Friday, November 12, 2021 | Vol. 3 No. 12, Fall 2021 Semester
|
|
MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS |
|
My Dear Colleagues and Students,
It is a pleasure to write a few words of thank you and celebration of the good work being done by our faculty and students. I note with pride two very meaningful meetings that it was my honor to attend this past week.
On Tuesday, November 2, from 2–3 p.m., the Capstone Course 200 Bronx Beautiful, a required course for students in the Liberal Arts major, was featured in a presentation led by four colleagues. These presentations were designed to encourage faculty members who had not taught the course to consider it for future scheduling. Moderated by Professor Gregory Marks, Coordinator of CAPS and FYS with an introduction by Professor Andrea Fabrizio, Chair of the English Department, there were presentations by Professor William Casari, Library and Archives; Professor Michelle Cheikin, VPA/Humanities; Professor Cynthia Jones, English; and Professor Sarah Hoiland, Behavioral and Social Sciences. The conversation centered on pedagogy and strategies used to engage students. This was a deep reflection on ways to approach learning and engagement, illustrating brilliantly our own Don Eugenio’s theories about geography, history, and culture beginning with where the student is as we, their professors, carefully and with great care, bring them ultimately to where we are. Outstanding work!
Thursday, November 4, 3:30–5 p.m., the Honor Courses presentations, one of my favorite activities of the semester, once again, confirmed the care and mentoring that goes into teaching our students to reach for the stars, to embrace with joy and discipline, the act of seeing themselves grow by means of sound education. This is an initiative co-chaired by Professors Ernest Ialongo and Cynthia Jones, ably supported and coordinated by Karina Castro, a very talented Hostos alumna. The presentations featured students in Professor Helen Chang, Pol 101H — Folu Adeoti and Sadia Zaman; Professor Ernest Ialongo, History 210H students — Sharike Byron, Gladys Cohen, Henry Edwards, Maari Johnson, Dulce Luna, Chloie Manaois, Brandon Smith, Tameem Yahya; and Professor Angel Morales VPA 101H — Julia Baker, Raymond Flowers, Amaguire Ongoiba, and Leaghton Ozoria. Students engaged in a thoughtful reflection about their own learning process and also featured some of their work. What was palpable was the care, the enthusiasm, and the rapport between teachers and their student-mentees. Bravi!
I reflect on concluding comments on the question of classes in-person and on campus for the Spring 2022 semester. The commitment of the faculty and the students’ honest assessment of what they felt had been gained and had been missed, indicating how much they were looking forward to in-person discussions and shared experiences, was insightful.
I wish you all another rewarding week and look forward to sharing with you a final draft of the proposed scope of work for the Ms. MacKenzie Scott Gift initiatives for this academic year with planning that began this fall and implementation to begin in the Spring 2022 semester. Again, thank you for the caring involvement of so many.
Mil gracias y bendiciones, Daisy
Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.
President
|
|
A POEM TO REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE LEFT US:
|
|
Un Patio De La Habana
By Nancy Morejón
Un patio de La Habana,
como pedía Machado,
es caro a la memoria.
Sin altos muros,
sin esa lumber intrépida
del arcoiris,
sin la flor andaluza
que tanto abuela recalamaba
en los búcaros…
Un patio de La Habana
conserva huesos de los Muertos
porque ellos son anchos tesoros,
viejas semillas de labrador.
Un patio, ay, de donde sale
tanta estrella.
|
|
A Patio In Havana
Translated by Kathleen Weaver
I love remembering
a patio in Havana,
one like Machado longed for.
Without high walls,
without the rainbow’s
bold iridescence,
or Andalusia’s gypsy flower
that grandmother
kept in clay vases…
A patio in Havana
keeps the bones of the dead,
for these are vast treasures,
farmers’ ancient seeds.
A patio—
with its array of stars.
|
|
By Nancy Morejón from “Where the Island Sleeps Like A Wing: Selected Poetry by Nancy Morejon” | Translated by Kathleen Weaver, a Special Edition for the YARI YARI Conference, New York 1997, The Black Scholar Press.
|
|
MIDDLE STATES SELF-STUDY UPDATE |
|
Submitted by MSCHE Steering Committee Co-Chairs Professor Kate S. Wolfe and Professor Nelson Nuñez Rodríguez
Final Narrative Opportunities for Reflection and Analysis
The submission of the Self-Study Final Report Draft to Middle States, in preparation for the November 18 preliminary visit, opens an opportunity to analyze the last 10 years of our institutional journey. The current narrative highlights our institution’s remarkable progress with graduation rates while opening space to interrogate further actions required to improve student retention and other areas requiring additional attention. Middle States expects that institutions use this self-study opportunity to catalyze change. What are the factors that propelled Hostos' increased graduation rates? What lessons have we learned regarding the factors that impede student retention?
The analysis of the Self-Study report reveals the fundamental role of meaningful assessment processes to understand where the institution should emphasize efforts and allocate resources. In this regard, Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis envisions using the ms. MacKenzie Scott gift to transform students’ academic life and propel their educational successes.
The Self-Study narrative represents a springboard to examine our current efforts in the first-year experience, advisement, transfer, financial aid literacy, developmental education, the effectiveness of different teaching modalities, and student skill development as key areas fostering student persistence, retention, and credit accumulation.
What lessons have we learned from the successful programs at Hostos? What are the opportunities to proliferate best practices from these programs? The self-study submission creates a climate that brings attention to the need to substantiate college efforts with meaningful data. An assessment-informed dialogue will build understanding on a common definition of student success and the meaning of educational quality in today’s higher education landscape.
The final Self-Study draft submitted to Middle States can be found here.
|
|
Preliminary Visit Schedule
MSCHE Team Chair Dr. Clayton Railey
Thursday, November 18, and
Friday, November 19, 2021
Thursday, November 18
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: Meeting with the President
9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.: Meeting with the Self-Study Co-Chairs
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Meeting with Faculty and Staff
1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.: Meeting with Steering Committee
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Meeting with Students
3:15 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Meeting with Extended Cabinet
|
|
Friday, November 19
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Meeting with the Self-Study Co-Chairs
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.: Meeting with the President
|
|
Submitted by Executive Counsel & Labor Designee Eugene Sohn, Esq.
Policy on Sexual Misconduct
This Policy prohibits Sexual Misconduct at The City University of New York (“CUNY”). In addition to defining what constitutes Sexual Misconduct and explaining the resources available to those affected by Sexual Misconduct, this Policy details CUNY’s procedures for investigating and adjudicating allegations of Sexual Misconduct. CUNY’s process for addressing allegations of Sexual Misconduct is based on federal, state, and local laws, including Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education, and New York State’s Education Law Article 129- B, also known as the “Enough is Enough” law. Each time there is a change in the law, CUNY must review and revise this Policy.
Read the full policy here.
|
|
OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS |
|
Submitted by Director of Governmental and External Affairs Eric Radezky, Ph.D.
Protect Yourself from Fake Offers of Federal Aid
This week’s news comes from the office of Representative Adriano Espaillat with a warning to beware of scammers that offer fake state or federal aid or who impersonate housing inspectors and government workers. These types of scams sadly happen all too often after disasters such as Hurricane Ida.
Other common post-disaster fraud practices include housing rental listing scams, fraudulent charitable solicitations, and unlicensed and uninsured contractors offering services.
FEMA and the US Small Business Administration (SBA) personnel do not solicit or accept payment from individuals, and never charge applicants seeking disaster assistance, inspections or help in completing applications. FEMA personnel will never promise a disaster grant.
If you are in any doubt about whether someone who contacted you works for FEMA, do not give out any information and call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 or TTY: 1-800-462-7585, 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET to verify legitimacy.
If you believe you or a loved one has been a victim of a scam or identity theft, report it immediately to your local police department, or contact the office of the New York State Attorney General by filing a complaint online or by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-697-1220.
Protect Yourself from Fake Charities:
Criminals often exploit disasters by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating phony websites designed to solicit contributions. Do not respond to unsolicited emails requesting contributions and watch out for pushy telemarketers. To learn more, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website information on Scam Alerts.
If you want to donate to Hurricane Ida disaster relief, you can find a list of reputable charities at https://give.org/.
|
|
NEWS FROM THE OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
|
|
SPOTLIGHT ON FACULTY SERVICE
Professor Andrea Fabrizio, Chair of the English Department, has been appointed for a three-year term to the Executive Committee of the Association of Departments of English (ADE) to represent the interests of two-year colleges. Since 1963, the ADE has been a valued source of information and professional development for chairs of its hundreds of member departments and provided important leadership for departments and the profession. As a part of MLA Academic Program Services (MAPS), the ADE provides opportunities and resources that help its members successfully lead and manage their academic programs or departments.
|
|
Submitted by Dr. Elizabeth Porter, Assistant Professor of English and Coordinator, Women's and Gender Studies
In lieu of an in-person Women and Gender Studies Fall Film Festival, the WGS Faculty Advisory Council is recommending content related to Women’s and Gender Studies to students, faculty, and staff. We share these selections with the entire Hostos Community College campus for all to enjoy and discuss.
All content is free to access, either through logging in to the Hostos Library website with your CUNYfirst credentials, or through YouTube. We have provided abstracts of each entry for your convenience.
Dolores (2017), RBG (2018), Knock Down the House (2018), Bias (2018), The Mask You Live In (2015), She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry (2014), My Whole Self (2017), Afghanistan Through Women’s Eyes (2001), What are You? (2013), Zika: Children of the Outbreak (2019).
Find the complete slate here.
|
|
SPOTLIGHT ON CUNY GRADING POLICIES
(Recurring notice)
Assigning WA Grades
CUNY Central has provided new guidelines for assigning WA grades to unvaccinated students in hybrid classes that are scheduled to meet for the first time after October 7. All students in hybrid classes that are scheduled to meet for the first time after October 7 must become fully vaccinated prior to the scheduled meeting date and upload their documentation of vaccination ten (10) days in advance of the first in-person meeting date.
If students in hybrid courses that met any time after Oct. 7 have not uploaded their vaccination documentation by December 11, which is ten days before the last day of final exams, they will be assigned a WA grade. Please note that this does not mean students can wait to upload their proof of vaccination until December 11. As of Tuesday, October 26, 2021, if students need to access the campus for their first in-person class meeting, they must have uploaded their vaccination documents 10 days in advance of the class.
CUNY Central has issued the following important communication to faculty teaching hybrid classes:
"If you have informed students that your course will be converted to online or HyFlex and they won’t have to come to campus for the rest of the term, you must correct that misinformation immediately while they still have a chance of being vaccinated on time. As a faculty member, you may not change your hybrid course to online or HyFlex and you do not control the assignment of a WA grade. Regardless of what you do or say, your unvaccinated students in your hybrid course(s) will be withdrawn with a WA when they fail to upload proof of vaccination. Furthermore, starting Tuesday, October 26, they will no longer be issued a Cleared4 pass, and will not be able to come onto campus until they have successfully uploaded their vaccination documentation.”
Correctly Assigning Grades
CUNY Central has issued a reminder on the critical importance of assigning students the correct grades. In particular, please note that assigning an ‘F’ to a student who has not completed the course, including the final exam, is in violation of federal regulations and puts all CUNY colleges at risk of receiving significant fines. A WU must be assigned to students who fail to complete a class.
CUNY Central has issued the following important communication regarding the correct assignment of student grades:
“It is essential that you assign the correct grades. See the memo of May 2021 on this topic. There can be serious consequences when you do not, and two years ago, CUNY spent many weeks of faculty and administrative time responding to federally assessed fines of over half a million dollars for incorrect grade assignments. Assigning an ‘F’ to a student receiving federal aid who has not completed the course, including the final exam, is violating federal regulations and puts the colleges at risk of significant fines. A WU grade is required in that case. A WU must be assigned to students who fail to complete a class unless they have arranged for an INC grade before the end of the term. INC grades convert to FIN grades if not completed by the end of the following semester.”
|
|
Students: Every week, for the academic year, read the Caiman Clues for helpful tips and reminders.
Caiman Clues —Your Hostos Helping Hand to Success
|
|
NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE |
|
Update for November 12, 2021
Reminder: Students must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with their vaccination documents approved in CUNYfirst in order to enter the campus. The Cleared4 Pass will no longer be used for clearance for campus entry.
Students may test to enter the campus for emergency reasons, such as accessing the food pantry, or if they have a medical or religious exemption.
For assistance with vaccination and campus entry requirements, students should contact Director of Health & Wellness Fabian Wander.
Since October 7, enrolled students in hybrid courses (in-person classes even if one time during the fall semester) must meet the vaccination requirements. Otherwise, starting December 11, 2021, students who do not meet the vaccination requirement will be withdrawn and receive a WA grade for the course.Students withdrawn from a class for non-compliance with the vaccine mandate will have the cost of the class refunded if they have already paid for it out-of-pocket. The refund policy was approved by the CUNY Board of Trustees on October 25, 2021, with additional details about the refund forthcoming.
In addition, instructors cannot change their course modality from hybrid to online. The instructor also does not control the assignment of the WA grade.
|
|
Enrollment for Spring 2022 is now open!
Students can check their registration date in CUNYfirst.
Students registering for in-person or hybrid classes must upload their completed vaccination information to CUNYfirst by January 14, 2022.
Classes will be dropped for students who are non-compliant, before the first day of the semester.
|
|
Vaccination shots are still available. Pfizer and J&J Booster shots are also now available!
If you need your first or second vaccination shot (if you had Pfizer for your first shot) OR a Booster, come to Hostos Tuesdays or Thursdays!
Where: Enter the Art Gallery in the C Building from the Memorial Garden Plaza (plaza between the B and C building).
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What to Bring: A CUNY photo ID
|
|
NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
|
|
The Center for Bronx Nonprofits (CBNP) welcomes funders from various organizations for our Executive Director’s Breakfast series and we share our upcoming events:
How Are You? A Follow-up Conversation with Dr. Judith Gil, DSW, LCSW-R, Deputy Director of Mental Health at Children's Aid.
Friday, November 12, from 12–1 p.m.
Many of you might remember Judith from our Women's Resilience Conference or maybe you attended her workshop on Anticipatory Anxiety earlier this year.
As we move toward the end of our second year dealing with the pandemic, we have invited Judith back to facilitate a conversation about where nonprofit workers are now, both professionally and personally.
- How are you handling “returning to work"?
- Are you still basically remote?
- Full-time in the office?
- In a hybrid situation?
Most importantly, How Are You?
- What are some of the challenges you are dealing with?
- How is your staff?
- How are you balancing work/life issues?
- What has surprised you about the current reality?
- What has worked for you and what strategies would you like to share with others?
This is your hour to speak with your peers and to get support from each other and a caring professional. Contact: mminogue@hostos.cuny.edu
Meeting ID: 845 0240 4779
Passcode: 01c4rx
|
|
A Conversation with Mr. Rickke Mananzala, Executive Director of The New York Foundation
Wednesday, November 17, from 9 to 10 a.m.
Join us for a conversation with Rickke Mananzala, Executive Director of the New York Foundation. In his role, Mananzala continues to work as an activist in grassroots organizing, advocacy, and social justice philanthropy. The New York Foundation is dedicated to confronting systemic barriers and inspiring people to work toward a more just and inclusive city. Mananzala will discuss his plans for the future of the organization, the focus of grant giving, and engage in conversation with the participants.
|
|
WATCH MISSION BX
MISSION BX is produced by Hostos Community College in partnership with BronxNet, and hosted by Eileen Newman, Executive Director of the Center for Bronx Nonprofits, an organization that examines the work of nonprofits in health, housing, environmental, arts, food, and other sectors.
Mission BX features interviews with nonprofit leaders, elected officials and community members. Guests will share stories of the meaningful work being carried out in neighborhoods throughout the borough.
|
|
NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
|
|
#CUNYTuesday is November 30, 2021
CUNY’s University-wide day of giving, #CUNYTuesday, is November 30. Show your love for Hostos by making a gift online or via payroll deduction. If you already give through payroll deduction, update your existing pledge by contacting Idelsa Méndez at imendez@hostos.cuny.edu.
|
|
Fourth Annual Alma Matters Awards
Alma Matters is just a couple of weeks away! Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at 12:30 p.m., the Office of Alumni Relations will host its Fourth Annual Alma Matters Awards. This virtual event will honor the Hostos alumni who serve as faculty and staff at the College. RSVP today to show your support for Hostos graduates who have committed their careers to the mission of this College.
|
|
Hostos Commemorates Veterans Day and Announces First-Ever Joe Alicea Veterans Fund Scholarship Recipients
The Eugenio María de Hostos Community College Office of Veterans Affairs is pleased to announce the first Hostos student awardees of the Joe Alicea Veterans Fund scholarship: Specialist Michael Colón and Petty Officer Second Class Shalikah Ellington. They will each receive $1,000 in support of their academic journey.
Read the rest of the story here and watch the Veterans Day Ceremony here.
Congratulations, Su Ng, for Running the NYC Marathon!
Deputy Director of the Office of Administration and Finance, Su Ng ran the New York City Marathon last weekend. "It was my first official marathon, ever. And I'm very happy that it was in my hometown, "said Ng of the experience.
The 50th New York City Marathon was Saturday, November 4, and the deferred event was put on hold per COVID-19 last year. Ng remarked that "running was an amazing experience. I had heard that New York crowds were the best, and they certainly proved it! There was so much support and love out there. And much love to the NYPD, FDNY, Coast Guard, Parks Police, EMT, and all the race volunteers and organizers. They were all out there providing protection, support, and cheers. I will definitely do it again!”
Congratulations again Su Ng!
NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Renews Annual Funding with $128,500 Award
The Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture is pleased to announce that the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs renewed the Center’s annual funding with an award of $128,500 for Fiscal Year 2021–2022.
“This year’s award is close to 9% more than the previous year. The Department of Cultural Affairs is a crucial part of the Arts Center’s arts budget, and we are delighted to have this funding renewed and slightly increased,” Arts Center Director Félix Arocho said.
Faculty Host STEM Career Event for Students
The Engineering Club in collaboration with the Mathematics Department, CSTEP and the SGA hosted the "Paths to Success in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering" event, which took place on Tuesday, November 9, 3:30-5:00pm. The purpose of the event was to establish a conversation to gain insight on how to become successful in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering careers. Presenters shared their journeys, and views on choosing their career paths, gave some tips for success to students interested in these disciplines, and encouraged those who are still undecided about their academic path but may be considering these careers.
Professor Nieto-Wire said, “The event worked out very nicely! The presentations and the conversation were wonderful. We had almost 60 attendees who would not leave the event at the end.”
Hostos Community College Foundation and DIA Help to Coordinate Thanksgiving Food Distribution for Hostos Students and Community
The Division of Institutional Advancement would like to thank Hostos Foundation Board Member Jason Caraballo, Montefiore, and SDEM for their efforts to coordinate a Thanksgiving food distribution event for Hostos students and community members. The event is a collaboration between Montefiore and SDEM, with support from Development Officer Idelsa Méndez.
Distribution will be by appointment only and will take place from 1–5 p.m. on Friday, November 19. Please email Madeline Cruz at mcruz@hostos.cuny.edu to set up an appointment.
|
|
FLIGHT 587 20th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony
The Office of the President
Friday, November 12, 2021, at 12:30 p.m.
475 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY | A-Atrium
Read the rest of the program details here.
|
|
EdCast: The Creation of CUNY's Guttman Community College: Success or Failure?
Hostos Professor Linda Hirsch, Ph.D., speaks with Dr. Chet Jordan about CUNY's experimental Guttman Community College. What can we learn from its development and efforts at reform? Access October and November broadcast calendar here.
Special Mindful Conversation Series: Re-Imagining Community in Difficult Times (Third session)
Center for Teaching and Learning
Tuesday, November 17, 1 p.m.
With Stacey Cooper, Chelladurai Rayola, and Fabian Wander
Mindful Conversations is made to offer a safe space for dialogue on how we can tackle difficult times together.
Upcoming Sessions:
Friday, November 19, 9:30 a.m. | With Cynthia Jones, Eunice Flemister
Register to receive the Zoom link here.
Veladas Hostosianas/Hostos Culture Talks: Perspectives on Male Leadership and the Importance of Role Modeling
Office of the President
Tuesday, November 16 at 3:30 p.m.
Moderated by Peter Mertens, Interim Dean for Continuing Education and Workforce Development and Eric Radezky, Director of Governmental and External Affairs
Panelists: Assemblymember Jeff Dinowitz, Assemblymember Kenny Burgos, Councilmember Rafael Salamanca Jr, Councilmember Kevin Riley, Councilmember Eric Dinowitz
Veladas Hostosianas/Hostos Culture Talks Honors Puerto Rican Heritage Month with Puerto Rico: Antillean and Plural Connections/Puerto Rico: Conexiones y Pluralidades Antillanas | A talk with Dr. Luis Rafael Burset and Hostos Foundation Chair José Sánchez-Kinghorn
Office of the President
Friday, November 19 at 3:30 p.m.
Please join the Zoom event here.
This event will be conducted in Spanish
Swagger by Eric Coble
Hostos Repertory Theater Fall 2021 Production
Friday, November 19 through Sunday, November 28 at 7 p.m.
A Q&A with the cast follows the November 23 performance moderated by Professor Morales. “Swagger!” is produced and directed by Professor Angel Morales with *Danish Farooqui, Raymond Flowers, and Justine-Juliette Grindley. *Appears courtesy AEA.
“Swagger!” will stream on the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture YouTube and Vimeo channels.
Register here to receive an event confirmation email and link.
|
|
ABOUT EL SEMANARIO HOSTOSIANO/THE HOSTOS WEEKLY
|
|
El Semanario Hostosiano/The Hostos Weekly is a weekly communication vehicle designed to unite our multiple voices as we share news about members of the Hostos family, provide updates on our work and upcoming events, and disseminate policy that impacts our work.
Published on Fridays at 9 a.m.
|
|
For inclusion in The Hostos Weekly, please send your items to:
Please keep submissions to no more than two paragraphs of written content and note,
we are unable to add attachments to our publication.
Find the Fall 2021 Publishing Schedule for El Semanario Hostosiano here.
Past issues of El Semanario Hostosiano/The Hostos Weekly can be found here.
Look for The Hostos Weekly each Friday.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
