EL SEMANARIO HOSTOSIANO / HOSTOS WEEKLY | Friday, October 25, 2024

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

Friday, October 25, 2024 | Vol. 9, No. 9

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

We are on the other side of midterms, contemplating the end of the semester and all the work that still needs to be done. As I meet with students to discuss their progress, I am encouraged by their sense of hope and optimism as they face challenges and continue with resolve, persistence, and determination. This is the time to examine present success and needs and to assess courses for the winter or spring semesters needed to make progress toward graduation.

We have powerful stories to acknowledge; whether it is about an alumna returning to share how a capstone assignment became a self-published book or how the LGBTQ spirit stays affirming as per the October 16 activities we saw last week. Our collective story is about maintaining an environment that is open, inclusive, and accepting of all; an environment where all can learn and engage with hope, respect, and love for others. It is also good to see continued opportunities to register to vote. As we begin to consider the blanket of winter that is soon to be covering us, the time is ripe to reflect on peace on earth and among all of us, every day, in every gesture, as we embrace having created and continuing to support a place where the air is clear and safe to breathe, to learn and to work.

I would be remiss if I did not offer one more time a gentle reminder that on November 5, you need to say “presente” and let your voice be heard.

Mil gracias y bendiciones,

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

POEM

“Movement Song”

By Audre Lorde

I have studied the tight curls on the back of your neck

moving away from me

beyond anger or failure

your face in the evening schools of longing

through mornings of wish and ripen

we were always saying goodbye

in the blood in the bone over coffee

before dashing for elevators going

in opposite directions

without goodbyes.

Do not remember me as a bridge nor a roof

as the maker of legends

nor as a trap

door to that world

where black and white clericals

hang on the edge of beauty in five oclock elevators

twitching their shoulders to avoid other flesh

and now

there is someone to speak for them

moving away from me into tomorrows

morning of wish and ripen

your goodbye is a promise of lightning

in the last angels hand

unwelcome and warning

the sands have run out against us

we were rewarded by journeys

away from each other

into desire

into mornings alone

where excuse and endurance mingle

conceiving decision.

Do not remember me

as disaster

nor as the keeper of secrets

I am a fellow rider in the cattle cars

watching

you move slowly out of my bed

saying we cannot waste time

only ourselves.

Source: The Collected Poems of Audre Lorde (W. W. Norton and Company Inc., 1997)

MESSAGE FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) PRESIDENT DAINMA MARTÍNEZ

Trick-Or-Treat

Trick-Or-Treat, the time is almost near! Get yourself ready, Hostos!

The SGA is excited to announce the launch of a new initiative to install phone charging stations around campus! We understand how important it is to stay connected, whether using your phone for class assignments, communication, or simply staying informed. The goal is to make these stations easily accessible in high-traffic areas across the College, providing students with the convenience of charging their devices on the go. This initiative reflects our commitment to improving student life and ensuring everyone can access essential resources. More details on the locations and availability of the charging stations will be shared soon. Stay tuned!

We also want to acknowledge the closure of the cafeteria and understand the inconvenience it has caused. Rest assured, Hostos and CUNY are working on a joint vendor initiative with other campuses to provide students with more food options. While this is still in development, we appreciate your patience and will keep you updated as more information becomes available. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to explore local food options, such as the One Stop, pantry, and the Farmer’s Fridge, while we continue to make improvements for food accessibility in our community.

I would like to close with a quote from the amazing Zora Neale Hurston: “I have the nerve to walk my own way, however hard, in my search for reality, rather than climb upon the rattling wagon of wishful illusions." - Letter from Zora Neale Hurston to Countee Cullen

Sincerely,

Dainma Martínez

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

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

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 Multi-Purpose 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. All interested in participating are invited to submit their poetry selection by Friday, November 1, for consideration. All members of the Hostos community are invited to join in this beautiful celebration as we gather to enjoy a delicious lunch and reflect on the inspirational power of poetry to nurture and uplift us.

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

Apply to Become a Hostos Research Center Scholar

The Hostos Research Center (HRC) is inviting students interested in conducting research with a faculty mentor to apply to the HRC Scholars Program for the 2024-25 academic year. All majors are welcome to apply. Students are eligible if they are currently enrolled as a part-time/full-time student and have a minimum GPA of 2.7. The HRC Scholars Program will provide selected students with a $5,000 stipend for engaging in up to 250 hours of research activities throughout the academic year and summer. The HRC Scholars Program seeks to enroll up to 15 students in 2024-25.

The HRC is also inviting Hostos faculty members across all disciplines who are conducting research and interested in mentoring one or two students this academic year to participate and help provide Hostos students with a new experiential learning opportunity. This will be a great way of providing students that you are mentoring and who may already be supporting your research with financial support. Faculty mentors will also receive a $1,000 stipend for mentoring a student for the academic year and part of the summer.

Students and faculty interested in participating are invited to complete an online application. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all student slots are filled!

Hostos Research Center Scholars Student Application (use CUNYfirst login)

Hostos Research Center Scholars Faculty Application (use CUNYfirst login)

INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT (OIERA)

Submitted by AJ Stachelek, Ed.D., Director of Assessment

College Completion Innovation Fund

As an institution, we spend a lot of time focused on our students. The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) help us look at how we are doing in retaining students, supporting their completion of key gateway classes in mathematics and English, and our success in supporting their degree attainment here at Hostos. The Strategy Progress Indicators (SPIs) shift the lens to the details at the Strategy level by tracking aspects that are more specific to a goal in the Hostos: Elevating Justice 2023 – 2028 Strategic Plan. These measures enable us to make more data-informed decisions across how we implement various initiatives. However, digging down to a more granular level, we noticed that the student adherence to the current degree maps, while designed to enable students to graduate within two years from a given major, was rarely aligned with the timeline and trajectory students follow. In essence, what we have been missing is the opportunity to learn a lot more by tracking and listening to the students who successfully graduate, typically in the span of three years from a given degree program.

In this vein, the colleagues in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Research, and Assessment have been awarded the College Completion Innovation Fund Grant for a project titled “Learning from Student Decision-making Patterns to Improve Degree Program Completion and Student Engagement.” We decided to create a project through which we could learn from the successful students here at Hostos by looking at their course-taking patterns across the three years they typically take to graduate. Furthermore, we wanted to speak directly to these students to learn more about what they did that helped them succeed in reaching this goal, such as the resources they used and the networks they formed with other students.

We are still in the early phases of this work and have spent the initial period developing a program that enabled us to aggregate data across First-Time Freshmen cohorts in a way that increased the overall sample of students to provide insight into the course-taking behavior of these graduating students. By aligning each incoming Freshmen cohort’s first semester (Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, and Fall 2020, we aggregated six cohorts of Freshmen course-taking data to determine patterns across not only their first semester but all semesters along the path to graduation. This strategy has been piloted by investigating degree programs with a higher enrollment of students, such as Business Management AS and Early Childhood Education AAS. In the next few weeks, I look forward to sharing some insights we gain about successful students as we continue the work on this grant. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you have, as they may inspire further directions in which to take this work.

POLICY OF THE WEEK

Highlighting CUNY Policies You Should Know

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

Jury Duty Policy

Employees summoned to jury duty must notify their immediate supervisor and the Human Resources Office as soon as possible that they have been summoned and must submit a copy of the jury duty summons at this time. While serving jury duty, employees must keep their supervisors updated on a daily basis regarding the expected duration of service. When returning from jury duty, employees are required to submit a copy of the completed jury duty certificate to their supervisor and the Human Resources Office. A completed jury duty certificate will include the employee’s name, dates of jury duty service and the signature or stamp of the appropriate court clerk. If all of the above requirements are met, full-time employees except for certain skilled trade titles will be paid for their time serving jury duty without charge to leave credits. For federal and out of state jury service (as opposed to local or New York state jury service) the same procedure applies, but employees who received pay while performing jury service must reimburse the College if they receive a per diem jury service allowance from the federal or out of state governmental jurisdiction. Reimbursement may be done through the Human Resources payroll unit.

Certain skilled trade titles not entitled to be paid for their jury duty may at their discretion request the use of annual leave instead of receiving the per diem allowance from the court. Part-time employees including college assistants, adjuncts, and other hourly employees will be paid either $40 for each of the first three days of jury service or their regular pay if less, if such employees perform jury service during their regularly scheduled hours of work.

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Submitted by Director Eric Radezky, Ph.D.

The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development Invites You to Join Housing Information Classes – Now with Translation!

Look no further for your NYC housing answers. Housing Information Classes covers all the housing questions you have. Presented by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) in partnership with NYC Public Schools’ Parent University.

Live translation is available in Spanish and Chinese! For translation into other languages, please indicate when you register! All classes are 100% free and taught over Zoom. Learn from experts about all the housing resources you can access for free. From pest removal to responding to violations to navigating Housing Court.

Upcoming Class Schedule:

Oct 28 at 12 p.m. – NYC Housing Connect: The Affordable Housing Lottery – Register Here
Oct 29 at 6 p.m. – Lead-Based Paint Basics for Homeowners – Register Here
Nov 7 at 12 p.m. - Department of Buildings: Rules, Permits, Summons, and More – Register Here
Nov 7 at 6 p.m. - Housing Court: What to Expect – Register Here
Nov 12 at 12 p.m. – Tenants: Know Your Rights – Register Here
Nov 13 at 6 p.m. – Energy Efficiency and Solar Power – Register Here
Nov 19 at 12 p.m. – Avoiding Deed Theft: A Homeowners’ Guide – Register Here
Nov 20 at 6 p.m. – Avoiding Deed Theft: A Homeowners’ Guide – Register Here

OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE AND DIVERSITY

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

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and recognizes supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees. Accordingly, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a landmark federal law aimed to protect and empower people with disabilities in the US by prohibiting employment discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Moreover, Section 504 of the aforementioned Rehabilitation Action also requires educational institutions to provide equal access and reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities, such as ramps, interpreters, and modified tests.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISIONS

OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (OAA)

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

Title V Presented at the Gardener Institute in Pittsburgh

Dean Andrea Fabrizio, Dr. Gregory Marks, Dr. Silvia Reyes, and Dr. Yana He presented at the Gardner Institute: A Symposium on Transforming Secondary Education on October 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Their presentation, “A Multi-Faceted FYE: Supporting Student Success and Faculty Engagement," focused on the achievements of year 1 of Hostos' Title V grant, including implementing a peer mentoring and Summer Bridge Program.

Hostos Honors Program Students Participate in the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit

Professor Ernest Ialongo, Honors Program Co-Director, Chair of College Senate, Chair of Behavioral and Social Sciences Department

The Concordia Annual Summit, held annually in New York City during September, is a prominent platform for fostering collaboration between public and private sectors. This influential gathering convenes heads of state, government officials, leaders of non-profit organizations, and entrepreneurs to address pressing global issues. For the second year in a row, students from the Honors Program at Hostos received an invitation to attend the summit, and, for the first time, one of our members, Ms. Deneisha Noble, represented the College as a panelist in a session entitled "Empowering Youth: Overcoming Obstacles to Leadership in Civil Society." The student attendees included Ms. Adria Sebisaho, Ms. Erika Mata, Ms. Keyla Rodríguez, and Ms. Noble. We invite you to see photos and videos of the event on our Instagram account (@hostos_honors).

Students have gained significant advantages by participating in the Summit as attendees and presenters. They have established valuable connections with speakers, engaged in constructive debates and discussions, and expanded their knowledge by learning about innovative concepts.

For students interested in joining the Honors Program at Hostos, please contact one of the following:

Ms. Karla Contreras, Honors Coordinator, at kcontreras@hostos.cuny.edu
Prof. Ernest Ialongo, Co-Director, at eialongo@hostos.cuny.edu
Prof. Cynthia Jones, Co-Director, at cjones@hostos.cuny.edu

Baby Clothing Collection

Professor Charles Drago, Chair of Allied Health Sciences Department

In the spirit of our College mission, Dr. Drago, Dr. Jacqueline DiSanto and SGA President Dainma Martínez are currently accepting gently used baby clothing ranging from 0-3 months to 4T in size. If you want to donate, you can find clearly labeled drop boxes in Allied Health, room A-307, Early Childhood Education, room A-107, and the SGA President's office, room C-534. The drop-off times are from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Once collected, the clothing will be sorted by size, washed, and provided to students who need baby clothes. We kindly request that any donated clothing be in gently-used condition.

If you have any questions please contact Dr. Drago at 718-518-4114 or cdrago@hostos.cuny.edu.

NACE Career Readiness Competencies

Lisanette Rosario, Director, Career Services

Are you ready to take the next step toward your career goals? In addition to academic achievements, employers are looking for key skills that will help you thrive in the workplace. These skills include the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 8 Career Readiness Competencies:

Communication: Clearly and effectively exchanging information, ideas, and perspectives.
Critical Thinking: Analyzing issues and solving problems using sound reasoning.
Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with others in diverse environments.
Leadership: Leveraging interpersonal strengths to inspire and guide teams.
Professionalism: Demonstrating integrity, accountability, and ethical behavior.
Technology: Understanding and leveraging digital tools to enhance work.
Career and Self-Development: Developing yourself and your career through continually learning, networking, and seeking opportunities.
Equity & Inclusion: Promoting and practicing inclusivity by challenging systemic inequities and fostering diverse environments.

At the Hostos Career Services Office, we help you build and strengthen these competencies through workshops, internships, and professional development opportunities. Visit the Career Services Office in D-210 to discover how to develop your career readiness competencies and prepare yourself for success.

For more information about NACE career readiness competencies, go here.

Career Services Events

Title: Introduction to LinkedIn Workshop

Date | Time: Friday, October 25 | 1 PM

Location: Zoom (Spanish; register via link)

Description: Join us for an interactive LinkedIn workshop designed to help you optimize your profile, expand your network, and enhance your professional presence online. Whether you are just starting or looking to refine your existing profile, this session will provide practical tips and strategies to get the most out of LinkedIn. The workshop will be conducted via Zoom, ensuring that you can participate from the comfort of your own space. Do not miss this opportunity to elevate your LinkedIn game and connect with like-minded peers seeking professional growth! Register in advance for this meeting.

Title: Introduction to Handshake Workshop

Date | Time: Tuesday, October 29 | 11 AM

Location: Zoom (register via link)

Description: Join us for an engaging, in-person workshop designed to introduce you to Handshake, the platform used by Career Services to connect you with employers. This workshop, held in the Career Services Computer Lab, will guide you through the many benefits of using Handshake, including personalized job recommendations, networking opportunities with top employers, and access to exclusive internships and job postings. During the session, you'll learn how to easily log in to Handshake and create a compelling profile that showcases your skills, experiences, and career aspirations. Whether you're just starting your career journey or looking to take the next step, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to set yourself up for success.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM)

Submitted by IVP Althea Sterling, Ed.D.

Enrollment is Open for Winter and Spring 2025!

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

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:

City College: October 30 at 11 a.m.

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

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)

October 31

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).

Student Success Coaching Unit

Connect with me, your Student Success Coach!

Hello Hostos Student,

I hope that your semester is going well! Here are a few helpful updates and reminders for a successful Fall 2024 term:

1. You can always make a future appointment with your Student Success Coach by logging into Navigate. If you are unable to make an appointment through Navigate, please contact the front desk at 718-664-2560 or by email at sscu@hostos.cuny.edu for assistance.

2. SSCU is offering late night hours every Wednesday from 5 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. on Zoom through December 18. During late night hours, you will be able to speak to a Student Success Coach who can answer general questions or any in-depth advisement questions. Virtually: Join here: Meeting ID: 837 0090 4810 Passcode: 183421

3. Follow up on the status of your financial aid award by contacting the Office of Financial Aid here.

4. For important dates and deadlines, please open and review the Fall 2024 Academic Calendar here.

5. Please be advised that if Fall 2024 is your last semester, then the deadline to apply for graduation is Tuesday, November 5. For detailed instructions on how to apply for graduation, go here to watch a short video. Please watch the Graduation-To-Do list video here for additional guidance and resources for students who are ready to graduate.

6. Follow SSCU on Instagram for important updates by clicking here and for more instructional videos please visit the SSCU YouTube channel.

7. The links to additional resources at Hostos are listed below:

a. If you need help with writing assignments and/or tutoring, contact the Writing Center here or the HALC Center here.

b. For more information on the food pantry, housing assistance and other resources, contact the One Stop Center here.

c. If you need help with personal or family issues, then you can make an appointment with the Counseling Center here.

I look forward to speaking with you throughout the semester.

Regards,

Your Success Coach

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.

Counseling Center

Join the Counseling Center for the following events!

Mood & Music: Let’s Talk About It

Date | Time: Tuesday, October 29 | 3 - 5 PM

Location: FDR Room (C-312)

Description: An interactive discussion focused on removing the stigma surrounding depression and highlighting the benefits of using music intentionally to process, cope, and shift emotions in observation of Depression Awareness Month.

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!

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.

POEMS FOR THE COMMUNITY

“But Of Little Things…”

By Sir H. Davy

Life is made up,

not of great sacrifices or duties,

but of little things,

in which smiles and kindnesses,

and small obligations given habitually,

are what win and preserve

the heart and secure comfort.

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM)

Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne

IT Modernization Update

As we all know, Hostos experienced a major IT incident in May of this year. Thanks to the swift actions of our staff, we were able to promptly contain and manage the incident. However, the overall environment did get compromised. All our essential systems included networking components, systems, services, servers, files, and emails. Emails for students, staff, and faculty had to be diagnosed, restored and recovered. CIS (CUNY Central) hired external experts and agencies to help with this effort and assisted in recovering our emails and a handful of our systems. The bulk of the recovery was left to the limited team within IT. The Hostos IT team worked diligently over six weeks, including weekends and long work days, to update nearly 3,000 computers across the campus and close to 200 servers, enabling students to take their exams and graduate on time. This was achieved with exemplary cooperation and coordination between all members of Hostos IT, CIS, external agencies, and colleagues from our sister CUNY colleges. We were able to restore all services, which allowed us to achieve one of our main goals, which was to ensure that our students graduated on time.

Despite the extended service disruption caused by the incident, it presented us with a unique opportunity to re-architect, modernize, update, replace, and strengthen our IT resources. Some changes are obvious and visible to the end-user, such as the migration of emails for students, faculty, and staff to M365 hosted by Microsoft and under the control of CUNY Central. Other changes are behind the scenes. The IT Team has been diligently working to restore previous services, but also creating a seamless migration path to the new architecture without any service disruptions where possible. For instance, we concluded that the VPN and remote access to desktops needed to be replaced by a more modern, robust, and secure approach to accessing networked files and services. We are nearing the finalizing of this service design, which will make available remotely the files and services to the appropriate users.

Since the beginning of May, IT has witnessed incredible camaraderie and realized the benefits of collective teamwork. Senior management from the President’s Office, Provost, SVP, VPs, Public Safety, staff, faculty, students, and tech teams from other schools united to tackle significant challenges and emerged victorious. This is a remarkable testament to our Hostos spirit and our CUNY spirit. We turned adversity into a remarkable achievement!

¡Estamos orgullosos de nuestro trabajo! Go, Hostos team!

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD)

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

We Had an Awesome Week!

Our division brought the community together for two special events this week. On Tuesday, October 22, Dr. Carlos Gerena, Director of Wellness and Engagement, led the “Mapping Tomorrow: Vision Board Workshop.” This event was an opportunity for the Hostos family to visualize what they want for themselves — personally, professionally, and mentally — moving forward. The inspiring exercise was topped off with delicious food and raffles.

Then, yesterday, Thursday, October 24, we had a blast at our annual “Bingo with a Twist” celebration. Attendees got a chance to show off their knowledge about Hostos by answering interesting trivia questions about the College’s history. There were raffles, laughter, and refreshments!

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

Alumna Ischia Bravo Recognized Among Power Women of the Bronx

The Honorable Ischia Bravo ’09 serves as the 12th County Clerk/Commissioner of Jurors of Bronx County — the first Latina to assume this role in the office’s 109-year existence. A recipient of Hostos’ Alma Matters Awards and CUNY’s 50 Under 50, she has recently been recognized by Schnep’s Media as a 2024 Power Woman of the Bronx. Bravo will receive this honor alongside more than 40 remarkable leaders, including Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, at an event on October 23. Congratulations to Ms. Bravo and Mme. President! Read more about the event and the honorees here.

Million Dollar Gift Receives 25% Match from New York State

At a reception on October 17 celebrating the $1 million endowment from Aspira Capital Management and the Wright Foundation, CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez surprised the attendees by announcing, with a delighted President Cocco De Filippis at his side, that his office was providing a $250,000 matching gift. The Chancellor reflected, “It’s a sign that we want to be supportive of the hard work that is being done in philanthropy, and supportive of our students, and showing that we want more individuals and corporations supporting the work that we do at Hostos… I'm delighted that we could do that, and may this be the sign of many more to come.”

Recurring Notice: Golf Outing Inspires a Generous October Matching Gift

This year’s Golf Outing Classic happened to coincide with Title Sponsor Jorge Madruga's birthday. When we surprised him with a cake, he chose to mark the occasion by surprising us with an additional $15,000 matching gift! Through October 31, any gift to the Foundation will be matched dollar for dollar up to $15,000. Thank you to Mr. Madruga and the Madruga Foundation Inc. for your generosity! To make a gift, visit www.GivetoHostos.com.

BRAVO NEWS

Celebrating the Accomplishments of the Hostos Community

Congratulations to our Hostos Center for Teaching and Learning on Their CTL Reflections Newsletter Vol. 19 Publication!

We are delighted to celebrate the publication of the 19th edition of the CTL Reflections Newsletter by the Hostos Center for Teaching and Learning! This issue is packed with innovative ideas, valuable teaching strategies, and inspiring scholarly narratives that reflect the dedication and creativity of our academic community. Inside, you'll discover features like “Empowering Community College Students through Authentic Research: A Decade of Mentorship” by Associate Professor of Natural Sciences Biao Jiang, and “Manifold in the Classroom: Digital Publishing and Social Annotations” by Assistant Professor of English Krystyna Michael. You will also find practical teaching tips and a showcase of achievements. We invite you to explore the 19th edition by picking up a hard copy or accessing the digital version here.

Congratulations to Transfer Services!

On Tuesday, October 22, Transfer Services held a successful Transfer Fair. Dozens of students learned about many four-year institutions to which they can transfer, including Fordham University, Farmingdale State College, Mercy University, Manhattanville University, Berkeley, and multiple CUNY sister colleges, among others!

Kudos to Our Own!

Congratulations to Dr. Eric Radezky and Dr. Helen Chang, who participated in the panel “Where Do We Go From Here? Potential Global Ramifications of the U.S. Elections.” A joint effort between Hostos and LaGuardia Community College, this panel was a timely discussion about the upcoming U.S. Elections and what they mean for the rest of the world.

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