Friday, January 27, 2023 | Vol. 6, No. 2

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

I hope the first week of classes is going well thus far. How wonderful it is to see you all beginning the semester anew! This week I am writing with an update on the development of the College’s 2023–2028 Strategic Plan.

In Spring 2022, Hostos faculty, staff, and students embarked on a participatory process to develop the next five-year plan. A great number of faculty, staff, and students participated in the two open forums held in April 2022 to gain early input and perspective on the strengths, challenges, and opportunities facing Hostos.

Simultaneously last spring, we formed the Strategic Planning Steering Committee and six working groups. The Strategic Planning Steering Committee ensured an inclusive, engaged, evidence-based planning process and put together the plan’s framework. The working groups, each assigned a mission pillar theme, were responsible for proposing goals, strategies, and activities that will help us achieve our mission and improve student success over the next five years. Hostos’ Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Research, and Assessment (OIERA) was tasked with developing measurable indicators of success that will help us understand the extent to which implementing the plan makes a difference.

I am pleased to report that the working groups have submitted draft proposals to my Cabinet and me. These proposals, including OIERA-developed indicators of success, will be forwarded to the Strategic Planning Steering Committee shortly. Once the Committee has synthesized these draft proposals into a single strategic planning document, this draft plan will be shared with the campus community via three Spring 2023 open forums:

In-person Forums:

For students

Tuesday, March 28 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Room C-391

For faculty/staff

Tuesday, March 28 | 3 – 5 p.m. | Savoy Multi-Purpose Room

Virtual Forum for All:

Thursday, March 30 | 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Zoom link forthcoming

It is my great hope that you will see participation in this strategic planning process as an opportunity to serve our wonderful college and contribute to its greatness.

Mil gracias y bendiciones, Daisy

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

A POEM TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

By Langston Hughes

I’ve known rivers:

I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.

I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.

I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.

I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans, and

I’ve seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset.

I’ve known rivers:

Ancient, dusky rivers.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.



Langston Hughes, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" from The Collected Works of Langston Hughes. Copyright 2002 by Langston Hughes. Reprinted by permission of Harold Ober Associates, Inc.

MESSAGE FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT LEAGHTON N. OZORIA

Let us uphold our values by honoring the memory of Martin Luther King Jr., and turn to him to recognize we are starting on the right foot this semester by being finalists for the Aspen Prize. Let us dawn on a new day where we can look at the administration for wisdom, support, and influence. We can grow by relying on our collective strengths, which will grant us a better sense of direction.

CAIMAN CLUES

Weekly Tips & Reminders to Navigate Life at Hostos

Dear Students,

Welcome to the Spring 2023 semester at Hostos! As you get into the swing of things, make sure to utilize all the resources available to you — like the Caiman Clues, your helping hand to success!  

Here are the Caiman Clues: 

• Class Registration and Change of Program – Classes began today, January 25. Late registration will result in a fee of $25 and any changes made to your class schedule will result in an $18 fee.  
• Student Technology Workshops – The Educational Technology Office offers technology workshops. You can check out the weekly calendar and register here. Additionally, the “Are You Ready?” Virtual class takes 30 minutes to complete, and the Microsoft Office self-paced online trainings are on Blackboard. Each app offers information, videos, and quizzes that need to be completed to see additional topics. Enroll in the Student Technology Trainings course, then follow the directions provided.  
• Hostos Café Reopening – The Hostos Café will once again be open for our community to enjoy meals together on campus. The café hours will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning Thursday, January 26.  
• Club Registration for Spring 2023 – Registration for Hostos Clubs and Activities begins online on Wednesday, January 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To request a form to certify your club, contact Jerry Rosa, Director of Student Activities, at jrosa@hostos.cuny.edu.     
• Please keep track of the academic calendar here. You will find a lot of important upcoming deadlines for the Spring 2023 semester.  

Don’t forget to check back in for next week’s Caiman Clues. 

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

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

Dear Students and Colleagues,

It is wonderful to start a new year at Hostos and welcome you to the Spring 2023 semester! It has been one year since I began working with President Daisy Cocco De Filippis and the members of the Hostos Advisory Corp on the development of the Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives. Our first year implementing the President’s Initiatives has been truly rewarding as we have seen firsthand the many impacts this incredible effort has had on our college community. It is a testament to the collaborative spirit at Hostos that has made this effort possible. As we begin this new year, I look forward to advancing this important work and sharing new opportunities with all of you.

I am also delighted to report on recent updates on several of the President’s Initiatives. 

Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus offered our fall cohort of mentees the opportunity to continue working through the winter session, providing financial stability and continuity, as they transition to the spring semester. To further support their professional development, the President’s Office and Career Services Office hosted our third Career Development Day on January 19. This professional development event brought the mentors in for a series of workshops focused on equipping them with the tools and guidance to strengthen their mentoring practices and engaged mentees in learning to develop effective communication skills and maintain a healthy work/life balance. Reflections from our participants on their experience in Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus were extremely positive, as mentors shared how much they valued supporting the professional growth of their mentees. Mentees also expressed appreciation for the knowledge and skills they are developing, new insights they are gaining, and seeing the impact of their work. This wonderful event would not have been possible without the leadership and support of the Career Services team led by Ms. Lisanette Rosario, Director of Career Services, and Ms. Yvonne Rosario-Quiroz, Assistant Director of Career Services, who have been great partners in facilitating excellent career development events for our participants.

The Educating for Diversity Initiative has announced 15 new grantees for Spring 2023! This is twice the number of grantees as compared to last spring and speaks to the enthusiasm and creativity that our Hostos community continues to generate. A wide array of educational and cultural activities will be supported, providing our Hostos community with many opportunities for connection and collaboration to further support the development of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus.

The Hostos Research Center’s 2023 ADELANTE Call for Proposals and Application is still open and accepting submissions. Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to faculty and staff seeking to develop ADELANTE (ADvancing Excellence in Liberal Arts, scieNces, Technology and Engineering) Project proposals to address research, need-based, and/or creative/transformative interventions in all disciplines, including the Arts and Humanities, Behavioral and Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The funding will support year-long research projects that also engage students as research assistants. If you have a new research project/intervention that you want to develop and that will enhance the learning experience for our students, do not miss this opportunity to submit your proposal.

Please click on the links below to access the 2023 ADELANTE Call for Proposals and Application. The application deadline is February 3, 2023.

ADELANTE 2023 Call for Proposals

ADELANTE Project Application Template

Submit ADELANTE Project Application (Use CUNY log-in to access)

For more information about the Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives, please email or call Sofia Oviedo at soviedo@hostos.cuny.edu | Tel: 718-518-4309.

OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT (OIERA)

Submitted by Dean Babette Audant, Ph.D.

2022-23 Operational Plan Updates

Overview 

Anticipating the new 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, the 2022-2023 operational plan is grounded in the six Mission Pillars: Access to Education; Diversity & Multiculturalism; English & Math Skills; Intellectual Growth & Life-long Learning; Socio-economic Mobility; and Community Resources.

Three sets of goals are integrated this year to emphasize how these efforts are mission-aligned and integrated with college-wide efforts to support student success:

1. Recommendations Hostos made in response to findings as part of the 2022 Self-Study Report, all of which were confirmed by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) peer-review team;
2. AcMo 2.0 (Academic Momentum 2.0): Hostos’ plan to support (first-year) credit accumulation and timely graduation and transfer, as part of a CUNY-wide initiative; and,
3. Perkins Major Efforts that support student success in 13 career and technical education academic programs, including Dental Hygiene, Digital Design & Animation, and Office Technology.

To review briefly: the operational planning cycle begins in June for the fiscal year that begins on July 1. The plan is drafted during the summer months. It is shared with the college community for final review at the start of the fall semester. There are three progress updates: December, March, and May. The first two progress updates are largely descriptive (with notable exceptions); the last, in May, includes quantitative data. The operational plan reflects the sum of commitments (in the form of activities) undertaken by the college’s five divisions (Academic Affairs; Administration & Finance; Continuing Education & Workforce Development; Institutional Advancement; Student Development & Enrollment Management) and the President’s Office to advance strategic goals and the Mission in service of our students.

Observations 

Hostos has a mature strategic and operational planning system. The alignments between Mission pillars and/or goal and proposed action are clear. At least some of this can be attributed to the widespread participation in the current strategic planning process, the two previous strategic planning processes, and the recent self-study – all grounded in college-wide participation.This year’s operational plan is light on tasks (measured by “none” and “done”) and rich with an intentional focus on processes. This signals several things, among them a readiness to more clearly articulate how we do things and work across divisions to identify roles and responsibilities. Also, by focusing on process, we’re building in the ability to assess what works well and where the process needs adjustment. This kind of work takes longer, requires and builds trust, and helps us see where we’ve made assumptions about how things work.

Highlights

Hostos students leave money on the table by not finalizing their NYS Tuition Assistance Program applications (TAP) when completing their FAFSA. The Student Development and Enrollment Management division (SDEM) has launched an aggressive communication campaign to increase TAP application rates across modalities. Included are advisement scripts and financial aid outreach and one-on-one support. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) will do its part starting this semester: 

• Students can apply to TAP until the end of the semester. 
• Students enrolled in the First-Year Seminar will learn about financial aid/financial literacy. 
• OAA will invite faculty to share reminders about how to apply for TAP (and financial aid more generally) with students.

The Nursing Associate in Applied Science (AAS) admissions process has been changed thanks to coordinated efforts by SDEM and OAA, with feedback from Allied Health Sciences faculty, advisors, Admissions, and the Registrar. Hostos launched a three-semester pilot in time for the Spring 2023 enrollment period: 

• Prospective students interested in pursuing a Nursing AAS degree are now admitted as Liberal Arts AA students and coded PREN (Pre-Nursing) at enrollment. 
• Students will be advised to complete the Nursing prerequisites outlined on the Nursing Checklist. They will have opportunities to be advised as a cohort about the Nursing application process as well as learn about other academic/career pathways, including Community Health, Aging & Health, and Licensed Practical Nursing. 
• Once they complete their Nursing AAS prerequisites and the multi-step application process, students invited to join the Nursing AAS program will change their major. The goal is to provide options to students from day one and support their interest in Nursing.

The Division of Institutional Advancement (DIA) has achieved 68% of its fundraising goal. Fundraising requires multiple strategies, including grants to support Supplemental Instruction and the One Stop Center, cultivation of donors, and events. DIA staff have been meeting with division leadership and faculty and staff to better understand funding priorities and opportunities and to better inform communication to current and prospective donors.

Continuing Education & Workforce Development (CEWD) is committed to supporting student transition from CEWD to college enrollment (42 CEWD alumni enrolled at Hostos in Fall 2022). In addition to continuing to champion credit for prior learning and working with faculty to develop articulation agreements, CEWD is developing new employer/industry partnerships with faculty in Math (Computer Science and Cybersecurity) and Business that anticipate these alignments from the start.

Next steps

The spring semester will bring continued progress on operational plan commitments and two progress reports in mid-March and the end of May (prior to graduation). As mentioned, the final progress report will include quantitative data, including key performance indicators (KPIs). Additionally, the 2023–2028 Strategic Plan draft will be shared with the college community with opportunities for conversation and discussion.

Thank you to all staff, faculty, and division leaders for keeping the flywheel spinning and maintaining the spirit of Manos a la Obra/All Hands on Deck!

POLICY OF THE WEEK

Highlighting CUNY Policies You Should Know

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

Statement on Public Order

In compliance with Chapter 191 of the laws of 1969, the CUNY Board of Trustees has adopted rules and regulations for the maintenance of public order on college campuses and other college property used for education purposes. Check the guidelines and procedures here.

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

New York City Landlords Required to Provide Heat and Hot Water from October 1 through May 31

This week’s update comes from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) about heat and hot water laws in the upcoming cold months. See details below.

From Housing Preservation and Development (HPD; non-NYCHA residents)

By law, New York City has an eight-month-long “heat season” from October 1 to May 31, during which all residential building owners are required to maintain indoor temperatures at 68 degrees when outdoor temperatures fall below 55 degrees during the day. Indoor temperatures must also be a minimum of 62 degrees overnight, regardless of outdoor temperatures. Building owners are legally required to provide hot water at 120 degrees year-round.

If an apartment lacks appropriate heat and/or hot water, tenants should first attempt to notify the building owner, managing agent, or superintendent. If service is not restored, the tenant should register an official complaint by calling 311 or downloading and using the 311 mobile app. Hearing-impaired tenants can register complaints via a Touchtone Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 212-504-4115. Be sure to write down and keep your 311 complaint number.

HPD responds to heat and hot water complaints as quickly as possible. Tenants can monitor HPD Online to learn the result of the complaint. If a landlord fails to provide heat entirely, HPD’s Emergency Repair Program or Housing Litigation Division will intervene to seek the restoration of heat. Multiple complaints from a particular building are often the result of one condition in need of repair.

Low-income property owners having trouble maintaining heat in their homes should contact the Home Energy Assistance Program at 1-800-692-0557. Eligible households can learn more information about assistance in paying heating bills or repairing heating equipment.

For NYCHA Residents

NYCHA residents follow a different procedure. Residents experiencing heat or hot water issues should call the NYCHA Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 or report the issue via the MyNYCHA mobile app or web version. They should also contact NYCHA when: 

• The apartment temperature is out of range.
• They have hot pipes and cold radiators. 
• A window is not closing properly.
• Steam is leaking into the apartment.
• The building’s front entrance door does not fully close.

View this NYCHA Journal entry for helpful tips to keep apartments warm during the winter. 

NEWS FROM THE DIVISIONS

OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

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

Resources for Teaching, Learning, and Supporting Student Success

Syllabus template: A course syllabus communicates expectations, policies, and resources to students, and sets the tone for a successful and productive semester. Faculty members are encouraged to utilize the Hostossyllabus template. By adhering to this template, faculty can ensure that all necessary information is included and presented in a professional and organized manner.

Library: Hostos has two libraries that offer a wide range of materials and services to support teaching, learning, and research. The first library is on-campus, located on the third floor of the A-building near the library pillars. This location offers study spaces, books, journals, and librarians to help with research assignments. The second library is the online Hostos Library Website which offers easy access to the Research 101 online guide as well as a variety of online databases, journals, articles, other media, and online e-resources. The online library is available 24/7 for students, faculty, and staff. All campus members are encouraged to take advantage of these resources and explore the library's website for more information. Find the updated library hours here.

Day Zero: OAA hosted an important professional development opportunity for all faculty on Day Zero, Tuesday, January 23, titled "Rebuilding the Hostos Community: Inclusion, Belonging & Retention." This event took place from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and provided a forum for discussion and collaboration. This was a unique opportunity for our faculty to engage with colleagues from the college and learn from experts in the field. Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis greeted the attendees and launched the event.

Ed Tech: The Spring 2023 professional development calendar is ready! It includes workshops that promote discussions about teaching and learning in various modalities and how different technologies can result in meaningful pedagogical improvements. Interested in one-on-one consultations? Faculty can schedule one with an instructional designer by sending an email to EdTechSupport@hostos.cuny.edu.

Succeed@Hostos: Succeed@Hostos is an exceptional tool that allows faculty to complete progress surveys, display office hours, schedule appointments with students, track class participation, make academic support referrals, and view student advisor information, all in one central location. Advisors and staff also have a host of support tools available with the online platform. To fully utilize the capabilities of Succeed@Hostos, there are online tutorials available. Together, we can empower our students to succeed.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM)

Submitted by VP La Toro Yates, Ph.D.

Student Services

Enrollment for Spring 2023 is open now! Continuing students can log in to their CUNYfirst accounts to register for classes using Schedule Builder. For navigation assistance, click here. If you need further support, you can make an appointment with your ASAP Advisor or College Discovery Advisor. You can call Student Services at 718-518-4385.

Children’s Center

Offering High-Quality Childcare to Our Hostos Community

Spring semester: We are gearing up for our spring semester. Currently, together with our infant/toddler rooms, we have 49 children enrolled. We expect to make our target of 50 or exceed it. Parents are still registering for Spring 2023. If you wish to enroll your kid(s), go here.

Financial Aid

The U.S. Department of Education allocated $1.25M in Supplemental Support under American Response Plan (SSARP) funds to Hostos Community College, to be distributed directly to students. The aid will go toward supporting housing, tuition, food insecurity, basic needs, and institutional funds to expand mental healthcare, create retention programs, and monitor and suppress the spread of COVID-19, among other initiatives designed in response to the pandemic. 

In addition, Hostos allocated $410K of its $833K minority-serving institutional funds (MSI), under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), to assist students with exceptional need, with particular regard for their direct cost of attendance (tuition & fees). As a result:

• 3,309 Hostos students were awarded a Federal SSARP Student Grant: Avg award = $377
• 463 Hostos students were awarded a Federal CRRSAA MSI Grant: Avg award = $885
• 75 Hostos students were awarded discretionary Federal SEOG: Avg award = $1,015
•  538 students were empowered to register for classes for Spring 2023: 43% [n = 229 of 538] have registered for Spring classes

Scholarships

Great News! TheDream.US National Scholarship is now open! This scholarship is for highly motivated undocumented students who want nothing more than a college education but cannot afford the cost. You may be eligible for our National Scholarship if you are undocumented and are enrolled in a community college or university. Read more about the eligibility criteria below:

• Our Scholars have what it takes to succeed in college and life! While we consider your GPA, we place great emphasis on your commitment to community service and your demonstrated ability to overcome the barriers and challenges that undocumented students face each day.
• Our National Scholarship Award will cover your tuition and fees up to a maximum of $16,500 for an associate degree and $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree at one of our partner colleges. 

You can renew the Award each year so long as you meet the continuing eligibility criteria.

Important Dates

November 1, 2022 – Application Opens

February 28, 2023 – Application Closes

Late April 2023 – TheDream.US Awardees Notified

• The Hispanic Federation (HF) seeks to empower and advance the Hispanic community, support Hispanic families, and strengthen Latino institutions through work in the areas of education, health, immigration, civic engagement, economic empowerment, and the environment. Continuing its commitment to serve and support New York City’s young immigrant population, the Hispanic Federation is proud to provide funds to aid eligible undocumented students with tuition or grocery assistance through its Undocumented Student Support Fund. Read the eligibility criteria below: 

1. Enrolled in at least six credits.
2. Earned a degree from high school or obtained a GED.
3. Not eligible to apply for federal financial aid; and
4. Falls within the 400% federal poverty guidelines.
5. Attend college in one of the 5 NYC boroughs.
6. Open to all undocumented students regardless of country of birth.

For more information or assistance with these and other scholarships, contact Marina Esquilin, scholarship coordinator, at 718-518-4166 or mesquilin@hostos.cuny.edu.

POEMS TO INSPIRE OUR COMMUNITY

Submitted by VP La Toro Yates

You Came, Too

By Nikki Giovanni

I came to the crowd seeking friends

I came to the crowd seeking love

I came to the crowd for understanding

I found you

I came to the crowd to weep

I came to the crowd to laugh

You dried my tears

You shared my happiness

I went from the crowd seeking you

I went from the crowd seeking me

I went from the crowd forever

You came, too

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne

429 Grand Concourse Update

As many of us may remember, from December 23 through December 26, 2022, the temperatures dropped precipitously into subfreezing digits. On the night of December 26, 2022, Johnson Controls, which monitors the fire alarm system in the 429 Grand Concourse building, received a water flow signal. This signal initiation generated a call to Hostos Public Safety and the Sergeant on duty immediately went to the site. The Sergeant arrived at the same time as the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). A sprinkler line had ruptured and unleashed a massive flow of water into the 2nd floor. Except for the immediate area of the leak, the water was largely contained in the hallways. Little furniture or equipment was damaged.

The FDNY shut down the water to the broken sprinkler line within 15 minutes of the notification signal. It’s worth noting that, because the 429 GC space is a rental space, Hostos’ engineering department is not responsible for the building systems. Immediately after the water was shut down, the 429 GC building management company, Trinity, notified their construction crews and began removing all the water from the space. A remediation contractor was brought on board to oversee the clean-up. By the following day, all the wall baseboards had been removed to gauge the amount of damage to the walls. Fans and heaters were installed throughout the 2nd floor to dry and prevent mold. Moisture levels were monitored with a moisture meter. All through the following week, the wallboards were removed one foot from the floor on the entire 2nd-floor space. The furniture and electronic equipment were covered to prevent any damage from the dust generated by the construction. Hostos’ Director of Health and Safety, Marya Shuksta, has been visiting the space and is in contact with the Remediation Contractor and CUNY.

Once the remediation contractor determined that the space had dried out, an industrial hygienist was called in to evaluate the space and develop a report on their findings.The report was received by CUNY and Hostos on January 19, 2023, and is currently under review.

Hostos Café Reopening

Hostos is excited to have a new cafeteria food vendor, A La Carte. They will provide food on campus this spring semester. Please visit the cafeteria, meet the staff, and enjoy their menu! Read more here.

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD)

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

Mission BX Interviews Hostos Staff and Students



The Division for Continuing Education and Workforce Development’s Center for Bronx Nonprofit (CBNP) hosts a 30-minute monthly show on BronxNet, Mission BX. The show recently interviewed the following staff and students from Hostos:

• On Mission BX’s first episode, President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D. discussed her role at Hostos and her lifelong passion for education. To watch the episode, click here.
• In the second episode, Mission BX interviewed Dr. Evelyn Fernandez-Ketcham, VP of CEWD, Dinorah Castillo from New Settlement, and Chris Garcia, a student who participated in CEWD’s Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) occupational training program. To watch the episode, click here.
• During the third episode, Sofia Oviedo, Research Programs Director, and two Hostos students—Maria Vazquez and Victor Guevara—discussed the programs and opportunities generated by Ms. McKenzie Scott’s generous gift to the college. To watch the episode, click here.

CEWD Student Spotlight



Last summer, through our partnership with Trinity Wall Street, Brian Walsh enrolled in CEWD’s site-safety training, which includes preparation to obtain Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification and six additional NYC Department of Buildings site-safety certifications. Upon successfully fulfilling the requirements, Brian interned for a Brooklyn-based project development firm specializing in low-income housing and was accepted by the New York City College of Technology (City Tech). He has completed his first semester and is majoring in Construction Management.

Spread the Word

Please share information about CEWD’s current scholarships and no-cost training opportunities, which can be found by clicking here and selecting the scholarships & tuition assistance programs link in our online course catalog. For additional information, please encourage prospective students to sign up for one of CEWD’s upcoming Virtual Information Sessions by visiting https://tinyurl.com/HostosCEWD. 

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Submitted by VP Colette Atkins

The Libra Group Awards $100,000 Over Two Years in Support of the Family Empowerment Program



The Hostos Community College Foundation, the Office of the President, and the Hostos Center for Health and Wellness are pleased to announce that the Libra Group has pledged $100,000 over two years to provide emergency funds, childcare stipends, MetroCards, and other enrichments for the Family Empowerment Program (FEP). The FEP has been uplifting student-parents for a decade, and this investment will enable the program to provide much-needed direct support to Hostos student-parents.

The Alumni Fund for Student Transfer Scholarships

The Office of Alumni Relations is pleased to announce the Hostos Alumni Fund for Student Transfer Scholarships. The intended fund gives alumni a way to honor the impact of their Hostos degree by providing empowering support to current students who want to further their academic careers at a four-year institution. If you’re an alum, consider making a year-end gift toward the Hostos Alumni Fund for Student Transfer Scholarships using this link.

Save the Date for the 55th Anniversary Gala

The 2023 Hostos Community College Foundation 55th Anniversary Gala will be held on Wednesday, April 26. Please save the date to join us for this celebration.

BRAVO NEWS

Celebrating the Accomplishments of the Hostos Community

Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture Receives $50,000 Gift from Howard Gilman Foundation

The Howard Gilman Foundation awarded a $50,000 grant to the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture (HCAC) to support their operational costs for 2023. The organization provides funding to performing arts organizations that are reflective of New York City’s vibrant communities. The gift was a pleasant surprise for the College’s leadership.

“We are incredibly grateful for this unexpected grant. The support comes just as we start fully at 100% capacity for the first time since the pandemic started. This will help us to outreach, engage, and connect with all audiences at our institution and the greater community,” said Felix Arocho, director of HCAC. Read more here.

Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture Praised for Three Kings Day Concert’s Success

The work of the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture (HCAC) has not gone unnoticed recently. Last week, Felix Arocho received praise for his professionalism organizing the concert “Los Tres Reyes Magos: Le Cantan a la Diáspora,” which took place on January 6 at the Repertory Theater. The event hosted musicians from Puerto Rico who played cuatro, guitar, güiro and performed original and beloved aguinaldos, plenas, seises and guarachas from the island. 

“We are extremely impressed with you and your team. The truth is that it is a pleasure to work with passionate and professional people. I congratulate you. We had never experienced that emotion and joy at a concert,” said Luis Rosa, one of the participant artists of the concert.

Kudos to Felix and his team on their continued success at HCAC!

Hostos Among 14 Community Colleges in the Nation to Participate in Cybersecurity Initiative 

Hostos Community College was recently selected as one of 14 community colleges across the nation to participate in the Cyber Skills for All initiative’s second cohort. This project gives the College technical assistance and support for its cybersecurity program. The award is made possible by a partnership between the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and Microsoft. In addition to receiving a grant of $20,000, Hostos’ participants will engage with a collective consisting of a community college workforce and executives to build high-quality and industry-relevant programs for economic opportunity.

This recognition positions Hostos as a national contributor to cybersecurity’s current demands. “Receiving this award is a significant achievement for us. As a Hispanic-serving institution, this award highlights the importance of providing access to cybersecurity education and training opportunities to underrepresented communities. This accolade also indicates that Hostos is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals and contribute to bridging the current skills gap in the field,” said Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Shiang-Kwei Wang.

Part of the grant money will fund the creation of a new degree program in Cybersecurity at Hostos. Mathematics Professor, Nieves Angulo, will lead the curriculum development of this initiative. Read more here. 

HOSTOS FOR EVERYONE

Free Services for the Community

Hostos Offers Free Preventive Dental Hygiene Services to the Public

For more information and scheduling, call 718-319-7943.

The appointment schedule, as follows, will resume January 25, 2023:

Mondays: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesdays: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Location: Hostos Dental Hygiene Patient Care Facility

500 Grand Concourse, Bronx NY 10451

B-Building 

The Dental Hygiene Patient Care Facility at Hostos Community College is a teaching unit that provides comprehensive 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.

Note: The clinic does not provide restorative dental work such as fillings, implants, etc.

Title: Lunar New Year Celebration with Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company

Date | Time: Saturday, January 28 | 3 p.m. (1 hour and 30 minutes)

Daytime performance for schools and daytime groups: Wednesday, February 1 | 10:30 a.m. (45 minutes)

Location: Main Theater of the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture (HCAC) | C-building, 450 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451

Brief description: Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Hostos Center and the acclaimed Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company. The company’s acclaimed dancers, stunning acrobats and wonderful musicians bring a spectacular afternoon for all ages. They will perform traditional and contemporary dances dressed in dazzling costumes of dragons, peacocks, and lions - playing bamboo instruments, twirling ribbons and premiering a new lion dance with a hip-hop beat! Join us to celebrate and welcome the Year of the Water Rabbit! Buy tickets here.

Title: Celebrating Distinguished Dominican Leaders and Student Scholars

Date | Time: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 | 3 p.m.

Location: Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos

Title: All-College Meeting

Date | Time: Wednesday, February 9, 2023 | 3:30 p.m. 

Location: SMPR

Hosted by: Office of the President

Title: Panel: A Legacy of Advocacy: Dominican Women and the Struggle for Representation

Date | Time: Tuesday, February 14, 2023 | 3:00 p.m.

Location: Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos

Title: Untold Narratives – A Seductive Echo

Date | Time: Open until February 22, 2023 (Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri | 12 - 6 p.m.)

Location: Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos

Brief description: An exciting new exhibition featuring artists that contend with the limits and potentials of language manifested in misinterpretation, abstraction, and slippages. Their works reveal distorted and fragmented expressions of the self as mediated by popular culture, new technologies, experiences of isolation, and displacement.

For inclusion in The Hostos Weekly, please send your items to:

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Find the Spring Publishing Schedule for El Semanario Hostosiano here.

Past issues of El Semanario Hostosiano/The Hostos Weekly can be found here.

Look for The Hostos Weekly each Friday.