Friday, December 9, 2022 | Vol. 5, No. 16, Fall 2022 Semester

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

The end of classes and beginning of final exams are upon us. Stay focused on the completion of classes, studying and supporting your respective students as they prepare to succeed in the final stretch of the semester.

Please join us for the end of semester All College gathering for updates, celebration of Manos a la obra (all hands on deck), recognitions and appreciation of each other’s talented performance in a cheerful display of community, hope and beauty.

Mil gracias y bendiciones, Daisy

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

POEM

I Sing the Body Electric

By Walt Whitman

Part I

I sing the body electric,

The armies of those I love engirth me and I engirth them,

They will not let me off till I go with them, respond to them,

And discorrupt them, and charge them full with the charge of the soul.

Was it doubted that those who corrupt their own bodies conceal themselves?

And if those who defile the living are as bad as they who defile the dead?

And if the body does not do fully as much as the soul?

And if the body were not the soul, what is the soul?

Whitman, Walt. “Leaves of Grass.” 1998. Champaign, Ill. Retrieved from Project Gutenberg.

MESSAGE FROM SGA PRESIDENT LEAGHTON N. OZORIA

Holiday Cheer!

Holidays at Hostos Community College, well I have seen a couple. A wonderful world we get to live in when there is togetherness. To be together is a statement, a philosophy that pictures you and all in sequence of history for the memories are grandiose. A picture is the memory of the moment you were living and the future is the planning it takes to schedule more pictures that fit into Time, a picture of time is in order. Time gives us all the chance we need to embrace the air of the occasion all in an instant.



I am reminded of such a feature while I organize and lead the way for such a great team of leaders. The tree and carol singing is a trademark Hostos has founded. The tree symbolizes the forest of happiness and joy and the star is the light of celebration, every song an angelic psalm for all of us to enjoy. Be happy and festive. There is a treat, to exchange gifts before curfew or wait until afterwards. Happy Holidays and good cheer to all humanity. 

CAIMAN CLUES

The “Caiman Clues” for the  Fall ’22 semester | Week 14

Dear Students,

Here are the Caiman Clues: 

Welcome to week 14! There are still plenty of activities to participate in before the semester ends. Keep in mind important dates and take part in the various campus community events being held this week.

Here are the Caiman Clues:

• Don’t let F’s or WU’s Happen to You – If you have not been attending class or doing any of your work, or if you do not plan on finishing a particular class, it can seriously impact your GPA and financial aid. If you think you may get a WU or F grade, please contact your Academic Advisor/Success Coach. The deadline to withdraw is Wednesday, December 14.  
• Library Hours – See the updated Library hours for now through December 21 here: https://hostos.libcal.com/hours/.

Every week, for the Academic calendar year, read the Caiman Clues for helpful tips and reminders.

Caiman Clues —Your Hostos Helping Hand to Success

Follow our Facebook (@HostosCC), Twitter (@HostosCollege) and Instagram (@HostosCollege) for helpful hints you can use all year round.

PRESIDENT’S INITIATIVES

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

Dear Students and Colleagues,

I hope that all is well as we head into the last few weeks of the fall semester and final exams. The Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives are progressing well and continue to offer opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to become involved. This has been a busy month for the Hostos Research Center with a new Call for Proposals issued for the 2023 ADELANTE Project and two special activities held to support faculty and staff grant writing efforts.

The Hostos Grant Writing Workshop Series featured an informative and engaging panel discussion with faculty and staff from various departments that have secured major grants from public and private funders. Featured panelists included Professors Nieves Angulo and Moise Koffi from the Mathematics Department, Professor Yoel Rodríguez from Natural Sciences, Dr. Andrea Fabrizio, Associate Dean for Office of Academic Affairs, CEWD Vice President Dr. Evelyn Fernandez-Ketcham, and Ms. Kelba Sosa, Grants Office Director. Moderated by Professor Antonios Varelas, the panel discussion provided great insights and firsthand accounts into the grant writing process and helpful strategies for those interested in building up their grant writing skills.

Immediately following this event, the virtual Office Hours for the 2023 ADELANTE Project was held to provide detailed information on the new ADELANTE (ADvancing Excellence in Liberal Arts, scieNces, Technology and Engineering) grant for 2023. The Hostos Research Center and Committee on Sponsored Programs and Grants are inviting applications from faculty and staff for new grants of up to $10,000 to fund the development of ADELANTE Project proposals. Projects can address research, need-based, and/or creative/transformative interventions in all disciplines including the Arts and Humanities, Behavioral and Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Please click on the links below to access the 2023 ADELANTE Call for Proposals and Application. The application deadline is February 3, 2023.

ADELANTE 2023 Call for Proposals

ADELANTE Project Application Template

Submit ADELANTE Project Application (Use CUNY login to access)

For anyone interested in applying to the Educating for Diversity Initiative, please note that next Friday, December 16 is the deadline! We are inviting applications from students, faculty, and staff for mini-grants to support cultural, social, and educational activities that will address the interests of our students and Hostos community members in advancing issues of social justice, racial equity, diversity and inclusion. Grants will range from $1,000 - $2,000 and submissions are welcome from any individual or group at Hostos. All proposed events/activities must occur during the Spring 2023 semester.

The Educating for Diversity application deadline is Friday, December 16, 2022. Awards will be announced by January 6, 2023.

To access the Educating for Diversity application, click here (use CUNY login to access).

A Virtual Information Session was held earlier this week that you can view here to learn more. Passcode: A6i&#F1E

For more information about the Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives, please email or call Sofia Oviedo at soviedo@hostos.cuny.edu | Tel: 718-518-4309.

POLICY OF THE WEEK

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

This week’s Policy of the Week is the Statement on Public Order. Click here to view the policy.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

Submitted by VP of Student Development and Enrollment Management (SDEM) La Toro Yates, Ph.D.

Student Services

SDEM has relaunched the Caiman Direct virtual student center to support students in navigating the many facets of campus life while providing the tools necessary to continue and complete their educational journey.

Caiman Direct streamlines student services, making it easier for students to complete the processes required to maintain their active student status. The virtual office has implemented a new student-centered business model designed to eliminate students visiting or calling multiple offices. Caiman Direct will improve the transmission and receipt of concise messages that are accurate, timely, and helpful to students. Those seeking information from the following offices can visit Caiman Direct for immediate assistance. 

• Financial Aid
• Registrars
• Health and Wellness
• Student Life

Student Enrollment Information 

Enrollment for Spring 2023 is open now! Log in to your CUNYfirst account to register for classes using Schedule Builder. For navigation assistance, click here. If you need assistance, you can make an appointment with your ASAP Advisor or College Discovery Advisor or Student Success Coach. You can call Student Services at 718-518-4385.

Counseling Center

The counseling center hosted an in-person event in collaboration with SGA. The focus was to create a safe space for students to process the reopening of the college and the world after the pandemic. Students (25) and staff in attendance were able to share openly, processing themes like anxiety, safety, purpose, social life, wellness, mental health, and adjustments. Attendees were able to support each other and adhered to the house rules while building community, normalizing concerns, and managing stress. Counselors were able to recognize common trends and the need for additional support for older students, specifically those who have been out of the educational session for a long period of time. The Counseling Center provided coloring books, coloring pencils, a few sound machines, psychoeducation on anxiety and stress management as well as information about our services verbally and in written form. All attendees shared that they would attend another event like this.

Accessibility Resource Center

The Accessibility Resource Center:

• In collaboration with CUNYAC and the Wheelchair Basketball Association, we hosted a Fall Winter Wheelchair Basketball Tournament Saturday, December 3, in the Hostos Gym. The day began with the men's Basketball team VS Philadelphia Magee from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., followed by our women's team VS Philadelphia Magee 2-4 p.m.
• ARC staff participated in the 21st annual IT conference at John Jay College, where ARC staff discussed their experience with providing students with disabilities with a user-friendly technology experience that is inclusive to all learning styles. We discussed going beyond mandated accommodations and turning to assistive technology to create student success and independence. 

Children’s Center

Cultural Fashion Show

Our littlest twos celebrated the end of November with a fashion show representing the flags of their countries. November was a time to be thankful and reflect on the many cultures of our families. Some countries represented were Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Burkina Faso, Africa. Well done! 

New Mental Health Consultant

Parents and Children Together at Hostos (PACT) officially launched this week with the start of our newly-hired Mental Health Consultant, on-site one day per week and available to observe children, as well as to support parents and staff as we strive to offer more social-emotional support services to families.

Financial Aid

Federal Updates:

• The Biden-Harris Administration continues to Fight for Student Debt Relief.

1. The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to review the legality of President Biden’s loan-forgiveness plan which is currently blocked by a lower court’s injunction. We will keep you posted.

• The U.S. Department of Education announced an extension of the pause on student loan repayment, interest, and collections.

NYC Program-Health Care Workers for Our Future Initiative

• The New York City Council has designated $400,000 towards an initiative with the goal of providing $700 ($350 per semester) scholarships (modeled after Peter Vallone) to 571 students majoring in health fields with a focus on mental health, human services, and nursing majors for community colleges. More details about the scholarship criteria will be shared as they become available.
• 2023-2024 FAFSA & TAP applications are AVAILABLE as of October 1.

Scholarships

Great News! Below is information on Scholarship opportunities:

TheDream.US National Scholarship is now open! This scholarship is for highly motivated undocumented students who want nothing more than to get a college education but are unable to afford the cost. You may be eligible for our National Scholarship if you are undocumented and enrolled in a community college or university. Read more about the eligibility criteria below:

• Our scholars have what it takes to succeed in college and in life. While we consider your GPA, we place great emphasis on your commitment to community service and your demonstrated ability to overcome the barriers and challenges that undocumented students face each day.
• Our National Scholarship Award will cover your tuition and fees up to a maximum of $16,500 for an associate degree and $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree at one of our partner colleges.

You can renew the award each year, so long as you meet the continuing eligibility criteria.

Important Dates

• November 1, 2022 – Application Opened
• February 28, 2023 – Application Closes
• Late April 2023 – TheDream.US Awardees Notified

HISPANIC FEDERATION: UNDOCUMENTED STUDENT SUPPORT FUND

The Hispanic Federation seeks to empower and advance the Hispanic community, support Hispanic families, and strengthen Latino institutions through work in the areas of education, health, immigration, civic engagement, economic empowerment, and the environment. Continuing its commitment to serve and support New York City’s young immigrant population, the Hispanic Federation is proud to provide support funds to aid eligible undocumented students. HF is awarding student support funds to eligible students in the form of tuition support or grocery assistance. 



Student Eligibility:

• Enrolled in at least 6 credits.
• Earned a degree from high school or obtained a GED.
• Not eligible to apply for federal financial aid.
• Falls within the 400% federal poverty guidelines.
• Attend in one of the 5 NYC boroughs. 
• Open to all undocumented students regardless of country of birth.

For more information or assistance with these and other Scholarships, contact Marina Esquilin, Scholarship Coordinator at 718-518-4166 or at mesquilin@hostos.cuny.edu.

Poem submitted by VP La Toro Yates

A Hymn to the Evening

By Phyllis Wheatley

Soon as the sun forsook the eastern main

The pealing thunder shook the heav'nly plain;

Majestic grandeur! From the zephyr's wing,

Exhales the incense of the blooming spring.

Soft purl the streams, the birds renew their notes,

And through the air their mingled music floats.

Through all the heav'ns what beauteous dies are spread!

But the west glories in the deepest red:

So may our breasts with ev'ry virtue glow,

The living temples of our God below!

Fill'd with the praise of him who gives the light,

And draws the sable curtains of the night,

Let placid slumbers sooth each weary mind,

At morn to wake more heav'nly, more refin'd;

So shall the labours of the day begin

More pure, more guarded from the snares of sin.

Night's leaden sceptre seals my drowsy eyes,

Then cease, my song, till fair Aurora rise.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Spread the Word

Please share information about CEWD’s current scholarships and no-cost programming opportunities, which can be found by clicking here and selecting the scholarships and tuition assistance programs link in our online course catalog. 

For additional information, please encourage prospective students to sign up for one of CEWD’s upcoming summer Virtual Information Sessions by visiting here. 

The Hostos Community College Foundation Hosts the Gift of Philanthropy Reception

On Thursday, December 8, donors were invited to an intimate reception in the A-building Atrium to show our appreciation for their generosity. Guests heard inspiring words of gratitude from Vice President of Institutional Advancement Colette Atkins, President Cocco De Filippis, Development Officer Idelsa Méndez, Michael Potack, Foundation Chairperson José Sánchez-Kinghorn, and students Alan Pierre-Louis and Yonaleska Russo. Humanities Department College Lab Technician Emmanuel Díaz played piano throughout the event. The Foundation would like to thank those who attended and our entire giving community for all that you do in support of our students.

New Alumni Fund Available for CUNY Tuesday Gifts!

The Office of Alumni Relations is pleased to announce the Hostos Alumni Fund for Student Transfer Scholarships. The intended fund gives alumni a way to honor the impact of their Hostos degree by providing empowering support to current students who want to further their academic career at a four-year institution. If you’re an alum, consider allocating your CUNY Tuesday gift toward the Hostos Alumni Fund for Student Transfer Scholarships using this link.

BRAVO NEWS

The New York Community Trust Awards $100,000 to Help Bronx Nonprofits Engage in Equitable Succession Planning

On December 1, 2022, The New York Community Trust announced its approval of a $100,000 award to the Hostos Community College Foundation. This gift will enable the Center for Bronx Nonprofits (CBNP) at Hostos to develop and deliver an Equitable Succession Planning Workshop Series for up to 15 nonprofits. The Foundation extends its gratitude to The New York Community Trust for making this investment in our community.

The virtual workshop series, developed in collaboration with local consultants, will be open to any Bronx-based or Bronx-serving nonprofits. Participants will gain insight about how to prepare their nonprofit for leadership transitions and how to establish an equity-centered succession plan that fosters healthy, sustainable working environment for employees at all levels. Read more here.

Abua Yala: Structural Origins

October 5-December 21| The Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos

Closing reception:

Wednesday, December 21 | 6:00 p.m.

Buy tickets here.

Papo Vázquez: Holiday Jazz Latin Jazz Parranda

with the Mighty Pirates Troubaduors

Saturday, December 10 | 8 p.m. | Hostos Main Theater

All College Meeting: End of Semester Gathering and All Talent on Deck! 

Wednesday, December 14 | 3:30 p.m. | Hostos Repertory Theater

Refreshments will be served!

Alumni Mixer

December 15 | 5:30 p.m. | A-Atrium

Come join alumni, faculty and staff at a holiday mixer. Light refreshments will be served, so stop by for an evening of connection and conviviality before the holidays. If you wish to attend, please RSVP using this link by December 9. If you have trouble with the link, please try opening it on the Google Chrome browser or contact Felix Sánchez directly.

Next Week’s release of El Semanario Hostosiano/The Hostos Weekly will be our last bulletin for the Fall ’22 semester.