Friday, January 30, 2026 | Vol. 12, No. 1

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

January 26 was our first day of classes. Engagement and high expectations for the new semester are palpable. In ongoing conversations with students, faculty and staff, I am reminded of the strength of our Hostos family, its generosity, resilience, and shared belief in the work ahead.

As I walked the campus this week, with storm recovery still ongoing,  it became clear that something wonderful is happening as we prepare for another semester of academic and student engagement. There is still much work to be done in terms of enrollment and late registration. 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. Currently, colleagues are projecting approximately 3% growth in enrollment. Late Start Semester courses, for which registration began Monday, will help with enrollment as well. Provost Fabrizio and department chairs have done generous work together this year to ensure responsible, caring scheduling in support of our students and colleagues.  Bravi!

The political landscape is challenging but we continue to manage well together, putting our students, the quality of programs, and good teaching first. As this week comes to a close, I wish you all a good weekend, continued good health, dedication and hope as we work together in support of teaching and learning.

Mil gracias y bendiciones,

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

POEM

MESSAFE FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) PRESIDENT TYLER WOODS

Dear Hostos Community,

I am Tyler Woods, the new SGA President for this 2026 spring semester and I would like to start with a greeting to everyone, as well as a farewell to the SGA members that have graduated: Nichelle Hemphill, Rainey Colon Cabrera, Ashley Walker, Dorian Johnson and Megan Campos. We will miss you! Everyone, please make sure to keep an eye out at the Spring Commencement ceremony as they will be back to walk the stage with the graduating class of 2026. 

To continue the strong momentum we have from the Fall semester, the SGA is currently recruiting students to take up senator positions. If you are interested in student advocacy and believe that you are a good fit for what the Hostos Student Government Association stands for, applications are available at the Student Activities Office in Building C, Room 371. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to apply.

That’s all for now.

See you around,

Tyler

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

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

Dear Students and Colleagues,



It is a pleasure to welcome you all to the new spring semester! I hope that you enjoyed the holidays and winter break and had time to reflect and look forward to new beginnings in 2026. This semester I look forward to sharing updates on the progress of Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives, and announcements of upcoming events and opportunities.

Most recently, the Office of the President and the Career Services Office hosted a Career Development Day on January 21, 2026, for the participants of Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus and ADELANTE funded research projects. This event provided engaging workshops designed to strengthen mentoring practices, career readiness skills, and peer-to-peer connections. Many thanks to Ms. Lisanette Rosario, Director of Career Services, and the Career Services team for their continued support and collaboration in facilitating excellent career development events.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce the new Educating for Diversity Initiative Spring 2026 grantees that will provide the Hostos community with a wide array of learning and community-building experiences; and the President’s Student Recognition events, which will be inviting faculty and staff to submit nominations of Hostos students that have excelled in their studies while facing significant challenges.

Faculty and staff are also reminded of the HRC–CSPG Call for 2026 ADELANTE Project Proposals, which supports research, creative, and transformative interventions while providing students with paid research assistant opportunities. Please click here to access the application template and online submission portal. The deadline for submission is extended until Monday, February 9, 2026.

Sincerely,

Sofia Oviedo, Ph.D.

INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT (OIERA)

Submitted by Assistant Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness Babette Audant, Ph.D.

First Year Experience: Early Indications of Impact

Welcome to the spring semester, however ironic it may feel to invoke spring in the midst of winter, it accords with an optimism that counters the literal and figurative darkness. 

In the realm of institutional effectiveness, we rarely if ever identify causes because there are so many untameable, immeasurable variables that cannot be controlled for. Instead, correlation is used to describe a plausible relationship between actions and outcomes. With this in mind, the impact of Hostos’ First Year Experience (FYE) is promising and there are multiple indicators (including retention, Gateway English and math completion, and overall credit completion) that are correlated with a College-wide commitment to delivering a comprehensive, coordinated FYE as per our 2023-28 Strategic Plan, and our subsequent annual Operational Plans. Here, I’m looking at retention specifically among Fall 2025 new students (first time freshmen and transfer entrants), and implying that the robust outcomes are correlated with FYE. And, all data are snapshots available on 1/21/2026, and are very preliminary:

• For some context, overall enrollment is up by 17%, compared to Spring 2025 and compared to a 10% increase across all CUNY community colleges, and 5% across the University. Hostos’ FTE (full time equivalent) is up by 4%, suggesting we have more students enrolling PT in relation to the rate of growth. This is consistent with Hostos students intentionally attempting credits at a rate that results in 4+ years to degree completion. Hostos enrollment is currently 68% female and 32% male, a ratio that tips slightly more female than it has in recent semesters and may be adjusted as students continue enrolling in for Spring 2026 until a few days past the start of the semester. 

• First term retention is the rate at which first time full-time freshmen (FTFTF, a national standard) who enrolled in the fall semester re-enroll in the following spring semester. Last year, the Fall 2024 cohort had a first term retention rate of ~77%. As of 1/21/2026, the FTFTF rate of retention was 79.6%. This suggests the impact of FYE is significant and students enrolled early/on time and feel a sense of belonging, and see the future value of their education. 

• OIERA also looks at retention of other cohorts: among all Fall 2025 first time freshmen (FTF, inclusive of FT and PT), the retention rate is 71.3%, among part-time FTFs it is 59.3%, and among transfer entrants, the Fall 2025 first term retention is 74%.The retention gap among male and female students has decreased from a high of nearly 12 percentage points at the start of January to 4 percentage points, which is a smaller gap than there is at other CUNY’s and nationally. 

• Particular degree programs have a notably strong first-term retention among FTF (not FTFTF), for whom overall first term retention is 71.3%. Retention is often correlated with effective early cohort building: i.e. Digital Design & Animation (77.8%) and Game Design (81.6%) and strong alignment with licensure and/or career/academic alignment: i.e. Dental Hygiene (74.5%), Early Childhood Education (79.7%), Criminal Justice (74.7%) and Computer Science (73.5%). Faculty outreach and communication about academic planning makes an enormous impact as well. 

These outcomes are promising and speak to the steady gains achieved by intentional collaboration, and institutional investments in professional development for faculty, peer mentors, supplemental instruction, embedded tutors and early, proactive advisement by ASAP, SSCU and College Discovery. FYE is a recognized national best practice. Hostos’ FYE is both informed by national best practices and designed to respond to and anticipate the needs of Hostos students, with positive results that can inform our future commitments.

POLICY OF THE WEEK

Highlighting CUNY Policies You Should Know

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

Multiple Positions Policy

Each full-time faculty member is obligated to view his/her appointment to a college or university faculty position within The City University as his/her major professional commitment. Read more about the Multiple Positions policy here.

GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Submitted by Director Eric Radezky, Ph.D.

New York City Landlords Required to Provide Heat and Hot Water from October 1 to 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 cold months. 

For 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 visit the website of the Home Energy Assistance Program. Eligible households can qualify for assistance paying heating bills or repairing heating equipment.

For NYCHA Residents



NYCHA residents follow a different procedure.  Residents experiencing issues with heat or hot water 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 a list of helpful tips to keep apartments warm during the winter season. 

OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE AND DIVERSITY

Submitted by Chief Diversity Officer, Title IX Coordinator, and 504/ADA Coordinator Philip Oliveri, Esq. 

Title VI Training

As part of The City University of New York's ongoing commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive learning and working environment, the University’s mandatory training on compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is currently available for the 2025-2026 academic year.  Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin (including shared ancestry) in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, including those within higher education.   

Beginning this academic year, CUNY is requiring all full-time employees and full-time faculty to complete Title VI training at least once each year.  All full-time employees will have until Friday, May 29, 2026, to complete the course.  Active employees are automatically registered for the training in Brightspace.  Employees can sign into their CUNY Brightspace account and navigate to My Organizations to view and complete the Understanding Title VI training.  Step-by-step instructions for completing the training can be found on the course Announcements page.  New hires will have access to their courses on the next business day after becoming an active employee in CUNYfirst.  Employees with any questions regarding the trainings can reach out to their campus compliance administrator for assistance.

This training will provide full-time faculty and full-time staff with important information on how Title VI applies within our campus community, how to identify and prevent discriminatory practices, and the role each of us plays in maintaining a respectful and inclusive campus environment.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISIONS

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (OAA)

Submitted by Provost and VP Andrea Fabrizio, Ph.D.

Welcome Back the Spring 2026 Semester

Academic Affairs hosted a wonderful Welcome Back gathering on Wednesday, January 28 for our faculty and staff to greet each other, have light-hearted conversations, build community and make worthwhile connections with colleagues There is so much happening this semester inside and outside of the classroom that we can all be encouraged to rely on our community for support and guidance as we work collectively to achieve the mission of our college and the goals of our divisions, departments, programs and offices.

Smart Scholars Students Showcase Artistic Talent at Hostos 

Submitted by Professor DeVeor Rainey

On December 18, students from Mott Haven Village Prep (MHVP) proudly showcased their artwork as the final event for their digital design (DD 100) Foundation Drawing course, taught by Professor Devanie Rosario, adjunct faculty in the Media Design Unit. The showcase marked a milestone for the Smart Scholars Program, as these 25 students became the first cohort to enroll in an on-campus course. 

The Smart Scholars Program is a collaborative partnership of Mott Haven Village Preparatory High School, the Hostos Office of School–College Partnerships, and the Media Design Unit, supported by a Smart Scholars grant from the New York State Education Department (NYSED). This five-year initiative creates an Early College Game Design pathway, allowing students to begin their college journey while still in high school. 

During the semester, students learned foundational design principles such as composition, balance, contrast, perspective, value, texture, and proportion. For their final project, students created self-identity posters inspired by the guiding questions: “Who am I? How do I think others see me? How do I want to be seen?” The project encouraged students to combine technical skills with personal expression. 

The culminating showcase, held in the Savoy Multipurpose Room and attended by student families, MHVP staff, and Hostos staff and professors, highlighted not only the students’ artistic growth but also their confidence as emerging designers and identity as college students. Students thoughtfully presented their work, sharing the ideas, inspirations, and creative processes behind their posters. 

2026 Student Symposium: A Common Intellectual Experience Bringing All Students Together

The Office of Academic Affairs announces the celebration of the Spring 2026 Annual Student Symposium on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Applications to present are due March 2, 2026. Students and mentors may submit proposals using the link below. This common intellectual experience is made possible through the support of Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift supporting President’s Initiatives, and provides a unique open forum for students from all disciplines, as well as parents, faculty, and staff, to come together and share their creative work, assignment results, and progress from undergraduate research in both oral presentation and poster formats.

This event brings together examples of undergraduate research in STEM; essays, poems, and short stories; visual arts; performing arts; capstone assignments; honors projects; field work; and more. For many students, this opportunity represents their first oral presentation outside regular class activities. The poster sessions, demonstrations, and guest speaker presentations create a venue to celebrate academic progress while connecting different knowledge areas and reinforcing students’ confidence in academic settings.

Submit proposals here and take a look at some of last year’s wonderful poster presentations here.

AI Teaching Fellows Applications Due on February 2, 2026

Submitted by Professor Alisa Roost

Professors Alisa Roost and Victor Torres-Vélez received a CUNY OAA AI Innovation Fund grant to launch an AI Teaching Fellows cohort at Hostos this spring. The project will support up to ten faculty (you must submit by February 2)—prioritizing those who teach courses with technology-related learning outcomes or who already use AI at a high level—to redesign one course with responsible, transparent AI use built into the assignments. Fellows will share their work with the campus in a May showcase and contribute to a reusable Brightspace shell that future faculty can adapt in their own classes. Go here to apply.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM)

Submitted by VP Althea Sterling, Ed.D.

Dear Students,

Welcome to the Spring 2026 semester! As you begin this new term, we wish you a successful and rewarding experience at Hostos. Please know that we are here to support you every step of the way.

Our dedicated team is committed to helping you make the most of your time on campus. We invite you to take advantage of the many resources available, including Counseling, Health and Wellness, and One Stop, which are designed to support your academic success and personal well-being.

Beyond these services, there are many opportunities to engage in campus life. Getting involved in student clubs, organizations, and the Student Government Association (SGA) can help you build leadership skills, connect with peers, and enrich your overall Hostos experience.

The Hostos experience extends beyond the classroom; it is about discovering new ideas, building meaningful connections, and engaging with our vibrant and diverse community. We are excited to be part of your journey and look forward to supporting you throughout the semester.

Wishing you a strong and successful Spring 2026.

Sincerely,

Dr. Althea Sterling

Transfer Services

They Started Here: Where Our Fall 2022 Transfer Students Are Now

In the fall of 2022, 122 students applied for graduation headed toward senior colleges, careers, and dreams. They boarded the 4 train to Lehman, crossed the bridge to City College, found their way to Hunter and John Jay and Brooklyn. They carried with them what we gave them here—the late nights in the tutoring center, the professors who learned their names, the advisors who asked not just about their transcripts but about their lives.

Now, in January 2026, we have an update.

Twenty-seven of our students have earned their bachelor's degrees. Say their names: Maria Rivas, who graduated from SPS with a perfect GPA in Nursing. Micaela Mercedes Lopez, who finished a double major in Psychology and Biology at City College. Miriam Duran, who walked across the stage at Lehman for Social Work and Psychology—and kept walking, right into graduate school for her MSW. Fousseynou Sidibe, our mechanical engineer. Jenilee Cruz, our philosopher. Fansainey Jatta, studying disability and possibility at SPS.

Nationally, only 16% of community college students transfer and complete a bachelor's degree within six years. For Hispanic students, it's 13%. For Black students, 9%. This cohort? Twenty-eight percent and climbing. We are nearly double the national average. And our graduates aren't just finishing—they're finishing strong, with an average GPA of 3.36. Forty-one percent graduated with honors.

Seven more students are expected to graduate this month—Brigette Charlton at Lehman, Randolph Charles at Brooklyn College. If they cross, our number rises to thirty-four. Twenty-two more remain enrolled, still climbing. They are studying chemical engineering at City College, political science at Hunter, nursing at SPS. They are not finished yet.

Some stopped out after a single semester, overwhelmed by the transition. Some never applied to transfer at all. We are still learning why. We are still asking the questions that might help the next cohort avoid the same fate.

But today, we celebrate. Psychology and social work, health administration and criminal justice, engineering and English literature—our students are becoming the professionals the world needs. They are nurses, therapists, accountants, teachers and they started here. 

One Stop

SNAP Screening Days: Take a step toward food support this Spring 2026! Stop by a SNAP/Food Stamps Screening Day to see if you may be eligible for monthly food benefits—quick, easy, and confidential.

Dates (Tuesdays):

• February: 3, 10, 24
• March: 3, 17, 31
• April: 14, 28
• May: 5, 12

Location: Savoy Building, Room D-101

Time: 11 AM – 2 PM

Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome!

RSVP / Questions, contact Madeline Cruz:

P: 718-518-4141 | 718-319-7981 | 929-330-5406

E: mcruz@hostos.cuny.edu 

Don’t leave benefits on the table—stop by and see what you qualify for!

Student Activities

Signs of Spring (Semester)!

The Office of Student Activities is excited to offer its usual lineup of engaging events and initiatives this semester. Earlier this week, we kicked off Spring 2026 with the first issue of The Link, our weekly Student Activities events and information guide.

The Link provides a snapshot of events scheduled for the week ahead and is delivered every Monday morning via email through the end of the semester.

Highlights for this semester include Club Registration for new and returning clubs, Student Government Association Vacancy Applications, Voter Registration, Graduation Update Tables, Senior Pictures, Student Government Elections, and Commencement. We will also celebrate Black History Month, Dominican Heritage Month, and Women’s History Month.



We look forward to seeing you at our events and encourage everyone to get involved!

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM)

Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne

Upgrade of Hostos ID Cards

Happy New Year, and welcome to the start of a new semester. One of the major initiatives launching at the beginning of 2026 is the upgrade of the Hostos ID card system, including campus turnstiles, classrooms, and office access.

This upgrade became necessary when the IT Department learned that the Felica chips used in the current ID cards and electronic locks are no longer being manufactured. Once the existing inventory of ID cards is depleted, the College would no longer be able to issue replacement or new cards. As a result, Hostos needed to transition to a new campus-wide access control system.

Throughout the fall semester, the IT Department worked closely with Public Safety and Campus Operations to ensure a smooth transition in preparation for the Spring 2026 semester. The migration to the new ID cards and access control software was successfully completed during the first week of January, with all turnstiles and campus locks fully updated.

To support the transition, faculty, staff, and Winter Session students were scheduled to exchange their old Hostos IDs for new cards between January 5 and January 8. While a few initial issues were identified with some of the new cards, IT quickly resolved them to minimize disruption.

For Spring 2026 enrolled students and returning faculty, ID issuance and distribution began on Wednesday, January 21. The distribution schedule has been shared via email, Brightspace, and posters displayed in each building lobby.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help. Welcome back, and we wish you a great semester ahead! 

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD)

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

CEWD Student Success Story 

Lucie Zongo’s journey is an example of how Hostos CEWD’s comprehensive program model, which includes occupational training, career services, employer partnerships, and college transition assistance, helps support students along their educational and career pathways. Upon successfully completing Hostos CEWD’s Patient Care Technician (PCT) certificate program, Lucie earned a PCT certificate from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and a New York State CNA certification, secured employment as a Patient Care Associate at Lincoln Hospital, and is currently enrolled in a college degree program at Hostos Community College. 

In August 2023, Lucie completed Hostos CEWD’s PCT program, which includes successfully passing CEWD’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Phlebotomy and EKG training programs. She also completed a clinical externship at BronxCare Special Care Center, where she fulfilled the required CNA clinical hours by providing direct patient care and receiving hands-on training in accordance with New York State CNA certification standards. Lucie entered Hostos CEWD’s program with prior healthcare experience and certifications including Home Health Aide, Clinical Medical Assistant, and CPR/AED/First Aid, which strengthened her preparation for a clinical role. Lucie was able to successfully earn her New York State CNA certification and her NHA PCT certification.  

Upon completing CEWD’s PCT program and earning both her CNA and PCT certificates, she actively engaged with CEWD’s Career Services, receiving job readiness support, resume development assistance, and referrals to healthcare employers. With this support, Lucie successfully secured a position as a Patient Care Associate at Lincoln Hospital.  

In addition, she also received assistance from CEWD’s College Transition team.  They helped Lucie secure the MacKenzie Scott Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) Scholarship for the Spring and Fall semesters in 2025.  Lucie is currently completing the prerequisite coursework at Hostos Community College to apply for admission into the college’s Registered Nursing (RN) program and is maintaining a 4.0 GPA.   

View the CEWD Spring 2026 Catalog 

Go here for the catalog.

CEWD Virtual Information Sessions

February  

Wednesday, February 4, 6 p.m. (In-Person)  

Wednesday, February 11, 12:30 p.m. (Virtual)  

Saturday, February 21, 11 a.m. (Virtual)  

March  

Wednesday, March 4, 6 p.m. (In-Person)  

Wednesday, March 11, 12:30 p.m. (Virtual)  

Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m. (Virtual)  

May  

Wednesday, May 6, 6 p.m. (In-Person)  

Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m. (Virtual)  

Wednesday, May 20, 12:30 p.m. (Virtual)  

June  

Wednesday, June 3, 6 p.m. (In-Person)  

Saturday, June 6, 11 a.m. (Virtual)  

Wednesday, June 17, 12:30 p.m. (Virtual)  

To register for a session, go here.    

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT (DIA)

Submitted by VP Colette Atkins

Thank You for Attending the Hostos Alumni Holiday Mixer

The Hostos Alumni Holiday Mixer on December 17 was a festive, fun celebration of Caiman pride. The Office of Alumni Relations extends its thanks to all those who attended. To see pictures from the event and to stay informed of upcoming events follow Hostos Alumni Relations on LinkedIn and Instagram. 

Thasunda Brown Duckett and Hostos Alumna Dr. Paule Joseph ’05 to Present at March 17 Empowerment Brunch

We are pleased to announce that President and CEO of TIAA Thasunda Brown Duckett is confirmed to keynote the Tuesday, March 17 Women’s Empowerment Brunch. Ms. Brown Duckett is the first woman to lead TIAA, and one of just two Black women holding the chief executive office of a Fortune 500 company. The event, which will be moderated by CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez, will also feature Hostos alumna and CUNY 50 of 50 honoree Dr. Paule Valery Joseph. ’05 senior investigator at the National Institute of Health. Professors and students are highly encouraged to attend this inspiring and informative event. This event is supported by the Ms. McKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives: Educating for Diversity Initiative.

Seats are limited so register today using this link.

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). 

Listen to Alumna Ashley Walker and Professor Sarah Hoiland on CUNY Podcast

Ashley Walker, who served as an SGA leader and actively participated in the Rainbow Club, engaged in conversation with Professor Sarah Hoiland on CUNY Indoor Voices podcast. Walker, who was a HOPE scholar — a project led by Hoiland — spoke candidly about her experience in the program. Listen here to learn more about HOPE and Professor Hoiland’s work about women bikers!

Hostos Secures Over $100K in CUNY AI Innovation Fund Awards

Hostos Community College has been awarded more than $100,000 in competitive funding from the CUNY AI Innovation Fund, recognizing the College’s leadership in advancing ethical artificial intelligence (AI), innovative pedagogy, and faculty-driven instructional transformation. Read more 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: All-College Meeting

Date | Time: Thursday, February 5 | 1 - 2 PM 

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Description: Join President Daisy Cocco De Filippis and College leadership to get important updates about enrollment, academic affairs, budget, and more.

Title: Nai Ni Chen: Lunar New Year Celebration

Date | Time: Sunday, February 8 | 3 PM & Tuesday, February 10 | 11 AM

Location: Hostos Main Theater

Description: Gallop into 2026 with a joyful, high-energy Lunar New Year celebration led by the internationally acclaimed Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company. This vibrant, family-friendly program features graceful Chinese dance, exciting world premieres, and dynamic live music – all inspired by the unstoppable spirit of the Horse, symbolizing speed, strength, passion, and freedom. Celebrate the Lunar New Year through movement, music, and shared joy. A festive experience perfect for audiences of all ages and cultural backgrounds! Get tickets.

Title: Valentine’s Day Prom

Date | Time: Wednesday, February 11 | 5 - 7 PM

Location: Hostos Cafeteria (Building C, Third Floor)

Description: Everyone is invited to share love at the Hostos LGBTQIA+ Council's Valentine's Day Prom! DJ Kidd Swagg is back with a fresh playlist, dinner will be served, and the cafeteria will shine. Mount Sinai's YASS! program will provide STI testing to ensure your Valentine's Day is fun and safe, and other local organizations will join to share LGBTQIA+ resources. All we need is YOU! Please note that alcohol is not permitted at this event and students' bags will be searched. If you are bringing someone who is not a Hostos student, please ask them to complete this form so we can provide their name to Public Safety.

Title: 100-Day Countdown to Graduation

Date | Time: Wednesday, February 18 | 1 - 4 PM

Location: A-Atrium

Description: Let’s get the countdown going for the 2026 Commencement Ceremonies! Join us to celebrate the approaching of this special day and learn more about regalia, how to apply for graduation, and more.

Title: Repertorio Español: El Quijote

Date | Time: Wednesday, February 18 | 2:30 PM & Thursday, February 19 | 7 PM

Location: Hostos Repertory Theater

Description: Step into the captivating world of Repertorio Español's adaptation of El Quijote. Directed by Jorge Alí Triana and adapted by Santiago García, this stage production brings to life twelve enthralling and whimsical misadventures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, offering a visually immersive experience inspired by the beloved novel. Through masterful direction and a stellar cast, this live rendition is a must-watch for aficionados of literary marvels and engaging storytelling. Get tickets.

TITLE: Layer the Walls Two: A Grand Pistachio Production

Date | Time: Sunday, March 15 | 2 PM

Location: Hostos Main Theater

Description: What if an old Lower East Side apartment, covered with 40 layers of wallpaper, revealed the lives of those who came before? Using puppetry, masks, and live performance, Layer the Walls Part Two peels back three intertwined stories of Jewish, Chinese, and Puerto Rican migrants who helped shape the America we know today. Get tickets.

Title: Hostos Women’s Empowerment Brunch

Date | Time: Tuesday, March 17 | 1:00 p.m. (doors open at 12:45)

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Description: Join us for an inspiring gathering featuring leaders in business, healthcare, and more. We are pleased to announce that the event will be moderated by CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez and feature keynote remarks from Thasunda Brown Duckett, president and CEO of TIAA. Ms. Brown Duckett is one of only two Black women who lead Fortune 500 companies.

Title: Shirly Chisholm: Unbossed and Unbowed

Date | Time: Tuesday, March 31 | 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Location: Hostos Repertory Theater

Description: “Unbossed and Unbowed” is an immersive and interactive solo show about the first African-American woman to run for the Presidency of the U.S. In the 1960s and ’70s, this Brooklyn-born daughter of Caribbean parents was on a mission. They called her the black Joan of Arc. She called herself Fighting Shirley as she faced off against the political machine in the name of justice. “Unbossed and Unbowed” hopes to inspire the disenfranchised and to connect to those who benefit from the status quo, helping them to examine the flaws in our system and reconsider what’s best for humankind. Get tickets.

Title: Wall of Champions 2026 Ceremony

Date | Time: Thursday, April 23 | 2 - 6 PM

Location: A-Atrium

Description: Join President Cocco De Filippis at the unveiling of new names on the A-Atrium’s Wall of Champions. Get to know more about the heroes that have made our mission possible throughout the decades.

Title: 4th Annual Student Symposium

Date | Time: Tuesday, April 28 | 9 AM - 5 PM

Location: Various Locations 

Description: Applications to present are due March 2, 2026. Students and mentors may submit proposals here.This event brings together examples of undergraduate research in STEM; essays, poems, and short stories; visual arts; performing arts; capstone assignments; honors projects; field work; and more. 

Title: Hostos Community College Foundation Annual Scholarship Benefit

Date | Time: Thursday, April 30 | 6 PM

Location: The Surf Club on the Sound

Description: The 2026 Scholarship Benefit will bring our community together to celebrate student achievement, recognize outstanding leaders, and raise funds for scholarships that inspire persistence. Join us as we honor Hostos’ legacy of opportunity and champion the future of our students. More info coming soon.

Title: Hostos Alumni Homecoming 2026

Date | Time: Saturday, September 26 | TBD

Location: Hostos Community College

Description: The Office of Alumni Relations is pleased to announce the revival of the beloved Hostos Homecoming tradition. Please mark your calendar for Saturday, September 26. The full-day event will feature a range of activities—from family fun to professional development and networking opportunities. Details will be announced in the coming weeks, but you won’t want to miss out. Tickets will be available soon, and the early-bird suggested donation for general admission will start at $25.



Title: Arts Industry Summit

Date | Time: Thursday, May 7 | 9 AM - 12 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Description: President Cocco De Filippis and Community Advisory Council Elías Alcántara, along with the Office of Academic Affairs and community industry leaders, are proud to announce another wonderful industry summit that will connect our students with the job opportunities they deserve. More info coming soon.

Title: 2026 Commencement Ceremonies

Date | Time: Wednesday, May 27 at 2 PM & Thursday, May 28 at 11 AM

Location: Main Theater

Description: Let’s celebrate one of the most cherished milestones of our College! More information is 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.