EL SEMANARIO HOSTOSIANO / HOSTOS WEEKLY | Friday, November 1, 2024

El Semanario Hostosiano / The Hostos Weekly: A Campus-Weekly Bulletin from President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

Friday, November 1, 2024 | Vol. 9, No. 10

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

As I write these words, we are a few days away from November 5, Election Day. In many states, including New York, early voting has seen a strong turnout. I am grateful for colleagues and students who collaborated to bring about voter registration at Hostos, one of the polling places at CUNY.

To say that we are all working on getting out the vote and focused on a peaceful and hopeful transition of power is an understatement. I write these few words to have my voice join the voices of those of you who reached out to me to share the importance of accepting the will of the people.

There is a poem by Seamus Heaney often quoted by our outgoing President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.:

History says, don’t hope

On this side of the grave.

But then, once in a lifetime

The longed-for tidal wave

Of justice can rise up,

And hope and history rhyme.

How fortunate we are to live in this moment where hope and history can bring us to a point in our journey where we can all move forward in conciliation and of purpose to continue making this splendid nation a more perfect union. Amazing grace.

In solidarity,

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

POEM

“The Poet’s Obligation”

By Pablo Neruda

To whoever is not listening to the sea

this Friday morning, to whoever is cooped up

in house, office, factory or woman,

or street or mine or harsh prison cell:

to that person I come, and, without

speaking or looking,

I arrive and open the door of the prison,

and a vibration starts up, vague and insistent,

a great roar of thunder sets in motion

the rumble of the planet and the foam,

the groaning rivers of the ocean rise,

the star vibrates swiftly in its corona,

and the sea beats, dies, and goes on beating.

So, drawn on by my destiny,

I ceaselessly must listen to and keep

the sea’s lamenting in my consciousness

I must feel the crash of the hard water

and gather it up in a perpetual cup

so that, wherever those in prison may be,

wherever they suffer the autumn’s castigation,

I may be present with an errant wave,

I move in and out of windows,

and hearing me, eyes may lift themselves

saying “How can I reach the sea?”

And I shall broadcast, saying nothing,

the starry echoes of the wave,

a breaking up of foam and of quicksand,

a rustling of salt withdrawing,

the grey cry of sea-birds on the coast.

So, through me, freedom and the sea

Will call in answer to the shrouded heart.

Neruda, Pablo. “The Poet’s Obligation.” In Teaching with Fire: Poetry that Sustains the Courage to Teach. (San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass, 2003).

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

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

Spring 2025 Educating for Diversity Call for Applications

Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives is pleased to announce the Call for Applications for the Educating for Diversity Initiative for Spring 2025! We are inviting applications from students, faculty, and staff for mini-grants to support cultural, social, and educational activities that address the interests of Hostos students and community members in advancing issues of social justice, racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. Grants will range from $1,000 - $2,000, and submissions are welcome from any individual or group at Hostos. All proposed events/activities must occur during the Spring 2025 semester.

Funding requests can address any of the following:

Activities/events that promote all forms of diversity, equity, and inclusion (race/ethnicity, gender identity/sexual orientation, faith, disability, and others) proposed by the College community.
Integration of events/activities to support course/curriculum enhancement in any major/discipline.
Veladas Hostosianas/Hostos Culture Talks.
Black at Hostos series.
Activities celebrating our different world cultures and heritage months.

The Educating for Diversity application deadline is Friday, Dec. 10, 2024.

Educating for Diversity Grant Application (use CUNYfirst login to access).

Submit Your Poem for Afternoon of Peace & Poetry

The Office of the President and the Writing Center are delighted to announce an afternoon of Peace & Poetry on Tuesday, November 19, at 1 p.m. in the Savoy Multipurpose Room that will provide an opportunity for our very own Hostos poets — students, faculty, and staff — to come together to share their favorite poem or an original creation. If you are interested in participating and reading your favorite poetry selection TODAY is the deadline to submit your poem for consideration. Do not miss this wonderful opportunity to join the Hostos community as we gather to enjoy a delicious lunch and reflect on the inspirational power of poetry!

Peace & Poetry Call for Poem Submissions (use CUNYfirst login)

Deadline for Poem Submissions is TODAY, November 1, 2024.

INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT (OIERA)

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

Post-graduation Employment Rates: Measuring What We Mean to Measure

Hostos’ Strategic Plan and the 2024-25 operational plan are focused squarely on equitable employment outcomes as a form of justice for the South Bronx. Holding ourselves accountable to this goal requires us to track employment outcomes for students who earn degrees that prepare them for work upon graduation (typically AAS degrees) and transfer outcomes for students who graduate with AA and AS degrees:

By one measure, our AAS degree-earners’ “consistent employment within one year” of graduation rate is 4.3 percentage points below target (a target set in relation to CUNY goals for Hostos), or 60.7% versus 65% for 2023-24 graduates. However, the data need to be further broken down in order to hold ourselves appropriately accountable. In 2022 and 2023, respectively, 35% and 44% of AAS graduates completed clinical programs that resulted in 95-100% employment at graduation. We are extremely proud of the reputation of our Dental Hygiene, LPN, Nursing, and X-ray programs and the students who sustain Hostos’ excellent reputation among employers.

– Also, in 2022 and 2023, 19% and 18% of AAS graduates earned degrees in Media Design, including Digital Design and Game Design. The majority of graduates transfer to four-year BFA and other degree programs, often based on portfolio reviews. These are not traditional AAS degrees, and in other states, would be Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degrees.

Another example of a “misfit” degree: in 2022 and 2023, 30% and 25% of AAS graduates earned degrees in Early Childhood Education, many of whom transferred to four-year institutions. The ECE program was considered for reclassification as an AA or AS, however, upon review of existing transfer articulations and NYSED requirements, faculty determined that the ECE degree transfers seamlessly and provides students with the flexibility to earn two licenses from NYSED based on their preparation to also teach very young children (eligibility based on courses that would be eliminated by the transition to an AA or AS degree). Moreover, as a program that attracts a significant number of working adults (often paraprofessionals), each milestone provides opportunities for promotions and raises, so the “terminal” AAS supports their career growth.

In short, while we are committed to accountability vis a vis Key Performance Indicators, doing so always requires that the measures by which Hostos is evaluated measure what they intend to.

POLICY OF THE WEEK

Highlighting CUNY Policies You Should Know

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 credibility, objectivity, or fairness of the University, its leadership, faculty or staff. Read more about it here.

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Submitted by Director Eric Radezky, Ph.D.

Place Your Order for Free At-home COVID-19 Tests

As of late September 2024, residential households in the U.S. are eligible for another order of four free at-home tests from USPS.com.

Here's what you need to know about your order:

Each order includes four individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests (COVIDTests.gov has more details about at-home tests, including extended shelf life and updated expiration dates).

Orders will ship free.

Expiration dates extended.

Tests may show “expired” dates on the box, but the FDA has extended those dates. See more about it here.

Fill out the online order form for four free at-home COVID-19 tests here.

OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE AND DIVERSITY

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

National Native American Heritage Month

November is federally recognized as National Native American Heritage Month. During this month, Native North Americans and Tribal citizens are honored and celebrated for their rich and varied cultures, traditions, history, and societal contributions. This month gives us the opportunity to become more educated about Native Americans and Tribal citizens, increase our knowledge of unique challenges faced by this population, and better understand how historical trauma (such as colonization and genocide) has impacted Native Americans. As the original inhabitants of North America, Native Americans and Tribal citizens are both members of U.S. society and have been integral to its development.

Additionally, November 29 is recognized as Native American Heritage Day. In 2009, President Barack Obama signed The Native American Heritage Day Resolution, designating the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day and stating: “I encourage every American to join me in observing Native American Heritage Day…It is also important for all of us to understand the rich culture, tradition, and history of Native Americans and their status today and to appreciate the contributions that First Americans have made and will continue to make to our Nation.”

NEWS FROM THE DIVISIONS

OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (OAA)

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

Grants Office Facilitates Important Workshops for Faculty

Submitted by Dr. Sarah Hoiland, Grants Office Co-Director

On Friday, October 18, Dr. Sarah Hoiland and Amanda Howard conducted an in-person informational session at the Hostos New Faculty Orientation on grant and fellowship opportunities available within and outside of CUNY, including, but not limited to, the PSC-CUNY Research Award, ACLS Community College Fellowship, and the CUNY Faculty Fellowship Publication Program. Five faculty from three departments and Center for Teaching and Learning Co-Director Professor Cynthia Jones attended. Afterwards, the pair conducted a virtual presentation for faculty and staff. Nine attended and represented four academic departments and three programs.

These presentations, along with upcoming workshops, offer fantastic opportunities to learn about funding, develop essential grant writing skills, and engage with peers from various disciplines, ultimately helping attendees to select, refine, and strengthen their grant proposals.

Lastly, learn about what the Grants Office has been up to in their Fall 2024 Newsletter here.

Empowering First-Year Students through Mentorship and Partnerships

Submitted by Dr. Silvia Reyes

This past year, under the auspices of Title V, we implemented a First Year Mentoring Program to help new and transfer students successfully navigate their first year. The implementation of the mentoring program has given first-year mentors the chance to partner and work in collaboration with advisors, coaches, and faculty to help new students build foundational skills, become aware of campus resources, and manage procedural and academic challenges to make the first few weeks of classes and the rest of the semester a bit smoother and manageable. The goal of the program is to make the transition to college a positive experience and to provide students with the resources and encouragement they need to thrive at Hostos.

Through these various partnerships, FYE mentors have co-facilitated workshops and participated in activities and events to make students feel welcome, answer their questions, and offer practical solutions to their challenges. Mentors have also been able to engage in conversations where they have shared their experiences and provided guidance and practical solutions to the challenges that students sometimes face.

The many roles FYE mentors have played in supporting first-year students contribute to student adjustment and learning. For example, during New Student Orientation, mentors co-facilitated small group sessions where they conversed with new students about their career aspirations and what to do to be successful students. Mentors also took students on Campus Tours and a resource fair to introduce students to various programs/resources at the College, including the Counseling Center, Health and Wellness, ASAP, SSCU, Library, Career Services, Transfer Services, Scholarships, Academic Resource Center, College Discovery, Hostos Academic Learning Center

In Summer 24, under the guidance of coaches and advisors, FYE mentors assisted in providing a supportive enrollment experience for new students through various administrative tasks, including helping students with academic planning, and interpreting course requirements, such as pre- and corequisites and course selection. Mentors also showed students how to use Degree Works and Schedule Builder.

As role models, mentors have been instrumental in promoting study habits, attitudes and behaviors of successful students. Being mentors in the Summer Bridge and First Year Seminar has given mentors the opportunity to facilitate discussions and provide firsthand insights and advice to new students based on their own experiences. FYE mentors have shared their struggles and mistakes to show new students that setbacks are part of the learning process and an opportunity to shift perspectives. The comprehensive support the mentors are trained to provide can also help students improve their study habits and time management and master academic platforms that are essential for them to stay connected and informed.

Additionally, during Spring and Fall 24, FYE mentors visited numerous classrooms to make students and faculty aware of the mentoring program and the support mentoring provides to students. Mentors visited over 60 classes. FYE mentors also engaged with new students through various emails and phone campaigns inviting and reminding them of orientations, enrollment sessions, the summer bridge program, and various events hosted by various academic departments and simply connecting with them to offer their help. Close to 1,500 students were contacted, and close to 3,000 phone calls were made.

Recently, FYE mentors hosted two events: An Open House in September and Hot Chocolate Day in October to promote and make students aware of the mentoring that is available to them. Over 80 students attended both events.

These meaningful partnerships have helped mentors develop in many ways, and the goal is to continue contributing to student persistence and success.

The FYE mentoring program is located in room B-419, and the mentors are Emmanuel Cornelio, Jahneilia Curtin, Miram Fidelis, Cameron Liz, Cynthia Redmaji, Keyla Rodriguez, Anthony Santiago, Marquis Santiago, Kymora Tait, Alyssa Valentine, Wayne Wiggan, Oumoul Zakari.

Other FYE mentoring team members include Jason Montoya, FYE Mentoring Coordinator, and Nicole Fabara, Program Assistant.

November is Career Development Month

Submitted by Lisanette Rosario, Director of Career Services

November marks Career Development Month, a perfect time to focus on your professional growth and take steps toward building the career you envision. Whether you’re just beginning to explore career paths or actively seeking internships and job opportunities, this is a great opportunity to develop your skills and gain valuable insights into your future profession.

Throughout the month, Career Services will offer a variety of events, including resume workshops, interviewing workshops, mock interviews, and more designed to help you stand out in today’s competitive job market. We encourage you to take full advantage of these resources, your career development starts now, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Take a look at what Career Services can help you with to get ready for interviews and career success here.

Explore Career Resources

CUNY Cultural Corps is Receiving Applications!

We’re excited to announce that applications for the Spring 2025 cohort of the CUNY Cultural Corps will open on November 4, 2024.

Cultural Corps offers CUNY undergraduates paid work experience within New York City’s arts and cultural institutions, providing invaluable exposure and creating pathways for meaningful careers in this dynamic sector. Students selected for the Spring 2025 cohort will work in one of these departments:

Development & Fundraising
Education & Public Programs
Communications & Marketing
Curatorial & Exhibitions
Production Management

Interns are paid $20/hour and will work from March to May 2025, gaining hands-on experience and networking within the field.

Applications are being accepted from November 4 through November 24, 2024. Please encourage interested students to apply and consider including this information in your announcements or course communications.

There will be an info-session on Friday, November 1, on Zoom. Register here. Students can receive support with resume preparation and the application process at Career Services, D-210, or by contacting 718-518-4468.

Career Services Events

Title: Writing an Effective Resume Workshop (EN-SP)

Date | Time: Friday, November 8 | 1 PM

Location: Zoom | Register in advance here.

Description: The "Writing an Effective Resume" workshop at Hostos Community College helps students craft resumes that stand out to employers. This session focuses on structuring your resume, highlighting your skills and experiences, and tailoring your content to match job descriptions. Whether creating your first resume or looking to improve an existing one, this workshop provides practical tips and expert advice to ensure your resume makes a strong impact in your job search.

Title: LifeSci NYC Internship Program Info Sessions

Date | Time: Tuesday, November 12 | 1 PM

Date | Time: Tuesday, November 26 | 2 PM

Location: Zoom (Register in advance for November 12 here, and for November 26 here)

Description: The LifeSci NYC Internship Program offers the chance to complete a single application to gain access to paid internship and job opportunities at dozens of NYC life science companies and organizations. Students from all majors are eligible to apply, as a wide range of science, tech and business roles are offered. For more information, attend one of the Virtual Info Sessions, which will explain the application process, provide tips on creating a strong application, and include an opportunity for Q&A.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM)

Submitted by Interim Vice President Althea Sterling, Ed.D.

Enrollment is Open for the Winter and Spring 2025 Semesters!

If you need assistance enrolling, contact your Coach/Advisor and schedule a meeting.

Veteran Affairs

We are profoundly honored to recognize all our Hostos Community College Military-Connected Students attending the Fall 2024 semester. Our Active Duty, Reservists, Veterans, and Dependents are the pride of Hostos, and we salute you and your loved ones for your dedication and service to our nation. We wish all our currently and formerly serving military members and their families a Happy Veterans Day!

In addition, we are proud to announce this year's recipients of the Joseph Alicea Scholarship. Each student will receive a scholarship of $1,000. The two recipients are:

Mr. Michael Smith is a US Army Veteran and Community Health AS Major.
Mr. Cameron Liz, US Air Force Veteran and Radiologic Technology AAS Major.

Their contributions to Hostos and the military community were exemplary and as a result of their hard work and dedication, they merit this recognition and scholarship. The Scholarship is named in honor of our Hostos colleague Joseph Alicea, a Vietnam veteran. We are proud of you both! Congratulations!

We have a series of upcoming events this year that are guaranteed to be enjoyable for everyone. The Hostos Office of Veterans Affairs (HOVA) extends a warm welcome to the entire College community to join us at the following events listed here:

November 7 | 2 p.m. - Online Blueprint for Financial Success Online Workshop: Focuses on personal wealth development, management, and growth.

November 8, 2 p.m. - Veterans Club US Marine Corps Birthday Party/ Military Celebration

November 10 | 10 a.m. - Bronx Veterans Day Parade Hostos Veterans Club and Office will march in the parade.

November 14 | 2 p.m. - Veterans Home Buyers Network Workshop: This workshop concentrates on VA Home Loans for first-time buyers information.

Hostos Veterans Club is hosting garden visits to the following sites:

–James Jay Peters VA Hospital Garden | All Welcome (Every Friday 10 a.m.)

–November 17 and 21: Bronx Botanical Garden visits and private tour.

Please mark your calendars for this event on December 5 at noon: Bronx & Hostos Community College panel discussion on precepts of military culture and life. More info coming soon.

For more information on any of these events, please stop by the HOVA office. Have a wonderful Veterans Day!

Transfer Services

Campus Tours Announcement!

Are you considering transferring to City College, John Jay, or Berkeley? Join us for exciting campus tours this semester!

Tour Dates:

John Jay College: November 13 at 11 a.m.

Meet in front of the A-Building at 10 a.m.

Berkeley: November 20 at 12 p.m.

Meet in front of the A-Building at 11 a.m.

Space is limited, so don't miss out! Register now here!

Note: This is a public event, and photos may be taken during the tours. By attending, you consent to using your photograph on our social media, website, or print.

We look forward to exploring these campuses with you!

Transfer Services Events

Snacks ‘N’ Aps! with Transfer Services, all from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Faculty Dining Room (FDR, C-312)

November 21

December 12

Transfer Lab Hours

Monday & Friday | D-101| 9:30 AM - 5 PM

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday | C-590 | 10 AM - 3 PM

Transfer Tabling

Every Tuesday | A-Atrium | 1 - 4 PM

Transfer Talk

Every Tuesday | C-512A | 2 - 3 PM

Walk-in Hours

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays | C-590 | 10 AM - 3 PM

Wednesdays | D-101A | 10 AM - 5 PM

Thursdays | D-101A | 10 AM - 1 PM

Thursdays | D-101A and VIRTUAL | 10 AM - 1 PM

Follow Transfer Services on Instagram for updates on events (@hostostransferservices).

Scholarship Office

Unlock Your Future: Scholarship Opportunities Await!

Hostos Community College’s internal scholarships are open, with 17 student opportunities! Don’t miss your chance to secure funding that can help make your educational journey smoother.

Why Apply?

These scholarships can significantly lighten your financial burden and get new opportunities. Whether you’re looking to support your studies, reduce your expenses, or simply make college life a bit easier, there’s something here for everyone.

How to Apply

Ready to take the next step? Visit Hostos Scholarships to explore and apply. If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, please contact Marina Esquilin, Scholarship Coordinator, at 718-518-4166 or email mesquilin@hostos.cuny.edu.

Financial Aid Office

Have you applied for FAFSA? TAP?

Students enrolling in the Fall of 2024 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.

CUNY EDGE

We cordially invite you to the following workshop:

Title: CUNY EDGE Money Management Workshop

Date | Time: Wednesday, November 13 | 3:30 p.m.

Location: Please check Hostos email for Zoom details

Description: In collaboration with the Family Empowerment Program (FEP), the CUNY EDGE Program is pleased to announce that it will host a Money Management workshop. This event will feature a financial coach from Operation HOPE Inside Powered by Carver Bank, addressing key topics, including financial goal setting, budgeting and saving strategies, and credit building. During the event, students will also be sent a journal and worksheets that are sure to help them gain insights into essential financial practices that can support their long-term financial success. Indeed, developing such valuable skills and knowledge will benefit their financial well-being in the future.

Counseling Center

Join the Counseling Center for the following event!

Speed Dating: The Stress Reduction Edition

Date | Time: Thursday, November 14 | 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Location: Gym

Description: Experience a unique twist on speed dating! Instead of meeting new people, you'll be introduced to various stress reduction techniques in a fun, immersive 15-minute format. Discover healthy ways to relieve stress while connecting with your peers.

We hope to see you there!

Health and Wellness

One Stop Program Services and Resources

Get the Support You Need!

We offer a range of services to assist you with HRA Government Benefits enrollment, including:

SNAP/Food Stamps: Application, recertification, and periodic reports
Cash Assistance: Application and recertification
One Shot Deal: Application for eviction prevention
Child Care Voucher
Fair Fares: Discounted transit fare
Food Pantry
Grab & Go Snacks
Financial Literacy Programs
Legal Services
Health Insurance Navigators

If you need assistance, please reach out to Madeline Cruz, Coordinator, at 718-518-4141, 718-319-7982, or 929-330-5406. You can also email her at mcruz@hostos.cuny.edu.

We’re here to help!

Health and Wellness Events

Pause and Paint

Date | Time: Wednesday, November 6 | 2 - 5 PM

Location: C-391

Description: Take a pause from your busy week and join us for Pause and Paint for Stress Relief and Relaxation. All sessions are FREE, and materials are provided! No painting experience is necessary and individual creativity is welcome. Sign-up guarantees participation. Walk-ins are also welcome. Click here if interested. For more information, contact Ursula Sanders at 718-518-4483.

STI Testing Available for HCC Students

Date | Time: Tuesday, November 5 and Tuesday, December 3 | 11 AM - 3 PM

Location: A-334C (November 5) and C-391 (December 3)

Description: We are offering STI testing, in addition to HIV testing. Remember, you can live with HIV without even knowing it! For more information, please contact Ursula Sanders at 718-518-4483 or via email at usanders@hostos.cuny.edu.

POEM FOR THE COMMUNITY

“Procession”

By Leslie K. King

Director of Financial Aid

noun

1. the act of moving along or proceeding in orderly succession

5. the act of coming forth from a source

4. Theology. the emanation of the Holy Spirit

Every eye etched exit echoes

with murmured laughter

like all the others before.

I deflected the sweaty silence

with efficient sniffles

honed coughs and

intermittent upward glances

away from my most

beloved staring partner.

My feet stuttered

to a familiar spot.

I plopped down

in isolation on

a peninsula

of linoleum.

Please don’t see me.

I don’t want to be heard.

When she called

my name they all laughed

and I vanished for good.

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM)

Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne

Health Insurance Benefits Program Open Enrollment

Please be advised that the annual health benefits open enrollment period will take place from November 1, 2024, through November 30, 2024. Changes made during the open enrollment will take effect on January 1, 2025.

During the transfer period, you may:

Transfer health insurance plans

Add or Drop coverage and/or optional rider

Add or Drop dependents

Employees who do NOT wish to change their current plan do NOT need to do anything.

Notable Changes: Effective January 1, 2025, the Cigna plan will no longer be offered. If you are currently enrolled in the Cigna plan, you must choose a new health insurance plan and enroll during the open enrollment period. Existing Cigna enrollees will not be grandfathered, nor will they be automatically transferred to a default plan. Please contact Ariadne Condos in HR (ACondos@hostos.cuny.edu) for further assistance to ensure that you maintain health insurance coverage without a break/drop.

If you are considering making changes to your health benefits plan/options, please click on the link below for more information about your plan options:

Benefits Open Enrollment 2024 – The City University of New York (cuny.edu)

To make changes, please complete a Health Benefits Application here. Please note that if you are a CUNY-PSC member and you are making changes to your health benefits, you are also required to complete the PSC-CUNY Change of Status Form.

If you are adding a dependent, please review the list of Dependent Verification Documents for acceptable documents. Dependents will NOT be added without the required documentation.

Buy-Out Waiver Program

Employees waiving coverage in the NYC Health Benefits Program because they have private insurance may be eligible to enroll in the Buy-Out Waiver program. For more detailed information, go here.

To enroll in the Buy-Out Program, complete BOTH a Health Benefits Application and 2025 MSC Buy-Out Waiver Form. If you are already enrolled and you wish to continue with the program, you do NOT need to take any action. Your enrollment will continue automatically.

All required forms must be completed and returned to Ariadne Condos via email at ACondos@hostos.cuny.edu or via fax at 347-710-2952 no later than Friday, November 29, 2024. Please remember to password protect any documents with sensitive information.

Flexible Spending Accounts

The open enrollment period for the Flexible Spending Program is now through November 8, 2024. For additional information about the program, please go here. Enrollment in the FSA program is not automatic from year to year. You MUST re-enroll every year.

To enroll, please complete the 2025 FSA Enrollment Change Form and go here for instructions on submitting the form.

The Transfer Period is the only time to make changes in your health plan without a qualifying event.

Here is the link to access the open enrollment forms.

Please reach out to HR Benefits Manager Ariadne Condos at ACondos@hostos.cuny.edu if you have any questions.

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD)

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

Sixty-three CEWD alumni matriculated at Hostos in Fall 2024

CEWD strives to help its students meet their career and academic goals. In Fall 2024, 63 CEWD alumni enrolled in a Hostos degree program. Since 2018, we have identified 512 CEWD alumni who have enrolled in Hostos degree programs.

CEWD alumni interested in pursuing a degree program are eligible to apply for the Mackenzie Scott Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) Scholarship. To date, 38 CEWD alumni have received a $1,000 first-time freshman award, and 17 returning CEWD alumni students received a $500 retention award.

CEWD also supports Hostos degree students who want to earn an industry-recognized occupational training certificate. To date, 125 students have completed a “crosswalk’ where they participate in a CEWD training program while also enrolled in a degree program at the college. In addition, 19 college alumni have taken a CEWD training program after graduating from Hostos.

Volunteers Needed for Thanksgiving Drive

Hostos is proud to partner with God's Love We Deliver this Thanksgiving to help deliver 16,000 festive Thanksgiving meals and gifts to clients with severe and chronic illnesses. Hostos will serve as a meal distribution center. Volunteers are needed to pick up meals from Hostos and deliver them to 6-8 households in the Bronx on Thanksgiving morning, November 28. Please sign up to join this wonderful effort! Two shifts are available, at 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., and more details can be found on the signup pages:

Thanksgiving Volunteer Drive: 9:30 a.m. shift (Bronx)

Thanksgiving Volunteer Drive: 10 a.m. shift (Bronx)

CEWD’s Fall 2024 Catalog

The Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development’s (CEWD) Fall 2024 catalog is now available online. To view it, please click here.

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, November 6, at 6 PM

Wednesday, December 4, at 6 PM

In-Person Sessions at 560 Exterior Street

Wednesday, November 13, at 6 PM

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT (DIA)

Submitted by VP Colette Atkins

#CUNYTuesday Giving Season Begins Today!

The official International Day of Giving, dubbed #CUNYTuesday at all 25 CUNY schools, is December 3. Between November 1 and December 31, we invite you to make a difference by supporting scholarships, programs, and initiatives that empower our diverse student body. Every gift, big or small, helps us create opportunities and foster success for future leaders. Stay tuned for more details on how you can contribute and be part of this impactful day of giving! Together, let's uplift our Hostos community! Stay tuned for updates.

BRAVO NEWS

Celebrating the Accomplishments of the Hostos Community

Congratulations to Professors Ballesteros and Lara-Bonilla!

Professors Humberto Ballesteros and Inmaculada Lara-Bonilla received the Don Quixote de La Mancha Scholarship from the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM). That grant will allow them to spend the week of March 9 - 15, 2025, in Toledo, Spain. As scholarship recipients, they will learn at UCLM, enjoy an integrated cultural program in the region, and learn much more in a community of scholars from all over the world! We can’t wait to hear the outcome of this fantastic opportunity! ¡Enhorabuena!

Congratulations, Fabián!

Fabián Sergio Wander, Director of the Health and Wellness Center at Hostos Community College, was celebrated on Friday, October 25, for his dedication to promoting health and wellness at the College. Honored as one of 20 influential Hispanic/Latino leaders at the 2024 EL Awards, presented by El Diario — the longest-running Spanish-language newspaper in the United States — Wander embodies the spirit of service and leadership these awards aim to recognize. This year’s 20th anniversary celebration, held at Smith & Wollensky in New York City, highlighted Latino men who make meaningful contributions and serve as role models for younger generations. Read more here.

Also, look at this article about mental health challenges faced by community college students, in which Fabián talks about his work at the Health and Wellness Center!

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.

ATHLETICS CALENDAR

Basketball starts in November!

Save the following dates to support the Caimans:

Hostos vs Dutchess CC

Date | Time: Tuesday, November 12 | 6 PM [Women] and 8 PM [Men]

Location: Gymnasium