Friday, October 20, 2023 | Vol. 7, No. 9 | |
MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS | |
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My Dear Colleagues and Students,
As another week brings us closer to the mid-point in our academic semester, I reflect on the multiple activities experienced these past two weeks, celebrations of the spirit and the mind, as we consider the contributions honored by Hispanic Heritage Month and Italian Heritage this October, as well as the recognitions of multiple cultures. The past, present, and future come together as we honor our history, our leaders of the present and our students, the future of this beautiful nation, already as diverse and as talented a nation can be. Let us treasure it as we hold hope in our hearts for peace and kindness as the means to celebrate life in its full diversity.
I wish you a kind and productive week as students focus on their studies and colleagues continue to work hard to support perseverance and retention to a successful graduation for our students.
Mil gracias y bendiciones,
Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.
President
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A QUOTE TO HONOR A LEGACY OF PEACE AND PROGRESS THROUGH EDUCATION | |
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“Universities adapting to the new needs of the day must learn how to develop the abilities of people who have had trouble with school in their youth and have not earned their credentials. They should be trained on the job, get university credit for their experience, learn in relevant courses, and develop a liberal arts knowledge that is built around their concerns. We need what S.M. Miller has called ‘second-chance universities.’A democratic educational system requires multiple doors.”
From “Where do we go from here: Chaos or Community.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1967, p. 209)
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Weekly Tips & Reminders to Navigate Life at Hostos
You can start planning for next semester now! With course enrollment opening next week on Monday, this is the time of year to check in with your Advisor/Success Coach. You can also review your degree requirements with Degree Maps so you’re always on track to graduation. Go into WEEK 9 of the semester, preparing for the next term!
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2024 Course Planning: Being a college student is also about preparing yourself for the future! Check your major program Degree Maps for the sequencing in the curriculum by term. The DegreeWorks Educational Plan will be synced with your CUNYfirst Schedule Builder. Those are the tools you need to register for your next semester's classes!
- Enrollment is Opening! Get ready to enroll for next semester! The early registration for the Winter and Spring 2024 semesters opens Monday, October 23! Check your Educational Plan in DegreeWorks for your list of recommended courses suggested by your Success Coach or Academic Advisor.
- Be a Part of the Solution! Share your story and raise your voices to strengthen the campus community. Participate in a mediation workshop, “Community-Building Circles,” on October 24 (C-361) and November 14 (C-391) from 3 – 5 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
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“Study Smarter, Not Harder” (Part 1): Learn how to strengthen your study habits and time management skills at the “Study Smarter, Not Harder” workshop taking place on October 19, 2-3 p.m. This is brought to you by the Hostos Academic Learning Center (HALC). To join, click here.
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MS. MACKENZIE SCOTT’S GIFT: PRESIDENT’S INITIATIVES | |
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Submitted by Sofia Oviedo, Ph.D., Research Programs Director
Dear Students and Colleagues,
I hope that you are all having a productive semester and progressing well in the completion of mid-term exams and assignments. As we look toward the upcoming weeks of the fall semester, there will be many opportunities for engagement through Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives. The Hostos Campus Climate Initiative is continuing its Community-Building Circles with the New York Peace Institute. The next community-building circle is scheduled for next week, on Tuesday, October 24, from 3 – 5 p.m. All students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate. Please join us in Building C, Room 361, where we will be coming together to learn and express our views regarding important issues that affect our campus community. Please be sure to come out for the next session.
Register here to attend.
The Hostos Research Center (HRC) is also hosting a number of activities, including its October Open House on Thursday, October 26, at 3:30 p.m., featuring a special research presentation by Professors Marcelo Viana Neto, Matthew Balousek, and the team of students that participated in Hostos’ game design studio, Other Possible Games. You don’t want to miss this event, as attendees will also have the opportunity to play the game our students created and provide feedback to the team. The HRC will also be issuing a new call for proposals for 2024 ADELANTE grants and hosting a Grant Writing Workshop series that will provide several opportunities for capacity-building. Information on these initiatives will be shared soon.
Sincerely,
Sofia Oviedo, Ph.D.
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Highlighting CUNY Policies You Should Know
Submitted by Executive Counsel and Labor Designee Eugene Sohn, Esq.
Policy on Multiple Positions
Each employee is obligated to view his/her appointment to a college or university within The City University as his/her major professional commitment. If you are to perform additional responsibilities within CUNY, you must comply with certain regulations. Read more about holding multiple positions here.
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OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS | |
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Submitted by Director Eric Radezky, Ph.D.
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 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. Those 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.
If you have any questions about this, please email Dr. Radezky at eradezky@hostos.cuny.edu.
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OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE AND DIVERSITY (OCD) | |
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Submitted by Chief Diversity Officer, Title IX Coordinator, and 504/ADA Coordinator Philip Oliveri, Esq.
Global Diversity Awareness Month
October is Global Diversity Awareness Month, a month to celebrate and increase awareness about the diversity of cultures and ethnicities at Hostos and the positive impact diversity has in our community. We recognize all the ways our different ethnicities, cultures, heritages, experiences, abilities, and other diverse attributes contribute to a more dynamic and innovative learning and working environment. October also recognizes the contributions and achievements of several ethnic groups, such as Italian-Americans, German-Americans, Polish-Americans, Filipino-Americans, and Hispanic-Americans, as each of the aforementioned groups celebrates their respective heritages during the month of October.
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OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (OAA) | |
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Submitted by Provost and VP Shiang-Kwei Wang, Ph.D.
CUNY Innovative Teaching Academy
On Friday, September 29, Associate Dean Dr. Andrea Fabrizio, along with Dr. Ruru Rusmin from the CUNY School of Professional Studies and Dr. Jack Kenigsberg from Hunter College, led "What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and What Can It Do?," the first in the CUNY Innovative Teaching Academy Generative AI Series taking place this year. Over 300 people attended this introductory session. Panelists and participants discussed what AI is, the concerns and expectations faculty have about AI, as well as its uses and applications. The recording of the session and slides can be found here.
Forum for Issues and Trends in Education (FITE)
As a reminder, OAA, led by Vice President and Provost Dr. Shiang-Wei Wang, has created a Blackboard organization named “Forum for Issues and Trends in Education (FITE).” All faculty and staff are welcome to self-enroll in the organization and make use of the resources and discussion board conversations. The first open forum was held on September 13 and focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on pedagogy and administrative practice. Join anytime to learn more.
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STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM) | |
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Submitted by VP La Toro Yates, Ph.D.
Enrollment Opens on Monday, October 23, for Winter and Spring 2024!
If you need assistance enrolling, contact your Coach/Advisor and schedule a meeting through Succeed@Hostos.
Financial Aid: TAP Week: October 30–November 3, 2023!
SDEM and the Office of Financial Aid will be hosting a week of activities from October 30–November 3 to engage students and increase their awareness of the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Volunteers from across divisions will partner to demystify the TAP application and certification processes. Students will be invited to attend application completion events and workshops to help them learn how to gain, maintain, and regain TAP eligibility with guidance from Financial Aid, the Business Office, and the Student Success Coaching Unit.
SDEM Important Events
Counseling Center
“Candid Conversations: The South Asian Community Speaks”
Tuesday, October 24
Time: 3 - 5 PM
Room: FDR
Let’s break the stigma towards mental health and talk about being a college student, adjusting to new environments, managing cultural expectations, and personal goals.
“Hostos Family Feud”
Wednesday, November 15
Time: 3 - 5 PM
Room: C-391
There will be a stress reduction activity using questions related to self-care, mental health, and music for staff and students.
“Stress Reduction in Practice”
Wednesday, November 29
Time: 3 - 4:30 PM
Room: FDR
This is a skill-based workshop to support students during and in preparation for finals and the holidays.
Feel free to sign up for any of our offerings using this link or visit us on the Hostos Website Calendar.
CUNY EDGE
Go here to RSVP.
“Seminar Series: Resume Writing and Interviewing Tips”
When: Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023
Time: 3:30 PM
Transfer Services
The priority deadline for transferring to CUNY has passed but it is NOT too late to apply for the Spring 2024 semester – stop by one of our events:
Virtual Transfer Application Hour
Every Tuesday, 12 – 1 PM
Zoom here.
Transfer Talks at C-512
Every Tuesday, 2 – 3 PM
Walk-in Wednesdays
Every Wednesday, 9 AM – 5 PM
Tabling A-Atrium
Every Thursday, 11 AM – 1 PM
Don’t forget to follow Transfer Services on Instagram here and check out our Weekly Transfer Spotlight!
Every week, there will be admissions officers from various four-year institutions here to answer questions — along with our talented transfer coordinator and peer mentors.
Contact transferservices@hostos.cuny.edu for the full semester schedule.
SDEM Recurring Announcements
Health and Wellness
Join the Wellness Office for “Keep Calm and Carry Yarn” to experience the health benefits of crocheting. Come and create a warm, cozy scarf or other small project at the A-Atrium, every Wednesday through December 6 from 3 - 4 p.m. Free to all Hostos students. Materials are provided while supplies last.
Hostos One Stop
Food Pantry
If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please visit the Hostos Food Pantry. Appointments are available: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information, contact Madeline Cruz at 718-518-4141 or at mcruz@hostos.cuny.edu.
Scholarship Opportunities
There are scholarships available, just waiting for you to apply! Click here for more information. If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, contact the Scholarship Office Coordinator, Marina Esquilin, at mesquilin@hostos.cuny.edu or calling 718-518-4166.
A POEM TO INSPIRE OUR COMMUNITY
“In the Depths of Solitude”
By Tupac Shakur
I exist in the depths of solitude
pondering my true goal
Trying 2 find peace of mind
and still preserve my soul
Constantly yearning 2 be accepted
and from all receive respect
Never compromising but sometimes risky
and that is my only regret
A young heart with an old soul
How can there be peace?
How can I be in the depths of solitude?
When there R 2 inside of me
This duo within me causes
the perfect opportunity
2 learn and live twice as fast
as those who accept simplicity
From “The Rose That Grew from Concrete” (1999).
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ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM) | |
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Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne
Phishing Awareness
When you look at the sea of people around the city, it has become the norm to see heads down staring at devices. With this attachment to devices and social media, CUNY CIS urges everyone to heighten their cybersecurity awareness and be attentive to emails, texts, and calls that can potentially be a phish. Phishing remains a prominent method used by attackers to initiate malware infection, data theft, and ransomware attacks. So, what is phishing, you may ask? It’s a type of cyberattack in which an attacker poses as a legitimate entity or person in an attempt to steal money or your identity, get you to reveal personal information, such as passwords, account numbers, social security number, etc., or install malware on your device(s). Phishing can be done via email, social media, text, or phone.
If you receive a potential phishing message, or if you already responded to a phishing email, immediately contact the IT Service Desk at 718-518-6646.
Below are several recommended user actions that you can take to protect yourself from such attacks.
- DO be particularly cautious when the “external source” warning banner is present.
- DO NOT reply to unexpected or unusual emails from any sender.
- DO NOT reply to emails with any personal information or passwords. If you have reason to believe that the request is real, call the institution or company directly.
- DO NOT click a link or open an attachment in an unsolicited email message. If you have reason to believe the request is real, type the web address for the company or institution directly into your web browser.
- DO NOT use the same password for your work account, bank, Facebook, etc. In the event you do fall victim to a phishing attempt, perpetrators attempt to use your compromised password to access many online services.
- DO change ALL of your passwords if you suspect any account you have access to may be compromised.
- DO be particularly cautious when reading email on a mobile device. It may be easier to miss telltale signs of phishing attempts when reading email on a smaller screen.
- DO remember that official communications should not solicit personal information by email.
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DO read the CUNY Ransomware and Phishing Advisories posted at security.cuny.edu under CUNY Issued Security Advisories.
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CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD) | |
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Submitted by VP Evelyn Fernández-Ketcham, Ph.D., LCSW
CEWD’s Career Network Program Contract is Renewed and Expanded to Include New Industry Sector
The Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) was awarded a $233,232 contract by Phipps Neighborhoods, Inc. to implement and expand its Career Network Program, which is a career development program that helps young adults ages 18-26 secure healthcare-related employment and/or education credentials. As part of the contract renewal, CEWD’s Career Network Program will expand to include another industry sector—building services. Since 2017, CEWD has been collaborating with Phipps Neighborhoods, Inc. and the Montefiore Health System to provide career exploration and experiential instruction to participants based on their interests.
In FY 2024, CEWD will serve 95 participants from Phipps Neighborhoods, Inc. 25 participants will participate in a five-week customized training in building services. The training will provide 130 cumulative hours of training and instruction on-site at Hostos. Seventy-five students will participate in CEWD’s three-week Careers in Healthcare Seminars, which provide information about the certificate programs and post-secondary education opportunities available at Hostos. Participants are then placed into a seven-week Phipps Internship at Montefiore Medical Center.
For more information on CEWD’s Career Network Program, please contact Javier Saldana, Senior Associate/Train and Earn Director, at 718-664-2541 or jjsaldana@hostos.cuny.edu.
Virtual Information Sessions
To learn more about CEWD’s program offerings, register for a virtual info session here.
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INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT (DIA) | |
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Submitted by VP Colette Atkins
Planned Giving to Hostos
If you have thought about including Hostos in your estate planning, and would like to learn more about the many ways you can have a lasting impact on Hostos students, contact Vice President of Institutional Advancement Colette Atkins by phone at 718-518-4394 or via email at catkins@hostos.cuny.edu to discuss how you can be part of the Eugenio María de Hostos Planned Giving Society.
CUNY Tuesday
Giving season is upon us, and the Division of Institutional Advancement encourages you to make a gift to Hostos between October 16 and November 28, the global day of giving. Remember that there is no longer a payroll deduction option, so we encourage you to set up your gift or pledge on our website or contact Development Officer Idelsa Méndez by phone at 718-518-4341 or via email at imendez@hostos.cuny.edu.
This year, we are requesting that donors support one of two urgent priority areas: the Circle of 100 Emergency Fund, which provides up to $500 to students with an unexpected financial burden, and the Hostos Food Pantry.
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Celebrating the Accomplishments of the Hostos Community
Hostos Historian of Italian-American Culture, Stephen Cerulli, Quoted as Expert in NYT
Congratulations to our Lecturer, Stephen Cerulli, from Behavioral and Social Sciences, who was quoted in the New York Times about NYC pizza culture. Take a look at his historical insights about the history of the tomato pie here.
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Free Services for the Community
Hostos Offers Free Preventive Dental Hygiene Services to the Public
The Dental Hygiene Patient Care Facility at Hostos Community College is a teaching unit that provides high-quality dental care, primarily cleanings and dental x-rays to the community, while adhering to the most current sterilization techniques. Several appointments will be needed and each may last three hours at a time.
For more information and scheduling, call 718-319-7943.
The appointment schedule is as follows:
Mondays: 9 AM - 1 PM and 2 - 6 PM
Wednesdays: 8 AM - 12 PM and 2:30 - 6:30 PM
Fridays: 9 AM - 1 PM and 2 - 6 PM
Location: Hostos Dental Hygiene Patient Care Facility
500 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY, 10451
B Building
Note: The clinic does not provide restorative dental work such as fillings, implants, etc.
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Title: Camino a Mictlán Dia de los Muertos Art Installation & Ofrenda
Date: Now until Nov. 3 | Tuesday–Friday from 12 – 6 PM and Saturdays during the month of October only
Location: Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos
Description: Camino a Mictlán gives the Bronx an authentic experience of el Día de los Muertos — Day of the Dead. Each fall across Mexico, streets become filled with vibrant colors, skull-painted faces, and ceremonial “ofrenda” altars filled with flowers, candles, and photographs of deceased loved ones. The exhibit features traditional altars and large-scale sculptures. The gallery is free and open to the public every Tues-Fri from 12-6 p.m., with Saturdays also open during the month of October.
Title: Voter Education and Community Engagement with the League of Women Voters
Date| Time: Monday, October 23 | 3:30 – 4:30 PM and Tuesday, October 24 | 11 AM – 12 PM
Location: C-391 on Monday and B-501 on Tuesday
Description: This presentation discusses the three pillars of civic engagement: (1) voting, (2) lobbying, and (3) advocacy and community involvement. Through this interactive workshop, we will demonstrate that everyone can get involved and use their voice to effect change in our own communities, how to find out who represents them, and how to contact local officials using their own phones! Assemblymember Amanda Septimo will join us on Monday!
Title: Global Education and Career Information
Date | Time: Wednesday, October 25 | 2:30 PM
Location: C-391
Description: We invite you to a showcase of faculty who engaged in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) pedagogy supported by Global Scholars Achieving Success, the Aspen Institute Steven's Initiative Grant.
Title: How the Liberal Arts Options in History, Political Science, and Economics Can Benefit You!
Date | Time: Thursday, October 26 | 3:30 – 5 PM
Location: Zoom (Meeting ID: 857 9282 2740 | Passcode: 351458)
Description: Faculty from BSS will explain the structure of our three Liberal Arts options: Historical Studies, Social Studies, and United States Studies. Faculty will also outline the intellectual, academic, skill development, and career benefits of enrolling in any of these three options while at Hostos. There will be a faculty-led Q&A at the end.
Title: Honor Distinguished Latinx Leaders and Student Scholars
Date | Time: Monday, October 30, 2023 | 2 PM
Location: A-Atrium
Description: Join us to honor distinguished Latinx leaders and student scholars. More details coming soon.
Title: So You Want to Be a Psychologist or Sociologist? Explore Our Liberal Arts Options with Hostos Alumni
Date | Time: Monday, October 30 | 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Location: Zoom (Meeting ID: 883 6747 0869 | Passcode: 010777)
Description: Alumni from BSS will discuss their experiences taking courses in our department. The new Liberal Arts options in Behavioral Sciences will be presented by unit faculty along with an overview of Sociology and Psychology majors, possible areas of study, career options, and more.
Title: Financial Wellness Seminar Series
Date: Monday, October 23 | Follow the link in the description for time details.
Location: Zoom
Description: These upcoming virtual sessions from the Office of Alumni Relations will feature distinguished speakers, including Melody Maisonet ’17, Pedro Rivera ’15, and Hostos ASAP Coordinator Siddique Mohamed. Their expertise will provide invaluable guidance as you navigate the complexities of personal financial management. We cordially invite you to participate in our upcoming virtual sessions to learn about budgeting, long-term planning, and investing. Register for one or more sessions here.
Title: “Homeward” Staged Reading
Date | Time: Thursday, October 26 | 12:30 PM and 7 PM and Friday, October 27 | 7 PM
Location: Repertory Theater
Description: Since Vietnam, Rufus Jefferson has felt lost, PTSD crippling his interactions with those he loves. Everyone, including his beloved wife and best friend, thinks a near-death experience in war caused his recurring trauma. For most of his life, he keeps secret how his white commanding officer's actions, resulting in Rufus’ less-than-honorable discharge, traumatized him and why he doesn’t tell anyone the truth. It’s not until his daughter convinces him to testify to his story and fight the “bad paper” symbolizing his dishonor that he finds his way home. For tickets, call 718-518-4455 or visit the Hostos Box Office.
Title: Student Leadership Academy Alumni Reunion
Date | Time: Thursday, November 2 | 6 PM
Location: A-Atrium
Description: Get ready for our first Student Leadership Academy Alumni Reunion, which promises to be amazing. Kindly mark your calendars, and RSVP using this link.
Title: Scotland Trip Debriefing
Date | Time: Monday, November 6 | 3:30 PM
Location: Black Box Theater (C-151)
Description: Please join us for a video presentation and reflections by Hostos students on their August 2023 trip to the Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland.
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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. | |
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Past issues can be found here.
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