Friday, September 13, 2024 | Vol. 9, No. 3

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

I am happy to share remarks from this week’s Stated Meeting of the College. Thank you for the show of support from students, faculty, and staff who joined us. 

Stated Meeting of the College Remarks

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Hostos Community College | Savoy Multipurpose Room

Dear Members of the Hostos Family,

It is good to be with you all, sharing our Stated Meeting of the College, our first All College Meeting, Beginning of the Semester Gathering. Thank you, Kelsey Schmitz, our moderator, and the wonderful team of speakers this afternoon. As always, this presentation is intended to feature a rich array of diverse voices, underscoring the generous team efforts taking place in our College. It is also in keeping with by now established practice in the Semanario, Hostos Weekly, designed to share information often and widely and for the College community to hear perspectives and information from multiple people. 

It takes significant commitment, generosity and hope in embracing our mission, our students and our communities to work with tenacity and clarity on social justice, equity, generational transformation and student-centeredness evidenced in so much of the work taking place at the College. We begin our Fall 2024 semester with encouraging continued growth in enrollment of about 2.3%. More on enrollment management strategies will be discussed by SDEM leadership this afternoon represented by Dean Althea Sterling. VP La Toro Yates is leaving us on September 17 to assume a new position at a university closer to his home. I am very grateful to have had Dr. Yates as a member of the Executive Cabinet these past two and a half years, and wish him continued success. In his absence, Dean Sterling will be overseeing SDEM, becoming Interim Vice President on October 1. A Search for the permanent position will take place in the Spring 2025 semester.

Our “manos a la obra spirit,” our all-hands-on-deck approach, is paying off. Life is thriving at our campus. How wonderful it is to be able to meet students in our hallways and cafeteria, and to hold our SGA meetings in our conference room, with President Martínez leading a very engaged SGA team. The increased in-person academic life on campus, supported by Veladas and Culture Talks, is being planned. Ms. Schmitz will provide us with a summary later on in the program.

I have shared in the past a guiding framework that will support the creation of the Operational Plan based on our Strategic Plan and, of course, on the six pillars of our mission. Among the core principles is a commitment to designing academic pathways that lead to family-sustaining jobs at minimum for Hostos graduates,  95% of whom are underrepresented minority and low-income. Provost Wang will be providing an update on OAA’s work on introducing a powerful number of newly appointed faculty members. Colleagues in other divisions who are joining us this year will also be introduced later on in the meeting. This afternoon we will hear a brief presentation by our own AVP Audant who will update us on our Operational Plan results and plans for this year.

There is much work being planned for this semester as the Ms. MacKenzie Scott initiatives continue to grow with the support of two $1 million earmarks. Later on in the program, Dr.  Sophia Oviedo will be providing an update but please continue to read all communications from Dr. Oviedo as she announces activities approved by the Hostos Advisory Corps and provides updates on the multiple ways in which students, faculty and staff are engaging in the creation of very intentional activities in support of retention, faculty and students’ engagement. I also share good news as I congratulate Professor Yoel Rodríguez, Professor Nieves Angulo and colleagues on the award of the latest NSF grant for $2 million in support of Engineering and STEM students. More wonderful news in support of STEM programs comes in the form of a million dollar endowment in scholarship for STEM students to be announced shortly.  Look for the press release in the near future. Director of the Conference Center Schmitz, generously supporting the moderator role of ECS Diana Kreymer, home on maternity leave until mid-December, will be introducing a selection of these important upcoming Veladas, Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month celebrations and other activities at a later point in the program. Please look for opportunities to engage and participate as we continue to benefit from this generous gift.

Chair Ialongo will be bringing greetings on behalf of the College-wide Senate and President Dainma Martínez on behalf of the Student Government Association. Their participation is valuable and much appreciated. SVP Rodríguez-Chardavoyne will give information on budget and the work at the College to support our students and our mission. We are all indebted to her for her diligence in managing our budget in support of student success during a challenging time, and keeping us in the black.

Soon, if not already, we will be looking at class schedules for both winter and spring, understanding that class schedules are to be designed to enhance access and support social mobility. Much attention will continue to be paid to enrollment patterns and creating new ways for students to engage with the College. To support this effort, the Registrar’s Office and the Office of Academic Affairs continue to conduct a number of analyses designed to assist in projecting, with flexibility, potential areas to explore.

We will continue to pay more attention to advisement, both by OAA and the Student Success Coaching Unit, as we labor to support retention of students but also to reach out to continuing students who stopped out and need to return to complete credentials.  This effort thus far yielded a significant percentage of returning students enrolling for our classes. Dean Sterling will be reporting on our progress this afternoon. Non-credit and credit programs will continue to deepen their connection as we create stackable credentials, from non-credit certificates, credit certificates and associate degrees, and enhance our relationships both with industry and community business, health providers and others, and with our sister institutions at CUNY. To support these efforts, philanthropy and sponsored programming will continue to receive intentional and additional attention, as we work even harder to bring new resources in support of both programmatic innovation and retention to graduation.

After a very successful Radiology Technology Summit this past spring, the Fall semester will focus on our work with the Hostos Community College Advisory Council. We will be planning and working with leadership at the College to create our November industry summit in Game Design and Digital Arts Animation, designed to connect our programs with industry other partners. I’ll say it again, we are fortunate to have Lehman alumnus and leader in the finance world Elias Alcántara as Chair. Our Vice Chair is someone well known to Hostos, our own Dr. Nydia Edgecombe.

Dear Hostos family, Hostos Community College is committed to live its mission in a generous and talented way. Let me just affirm the six pillars of our HCC Mission Statement:

• Provide access to higher education.
• Serve as a community resource.
• Celebrate diversity and multiculturalism.
• Facilitate socio-economic mobility.
• Develop linguistic, mathematical, technological and critical thinking proficiencies.
• Foster intellectual growth and lifelong learning.

These pillars are supported by the work taking place to support our Institutional Self-Study Priorities:

• Systems Alignment: Enhance our coordinated efforts to better support student academic momentum and completion processes.
• Academic Competencies: Foster student development of General Education competencies and language and math skills to support success in subsequent academic steps and in the job market.
• Community Resource Hub: Sustain and strengthen Hostos’ role as a resource hub for our community.

Please continue to read updates on academic assessment alignment, the work of OAA and of OIERA, and progress reports on some of our activities by Senior Management and colleagues. The work is framed by the following priorities:

• Ensure progress in a process that is safe, and puts at the forefront the health of the college community and at the same time is also focused on quality instruction and academic and student support;
• Strengthen student advisement for all-incoming, transfer, and target populations, identified in need of additional support;
• Accelerate application to registration process;
• Clearly communicate graduate requirements and deadlines;
• Promote a culture of “College Going” with First Year Experiences.

Finally, as always, I end my brief remarks with a quote you will hear me bring up often from Pablo Neruda’s Nobel Laureate speech: “All paths lead to the same goal; to convey to others what we are…but in this dance or in this song there are fulfilled the most ancient rites of our conscience in the awareness of being human and of believing in a common destiny.”

I believe that our common destiny is that of a community of purpose; an academic community that partners with multiple stakeholders and works closely together in harmony and in concert, to ensure that Eugenio María de Hostos Community College will live up to the promise made in our mission to embrace diversity and opportunity as the birth right of all.

Mil gracias y bendiciones,

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

A POEM

“Love in the Classroom”

By Al Zolynas

For my students. 

Afternoon. Across the garden, in Green Hall,

someone begins playing the old piano —

a spontaneous piece, amateurish and alive,

full of a simple, joyful melody.

The music floats among us in the classroom.

I stand in front of my students

telling them about sentence fragments.

I ask them to find the ten fragments

in the twenty-one-sentence paragraph on page forty-five.

They’ve come from all parts

of the world — Iran, Micronesia, Africa,

Japan, China, even Los Angeles — and they’re still

eager to please me. It’s less than half

way through the quarter.

They bend over their books and begin.

Hamid’s lips move as he follows

the tortuous labyrinth of English syntax.

Yoshie sits erect, perfect in her pale make-up,

legs crossed, quick pulse minutely

jerking her right foot. Tony,

from an island in the South Pacific, sprawls

limp and relaxed in his desk.

The melody floats around and through us

in the room, broken here and there, fragmented,

re-started. It feels Mideastern, but

it could be jazz, or the blues — it could be

anything from anywhere.

I sit down on my desk to wait,

and it hits me from nowhere — a sudden,

sweet, almost painful love for my students.

“Nevermind,” I want to cry out.

“It doesn’t matter about fragments.

Finding them or not. Everything’s

a fragment and everything’s not a fragment.

Listen to the music, how fragmented,

how whole, how we can’t separate the music

from the sun falling on its knees on all the greenness,

from this moment, how this moment

contains all the fragments of yesterday

and everything we’ll ever know of tomorrow!”

Instead, I keep a coward’s silence.

The music stops abruptly;

they finish their work,

and we go through the right answers,

which is to say

we separate the fragments from the whole.

Zolynas, Al. (2003) "Love in the Classroom." In "Teaching with Fire: Poetry that Sustains the Courage to Teach." Sam M. Intrator and Megan Scribner, eds. San Francisco: A Wiley Imprint.

MESSAGE FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) PRESIDENT DAINMA MARTÍNEZ

We’re Here for You!

Hello, Hostos family! For those of you who are still adjusting, remember that Hostos is here for you every step of the way. We offer a range of resources designed to support you, from the Career Center in the D-building, where they assist with resumes, job searches, and interview preparation, to the Counseling Center in the C-building, where you can find a listening ear if you're feeling overwhelmed. Your success is our priority, and we’re dedicated to helping you thrive. And if you’re still finding your way around the college, watch my campus tour here.

Don’t hesitate to stop by the SGA booth for information about campus happenings. Speaking of which, get ready for Spirit Week with fun themes like Twin Day, Future Career Day, and Throwback Thursday! Follow SGA on Instagram (@sgahostos) for more information about our events. As the semester unfolds, remember to stay connected, embrace the challenges, and celebrate every achievement — no matter how small. You’ve got this, and Hostos is here to make sure you succeed.

Sincerely,

Dainma Martínez

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

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

Dear Students and Colleagues,

I am delighted to share that Hostos has been awarded a new $1M Congressionally Funded Community Project (CFCP) grant in support of two Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives — Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus and the Hostos Research Center. This new funding will support on-campus student employment and mentorship and provide new research assistant opportunities for our students in the new academic year. The new funding will enable Hostos to support 100 students, 50 students per initiative, over the course of two years. With this support both initiatives will be able to prepare students with the professional development experiences and mentorship support that will launch them into successful careers.

The Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus Initiative will support up to 25 student positions this academic year across various academic and administrative departments. There are several Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus slots currently available for Hostos students and departments that are interested in participating. Academic departments, administrative offices, and student support services that are interested in hiring a student mentee are invited to apply. Students seeking an on-campus job opportunity, who meet the program’s eligibility requirements, are also invited to apply. Students are eligible to apply if they are currently enrolled as a part-time/full-time student and have a minimum GPA of 2.7. Applications can be accessed online using the links below. Applicants must use their CUNYfirst email address and password to access the respective application.

Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus 2024-25 Department Application (use CUNYfirst log-in)



Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus 2024-25 Student Application (use CUNYfirst log-in)

Information on the new Hostos Research Center student research opportunities will be forthcoming so stay tuned for that announcement. For more information about these opportunities, please feel free to contact me at soviedo@hostos.cuny.edu. 

Sincerely,

Sofia Oviedo, Ph.D.

INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT (OIERA)

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

Notes on Assessment

In Fall of 2020, I accepted the position as Director of Assessment because I've always recognized the benefits and necessity of good assessment — the power it has to guide changes and improvements to the courses I taught and thus, the power to increase student learning. Since obtaining this position, I've spent much of my time reading and rereading all I can about assessment practices from leaders in this field, such as Linda Suski, Jay McTighe, and Grant Wiggins. These authors provide key words to use in developing learning outcomes (measurable synonyms for understanding), provide clear steps on how to design rubrics or test blueprints to use for assessment, and define ways to create assignments that align with the assessment methods to measure the learning of these outcomes. Every book I've ever read reiterates the three major questions I share to simplify the assessment process. 

1) What is it I want students to learn? (Learning Outcomes)

2) How will I know they learned it? (Assessment Methods and Assignments)

3) How do I support more students to learn it next time? (Improving Pedagogy and/or Course Structure)

Despite what I see as a clear need for assessment, I've also learned that many instructors I work with seem to dislike assessment. Often, they view the process as an additional task needed to satisfy external demands from accreditors, and beyond an instructor’s day-to-day work. I myself often treated assessment as something to be reviewed after a class was completed, to see where improvements could be made in retrospect. I've been fully disabused of these thoughts since participating in ACUE, where I heard from a new leader in the field of assessment, Joe Feldman, who flipped the entire narrative for me and clarified the key ingredient missing from assessment: assessment and grading can, and in fact should, be fundamentally the same thing. In his book, “Grading for Equity,” Joe Feldman outlines many aspects of grading that are historical and no longer serve, and may have never served, the process of supporting student learning. 

As we kick off this new semester, I am again encouraging faculty to ensure that assessment is a central process to the work they do, and am ready to support a move towards aligning assessment and grading to create a more equitable space for students to truly learn what we so earnestly wish to share with them. I highly encourage everyone to check out this video, Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, How It Transforms Schools and Classrooms. I will be reaching out soon to get this process moving this academic year. For now, I hope you are all settling into this semester now that we are a few weeks in and look forward to working with all of you this year on moving assessment into the day-to-day work we all engage in!

POLICY OF THE WEEK

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



Statement on Public Order

In compliance with Chapter 191 of the laws of 1969, the Board of Trustees has adopted rules and regulations for the maintenance of public order on college campuses and other college property used for education purposes. Please read the full policy here.

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Submitted by Director Eric Radezky, Ph.D.

NYC Housing Connect – Affordable Housing Lotteries

NYC Housing Connect is New Yorkers’ portal to find and apply for affordable rental and homeownership opportunities across the five boroughs of New York City. Find out more about NYC Housing Connect here.

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and Housing Development Corporation (HDC) create affordable housing opportunities for many household income levels and sizes. The buildings are privately owned. HPD and HDC have a monitoring and oversight role.

Visit NYC Housing Connect to register, sign up for email alerts, access a list of frequently asked questions, and find and apply for affordable housing opportunities.  Click here to see the current lottery listings available on NYC Housing Connect.

OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE AND DIVERSITY

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

CUNY Policy on Sex-Based Misconduct

This Policy states:

CUNY students, employees and visitors deserve the opportunity to live, learn and work free from Sex-Based Misconduct. Accordingly, CUNY is committed to: 

1. Defining conduct that constitutes Sex-Based Misconduct.
2. Providing clear guidelines for students, employees and visitors on how to report incidents of Sex-Based Misconduct.
3. Providing ongoing assistance and support to all parties after allegations of Sex-Based Misconduct have been made.
4. Promptly and respectfully responding to and investigating allegations of Sex-Based Misconduct, pursuing disciplinary action when appropriate and taking action to investigate and address any allegations of retaliation.
5. Providing awareness and prevention information on Sex-Based Misconduct, including widely disseminating this Policy, as well as a “Students’ Bill of Rights” and implementing training and educational programs on Sex-Based Misconduct to college constituencies.
6. Gathering and analyzing information and data that will be reviewed in order to improve safety, reporting, responsiveness and the resolution of allegations of Sex-Based Misconduct.
7. Distinguishing between the specific conduct defined as Title IX Sexual Harassment by the USDOE and Sex Discrimination as prohibited by this Policy.
8. Ensuring compliance with the federal regulations under Title IX, and other federal, state and local laws. 

This is CUNY’s sole policy to address Sex-Based Misconduct, and it is applicable at all CUNY colleges and units. This Policy will be interpreted in accordance with the principles of academic freedom adopted by CUNY’s Board of Trustees. Read more here.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISIONS

OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (OAA)

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

Hostos Navigate is Live

By Sarah Brennan, Assistant to Vice President and Provost for Academic Affairs

During the academic year 2023-2024, under the leadership of Provost Wang, the Office of Academic Affairs led the initiative to integrate and implement EAB Navigate 360 at Hostos. OAA worked hand-in-hand with Student Development and Enrollment Management (SDEM), CUNY Central liaisons, the other CUNY community colleges, and with EAB, the parent company of EAB Navigate 360, to move forward with the initiative. Our goals this year include providing access and training to all members of the campus community who want to use the platform. We also strive to identify the most effective ways of using the platform to effectively service and support our students.

Navigate Trainings

The All ASAP Staff Training and the All Hostos Staff Training were held on August 21 and September 4, 2024, respectively. More than 150 campus members participated. Staff training will continue to be offered throughout the month. Faculty training will be offered toward the end of September through October.

Hostos Navigate Access and Website

Students, staff, and faculty can log into Hostos Navigate from the “Login To” drop-down menu on the Hostos homepage. There is also a Hostos Navigate website (here) which contains access and help links, updates regarding trainings, and lists the many campus offices and programs that are adopting and integrating Navigate into their daily operations.

Thank you!

A heart-felt thank you is extended to all the members of the campus who have supported this initiative from the start. Early adopting offices and programs include, not limited to, ASAP, SSCU, College Discovery, CUNY Start, CUNY EDGE, Career Services, Transfer Services, Financial Aid, Dual Degree, Honors, Credit for Prior Learning, Veteran’s Services, School College Partnerships, HALC, STEP/CSTEP, CLIP, Writing Center, Admissions, and Registrar. The HN Leadership Team is Provost Shiang-Kwei Wang, VP La Toro Yates, AVP Dilawar Grewal, Ms. Sarah Brennan, Dean Andrea Fabrizio, Dean Althea Sterling, Ms. Ebony Pulley, Ms. Santa Arocho, Professor Gregory Marks, and Professor Tram Nguyen. The HN technical support team is Sherin Mathew, Jaime Murillo, Carlos Rivera, and Minfeng Lin.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM)

Submitted by VP La Toro Yates, Ph.D.

And the Winner Is…

During the Spring 2024 semester, the division of Student Development and Enrollment Management conducted its Annual Student Satisfaction Survey. Degree-seeking students who participated in the survey were automatically entered into a raffle for a chance to win a laptop. The lucky winner was announced on Wednesday, August 14, in the Vice President of SDEM suite.

We are happy to congratulate Ms. Ashwaq Musleh as the lucky winner of a new Lenovo laptop.

When meeting with Ms. Musleh she stated, “I am excited to embark on this new chapter of my academic journey. I chose Hostos because of its strong reputation and the diverse environment it offers, which was highly recommended by my brother who graduated in 2022. The sense of community and support at Hostos has played a significant role in my academic journey, making it an ideal place for me to start my higher education. My aspirations after graduating are to continue my academic journey by pursuing a bachelor’s degree, building on the solid foundation I’ve gained at Hostos. SDEM has been instrumental in my success thus far. From academic advising to personal development resources, the SDEM staff have been responsive to my needs, helping me navigate the challenges of college life. Their dedication has not only supported my academic achievements but has also encouraged my personal growth, setting me up for future success.”

It’s wonderful to hear about Ms. Musleh's enthusiasm for her new academic chapter at Hostos! It’s inspiring to see how dedicated support and a solid foundation can pave the way for future success. Best of luck to Ms. Musleh as she continues her journey and works towards her degree in Accounting!

Children’s Center

The Children’s Center is open for Student-Parents!

The Children’s Center has reopened for the Fall Semester. If you are in need of care for your child, please contact Paulina Martinez at 718-518-4209 to find out about available space. Space is limited.

The Children’s Center operates M – F from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., year-round, and is located in the A-Building, Room 109.

Grant Funding Renewed for Year 3!

The Children’s Center was renewed by the U.S. Department of Education for year three of its CCAMPIS (Child Care Means Parents in School Grant). This grant focuses on Mental Health and Well-Being supports for student-parents as well as children. If you would like to learn more about what services are available, please stop by the Center.

Athletics and Recreation

The Fall Sports Season Has Arrived!

If you're interested in joining a fall sport, please reach out to the respective coach:

• Volleyball: Jhonnattan Fernandez at Jfernandez@hostos.cuny.edu
• Cross Country: Bryce Holland at bryceholland2.1@gmail.com
• Esports: Cristopher Garzon at crisga1998@gmail.com

For any additional questions, please contact the Athletics Director, Brent Wilson, at bwilson@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.

Transfer Services

The priority deadline for transfer applications is September 15! 

Get help during our transfer tabling or walk-in hours. Get help during our virtual application hour and tabling sessions, or come to C-512 (Tuesdays) for support with your application.

Fill out an intake form to schedule an appointment.

EVENTS

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

September 26

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). 

POEMS TO INSPIRE THE COMMUNITY

“Amen”

By James Baldwin

Amen

No, I don’t feel death coming.

I feel death going:

having thrown up his hands,

for the moment.

I feel like I know him

better than I did.

Those arms held me,

for a while,

and, when we meet again,

there will be that secret knowledge

between us.

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM)

Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne

Hostos Microsoft 365 Forum

This past Monday, Administration & Finance, Hostos IT, and CUNY CIS Technology Training hosted the Hostos M365 Forum. Nearly 70 faculty, staff and students attended the forum. Chandra Cherry, CUNY IT Technology Training Director, and Anastasiya Fatiy, CUNY IT Assistant Director of Technology Training welcomed the audience warmly, having provided multiple trainings at Hostos previously and worked with the Hostos IT Help Desk on many occasions. Anastasiya provided an overview of the many Microsoft 365 cloud applications and services available to active CUNY faculty and staff. M365 applications for students vary somewhat but everyone has access to Outlook, online Microsoft Office and the downloadable Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus Suite. Prior to discussing Hostos’s migration to M365 email, she spoke on the importance, purpose, and set up of MFA (multi-factor authentication). With Hostos now on M365 email, Anastasiya pointed out some of the differences: for faculty and staff, their primary email address (Hostos) stays the same; however, access to email is now through Outlook.office.com and everyone must log in with their CUNY login credentials. She showed on the email home menu how to report phishing and junk emails (which will then automatically be blocked) and how to organize incoming messages so that they go to the inbox and folder of your choice.

During the Q&A, some audience members asked how they or members of their office could get access to Distribution lists and department email inboxes. Dr. Grewal reminded everyone that any requests for access should first be sent to and approved by their respective division leader before being forwarded to IT. Dr. Grewal also kindly asked that any requests/issues be sent via a service desk ticket so they can be tracked and completed.

After the M365 presentation and Q&A, the forum moved to all other IT-related Q&A with Dr. Dilawar Grewal, AVP of IT/CIO, and the Hostos IT team. SVP Rodríguez-Chardavoyne kicked off this portion of the forum with a recap of the May 9 cybersecurity incident, the recovery steps, and the new protocols that the College must implement to maintain the heightened security of our network. Among the new protocols is to eliminate the VPN due to the incident; Hostos IT is working on providing a different form of access to staff and faculty who need to work on files in the Hostos network as well as a solution to the timesheet issue.

Given the interest from the audience, future trainings will be scheduled with CUNY Technology Training. The forum was a lively, interactive event and if any participants have additional questions, they can be sent to Su Ng at sng@hostos.cuny.edu. If IT-specific assistance is needed, please submit a service ticket in the ServiceAtHostos portal.

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD)

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

History of Latin Jazz Seminar Starts Soon!

The History of Latin Music and Latin Jazz is a NO-COST (H6042-01-FA24) seminar series that highlights the diverse music pioneers and their impact on the history of Latin music and jazz. Learn about musicians and artists Graciela (known as the First Lady of Latin Jazz), Ceila Cruz, Olga Guiott, Gloria Estefan, Enrique Jorrin, Johnny Rodriquez, Julio Gutiérrez and many others that helped create and influence the music of this time. The History of Latin Music and Latin Jazz seminar series is hosted by Joe Conzo Sr., noted music historian, producer and author of “Mambo Diablo: My Journey with Tito Puente.”

These seminars will broaden your knowledge of the genres and enlighten you as you hear and learn about the music, how it evolved from the 1930s to now, and the artists who influenced it, including Tito Puente. Special guests will periodically attend throughout the seminar series (8 sessions, 16 hours).

All Seminars are VIRTUAL and take place on Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Oct. 5, 2024
• Oct. 12, 2024
• Oct. 19, 2024
• Oct. 26, 2024
• Nov. 2, 2024
• Nov. 16, 2024
• Nov. 23, 2024
• Dec. 7, 2024

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

Saturday, September 14 at 11 AM

Wednesday, October 2, at 6 PM

Saturday, October 5, at 11 AM

Wednesday, November 6, at 6 PM

Wednesday, December 4, at 6 PM

In-Person Sessions at 560 Exterior Street

Wednesday, September 18, at 6 PM

Wednesday, October 9, at 6 PM

Wednesday, November 13, at 6 PM

BRAVO NEWS

Celebrating the Accomplishments of the Hostos Community



Make sure to check our website and follow us on social media for all updates: Instagram (@hostoscollege), Facebook (HostosCC), and LinkedIn (CUNY Hostos Community College). 

Hostos Secures $2 Million NSF Grant for Innovative STEM Program

Hostos Community College is thrilled to announce that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a $2M grant to fund the Hostos Engineering Academic Talent-2 (HEAT2) Scholarship Program through 2030, marking the College’s seventh concurrent NSF-funded award. This program will provide financial and academic support to 30 students pursuing associate and bachelor’s degrees in mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, and environmental engineering. Read more here.

Check Out the New Hostos Campus Tour

Are you a new student? Do you want to get familiarized more with our facilities and the services available to you? Check our new Hostos campus tour reels available on our social media platforms! SGA President Dainma Martínez guides you around campus and shows you the places you need to go to get all you need. Go here. 

Hostos Holds BBQ Welcoming Students to Fall 2024 Semester

We’re back! Hostos Community College wrapped our Welcome Days kickoff to the Fall 2024 semester with a lively, fun-filled Welcome BBQ. Held Friday, August 30, in neighboring Evelina Antonetty Playground, the festivities offered students, faculty, staff and friends of the College an opportunity to enjoy delicious food, great company, fun music and activities, plus learn more about one another — and the College! Read more here.

HOSTOS FOR EVERYONE

Free Services for the Community





Hostos Offers Free Preventive Dental Hygiene Services to the Public

The Dental Hygiene Patient Care Facility at Hostos Community College is a teaching unit that provides high-quality dental care, primarily cleanings and dental x-rays to the community, while adhering to the most current sterilization techniques. Several appointments will be needed and each may last three hours at a time.

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



The appointment schedule is as follows: 

Mondays: 9 AM - 1 PM and 2 - 6 PM

Wednesdays: 8 AM - 12 PM and 2:30 - 6:30 PM

Fridays: 9 AM - 1 PM and 2 - 6 PM

Location: Hostos Dental Hygiene Patient Care Facility

500 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY, 10451

B Building 

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

ATHLETICS CALENDAR

Volleyball 

Hostos vs LaGuardia CC

Date | Time: Thursday, September 26 | 6 PM

Location: Gymnasium

Description: Home Volleyball Game

Hostos vs Kingsborough CC

Date | Time: Thursday, October 10 | 6 PM

Location: Gymnasium

Description: Home Volleyball Game

Hostos vs BMCC

Date | Time: Tuesday, October 15 | 6 PM

Location: Gymnasium

Description: Home Volleyball Game

EVENTS

Title: HISPANIC/LATINX HERITAGE MONTH | Voter Registration & Constitution Day

Date | Time: Tuesday, September 17 | 11 AM - 3 PM

Location: A-Atrium

Description: Election Day is two months away! Are you registered and ready to vote? In a time when Latinx immigrants are being unfairly portrayed, it's important for those of us who can vote to stay informed, make our voices heard, and defend our constitutional rights as citizens. As part of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month events, join the League of Women Voters of New York City this Constitution Day, September 17. Celebrate civic engagement by registering to vote, discussing the importance of voting, and learning more about the United States Constitution. 

Title: Virtual Financial Empowerment Workshops

Date | Time:  Weds., Sept 18 | 10 AM - 6:30 PM

Location: Virtual (Zoom coming soon)

Description: Learn about budgeting, investing, and more. Zoom and RSVP information here. 

CUNY EDGE Orientation

Date | Time: Wednesday, September 18 | 3:30 PM

Location: Please check Hostos email for Zoom details

Description: During this orientation CUNY EDGE members will learn all about how the program can help them fulfill HRA mandatory requirements, complete school letters, address case issues, such as carfare and childcare, and connect them to other helpful services and resources on campus. The information we will share during this workshop will certainly help ensure they have a successful academic semester and year ahead. Also, CUNY EDGE members who participate in our workshops, such as this orientation, can be eligible to receive a $60 Amazon gift card.

Title: Senate Meeting – September

Date | Time: Thursday, September 19 | 3:30 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Title: Hostos Community College Foundation Scholarship Fund Golf Outing Classic

Date | Time: Thursday, September 26 | 10:30 AM Registration, 12:30 PM Shotgun, 5 PM Cocktail Reception, and 5:45 PM Dinner, Raffles, and Awards

Location: Pelham Bay and Split Rocks Golf Courses

Description: The 18th Annual Hostos Community College Foundation Scholarship Fund Golf Outing Classic tees off on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the picturesque Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Courses. Join us for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie, all while supporting a worthy cause: making higher education accessible for all. Come for the whole day or just join us in the evening for cocktails and dinner. Get your tickets at www.hostosgolfouting.com. 

Title: Full Circle Souljahs: Celebrating 25 Years & More

Date | Time: Saturday, September 28 | 7:30 PM

Location: Repertory Theater

Description: Bronx legends Kwikstep and Rokafella reunite their ground-breaking street dance group Full Circle Souljahs. This anniversary performance celebrates their groundbreaking hip-hop choreography, dance moves and more - bridging generations and honoring the Bronx roots of this original art form. Tickets at (718) 518-4455 or online at hostoscenter.org. 

Title: HISPANIC/LATINX HERITAGE MONTH | Distinguished Latino Leader Awards & Student Scholars Panel

Date | Time: Tuesday, October 1 | 3 - 5 PM

Location: Hostos Research Center

Description: Let’s celebrate the wonderful work of esteemed Latino community members who continue making a difference and inspiring future generations. Refreshments will be served. 

Title: 3rd Annual LGBTQIA+ Pride Welcome Day

Date | Time: Wednesday, October 2 | 3:30 - 5 PM

Location: C-391

Description: Join us to welcome back to Hostos our LGBTQIA+ students, staff, faculty, and the community with food and amenities, along with structured queer-themed interactive games. There will be opportunities for prizes and a raffle. 

Title: HISPANIC/LATINX HERITAGE MONTH | “Wherever You Go Bloom” by Stephanie Oliveira de Araújo: Hostos Alumna Book Presentation

Date | Time: Tuesday, October 8 | 3:30 PM

Location: Hostos Research Center

Description: Come and learn about the inspiring life journey of Stephanie Oliveira de Araújo ‘24, who recently published the book “Wherever You Go Bloom,” recounting her life from Brazil to the United States. 

Title: HISPANIC/LATINX HERITAGE MONTH | Professional Development & Study Abroad Program Reunion

Date | Time: Thursday, October 10 | 11 AM - 3 PM

Location: A-Atrium

Description: Join the Office of Community Relations and the participants of the Professional Development & Study Abroad Program in the Dominican Republic for a discussion about the outcome of their educational visit to the island. Refreshments will be provided. 

Title: Senate Meeting – October

Date | Time: Thursday, October 17 | 3:30 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Title: The Office of Alumni Relations Presents: the Hostos Laugh-A-ThON!

Date | Time: Thursday, October 24 | 6 PM

Location: SoBro Gardens | 26 Bruckner Blvd., Bronx, NY 10454 

Description: Please save the date for the Office of Alumni Relations’ Laugh-A-ThON! More information to follow.

Title: Flora Campesina: A Concert by Puerto Rican Cuatro Player Fabiola Méndez

Date | Time: Saturday, November 2 | 8 PM

Location: Repertory Theater

Description: Cuatro player and composer Fabiola Méndez will arrive in New York City with a contemporary tribute to Puerto Rican folk music as part of the concert tour Flora Campesina, her new musical project. Méndez will perform with her ensemble on November 2 at the Repertory Theater. During her concert, the singer-songwriter will share songs from her fourth musical release, where she blends traditional Puerto Rican genres, such as danza, seis, bomba, pasillo, and guaracha, with jazz and modern Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Tickets for the concert are already on sale at www.boritix.com and will also be available on the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture website soon. 

Title: Senate Meeting – November

Date | Time: Thursday, November 21 | 3:30 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Title: Senate Meeting – December

Date | Time: Thursday, December 19 | 3:30 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

ABOUT EL SEMANARIO HOSTOSIANO / THE HOSTOS WEEKLY

El Semanario Hostosiano / The Hostos Weekly is a communication vehicle designed to unite our multiple voices as we share news about members of the Hostos family, provide updates on our projects and upcoming events, and disseminate policy that impacts our work.  

Past issues can be found here.