EL SEMANARIO HOSTOSIANO/HOSTOS WEEKLY | March 11, 2022 | Vol. 4 No. 7, Spring 2022 Semester

Friday, March 11, 2022 | Vol. 4 No. 7, Spring 2022 Semester

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

As another week comes to an end, I celebrate where we are at this moment. My conversations on campus with students and colleagues have been so enjoyable. How good it is to see our students gradually repopulating the campus. It is so encouraging to walk into the student cafeteria and see study groups and students and staff sharing conversation and their meals. I just loved how earnest a table of biology students was about studying and how hopeful they were. Other encouraging signs are our Middle States preparation meetings with various campus groups. These are led by Professor Nelson Nuñez Rodríguez and Professor Kate Wolfe who have demonstrated to us what thoughtful and intelligent care and collegiality can produce. This is an important moment to prepare for: receiving the MSCHE Evaluation Team and showcasing our dedication and good work in support of our mission and our students, and to receive feedback and recommendations from our peers about continued improvement and growth. The visit is scheduled for April 3-6, 2022.

As colleagues are working diligently on the preparation of class schedules for the summer and fall semesters, we are also organizing for the initiation of the planning for Hostos Strategic Plan 2022–2027. Here is what is being put in place as the next five year strategic plan is about to commence.

As with the creation of the Self Study, strategic planning will be designed to maximize inclusion of broad perspectives and voices. The whole campus will be invited to provide input this spring and next fall through open forums, so everyone interested in participating can do so, both as the process kicks off and then as the plan begins to take shape. More information about spring 2022 open forums is coming soon.

In addition to having a strategic planning steering committee that will be responsible for guiding the process, leading the campus’ reflection on its mission (a MSCHE requirement) and efforts to articulate values (which many other colleges now have), and pulling the plan together, we have created spaces for a broad group of diverse stakeholders to serve in official capacities.

Just this week, representatives across campus — including faculty, staff, administrators, and external stakeholders — were invited to join six working groups, as well as the strategic planning steering committee. The Strategic Plan 2023–2027 website will be updated by March 21, 2022 to reflect the membership of the Steering Committee and Working Groups. My thanks to colleagues who have already generously accepted to serve.

Each working group corresponds to one of Hostos’ six mission themes. Their charge is to suggest goals, strategies, and indicators of success that will deepen Hostos’ impact in each of these thematic areas. Each working group will be led by co-chairs: an administrator selected by the President, and faculty co-chair to be selected by each group. These co-chairs will work with our facilitator, Anna Pond, to design agendas and facilitate data-informed discussion that they then turn into formal recommendations to be submitted to the steering committee in fall 2023. Anna will then work with the steering committee to consider these recommendations as they develop an integrated, college-wide strategic plan.

This spring, each working group and the steering committee will meet several times, to become oriented to their charges, and embark on initial reflection into data, including what comes out of the spring 2022 open forums.

After a summer break, the process will continue in fall 2022. Working groups will submit their suggestions to the steering committee by late fall/early winter. The steering committee will then pull together a plan framework and draft by early spring, which will be shared with the campus community through a second set of forums in the spring 2023 semester. The plan will be completed as soon as possible afterward, with a first operational plan to rollout in AY 2023–2024.

Increasing student success has been at the forefront of Hostos’ last two strategic plans and remains our true North. And inclusive engagement remains a defining value. Throughout the process, updates will be provided via El Seminario Hostosiano/The Hostos Weekly, and individuals can access information on the strategic planning webpage dedicated to strategic planning.

Mil gracias and I look forward to hearing from you all as part of this process.

Mil gracias y bendiciones, Daisy

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

A POEM TO WELCOME WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Child of the Americas

By Aurora Levins Morales

I am a child of the Americas,

a light-skinned mestiza of the Caribbean,

a child of many diaspora, born into this continent at a crossroads.

I am a U.S. Puerto Rican Jew,

a product of the ghettos of New York I have never known.

An immigrant and the daughter and granddaughter of immigrants.

I speak English with passion: it’s the tongue of my consciousness,

a flashing knife blade of crystal, my tool, my craft.

I am Caribeña, island grown. Spanish is in my flesh,

ripples from my tongue, lodges in my hips:

the language of garlic and mangoes,

the singing in my poetry, the flying gestures of my hands.

I am of Latinoamerica, rooted in the history of my continent:

I speak from that body.

I am not african. Africa is in me, but I cannot return.

I am not taína. Taíno[1] is in me, but there is no way back.

I am not european. Europe lives in me, but I have no home there.

I am new. History made me. My first language was Spanglish.

I was born at the crossroads

and I am whole.

Learn about the author here.

Reproduced from the Norton Anthology of Latino Literature.

__________

[1] The Taíno peoples were the indigenous inhabitants of what is now called the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Cuba, and the island of Hispaniola.

MESSAGE FROM SGA PRESIDENT BRIAN CARTER

Hello to my fellow colleagues and students of Hostos Community College.

I am here again to give you my weekly bit of encouragement and inspiration while thinking about Women's History Month. A fraternal embrace to all of our beloved sisters. I would like to highlight the wonderful women in this world that make it even possible for us to live and let alone exist in this beautiful world. We cannot forget the matriarchs of our families. The reason I am in this world and at this College is because of my mom.

She is the proud mother of three, an entrepreneur, and also a former Hostos student. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with diabetes and then cancer and was no longer able to continue her studies. I chose to spotlight my mom because she still continued to fight despite her ongoing bouts with her ailments and still managed to have an incredible twenty-plus year career at Macy’s Herald Square while raising three amazing children.

To this day, my mom continues her therapy treatment and with God’s grace, her condition has improved. The good Lord continues to provide for her. She is literally a miracle and continues to inspire me every day.

I am also blessed to be among amazing women within the Hostos community, like Rhonda Smith. I work alongside her and she is a mother figure to all who know her. The Students Activities Office is lucky to have her as she provides students with opportunities and direction. I say Rhonda is a staple of our Hostos community.

Two other amazing women at Hostos have embraced me, Ruby Calle and Jennifer Williams, from the C.U.N.Y. Edge office. They are amazing because they have helped so many students who have been directed to their services to strategize and prioritize! They do a phenomenal job helping students with academic issues and evaluating students’ needs. I would advise students to visit C.U.N.Y. Edge if they haven’t done so already.

Another wonderful woman I would like to acknowledge and thank is the amazing Toya Pigford from the Financial Aid Department. She has helped the Hostos student body by encouraging us to overcome adversity one day at a time.

I would also like to highlight our beloved Dean Gómez. She does a lot of hard work behind the scenes to bring Hostos Community College. During the pandemic, she really took time to make sure students were in good academic standing and looking out for anyone that needed direction. The wonderful SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne always has Hostos’ best interest in mind. Under her supervision, the massive upgrade of outdated technology within the College has made Hostos a leader in the CUNY system in the use of current and cutting-edge technology.

Last but not least, two remarkable women who play a significant role in the life of the entire student body are Diana Kreymer, Interim Executive Chief of Staff to the President, and of course, our very own Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis.

So, if you find yourself in the presence of the aforementioned women, just know that you are in the presence of greatness and they should be treated like royalty, as they are the Queens of Hostos Community College.

We will be posting information on our upcoming Financial Literacy workshop hosted by the amazing Brian Rashid in about two weeks. We want to help students learn the importance of saving and making wise financial investments.

And last, let us take time to pray for all of the innocent in Ukraine, and let us pray for an end to this war and all wars while we are at it. The harmful effects of war are devastating, it leaves countries and societies traumatized. I ask you to pray for all of the people.

MIDDLE STATES SELF-STUDY UPDATE

Submitted by MSCHE Steering Committee Co-Chairs Professor Kate S. Wolfe and Professor Nelson Nuñez Rodríguez

Campus Preparation for the Remote Team Visit (A spotlight on Standard I)

Hostos appears to follow Standard I that expects that the institution’s mission defines its purpose within the context of higher education, the students it serves, and what it intends to accomplish. The strengths found in the Self-Study indicate that clear connections exist between Hostos’ mission, strategic plan goals, and operational planning processes, which identify activities toward strategic plan goals. In addition, the institution has an A-PART assessment process that deepens and regularizes faculty and staff involvement in both planning and assessment college-wide. This robust A-PART assessment process, however, creates a systematic need to develop faculty and staff abilities to gather and evaluate appropriate evidence. Therefore, our campus has the opportunity to interrogate the assessment structure supporting our mission as follows:

What types of ongoing organizational, systems-related professional development should Hostos offer all faculty and staff?

How are new and tenured faculty integrated into ongoing organizational, systems-related professional development?

What is the best way to assess our ongoing organizational, systems-related professional development activities? What is the best way to assess faculty and staff knowledge and familiarity with the A-PART system?

In addition, the historical role of the institution supporting the surrounding community opens new challenges as the institution collects information that helps it better prepare for and respond to social justice and equity-related community needs as they evolve. In this regard, the self-study opens a line of inquiry questioning:

How does Hostos become a better partner with the South Bronx community? What specific actions can be implemented? How do we institutionalize community outreach and ensure it serves our social justice mission?

PRESIDENT’S INITIATIVES

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

Announcing the Winners of the Educating for Diversity Initiative Spring 2022 Grants

The Office of the President is pleased to announce the Educating for Diversity Initiative Grant Awards for Spring 2022. The Educating for Diversity Initiative is generously supported by the Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives for Student Success, College Growth and Stakeholders’ Engagement. The grants represent Hostos’ continued commitment to fostering student and community engagement in scholarly discussions and creative activities that will spark dialogue and communal learning on important issues relevant to diversity, equity and inclusion. We extend our warmest congratulations to all the grant recipients and wish them much success as they carry out their proposed events and activities. Programming is scheduled for Spring 2022 and announcements of upcoming activities will be shared with the college community.

1. Awardee: Women’s and Gender Studies (WGS) Faculty Council

Project Lead: Elizabeth Porter, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of English and WGS Coordinator

Project Title: Intersectional and Interdisciplinary: Women’s and Gender Studies Programming

Award Amount: $250

Project Description: In honor of Women’s History Month, the WGS Council will host “COVID-19 and Gender: A Student Panel” where an invited group of students will reflect on how the COVID-19 pandemic affects their school, work, and family lives based on their positionality.

2. Awardee/Project Lead: Alexandra Milsom, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of English

Project Title: Hostos Student Podcast – “Somos Hostos”

Award Amount: $1,700

Project Description: Professor Milsom will lead the development of a student podcast series comprised of five episodes in which two students (per episode) will interview one another about their personal histories, what brought them to Hostos, and how their education here will help them to achieve their dreams.

3. Awardee/Project Lead(s): Social Sciences Unit Faculty: Marcella Bencivenni, Ph.D., Professor of History and Kristopher Burrell, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History

Project Title: Social Sciences Speakers Series and Emerging Scholars Speakers Series

Award Amount: $800

Project Description: The Social Sciences Unit faculty seek to bring back and expand the Social Sciences Speakers Series and Emerging Scholars Speakers Series (which had been on hold due to the pandemic) to host a series of events to introduce Hostos students and community to cutting edge research and engaging scholars that will help to expand knowledge on the contributions of social sciences to public conversations about race, class, culture and society. Activities will also provide opportunities for discussion and inquiry on topics relevant to the South Bronx and broader American communities.

4. Awardee/Project Lead(s): Own Your Power Committee: Tovah Thompson, Allison Lee, Leo Coodin, Linda Delerme, Alana Greenberg and Sara Rodberg

Project Title: Own Your Power (OYP)

Award Amount: $1,008

Project Description: The Own Your Power initiative seeks to bring the Hostos community together by hosting educational workshops and activities that serve to empower participants with a deep sense of their value, identity, and purpose. This spring Own Your Power will host a series of workshops in collaboration with faculty and students that will invite guest speakers from interdisciplinary backgrounds and varied experiences to discuss strategies and stories about owning one’s power.

5. Awardee/Project Lead: Inmaculada Lara-Bonilla, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Director of Latin

American Writer’s Institute, and Latin American and Caribbean Studies Unit Coordinator. Supporting faculty include Professor Victor Torres-Vélez, Ph.D., Professor Emmanuel Velayos Larrabure, Ph.D., and WGS Faculty Council.

Project Title: Documenting Experience, Imagining Diverse, Inclusive Worlds Through Creative Writing

Award Amount: $1,700

Project Description: Faculty from the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Unit are planning a series of curriculum-integrated activities that will use the power of creative writing to engage Hostos students and community members in expressing their lived experiences and intersectional identities to promote social transformation through the sharing of our community’s collective voices. This spring will feature the Comics Writing Workshop, “Vengeful Goddesses, Warrior Queens and Other Monsters,” led by Bronx-based cartoonist Ivan Velez, Jr., which will engage students in learning about the myths and legends that helped define gender roles and stereotypes and how to create comics with heroic and diverse characters.

6. Awardee/Project Lead(s): Victor Torres-Vélez, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Latin American and Caribbean Studies Unit

Project Title: Finding Latinx – A Velada Hostosiana/Hostos Culture Talk

Award Amount: $927

Project Description: Professor Torres-Vélez will host a Velada Hostosiana/Hostos Culture Talk in April featuring Paola Ramos, the author of Finding Latinx: In Search of the Voices Redefining Latino Identity. This Velada Hostosiana/Hostos Culture Talk will be open to the whole Hostos community and provide a rich discussion on Finding Latinx, a timely book that explores the complexities of Latinidad in the 21st Century.

7. Awardee: HEO Executive Committee

Project Lead: Elizabeth Wilson, Director of School-College Partnerships

Project Title: Racial Justice and Liberation Workshops for HEOs

Award Amount: $1,000

Project Description: The HEO Executive Committee will convene two Racial Equity and Liberation workshops that will help HEOs identify themselves and their roles as part of the movement for racial equity, support stronger relationship-building between staff and students, and help to promote a more inclusive campus for students, faculty, and staff.

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

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

Free Tax Prep for NYCHA Residents

NYCHA public housing residents and NYCHA Section 8 voucher holders can file taxes with NYC Free Tax Prep (from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection) to save on tax prep fees and claim valuable tax credits. Learn more at nyc.gov/taxprep.

The Food Bank for NYC is also offering a free tax prep service to NYCHA residents and Section 8 voucher holders. Tenants earning $60,000 or less in 2021 qualify for the Food Bank’s free income tax services. IRS-certified and trained volunteers will be available to help maximize the refund. The free filing service offers minimal contact drop-off locations and 100 percent online services from January 24 to April 18, 2022. Every tax return receives a complete quality review before final submission, and year-round audit assistance is provided if needed. Those interested can file taxes in-person, remotely, at a drop-off location, or self-file with help. Learn more at FoodBankNYC.

Discounted Internet Service for NYCHA Residents

NYCHA Tenants may qualify for a $30 monthly discount on internet service through the Affordable Connectivity Program!

The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) seeks to ensure that low-income households can afford broadband internet service for work, school, and more. It replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). (If you are already enrolled in the EBB, you will receive the $50 monthly discount until March 1, 2022; after that, you can transfer into the ACP for the lower benefit of $30 a month. Learn more here.)

If you qualify for the ACP, you can receive up to $30 a month off an internet plan and equipment rentals, as well as a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a copayment between $10 and $50).

Important eligibility and application information:

Any household with a child attending a NYC public school will be able to qualify.
Other criteria for qualifying for the ACP’s $30 monthly benefit include participating in SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, SSI, and more.
You do NOT need to submit to a credit check.
You do NOT need to be a U.S. citizen or have a Social Security number.

To learn more about ACP and to apply, here.

NEWS FROM THE OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Submitted by Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Shiang-Kwei Wang, Ph.D.

STEM & Dual Degree Orientation Week

The STEM & Dual Degree Office created a STEM & Dual Degree Orientation week, which is offered every semester for students enrolled in Engineering, Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Accounting for Forensic Accounting, Liberal Arts & Science AS, and Computer Science degree programs. This initiative, coordinated by Ms. Karla Contreras, helps eliminate duplication of information sessions and consolidates all semester activities and meetings for the students in these majors. Specific information regarding majors’ updates, policies, processes, careers, and resources is provided during each orientation session. Future meetings for each degree program are coordinated based on students’ feedback and colleagues’ recommendations. The ultimate goal of the orientation sessions is to expose students to the resources available at Hostos. This initiative was developed collaboratively with chairs, degree program coordinators, Hostos Academic Learning Center (HALC), Collegiate Science Technology and Engineering Program (CSTEP), Black Male Initiative (BMI), Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP), Student Success Coaching Unit (SSCU), and the Office of Transfer Services.

CAIMAN CLUES

The “Caiman Clues” for the Spring ’22 semester

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

Caiman Clues —Your Hostos Helping Hand to Success

NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

Submitted by Vice President of Student Development & Enrollment Management La Toro Yates, Ph.D.

Poem from VP Yates

I am a Black Woman

By Mari Evans

I am a black woman

the music of my song

some sweet arpeggio of tears

is written in a minor key

and I

can be heard humming in the night

Can be heard

humming

in the night

I saw my mate leap screaming to the sea

and I/with these hands/cupped the lifebreath

from my issue in the canebrake

I lost Nat’s swinging body in a rain of tears

and heard my son scream all the way from Anzio

for Peace he never knew….I

learned Da Nang and Pork Chop Hill

in anguish

Now my nostrils know the gas

and these trigger tire/d fingers

seek the softness in my warrior’s beard

I am a black woman

tall as a cypress

strong

beyond all definition still

defying place

and time

and circumstance

assailed

impervious

indestructible

Look

on me and be

renewed

Mari Evans

Admissions & Recruitment

The mission of the Admissions and Recruitment Office is to engage in activities designed to highlight the college program offerings and student support services. A critical component of that goal is to admit new freshmen and transfer students to meet the college’s new student enrollment objectives. We accomplish the aforementioned mission by participating in vigorous recruitment campaigns that include attending college fairs, hosting various information sessions, and utilizing a comprehensive communication plan for prospective students. Likewise, we constantly strive to promote our mission and improve in-person and virtual customer service, creating a seamless application process for incoming students.

Prospective students are encouraged to participate in our admissions information sessions to learn about our academic programs, student support services, and the value of a Hostos education. In addition, admissions advisors host and participate in city, state, and national college fairs. Newly admitted students visit the Admissions and Recruitment Office to submit documents and other items required to ensure a smooth registration. Finally, the Admissions and Recruitment office staff conduct an all-inclusive application status review of the student’s record on the CUNYFirst student information system.

The Admissions and Recruitment Office collaborates with special programs such as College Now, HERO, Early College Initiative, and Melissa Riggio program to support their enrollment efforts. In addition, we partner with the Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) division to implement their policies on applying credit for prior learning. Lastly, we review existing credit articulation agreements between CEWD and Academic Affairs to grant college credit for non-credit coursework that aligns with the college coursework.

As we start planning for the summer and fall 2022 semesters:

The office is working on the agenda for the CUNY Virtual College Fair on Wednesday, March 30, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Prospective students and their families will have an opportunity to meet with our admissions representatives to learn how we can provide quality education to jumpstart their careers.

Working with OAA, colleagues in SDEM and the leadership of the Melissa Riggio program, to discuss and document the enrollment process for these students. The Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program helps students develop skills, self-reflect, make informed decisions, accept challenges, build social networks and make meaningful connections.

Conversations have started with the Continuing Education and Workforce Development, OAA and colleagues in SDEM to discuss CEWD Transition to College and Credit for Prior Learning (CPL).

Communication Updates:

The Admissions Office has sent Accepted Student Info Session invitations to approximately 7,580 accepted students. These sessions promote our mission and help move admitted applicants to the committed stage of the enrollment funnel. We have a total of 15 sessions scheduled for the spring 2022 semester.

The Admissions Office has sent General Information Session invitations to 1,409 pre-applicants who have not yet submitted their CUNY application (but listed us as a choice). These sessions promote our mission and help us move prospects to the applicant stage of the enrollment funnel. We have a total of 13 sessions scheduled for the spring 2022 semester.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

Face Masks and Vaccination Mandates

Please be advised that as per the Chancellor’s recent message on Friday, March 4 , CUNY will no longer be requiring mask use effective Monday, March 7, 2022. The Chancellor’s message follows suit with announcements made by Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams that ended mask mandates for pre-K through 12th grade across New York State and City.

Starting Monday, March 7, 2022, CUNY students, faculty, and staff, and visitors are not required to wear a mask in any campus setting, including classrooms and offices. Although no longer mandated, anyone who would like to continue wearing a mask is welcome to do so at any time, including individuals who are not vaccinated. Masks are available and can be requested from Public Safety at the front desk of each Hostos building.

While mask use is no longer required, vaccination mandates remain in place. Students must be fully vaccinated and boosted once eligible. Proof of the booster shot must be uploaded in CUNYfirst within 30 days of the date they first become eligible to receive the shot. In addition, all PSC and ECP titles are required to be fully vaccinated and to upload proof of their vaccination into CUNYfirst by April 1.

CUNY’s random testing program will continue to operate without change. Free PCR testing is available for students, faculty, and staff at CUNY testing sites and we encourage you to take advantage of this service for any reason you might need it. In addition, the quarantine guidelines for those impacted by COVID-19 will remain the same. Individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, have tested positive, or have been exposed to COVID-19 should reach out to Nurse Vasquez right away for further guidance.

In addition, be advised that Hostos’ COVID-19 testing site will relocate from the Art Gallery to the A building lobby (475 Grand Concourse), effective Monday, March 14, 2022. The testing site hours remain the same.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

CEWD HIGHLIGHT

Successful Completion of 35th Cohort of Local Anesthesia & Nitrous Oxide Administration Certification with 100% Pass Rate

The successful completion of the 35th Local Anesthesia/ Nitrous Oxide course at Hostos Community College took place on March 6, 2022. Ten talented and enthusiastic dental hygienists participated and passed the New York State certification.

Three of the 10 hygienists are graduates of the Hostos Dental Hygiene Program. Since 2010, the Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development has trained 431 Dental Hygienists through 35 courses with a 100% past rate.

Dr. James R. King, Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Director of Dentistry at Harlem Hospital Center as well as a third-generation dentist, has taught 34 of the courses. Dr. King has worked extensively in dental education teaching dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental students, and postgraduate dental students.

He has served the Harlem Community for over 30 years as a clinician, administrator and educator. “I am delighted to have been part of this outstanding program since its inception and proud of the successful pass rate,” commented Dr. King.

Dental hуgiеnіsts perform a number of duties within a dental office. They are responsible for cleaning teeth, looking for signs of oral disease in patients, and providing education and preventative care. Common requirements for dental hygienists include a degree from an accredited dental hygiene program, as well as state licensing as a dental hygienist and previous experience. Dental hygienists with Local Anesthesia/Nitrous Oxide certification make on average an hourly rate of $36.00 an hour. For more information on the program see page 21 of the Hostos CEWD Spring 2022 catalog.

Career Services Highlights and Announcements

Catch Director of Career Services Lisanette Rosario on News 12 the Bronx:

Career services advisor gives tips on finding your ideal job amid the great resignation (news12.com)

Career Services New Partner Launch Event: CUNY Upskilling & Skillful.ly

We’re excited to invite you to learn about a new Upskilling

offering - Skillful.ly!

Skillful.ly is free of charge for CUNY Upskillers and allows you to:

Unpack your unique strengths to align with career choices.
Earn skill badges that highlight your high-demand skills.
Get coaching and feedback from industry mentors.
Get introduced to top employers seeking your skills.

Watch how it works!

Skillful.ly and CUNY Upskilling here. Once you’re ready to dive in, create your Skillful.ly account to discover your strengths using specialized personal assessments!

Continuing Education and Workforce Development staff participated in its second monthly CEWD Convenings for which over 30 staff were in attendance. Staff recommended three main topics for future convenings:

Professional development.
Best practices: what works, what does not?
Quarterly highlights: Sharing successes and challenges.

CEWD’s Second Convening

CEWD’s second convening at the onset of Women’s History Month began honoring our very own Eugenio María de Hostos, a champion for women’s education. Thirty-nine staff engaged in a dialogue about our institution and “the great citizen of the Americas,” Eugenio María De Hostos. We tested our “Hostos knowledge.”

We challenge you to test your “Hostos knowledge”

When was our institution established?
Who was first college President?
How many Presidents have served Hostos Community College?
Do you know Hostos' mission statement?

“If anything in this world is in need of radical revolution, it is the educational system. It is elitist, as it is accessible to part of society; it is incomplete, as it is based on the particular development of certain faculties, in both cases harmful to freedom and civilization; in both cases, contrary to human nature.”

—Eugenio María de Hostos

Read and/or share the Hostos CEWD Spring 2022 Catalog.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Save the Date for the 2022 Annual Scholarship Benefit

The Division of Institutional Advancement is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the 2022 Annual Scholarship Benefit in-person at the scenic Glen Island Harbor Club. Please mark your calendars for May 18, 2022 to celebrate the much-anticipated in-person return of this wonderful event. The Benefit is the premier fundraising event for the Hostos Community College Foundation, and it supports student scholarship opportunities. Please be on the lookout for your invitation in the coming weeks, and contact Development Officer Idelsa Méndez with any questions.

Let’s Keep the Hostos 20.22 Class Campaign Momentum Going!

Thanks to the ready generosity of some of our enthusiastic friends and alumni, our Hostos 20.22 Class Campaign has already rocketed to 16 percent of our total goal. Let’s keep it going! Make a gift toward our transformational student support funds and help future Hostos alumni to persist. We invite you to invest in the legacy of Hostos — sowing the spirit of generosity, dedication, and pride that unite this beloved community.

Upcoming Office of Alumni Relations Events

Please mark your calendars to save the date for the following upcoming alumni events. More details to follow.

3/24/2022 – Virtual – Career Services and OAR Alumni Mixer

4/28/2022 – In-person – Alumni Laugh-A-ThON*

4/21/2022 – In-person – Hostos Alumni Mixer

4/22/2022 – Engineering Alumni Awards (Location TBD)

*The previously communicated date for this event has changed.

Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture | March 2022

Nélida Tirado: Dime Quién Soy

Hostos Center

Saturday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. | Repertory Theater

Hailed by The New York Times as “magnificent” and “utterly compelling,” Nélida Tirado is internationally recognized for her intensity, natural grace, and powerful style. In Dime Quién Soy, Nélida Tirado embarks on a triumphant and challenging journey “dancing between cultures” in celebration of her authentic self. Raised in the Bronx, Nelida accidentally stumbled into flamenco dance upon her mother’s desires to keep her connected to the roots of her native bomba y plena.

BRAVO NEWS

Alumna Folusho Adeoti Selected As Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Semifinalist

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced on February 24, 2022 this year’s semifinalists for the prestigious award, which supports remarkable community college students with financial need as they pursue their bachelor’s degree. Adeoti, who graduated from Hostos in the Fall of 2021, is among 440 semifinalists selected from a pool of more than 1,200 applicants attending 180 community colleges in 35 states.