CUNY campuses are now on M365 and CUNY Central CIS is overseeing the email system for the entire university.

• All equipment for the 9 Air Handling Units project in the A building has been installed. The next step is the system commissioning. Commissioning, according to the Department of Energy, “is the process of thoroughly verifying and proving that building systems are installed and operating according to the criteria in the original design and engineering documentation.” The entire project is expected to be fully wrapped up at the end of August. 

• One new project that started during the summer, in mid-August, is resurfacing the Hostos swimming pool. Starting August 12, the pool will be drained and completely restored with a new marble surface. This project will take approximately six weeks to complete. When the pool is ready for use, we will inform the College community.

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD)

Submitted by VP Evelyn Fernández-Ketcham, Ph.D., LCSW

Now Available Online: CEWD’s Fall 2024 Catalog

CEWD’s Fall 2024 catalog is now available online. To view our online catalog, please click here. This semester, we offer various occupational training and educational programs in areas such as construction, education/teaching, English for Speakers of Other Languages, GED, medical and health, and technology. As part of CEWD’s commitment to making our programs accessible to the community, scholarships and no-cost programs are available to students who qualify. Below, you will find more information on these opportunities. For students interested in enrolling in a degree program after completing a certificate, CEWD and the Office of Academic Affairs have developed seven credit articulation agreements, which allow CEWD students to earn credit when they enroll in a Hostos degree program. To learn more, click here.    

For information on CEWD’s scholarships and no-cost programming, please visit the links below to our online catalog:

1. NYC Accelerated Workforce Recovery Hub  

2. Community Health Worker Certificate Program

3. CUNY Fatherhood Academy

4. Home Health Aide Certificate Training and English as a Second Language (ESL) Program

5. The Adult Learning Center’s GED and ESL Courses

6. The MacKenzie Scott Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) Scholarship Fund  

7. Career Success Scholarship 

Information Sessions

To learn more about CEWD’s program offerings, please attend one of our upcoming Virtual or In-Person Information Sessions. To register for a session, visit https://tinyurl.com/HostosCEWD. 

Virtual Sessions

Wednesday, September 4 at 6 PM

Saturday, September 14 at 11 AM

Wednesday, October 2, at 6 PM

Saturday, October 5, at 11 AM

Wednesday, November 6, at 6 PM

Wednesday, December 4, at 6 PM

In-Person Sessions at 560 Exterior Street

Wednesday, September 18, at 6 PM

Wednesday, October 9, at 6 PM

Wednesday, November 13, at 6 PM

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT (DIA)

Submitted by VP Colette Atkins

Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture Awarded $250,000 from Booth Ferris Foundation

In July, the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture received $250,000 over two years from the Booth Ferris Foundation, enabling the HCAC to significantly enhance its marketing efforts. The HCAC is grateful to Booth Ferris for this outstanding investment.

Late Professor Gerald Meyer’s Estate Gift Endows Transfer Scholarship

Professor Gerald Meyer served as a faculty member at Hostos from 1973 until 2002, and after a short break, he returned to teach part time in his retirement. He created the Gerald Meyer Transfer Scholarship in 2016 to help graduating students afford everything from tuition at a four-year college to travel.

After his tragic passing in 2021, the Foundation learned that Hostos had been named in Professor Meyer’s will, and in June 2024, the College received initial disbursements from his estate totaling $58,333 to endow the scholarship bearing his name. The Foundation is grateful for Professor Meyer’s planning and foresight in establishing this gift, which will ensure that his generosity toward Hostos students is truly endless.

Remembering Founding Board Member Elba Cabrera – La Madrina De Las Artes 

Founding Board member and life-long Bronx advocate Elba Cabrera passed away on May 10 at 90 years of age. The Hostos Community College family mourns the loss of this iconic community member, who has been a part of Hostos’ story since its inception.

The Elba Cabrera Memorial Fund was established in honor of Elba’s dedication to the arts. The fund will provide operating support for the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture. The fund quickly raised more than $18,000 to preserve the legacy of this beloved community leader. If you would like to honor Elba’s memory in this way, consider making a recurring gift to the Elba Cabrera Memorial Fund.

BRAVO NEWS

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). 

Hostos Office of Community Relations Participates in Dominican Pride Week

Hostos Community College was proudly represented throughout Dominican Pride Week, culminating in the 42nd National Dominican Day Parade on Sunday, August 11, on Sixth Avenue in Manhattan. With a significant number of our Hispanic students identifying as Dominican and a College President born in the Dominican Republic, Hostos came out to represent, filling the avenue with vibrant colors, lively sounds, and a profound sense of Dominican pride. The Office of Community Relations was actively involved in all events! A full story is available here.

Hostos Career Services Director Receives Education Award from New York League of Puerto Rican Women, Alumna Granted Scholarship

Hostos Community College is proud to announce that Lisanette Rosario, our Director of Career Services, has been honored with the Education Award at the New York League of Puerto Rican Women’s 16th Annual Scholarship Gala. The event, held at Marina del Rey in the Bronx on Thursday, August 8, recognized Rosario’s unwavering dedication and commitment to empowering students through career advisement. Her work has significantly impacted the lives of many within our community.Read more here. 

We Had a Flantastic Day! 

President Daisy Cocco De Filippis hosted her annual flan contest on Wednesday, August 21. Contestants showed off their baking skills, presenting iterations ranging from traditional to fruit-flavored flans, and even flan cakes. Taste-testers enjoyed them all but were big fans of the flans made by Public Safety Corporal Clara Albino, Public Safety Corporal Freddy Ortiz, and Development Officer Idelsa Méndez, who were named the first, second, and third-place winners, respectively. Take a look at the delicious offerings here. 

Families United in Education Participants Recognized at Luncheon

On Wednesday, July 31, the atmosphere was one of joy and pride as Hostos Community College President Daisy Cocco De Filippis hosted a celebratory lunch to honor the remarkable achievements of participants in the Families United in Education (FUiE) initiative. The FUiE program is designed to encourage academic progress among family members attending the College, such as sisters, cousins, and parent-child pairs, by facilitating access to higher education. Check some photos of students during their recognition luncheon here.

We Keep Providing HOPE to Our Well-Deserving Student Parents

Hostos’ 2024 Holistic Oasis for Parents’ Education (HOPE) program closed out its summer session in July with a special showcase and completion ceremony hosted by Dr. Sarah Hoiland, HOPE Program Director and Sociology Professor in the College’s Behavioral and Social Sciences Department. Now in its third year, HOPE is a two-generation summer program that provides wraparound support to HOPE Scholars and their children. Seventeen student-parents — all mothers — completed the HOPE program in 2024, cumulatively earning 81 credits over the course of the summer session. Learn more about the closing event here.

Hostos Celebrated its 54th Commencement Ceremonies!

Hostos Community College celebrated the 54th Commencement Ceremonies on Wednesday and Thursday of May 29 and 30. Graduates of the Class of 2024 hailed from 8 U.S. states and 28 countries, the majority from the Dominican Republic, United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Honduras, Bangladesh, and Jamaica. “We believe in you — our graduates —, and your ability to make the future brighter for yourselves and for all of us as you follow your dreams. I am honored to serve as your president,” said Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis. Read the full story here.

HOSTOS FOR EVERYONE

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.

EVENTS

Title: TODAY! Fall 2024 Welcome Days BBQ

Date | Time: Friday, August 30 | 12–3 PM

Location: Evelina Antonetty Playground

Description: Join us at the Welcome Days BBQ on Friday, August 30, at noon at the Evelina Antonetty Playground! Let's enjoy some music and delicious food together.

Title: Start of Semester Stated Meeting of the College 

Date | Time: Thursday, September 12 | 12 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Description: Lunch will be served at 12 p.m., and the State of the College presentations will begin at 12:30 p.m. President Daisy Cocco De Filippis will be presenting along with members of the Cabinet and others. 

Title: HISPANIC/LATINX HERITAGE MONTH | Voter Registration & Constitution Day

Date | Time: Tuesday, September 17 | 11 AM - 3 PM

Location: A-Atrium

Description: Join the League of Women Voters of New York City to learn how to register to vote. They will talk about the importance of voting as a civic duty during the celebration of Constitution Day! 



Title: Virtual Financial Empowerment Workshops

Date | Time: Weds., Sept 18 | 10 AM - 6:30 PM

Location: Virtual (Zoom coming soon)

Description: Learn about budgeting, investing, and more. Zoom and RSVP information to follow.

Title: Senate Meeting – September

Date | Time: Thursday, September 19 | 3:30 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Title: Hostos Community College Foundation Scholarship Fund Golf Outing Classic

Date | Time: Thursday, September 26 | 10 AM - 9 PM

Location: Pelham Bay and Split Rocks Golf Courses

Description: The 18th Annual Hostos Community College Foundation Scholarship Fund Golf Outing Classic tees off on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the picturesque Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Courses. Join us for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie, all while supporting a worthy cause: making higher education accessible for all. Come for the whole day or just join us in the evening for cocktails and dinner. Get your tickets at www.hostosgolfouting.com. 

Title: Senate Meeting – October

Date | Time: Thursday, October 17 | 3:30 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Title: Flora Campesina: A Concert by Puerto Rican Cuatro Player Fabiola Méndez

Date | Time: Saturday, November 2 | 8 PM

Location: Repertory Theater

Description: Cuatro player and composer Fabiola Méndez will arrive in New York City with a contemporary tribute to Puerto Rican folk music as part of the concert tour Flora Campesina, her new musical project. Méndez will perform with her ensemble on November 2 at the Repertory Theater. During her concert, the singer-songwriter will share songs from her fourth musical release, where she blends traditional Puerto Rican genres, such as danza, seis, bomba, pasillo, and guaracha, with jazz and modern Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Tickets for the concert are already on sale at www.boritix.com and will also be available on the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture website soon. 

Title: Senate Meeting – November

Date | Time: Thursday, November 21 | 3:30 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Title: Senate Meeting – December

Date | Time: Thursday, December 19 | 3:30 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

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.