Friday, September 9, 2022 | Vol. 5, No. 4, Fall 2022 Semester

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

The Sunday Opinion section of The New York Times this past week was dedicated to the subject of the purpose of education in the U.S. Among the topics addressed, the following sections caught my attention: learning to live together, developing citizens, giving kids a shot at social mobility and hope. A student in Oakland, California observed: “School is a community, a common place to gain relationships. School is for social interactions and learning to become an active member of society.”

As I reflect on this past week, the words “manos a la obra/all hands-on-deck” keep coming back to mind because in so many ways we are coming together to work through challenges and to bring back life as the semester opens with 60% plus in person courses. It was a joy to walk around the college, to stop to chat at some of the tables, and to see life in full force on campus. There were many activities these past two weeks to welcome our students back, to provide guidance and information and to celebrate. Many thanks to our colleagues in SDEM and in all other areas. Most particularly, I offer a thank you to members of the Cabinet, students, faculty, staff, student leaders in the SGA and who led the celebrations. The contributions of our Buildings and Grounds Department and Public Safety Department were essential and much appreciated throughout the week. Bravi!

This fall, our upcoming November election, offers an opportunity to encourage and continue to engage our students in participating in the most democratic of efforts: Exercising the right to vote. It goes without saying that our efforts to retain students with engagement in the classroom, advisement and student and academic support are required as we move forward in the next few weeks and throughout the semester. I look forward to seeing this semester continue to move our students forward in a very positive way. Please share success stories to be published in our Semanario or schedule a coffee in my office for us to catch up on some of your generous activities.

As September 11 approaches this weekend, we remember all those whose lives were lost and those who lost dear ones and whose health was impacted by the aftermath. It is a sobering remembrance of the consequence of violence and of settling differences by violent means. Please take a few minutes this coming Sunday to say a prayer of remembrance, in whatever form you do, for all of our sakes.

Mil gracias y bendiciones, Daisy

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

A POEM TO CELEBRATE THE JOYS OF THE SEASON:

This Is To Say

By William Carlos Williams

I have eaten

the plums

that were in

the icebox

and which

you were probably

saving

for breakfast

Forgive me

they were delicious

so sweet

and so cold

The Collected Poems of William Carlos Williams: Volume I, 1909-1939 (New Directions Publishing Corporation, 1991)

MESSAGE FROM SGA PRESIDENT

Leaghton N. Ozoria 

Every Woman

Next time you are with your friends and they ask what class you are going to next, say the “female class.” So, What class are we in? The female class. That being said, a debate about the argument of Mars versus Venus spoken in general terms there are enough demographics pointing to the female crescendo. How can womankind outdo herself this time? From a higher statistic in the percentage of graduation, two-thirds of the Populus at Hostos to a most honorable Daisy Cocco De Filippis and her dedication as President of the school. “I’m every woman,” Whitney Houston in a symbolizing moment just like our female president. Both women lead by heart and soul, they are not the everyday monotone.

To the women. What is next to accomplish? Perhaps there are more female positions. Before a Woman becomes President of the free world justifiably so for they worked hard, Womankind I say to you try! Go ahead and therefore it is your job to be our President. If in doubt give another applause to Kamala Harris. After her then Who will be there to cut the ribbon of The United States of America? In symbolism and harmony.

In this school, the initiative was started and we must give the world an honest look at our enduring and endearing strength. Thank you Mrs. Daisy Cocco De Filippis for not only showing me but showing the world who a woman really is. The female class really wins it.

CAIMAN CLUES

The “Caiman Clues” for the  Fall ’22 semester | Week 2

Dear Students,

Success is measured in small increments, and you have all successfully completed the first week of the fall 2022 semester — claim your victory! 

Here are the Caiman Clues: 

• Avoid “WN” Grade – In-person and online participation during the first weeks of classes is paramount to your success. Reach out to your instructor(s) to communicate any challenges. The class syllabus or Succeed@Hostos platform lists your instructor’s contact information and office hours. 

• First Year Experience “Meet and Greet” with faculty and advisors – Friday, September 9 at 1 p.m. in room C-596.

• Student Leadership Academy – Interested in a campus ambassador position or seeking a leadership workshop? Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; however, workshops will begin on 9/16/2022. Click here to join! 

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

Read past issues of the Caiman Clues for helpful tips and reminders.

Don’t Miss Your Caiman Clues — Your Hostos Helping Hand to Success 

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

Dear Students and Colleagues,

I hope that you are all settled into your classes and have enjoyed the welcoming and orientation activities that the college has offered over the last few weeks. I had previously shared the wonderful news that one of the Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives, the NextGen Public Health Scholars 2+2+2 Program had selected three students for this academic year’s inaugural cohort. Out of a strong pool of candidates, these students demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, perseverance amidst major life challenges, and great dedication and passion for pursuing a career in public health and epidemiology that I know will carry them through to the realization of their dreams. I want to take this opportunity to briefly share their stories, which I believe you will find inspiring and encouraging. Please join me in congratulating these stellar students as they begin their journey as NextGen Public Health Scholars!

Ms. Hawa Antonet Abraham is originally from Freetown, Sierra Leone, a small country located in the lush green coast of West Africa. She lived as a refugee due to 10 years of violence and brutal conflict in her home country, a most difficult experience which she believes shaped her young mind to aim for a profession that can support people in dire need. While pursuing a nursing degree at Cuttington University in Liberia, Hawa moved to the U.S. Following the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa, and the global coronavirus pandemic, her focus shifted to public health as she witnessed how immigrant communities were missing out on critical information to prevent virus transmission and how misinformation was preventing them from accessing health care. She realized that timely information about basic hygiene, healthy choices, good nutrition, and balanced diets can go a long way to prevent ailments and deaths, which led her to enroll at Hostos to pursue her Associate Degree in Community Health. About being selected as a NextGen Public Health Scholar, Hawa shares, “I am excited to be selected for the inaugural NextGen Public Health Scholars 2+2+2 Program that will provide a platform to deepen and expand my knowledge in Public Health in the area of Epidemiology, in a world-renowned Institution as Columbia University, and provide me with a unique and excellent pathway for achieving my goals.”

Ms. María Vasquez Guillen is originally from Venezuela and had almost completed three years of medical school at the University of the Andes, when in November 2020, she and her family decided to move to the U.S., looking for better opportunities and a safe place to live. She was always interested in the science field, and as a medical student, was involved in scientific associations and research clubs, which helped to improve her research skills. In her first year living in New York, she enrolled at Hostos to pursue a career in nursing and continued conducting research with her mentor from Venezuela. She published her first research paper titled, “Complications of COVID-19 Associated with Obesity”, earlier this year. As a NextGen Public Health Scholar, María aspires to acquire more knowledge of communities' health issues, have a better understanding of the health system, and learn how to implement better strategies to address health disparities. Upon her selection for the program, María expressed: “Being selected into the NextGen Public Health Scholars program has been an incredible achievement that I hadn’t thought I could reach two years ago when I came to this country. I felt that leaving Venezuela meant giving up on my dreams of pursuing a career in the health field. However, this program gave me a sigh of relief and increased my faith that working hard and pushing forward in your goals will open the door to many other opportunities that will help you to reach success.”

Ms. Andrea Vasquez Guillen was born and raised in Venezuela, where she completed two years of medical studies at the University of Andes. As a medical student, she discovered her passion for health-related research by participating in research activities that allowed her to publish papers and ignited her desire to be part of the research community that works hard to improve the health care system. However, in 2020 she moved to New York City, along with her family, looking for a better future and opportunities. She started her journey at Hostos in 2021 to complete her Associate Degree in Nursing, and since then, has received many opportunities. About the NextGen Public Health Scholars Program, Andrea shared: “This fantastic opportunity represents a significant step toward achieving my educational goals. It will help me to complete my bachelor's and master's degrees. But also, gain the knowledge and skills to achieve my goal of enhancing the health care system by improving health prevention strategies, regaining vaccination trust, and increasing disease eradication. In addition, I hope to inspire other students to work hard for their dreams and never give up, no matter what challenges they face.”

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.

INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT

Submitted by Dean of Academic Affairs, Institutional Effectiveness,

Research, and Assessment Babette Audant, Ph.D. 

An Introduction to the CUNY Performance Management Process: 

Hostos contributes to, and engages in, numerous planning and assessment processes that involve institutional research (IR) and key performance indicators (KPIs) within CUNY; required by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), our accreditors; and nationally. A goal for this semester is to share information about some of these processes in this weekly space: 

Among these is the CUNY Performance Management Process (PMP), which is the University’s mechanism for ensuring clarity about University and college priorities and expectations for the year; recognizing and acknowledging progress at all levels; uniting a diverse set of colleges into an integrated University; ensuring University’s Master Plan guides the plans and priorities of the colleges while each retains its own identity, mission, and governance; and introducing more accountability into the system.

What is the PMP? The CUNY website: The City University of New York follows a performance management process (PMP) that links planning and goal setting by the University and its colleges and professional schools, measures annual progress towards key goals, and recognizes excellent performance.

Each year, CUNY’s Chancellor states the University’s performance goals for the upcoming academic year, guided by the University’s Master Plan. CUNY presidents and professional school deans, working with their executive teams and college communities, establish performance targets for their institution for the coming year reflecting plans for existing or new initiatives.

At the end of each academic year, each college’s progress on university and college goals is assessed, and strengths and ongoing challenges are identified. The Chancellor meets with each college president or dean annually to review institutional performance, recognize successful performance, and identify future priorities. College presidents and deans then lead their respective campus communities to advance the University and college goals.

The PMP is a public-facing resource and is available in two formats – a .pdf databook and an interactive dashboard (Tableau). It’s updated annually and provides a longitudinal view of how we’re doing relative to our previous performance, and in relation to our peers. 

Hostos also engages actively in the PMP process twice a year: 

In June/July, OIERA works with the President to draft a narrative response that contextualizes Hostos’ outcomes in relation to activities/initiatives undertaken during the past year, and in relation to Hostos’ college-wide priorities. 

In October, OIERA works with the President to set projections (reviewed by Cabinet; finalized by the President) for quantitative outcomes, and a narrative that provides details about how Hostos will achieve the projected outcomes. Again, the narrative emphasizes the alignments between CUNY strategic priorities and Hostos’ strategic priorities, and the Hostos mission.  

Submitted by Director of Governmental and External Affairs Eric Radezky, Ph.D.

The Affordable Connectivity Program

Hostos students should check their eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program, a federal government program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that provides household discounts on broadband internet service of up to $30 per month and one-time discounts of up to $100 towards the purchase of a laptop, desktop or tablet from participating providers. 

Visit the Affordable Connectivity Program website for more information including eligibility criteria and how to apply. In general, you are eligible if your household income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or if at least one member of your household received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year, or participates in an assistance program including SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC and others.  

If you need to talk to someone about your eligibility or application status, call the ACP Support Center at 877-384-2575.

Submitted by Ms. Briseida Cortez, Coordinator, Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program

Anatomy and Physiology Summer Workshop Summary

The Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program, CSTEP, Anatomy and Physiology Summer Workshop is an intensive two-week session introducing students to the topics covered in the introduction to anatomy and physiology (A&P I) at Hostos. The goal of the workshop is to prepare and provide students with a basic understanding of how the body works before taking the course in the Fall. The CSTEP program collaborated with Dr. Damaris-Lois Lang (Natural Sciences Department) and HERO High School for this initiative.

During the summer the program served 25 Hostos and HERO students. The workshop was conducted in three parts incorporating an overview, in depth content, and question and answer sessions. The topics covered during the workshop included an overview of the organ systems, introduction to anatomical terms, chemical level of organization, and organelles and cell structures. Based on our post workshop evaluation 100% of our participants found the content and information useful. Additionally, the program is looking forward to expanding the workshop and including sessions for A&P II and Microbiology. ​

Annually, the CSTEP program serves 150 Hostos undergraduates. Students enrolled in the CSTEP program receive support services in STEM including research, internship, tutoring, software training and academic and professional development workshops. 

NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

Submitted by VP of Student Development & Enrollment Management 

La Toro Yates, Ph.D

Health & Wellness

Hostos Family Empowerment (FEP) annual Student Parent Fair was a big success!!!

The Family Empowerment Program (FEP) supports the needs of students who are parenting or expecting. On August 31 we welcomed our Student Parents at Hostos by organizing a fair with the purpose of educating students on resources that are available to them both on campus and in the community. In light of the pandemic and the impact that it has had on all our lives, the Student Parent fair had expanded its reach and was opened up to include all students on campus as well as faculty and staff. 

We had providers tabling to address housing issues, rent arrears, financial empowerment, immigration, employment, child care, mental health and substance abuse, health providers, public benefits and academic needs to state a few. We welcomed over 60 providers to campus to present their programs in the C-building’s lobby, in the cafeteria, and in the A-building’s Atrium.

Our mission at FEP is to always find resources to enhance the psychosocial and economic mobility of our students, and to help alleviate some of the needs that our students have as they are entering this new semester. 

FEP and Health and Wellness are thankful to all our partners for spending the day with us, and we will continue to support the needs of our students as they continue on their journey towards graduation as we know educated families elevate and empower communities.

For students who are expecting or parenting and need social support, we are located in the D-building, room 101M, or you can email us at chfrancis@hostos.cuny.edu for more information or an intake appointment. All students in need of resources can also visit our One Stop unit or email Madeline Cruz at MCRUZ@hostos.cuny.edu for assistance.

We look forward to supporting all our students. 

The Director of the Children’s Center participated in a BRONXNET interview

Cathy García-Bou represented the Children’s Center as a guest on the “Open” segment, along with Elba Cabrera (Evelina Antonetty’s sister) to speak about the upcoming 100 Celebration. Segment to air September 9. 

Poem submitted by VP La Toro Yates

A Little Prayer

Poet: Unknown

If any little word of mine

May make a life the brighter;

If any little song of mine

May make a heart the lighter,

God help me speak the little word.

And take my bit of singing,

And drop it in some lonely vale

To set the echoes ringing.

If any little love of mine

May make a life the sweeter;

If any little care of mine

May make a friend's the fleeter;

If any little lift may ease

The burden of another,

God give me love, and care and strength.

Online Safety Tips

It’s not news that cybersecurity is a huge issue right now, and not just for CUNY colleges. Digital threats have been multiplying across the globe. It’s a huge task for IT staff across all industries to protect their institutions from malicious cyber attacks. Our own IT staff are vigilantly working to prevent these attacks from affecting our community but our community needs to be aware that they too must act to protect themselves. As a helpful reminder for our users, below are tips from Hostos IT on practicing good online safety habits.

1) Update Your Password Regularly

Create a complex password that is easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. Have a unique and strong password for every account. Do not to reveal your password(s) to anyone.

2) Watch Out For Scams

Scams come in many forms and more often mimic actual services you subscribe to with real brand logos. Look for tell-tale markers such as sender email, typo errors, or requests for personal information or details.

3) Stop and Think Before You Click

Do not click any link via email or SMS. Always check the sender email address or number first. Report and block any requests for one-time passwords (OTPs), especially if you did not initiate it.

4) Double check the Domain Name

Always type in the website address into the browser and look for the secure website padlock icon in the URL bar once you’re there. Fake or phishing domains often carry a string of numbers or alphabets, or have names that look like official websites.

5) Log Out and Clear Cache

Remember to sign out of your account after you’re done. Then go to browser settings and clear/delete the browser cache from your computer or mobile device.

6) Secure your Machines and Devices

Keep the security software on your web-enabled devices and machines current. If available, turn on automatic software updates so you don’t even have to think about it.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) awards the Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) $271,000 to offer 250 hours of construction skills training to two cohorts of approximately 25 NYCHA residents over the course of 8 weeks through December 2022. NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainability (REES) is committed to providing vocational construction training to NYCHA residents through the HireNYCHA initiative with the goal to place individuals into NYCHA jobs at the conclusion of the training. Participants will receive 144 hours of hard skills construction training, 40 hours of soft skills and construction, career exploration including green practice and blueprint reading training and 66 hours of certification training resulting in nine Department of Building (DOB) certifications.

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 https://tinyurl.com/HostosCEWD. For those interested in information technology, please click here to learn about the Hostos Information Technology (IT) Academy. This self-paced online course is being offered at no-cost to students. 

Hostos Annual Golf Outing Classic

The Hostos Community College Foundation is pleased to invite all Hostos faculty and staff to join us for the 16th Annual Scholarship Fund Golf Outing Classic on October 6 at the scenic Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Courses. It will be a day of friendly competition, an opportunity to network with local leaders, and, most importantly, a way to have a great time while helping the Foundation to expand opportunities for Hostos students. If you would like to learn more or purchase tickets, visit www.hostosgolfouting.com or email Idelsa Méndez. 

Changes to CUNY Tuesday



It’s hard to believe that Giving Tuesday, the national day of giving, is just a couple of months away! This year, our CUNY-wide “CUNY Tuesday” campaign will not include a payroll deduction option for CUNY faculty and staff. Instead, we encourage our giving community to enroll in recurring payments via the CUNY Tuesday website between October 8 and November 29. Recurring payments are the easiest way to support students with a manageable, monthly payment. Contact Idelsa Méndez if you have questions or want help planning your gift.

To set up your recurring gift at any time, visit www.givetohostos.com enter your donation amount, then click “add donation.” When more options appear, select “recurring gift.”

Natural Sciences Faculty Member Joining HACU Leadership Academy

We are pleased to announce that Professor Yoel Rodríguez has been selected as a 2022-2023 Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo fellow. Professor Rodríguez, who teaches in Hostos’ Physical Sciences Unit, is among 39 fellows selected for the one-year program, during which the cohort will participate in leadership development activities designed to increase diverse representation in executive and senior-level positions in higher education. 

WalletHub ranked Hostos Community College 11th on its list of best community colleges in New York State, which evaluates colleges based on cost and financing, education, career outcomes and more.

JPMorgan Gifts HCCF 25K

The Hostos Community College Foundation is pleased to welcome the following individuals to the Foundation Board of Directors:

• Ed Salas – President and CEO, SalCare Home Health Services
• Staphanie Santiago Tkach – Regional Service Manager, Rivian
• Madeline Marquez – SVP, Chief External Affairs Officer, Ponce Bank
• Teresa A. Santiago – President and CEO, TAS Communications

Evelina 100: A Celebration of the Life and Times of Dr. Evelina Antonetty, 1922–1984

Monday, September 12 to Monday, September 19 

Location: Multiple 

Hostos Community College of The City University of New York, The Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College/CUNY, The Bronx Music Heritage Center, The Bronx County Historical Society, The Caribbean Cultural Center and African Diaspora Institute, Pregones Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, BronxNet, and the Evelina 100 Centennial Celebration Committee invite you to attend. Learn more here. 

Sponsored by: Office of the President

International Conference of Universities Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration 

Friday, September 16 | 2-5:30 p.m.

Location: Hostos Community College Cafeteria, C-Building, 3rd Floor

Presented by Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of CUNY— Office of Community Relations and El Congreso Hispanoamericano de Prensa. Details forthcoming. 

To rsvp email or call Mr. Gerson Peña at cpena@hostos.cuny.edu | 718-664-2753

Sponsored by: Office of the President

Stated Meeting of the College

Wednesday, September 21 | 3:30-5 p.m.

Location: Hostos Café

Come hear the President and guests share updates on the current state of the budget, personnel and college matters at this annual convening.

Sponsored by: Office of the President

Roy Brown: Distancias… Featuring Zoraida Santiago

Friday, September 23 | 8 p.m.

Location: Hostos Theater

After a magnificent and sold-out performance at the Centro de Bellas Artes de Santurce, singer-songwriter Roy Brown returns to Hostos Center with Distancias: Recordando a Juan Antonio Corretjer, a tribute to one of the most important and immortal poets of Puerto Rico. Joining him is the beloved singer Zoraida Santiago. Together they bring us a beautiful evening of music, exquisite voices, harmonious duets and timeless poetry. Buy tickets here. 

Luego de una magnífica actuación a sala llena en el Centro de Bellas Artes de Santurce, el cantautor Roy Brownregresa al Hostos Center con Distancias: Recordando a Juan Antonio Corretjer, un homenaje a uno de los poetas más importantes e inmortales de Puerto Rico. Acompañandolo como artista invitada estará la querida cantante Zoraida Santiago. Juntos nos presentarán una hermosa noche de música, voces exquisitas, duetos armoniosos y poesía eterna.

An Afternoon of Art and Literature: Celebrating the Works of Julia de Burgos

Monday, October 3 | 3-5 p.m.

Location: Art Gallery

Join Author Chiqui Vicioso, Poet Urayoan Noel, Translator Jonathan Cohen, Ph.D. and Artist Alí García for an event honoring the pioneering Puerto Rican poet and activist.

Sponsored by: Office of the President

El Inolvidable Tito Rodriguez: A Tribute Concert

Saturday, November 12 | 8 p.m.

Sunday, November 13 | 4 p.m.

Location: Hostos Theater

Buy tickets here.

Celebrating 55 Years of Hostos 

Saturday, April 22, 2023

This coming spring, we will celebrate the college’s 55th anniversary. Suggestions about how we mark our 55th anniversary this coming spring are welcome. Please send a note to Executive Chief of Staff Diana Kreymer by the end of September.