EL SEMANARIO HOSTOSIANO/HOSTOS WEEKLY | November 19, 2021 | Vol. 3 No. 13

Friday, November 19, 2021 | Vol. 3 No. 13, Fall 2021 Semester

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

I am writing to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving in the company of your loved ones. As you know, the Semanario takes a Thanksgiving Week-end break on November 26. I am happy to share our President’s Initiatives for Student Success, College Growth and Stakeholders’ Engagement plan for inaugural activities to be implemented during our Spring 2022 semester, with my deep gratitude to the members of the Hostos Advisory Corps who contributed so generously to the drafting of the document.

Mil gracias y bendiciones, Daisy

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

Donate to Hostos Here: https://hostos.thankyou4caring.org/make-a-gift

President’s Initiatives for Student Success, College Growth and Stakeholders’ Engagement

“Where the Mind Is without Fear”

by Rabindranath Tagore

Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high;

Where knowledge is free;

Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls;

Where words come out from the depth of truth;

Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection;

Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit;

Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action

Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.

The President’s Initiative for Student Success, College Growth and Stakeholders’ Engagement has been created with the generous support, the largest ever donation to Eugenio María de Hostos Community College, from philanthropist and author Ms. MacKenzie Scott. With her generous gift, Ms. Scott recognizes Hostos’ significant contribution to the South Bronx communities it has served with quality academic programs, hope, care and understanding for the past fifty years. As we face fiscal challenges as well as continued vigilance to defeat the threat of COVID, our students will benefit significantly from additional initiatives designed to support retention, intentionality in advisement, introduction to research and opportunities for transfer and support for engagement in sponsored programs and grants application by members of the faculty, staff and administration at the college. A significant portion of this magnificent gift will be invested to ensure returns for many years to come in support of our Strategic Plan, the goals of this fund, supported by additional fundraising activities through the engagement of multiple stakeholders. Part of it will be used, supplemented by additional fundraising to drive and support a number of important initiatives designed to enhance the educational experiences of our students and encourage teaching and learning innovative strategies.

As indicated in the resolution on the Ms. MacKenzie Scott Gift, accepted by the CUNY Board of Trustees, and as indicated in the letter accompanying the Gift: This unrestricted gift is for the benefit of Eugenio María de Hostos Community College and its students. Use of the gift shall be subject to the priorities, guidance and final approval of Eugenio Maria de Hostos Community College President.

To that end, as we prepare to begin implementation for Academic Year 2021-2022, Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Hostos President, will be managing the President’s Initiatives for Student Success, College Growth and Stakeholders' Engagement, supported by the following:

Success, College Growth and Stakeholders' Engagement:

Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift President’s Initiatives for Student Success Advisory Corps:

Proposed Composition:

Managing Executive Committee:

Chair, President Daisy Cocco De Filippis

SVP Esther Rodriguez-Chardavoyne

Director Diana Kreymer

Director of Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift President’s Initiatives for Student Success (Search in Progress)

Hostos Advisory Corps:

1. SGA President Brian Carter

2. Provost Charles Drago

3. Dean Babette Audant

4. Dean Ana García Reyes

5. Assistant Dean Johanna Gomez

6. Professor Julie Bencosme

7. Professor Madeline Ford

8. Professor Biao Jiang

9. Professor Kate Wolfe

10. Professor Angel Morales

11. Professor Nelson Nuñez Rodríguez

12. Professor Yoel Rodríguez

13. Professor Catherine Lewis, College-wide Senate Representative

14. Executive Director Evelyn Fernández-Ketcham

15. Director Fabian Wander

16. Director Lisanette Rosario

17. Development Officer Idelsa Méndez, Alumna

18. Communications Associate José R. García, Alumnus

Leading Initiatives:

1. Families United in Education is a program designed to encourage family progress. A cohort of parent/child or siblings would be selected to participate in a first-year intensive program, including mentoring, tutoring and cultural enhancements. The goal is to have families measure their progress by making satisfactory progress in credit completion and a G.P.A. of 2.5. Scholarships, with amount to be identified, will be presented at the end of each semester, at a time of a celebratory meal and students’ registration for the following semester. Family members (at least two per family) who have a two-three- year college completion together, will receive a scholarship to support their continued educational path. Regardless of the scholarships, special consideration will have to be given about the process for this as we need to ensure that students are not being over-packaged. This will affect their financial eligibility.

Inaugural Activity for Families United in Education

Our Mission is to assist families (parents/caregivers and their children, spouses, legal partners, siblings, cousins, etc. who are enrolled at Hostos Community College in degree programs) to complete their education, maintain healthy lifestyles, become self-sufficient, and to acquire financial stability over time by earning their degrees ultimately becoming contributing members of society. The Families United in Education program at Hostos Community College aims to provide innovative pathways for families to complete their associate degree, seek scholarship and advanced degree opportunities, acquire the skills necessary to enter the workforce through purposeful on-campus paid internships and to benefit from their exposure to cultural enrichment activities through the arts in New York City.

Ten families (defined as two or more relatives enrolled in college), comprised of diverse ethnic, gender, and socio-economic composition, will be selected by the campus leadership to fully immerse themselves in the Families United in Education program, expected to roll out in the Spring ’22 semester. The total number of individuals benefiting from this program will range from 20 to 25 depending on family composition. These families will have access to social services, mental-health supports, tutoring, and leadership development. Furthermore, families will also attend one to two cultural activities and participate in a celebratory event where they will share learned experiences, best practice, and successes with the campus community.

This opportunity will propel families attending Hostos Community College into pathways of success throughout their lives. Long-term, this is an innovative and steady pathway into the middle class as the gift of education is the ‘one gift’ that keeps on giving! We envision that families that pursue their dreams of completing their college degree can be successful with adequate support, exposure, and encouragement.

Main Goals:

Increase awareness of resources available to families within their communities.
Improve the health, development, and well-being of all members of a family, regardless of their unique and diverse composition.
Improve self-sufficiency through educational attainment of families.
Strengthen the relationships between families attending college and community-based organizations that provide essential resources.

Budget Request:

Book voucher $600 per student (20 students) = $12,000
Monthly MetroCards $127 per student per month (20 students x 5 months) = $12,700
Cultural family experience = $100 per student (20 students) = $2,000
Celebration of accomplishments = $2,000

$28,700 for above + $100,000 for the student emergency fund, Bridge Tuition Support Assistance (BTSA).

Note: Budget request is adequate for the number of students benefiting from this program in SP22 as there are members who will have full financial aid and receive a book stipend.

Projected Budget - $128,700

2. Jobs on campus for students is a program designed to improve undergraduate students’ job skills and future job retention by engaging students in jobs that support administrative work in a professional office setting. Students will be mentored by a faculty or staff member and develop a mindset and habits consistent with professional conduct in an office setting. This will enhance students’ preparation for the workforce and job readiness. Working with existing work study opportunities and increasing hourly rate, selected students will work a minimum of ten hours a week with a supervisor/mentor who ensures that academic requirements are being met. A number of workshops conducted by faculty and staff will also serve to educate students on budgeting, finance management, career orientation, etiquette and will include attendance of cultural events both on and off campus. Additionally, mandatory group meeting(s) for student workers will be coordinated, thus offering an opportunity for them to bond and reflect on experiences together. Other potential activities to be considered: At different points in the semester, submitting updates to Semanario or, if preferred, reflecting on their journey on our social media channels.

Projected Budget - $80,000

Inaugural Activity: Student Researchers in Support of Hostos Research Center

The HRC Educational Research Group would aim to foster in-house evidence-based educational research and enhance faculty and staff scholarly/professional growth. Two to three research topics examining Hostos educational issues would be selected to be conducted for a one (or two) year period. This research would be addressed by a team formed by a senior faculty (lead, experienced researcher), junior faculty/staff, and student research assistant. The rationale behind the members of the research team is to promote mentoring as well. Release time and/or summer salary could be provided for the faculty/staff members, and stipend for the student research assistant.

3. The Hostos Research Center is a program designed to change lives by means of high-quality teaching and learning experiences. Cohorts of students in the arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences and STEM will be created and adopted based on the interest of the faculty who wishes to engage in leading teaching and learning in an area of their own particular expertise and passion. The experience to be shared is in and outside the classroom, including service learning opportunities, apprenticeship, internships and honors seminars. These activities could be supported by active engagement of the Hostos Committee on Sponsored Programs and Grants-

Inaugural Activity 1: Scheduling of Grant Workshops

Grant Writing Workshop Series

Budget: $5,000 for consultants outside of CUNY

The grant writing workshops will be targeted towards Hostos junior faculty and staff and the community at large.

Possible Workshop Topics

How to write a compelling IDEAS Project Development Award.
How to write a compelling PSC-CUNY grant.
How to write compelling Federal grants (e.g., DoE, NSF).
How to maximize your chances of winning a grant award.

This workshop series could be led by guest speakers (consultants) and/or Hostos faculty and staff.

Inaugural Activity 2: Supporting Summer Internships for Students in the Hostos Research Center

Committee on Sponsored Programs and Grants

Established Spring 2021

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Committee on Sponsored Programs and Grants is to create opportunities for colleagues to develop creative ideas that support academic programs, student success and institutional innovation leading to collaborative efforts in the submission of grant proposals. It is intended as an engine to foment submissions of proposals in support of academic programs, student support activities and philanthropy. The membership is appointed for a two-year, renewable period. The committee will meet once a month during the academic year or more frequently, as needed.

Inaugural Activity 3: Student Researchers in Support of Hostos Research Center

Inaugural Activity 4: ADELANTE Project

Program Solicitation

The Hostos Research Center (HRC) and the Committee on Sponsored Programs and Grants (CSPG) invite faculty and staff to submit ADELANTE — ADvancing Excellence in Liberal Arts, scieNces, Technology and Engineering project proposals for funding to address research and/or 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). Each HRC-CSPG–ADELANTE project will receive $10,000 or $5,000 (see below Award Information) to develop and/or implement a grant proposal.

HRC-CSPG’s mission is aligned with the College’s mission to provide opportunities for intellectual growth, socio-economic mobility and develop the proficiencies needed for lifelong learning and success. Collaborative research including intra- and inter-departmental/division collaboration, and team building initiatives are welcome. ADELANTE project is aligned with the joined HRC-CSPG’s mission to foster a culture of research and grants development, enhance student access to professional experiences, andimprove student retention.

Award Information

Anticipated Funding Amount: $80,000

Estimated Number of Awards: 10

Individual Award Amount:

Track 1: Up to $10,000 per award with a maximum of 6 awards

Track 2: Up to $5,000 per award with a maximum of 4 awards

The HRC-CSPG ADELANTE Project supports two types of projects:

Track 1: Expand Research Opportunities for faculty and staff in all disciplines; projects total funding may not exceed $10,000.
Track 2: Expand undergraduate research opportunities based on faculty expertise; projects total funding may not exceed $5,000. Awards for track 2 will include an additional $3,000 for one Hostos undergraduate research student assistant. MetroCards will also be provided to all research student assistants.

Projected Budget for four Inaugural Activities- $155,000

4. Hostos Mentoring and Supporting Students accepted in 2 + 2 Opportunities Program is designed to support students by means of mentoring and scholarship support in order to establish an Hostos pipeline of talented transfer students to competitive institutions. Hostos will work on creating 2 + 2 + 2 transfer opportunities by building relationships with colleagues at the transfer institution, working on establishing programs, mentoring and selecting students, and ultimately matching one by one grant opportunities offered by the receiving institution, based on availability of funding from the President’s Initiatives each given year. This is an opportunity to support students’ scholarships from prestigious institutions with support from Hostos for a comparable number of students who meet the same criteria, as a way to support choice and opportunities for our students. We would also consider hosting a graduation celebration or recognition ceremony for each milestone with faculty/staff advisors — one when they complete at Hostos, one at Bachelor’s level, etc.

Inaugural Initiative: NextGen Public Health Scholars 2+2+2 Program

The NextGen Public Health Scholars program is a unique partnership of public and private institutions of higher education that enthusiastically welcomes and prepares the next generation of college students from diverse backgrounds to enter much needed careers in public health and epidemiology. Founded in 2021, the program joins Hostos Community College with the Columbia University School of General Studies and the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health’s Department of Epidemiology to provide participants with the educational and professional background necessary for leadership roles in local, state, and national health departments, medical systems, and community health programs. While completing a two-year program at Hostos Community College, candidate scholars are eligible to jointly apply to the Columbia School of General Studies to complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in the ensuing two years, followed by a two-year Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Science (MS) in the Department of Epidemiology at the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health.

FUNDING FOR NEXGEN HEALTH SCHOLARS

While at Hostos Community College, NexGen Public Health Scholars will have full tuition coverage, a stipend, a personal laptop computer, and use of the Scholars Resource Room. Scholars will also be offered a program of mentoring, tutoring, and enrichment designed to build a strong academic foundation for baccalaureate and graduate level work. While subsequently at Columbia, NexGen Scholars will have full undergraduate and graduate tuition coverage, a stipend, academic support and guidance, and special seminars and a complete course of study focused on humanities, sciences, social sciences, epidemiology and public health practice. A variety of mentoring, leadership, life-skills, and internship programs will also be available to guide and support students toward their academic, career, and personal goals. Students will have access to myriad resources and unprecedented opportunities that will allow them to grow personally, intellectually, and professionally.

2 + 2 + 2 PROGRAM OF STUDY

NexGen Public Health Scholars begin with a two- year Associate in Arts (AA) degree with an Honors Option at Hostos Community College and must complete at least one college-level mathematics course. This is followed at the Columbia University School of General Studies with a full-time, two-year program leading to a BA in a liberal arts discipline. The Columbia GS program begins in July with a bridge program. Scholars are expected to take introductory coursework in statistics and to participate in seminars and programs. The subsequent program at the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health is a full-time, two-year program leading to an MPH or MS degree. Core requirements include foundations of public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, integration of science and practice, health systems, global development, public health leadership, applied analysis, and data visualization. Scholars will be assigned academic and career advisors to help public health and epidemiology scholars who will consider large, population health problems in new ways of improving the health of the city, the nation, and the world.

ELIGIBILITY AND ADMISSIONS

Each institution participating in the NexGen Public Health Scholars Program has its own eligibility requirements and admissions processes. However, candidates only need to complete a single application for the full program. Applications are due by February 15 during the first year at Hostos Community College, and will require in person consultations with advisors and faculty at all three institutions. Only students of Hostos Community College are eligible to apply. For more detailed information about the admissions process and to obtain an application, please see the Admissions section of the NextGen Public Health Scholars Program Web site at www.nextgenhealthscholars.org, or contact the Columbia School of General Studies Admissions Office at 212-854-2772 to plan programs of study, balance extracurricular activities, and select internships as well as post-graduation employment opportunities.

PUBLIC HEALTH & EPIDEMIOLOGY CAREERS

While at Hostos and Columbia, NexGen Scholars will have access to many professional and career development programs to help obtain the skills needed for a successful career in public health and epidemiology. Job placement rates at competitive salaries for graduates of Columbia Epidemiology masters programs are over 95% each year. Graduates take positions in NYC as well as across the nation and the world. Positions are most often in healthcare, government, consulting firms, community nonprofits, universities, pharmaceutical and biotech, and health insurers. Through various internships, Scholars will gain early first-hand experience and training within a variety of these organizations prior to placement.

Projected Budget - $40,000

5. Hostos External Internships Program is intended to support internships to students from cutting-edge design companies or a well-respected hospital or a prestigious engineering firm. These internships not only increase their chances of landing a job in their area of interest right out of college, but also to increase their starting salaries. However, these opportunities are seldom available to community college students. Many low-income students cannot afford to take part in unpaid internships, regardless of how prestigious the firms offering them are. Both during the school year and during the summer, low-income students need to take jobs that pay a real income in order to survive. HEIP is intended to be a corrective to this inequity. The companies will continue to run their programs the same way they do, but Hostos will assist our students in taking advantage of important networking and work experiences by providing students the funding that allows them to accept those important unpaid internships and at the same time meet their family obligations. We would support by means of a stipend to compensate for loss of revenue during the internship. Additionally, we would offer access to the Career Services closet and resume writing workshops for them to be prepared. We should also consider offering Metrocards to these students to ease commuting/travel needs.

Inaugural Activity: Supporting Summer Internships for Students in the Hostos Research Center

Students | LSAMP Intro to Research Seminar – Research Apprenticeship – It could be offered to all STEM students

Student Summer Internships

Industry Internship (Reach out to companies located in the Bronx and/or NYC at large where students could spend summers conducting research and/or learning skills needed in their fields) | $4,000 – $5,000 per award
Academic Internship (Reach out to research intensive institutions in the Bronx and/or NYC at large and/or nationwide where students could spend summers conducting research and/or learning techniques needed in their fields) | $4,000 – $5,000 per award

Website / Social Media

Create an independent attractive website.

Advertise grant opportunities.

Spotlight faculty and staff research accomplishments.

Collaborators

Hostos Grants Office

Campus HRPP Coordinator

Research Integrity Officer (RIO) and Export Control Administrator (ECA)

Continuing Education and Workforce Development

Hostos Communication Office

Projected Budget - $80,000

6. Supporting Student Emergency Fund/BTSA is designed to support students by means of The Bridge Tuition Support Assistance (BTSA) Fund. BTSA is for students with financial hardships, needing assistance with tuition costs. The award is need-based and distributed in the form of a tuition voucher, that is applied directly to the student's balance. To be considered for a BTSA, students are required to submit an application and supporting documentation (when necessary).

(See Initiative 1 for the inaugural activity and budget).

7. Educating for Diversity is an opportunity to support cultural and social activities such as the Veladas Hostosianas/Hostos Culture Talks, Black at Hostos series, and lectures, symposia, and forums that engage the students for interests promoting social justice, racial equity, diversity and inclusion.

Support for activities from the President’s Office and the Veladas Hostosianas Planning Team: Veladas Hostosianas/Hostos Culture Talks; Celebrating our different world cultures and heritage months.
Black at Hostos.
Honoring our namesake: Hostos Book Publication.
Set aside $10,000 for support from $1,000-$2,000 applications to support teaching and/or celebrating diversity application forms will be distributed in December 2021 for implementation in Spring 2022.

Projected Budget: $25,000

8. Workforce Initiative

Inaugural Workforce Activity: The Ms. MacKenzie Scott Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) Scholarship Fund at Hostos Community College in the division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) will award up to twenty-five (25) $1,000 scholarships to students wishing to transition from continuing education to matriculate at Hostos. The funds can be utilized by the students for any transition to college expense such as: college application fee, books, registering in a course, transportation and child care, to name a few of the needs. Application and selection process for the scholarship will be developed and established during the month of November 2021 to launch and begin recruitment of applicants December 2021 on.

The Need and alignment:

Currently there are no scholarships available to continuing education students. The Career Success Scholarship — formerly known as the Helena Rubinstein ACE Scholarship is the only CUNY-wide scholarship in place for Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) students. The scholarship pays for occupational training courses but not for the transition to college or academic courses. The establishment of an Hostos ACE Scholarship for the transition to college of continuing education students aligns with the need:

To address the infrastructure necessary for systemic changes to alleviate structural barriers experienced by all nontraditional students (including continuing education students) from the South Bronx and nearing neighborhoods. We need to set up ways that facilitate the transition of students from continuing education programs to the college seamlessly; that is to help the transition from non-matriculation to matriculation status.
To align CEWD’s efforts with the college's overall strategic plan.
To complement and support the transition to college by leveraging CUNY and campus-wide CPL/PLA policy embedded into workforce programing to increase college pathway access.
To establish best practice models for establishing and creating a pipeline of college ready students from our own continuing education division at Hostos.
To establish a financial aid system that utilizes and leverages multiple funding to offset the cost for students in continuing education (i.e., Perkins).

Projected Budget: $25,000

Assessment Plan

To be developed prior to Spring 2022, with inaugural implementation by colleagues in OIERA working with colleagues in the Hostos Advisory Corps.

Projected Budget for Spring and Summer 2022

Initiative 1: $128,700

Initiative 2: $80,000

Initiative 3: $155,000

Initiative 4: $40,000

Initiative 5: $80,000

Initiative 6: see initiative 1

Initiative 7: $25,000

Initiative 8: $25,000

Total: $533,700

Identification of Sub-groups that will be guiding initial implementation:
Families United in Education – Dean Johanna Gomez (Chair), Dean Ana García, Mr. Fabian Wander, Mr. Brian Carter.
Educating for Diversity: Group A – Veladas Hostosiana Planning Team – Ms. Diana Kreymer, on behalf of members.
Educating for Diversity: Group B – $10,000 Scholarship opportunity – Ms. Idelsa Méndez (Chair), Professor Julie Bencosme, Mr. José R. García.
Hostos Research Center – Professor Yoel Rodríguez (Chair), Professor Antonios Varelas, Ms. Evelyn Fernández-Ketcham.
Workforce – Ms. Evelyn Fernández-Ketcham (Chair) , Ms. Lisanette Rosario.
Hostos Mentoring and Supporting Students, 2+2+2 – Provost Charles Drago (Chair), Professor Biao Jiang, Dean Babette Audant, Professor Nelson Nuñez-Rodríguez.
Assessment – Dean Babette Audant (Chair), Professor Kate Wolfe, Professor Catherine Lewis.

CALL FOR RECOMMENDATIONS OF MANOS A LA OBRA/ALL HANDS ON DECK AWARD

We are proud to announce the opportunity to recommend Hostos Champions of the “Manos a la Obra/All Hands on Deck” Award to be presented to a faculty, student, staff or administrator. Please submit one paragraph for the nomination by e-mail to the President, copy Executive Chief of Staff Diana Kreymer, indicating the activity or initiative that warrants such a recognition. Recommendations are limited to one per person.

The certificate and small token of appreciation presentation will take place at the All College Meeting on December 8, 2021. Deadline for submission of recommendations is Tuesday, November 30, 2021.

A POEM TO REFLECT ON OUR UPCOMING SEASON TO GIVE THANKS AND TO BE AT PEACE:

Remember

By Joy Harjo

Remember the sky you were born under;

know each of the star’s stories.

Remember the moon, know who she is.

Remember the sun’s birth at dawn, that is the

strongest point of time. Remember sundown

and the giving away to night.

Remember your birth, how your mother struggled

to give you form and breath. You are evidence of

her life, and her mother’s, and hers.

Remember your father. He is your life, also.

Remember the earth whose skin you are:

red earth, black earth, yellow earth, white earth

brown earth, we are earth.

Remember the plants, trees, animal life who all have their

tribes, their families, their histories, too. Talk to them,

listen to them. They are alive poems.

Remember the wind. Remember her voice. She knows the

origin of the universe.

Remember you are all people and all people

are you.

Remember you are this universe and this

universe is you.

Remember all is in motion, is growing, is you.

Remember language comes from this.

Remember the dance language is, that life is.

Remember.

Harjo, Joy. (2002). How We Became Human, Norton & Company

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Submitted by SGA President Brian Carter

Hello and good morning fellow Hostos contemporaries:

As the Holidays approach, I ask that you please check in on your loved ones — family, friends and neighbors — by performing a series of wellness rounds, especially for individuals who appear to be unresponsive.

As the semester progresses, we are fulfilling our responsibilities to complete our midterms. We are aware that unfortunately the pandemic continues to significantly impact our studies. I would like to thank you all for thriving and keeping your faith as solid as possible during these unfortunate circumstances.

Let us not dwell on the unthinkable challenges that we may continue to face in life. Bittersweet things come with the territory of the living. Challenges make us grow thick skin, which will serve as an armored jacket in this life of constant pitfalls and breakthroughs. Let us stay resilient for we have no fear. Only God can judge us. Let us continue to pray and uplift one another. Continue to support and show compassion even in the bleakest of moments. We shall continue to align the stars with our many achievements along the way. We must continue to provide the momentum that we have built along the way. I wish all of you a safe and happy holiday and give thanks for your loved ones.

We are having our Thanksgiving giveaway outside of the A-Building parking lot across the street from the Savoy D-Building on November 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. I look forward to seeing all those who signed up to receive your Holiday packages. We have so much to be grateful for, you are so blessed and you will continue to be under God’s will.

MIDDLE STATES SELF-STUDY UPDATE

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

The Self-Study Illuminates Opportunities to Improve Student Retention and Graduation Rates

The Self-Study Steering Committee debriefs the outcomes from the MSCHE team chair preliminary visit. This coming November 18 and 19, the formative assessment point in the re-accreditation process has reassured our institution’s preparedness and understanding to submit the final narrative, evidence body, and undertake the required steps for the final team evaluation visit scheduled for April 3-6, 2022. The visit will take place virtually. The overall analysis of the preliminary visit outcomes also sheds light on opportunities to interrogate factors impacting our student success manifested as retention, credit accumulation, skill development, graduation and transfer rates.

The re-accreditation journey made us look back to our last 10-year journey. The graduation rates increased while the retention rates remained steady. On one hand, the institution’s three-year graduation rate almost doubled from 12.6% in the Fall 2011 cohort to 23.0% in the Fall 2016 cohort. On the other hand, the retention rate for first-time, full-time students remained around 60% over the same time period. The increase in graduation rates coincide with 10 years of institutional planning, curricular development and intentional efforts to address student developmental needs. What specific areas can be examined further to uncover factors that explain the retention rate hovering around 60%? The analysis of the Self-Study findings offer possibilities to assess the impact of developmental education reform, evolve and sustain a non-credit to credit agreement process, build a robust Prior Learning Assessment process, revisit our advisement model, foster a culture of meaningful assessment and evidence-based decisions, and reimagine the First Year Experience. This last practice should be viewed as a comprehensive process including first-year seminar, first-year orientation, advisement, financial literacy, major requirements, etc. All these findings should illuminate the upcoming 2022–2027 institutional strategic planning process. This planning process will be vested in our institution’s mission pillars and should be a fertile ground to capitalize the momentum created by the Self-Study.

Final Self-Study draft submitted to Middle States can be found here.

INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH, AND ASSESSMENT

Submitted by Director of Assessment Anders Stacheleck, Ph.D.

Academic Assessment for the Academic Year 2021–2022

The goal of this week’s El Semanario contribution is to provide an update for where we are in terms of the timeline for academic assessment for this academic year. Regarding assessment of degree programs and academic department functions, the A-PART will continue to be used to document such work.

Recall that the A-PART is comprised of three sections. In the first section (Section 1), each department lists activities, their respective results, and the proposed actions based on these results for six goals that span all academic departments.

The six departmental goals are as follows:

Faculty will maintain a desired quality of teaching, research, and service as outlined by the departmental guidelines for reappointment, tenure, and promotion.
Curricula will support a desired level of student learning.
Students will progress through their degree program within the desired timeframe, as outlined in the 2017–2022 Strategic Plan.
Culture will support a sense of belonging for students, staff, and faculty.
Space, facilities, and infrastructure will support teaching and research.
The department will continue to refine and improve through self-reflection.

In the A-PART, departments have space to share details about their efforts towards achievement of activities throughout the academic year; their subsequent results document accomplishments across each goal. The departments will also have the opportunity to use these results to determine the appropriate activities they will engage in the subsequent year (next steps/closing the loop) and the resources and support they need to enable future success of such activities. The A-PART also has a section (Section 2) for reporting out the assessment of Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) undertaken annually by each degree program that is part of the respective department.

As of this week, all academic departments now have access to a draft version of the A-PART document that outlines this year’s activities based on the proposed actions of the last academic year. Since the A-PART is not only a reporting document, but also a planning document, the expectation is that all faculty in each academic department will review the activities listed in their A-PART for this academic year, remove activities that are not feasible, determine activities that are considered critical, and constantly update this document as activities are completed and results are collected for each activity listed. Furthermore, every degree program must assess one Program Learning Outcome (PLO) this academic year, and these details should be added to this document as well (up through and including method of assessment).

In its entirety, the A-PART provides an excellent opportunity to enable departments to be self-reflective, track activities and their outcomes throughout the academic year, demonstrate how one year’s results inform next year’s planning, and document assessment efforts and learnings. Critically, the A-PART serves as a framework for conversations among faculty within an individual department across all semesters in a given academic year, and provides the Provost and department chairs with a foundation for a culminating annual conversation about accomplishments, opportunities, and resource allocation for the coming academic year.

POLICY OF THE WEEK

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

The City University of New York Policy on Drugs and Alcohol

The City University of New York ("CUNY") is an institution committed to promoting the physical, intellectual, and social development of all individuals. As such, CUNY seeks to prevent the abuse of drugs and alcohol, which can adversely impact performance and threaten the health and safety of students, employees, their families, and the general public. CUNY complies with all federal, state, and local laws concerning the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of drugs and alcohol.

Federal law requires that CUNY adopt and implement a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol by students and employees. As part of its program, CUNY has adopted this policy, which sets forth (1) the standards of conduct that students and employees are expected to follow; (2) CUNY sanctions for the violation of this policy; and (3) responsibilities of the CUNY colleges/units in enforcing this policy. CUNY's policy also (1) sets forth the procedures for disseminating the policy, as well as information about the health risks of illegal drug and alcohol use, criminal sanctions for such use, and available counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation programs, to students and employees; and (2) requires each college to conduct a biennial review of drug and alcohol use and prevention on its campus.

This policy applies to all CUNY students, employees and visitors when they are on CUNY property, including CUNY residence halls, as well as when they are engaged in any CUNY sponsored activities off campus.

Read the full policy here.

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

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

This week’s announcements come from the offices of Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. (New York Blood Center) and Assemblymember Chantel Jackson (Affordable Housing Lotteries, Hurricane Ida)

The New York Blood Center has declared a blood emergency. The long-term impact of the pandemic has resulted in a year of virtually no youth first-time donors, 3,000 fewer blood drives and 100,000 New Yorkers that have yet to return to donate since before the pandemic. Complicating matters, recently there has been a surge in blood usage as hospitals perform surgeries and patients seek medical care that was postponed during the pandemic. The increased need and lag in donors have created a chronic gap in blood donations.

To make an appointment to donate blood, visit HERE. For information on the extra precautions being taken to help prevent the person-to-person spread of COVID-19, visit HERE.

Your donation might save a life.

Affordable Housing Lotteries – Deadlines Approaching!

The lottery application for 2015 Vyse Avenue Apartments is open until November 28, 2021. You can apply online, or you can request an application by mail, by sending a self-addressed envelope to: 2015 Vyse Avenue Apartments c/o Your Neighborhood Funding LLC 2565 Bronxwood Ave Bronx, NY 10469

The lottery application for T he Bryant is open until December 3, 2021. You can apply online, or you can request an application by mail, by sending a self-addressed envelope to: 5925 Broadway Bronx, NY 10463

Hurricane Ida, Financial Compensation for Undocumented People

Recently, Governor Kathy Hochul announced $27 million of funding available to provide relief to undocumented survivors of the storms and flooding caused by Hurricane Ida. The initial recovery program, FEMA, was not made available to New Yorkers with an undocumented immigration status, and this new program will provide these previously uncovered individuals with the financial assistance that they deserve.

Catholic Charities Community Services, a local non-profit organization, was awarded the grant for the Bronx County and therefore will oversee its distribution.

If you or someone you know was impacted by Hurricane Ida and was previously uncovered by FEMA due to immigration status, please call 347-450-8415 to open a case with Catholic Charities Community Services.

Click here to view the Hurricane Ida relief information in Spanish.

NEWS FROM THE OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Submitted by Daniel Casey Adjunct Lecturer, Humanities Department

Using SUCCEED@HOSTOS Can Help Students Stay on Track

During this pandemic, I have relied on the support of the Success Coaches and the ASAP Advisors a great deal. There are several times during any given semester when I especially appreciate the assistance of the Succeed@Hostos team. At the beginning of the semester, coaches and advisors help me to track down the slow-starters. Thanks to the Succeed team, very few students on my recent rosters have had to take the “WN.” Last spring, I think there was only one “WN,” and this semester there were none. Throughout the semester, I raise flags on the Succeed site when students are not completing their assignments. The coaches and advisors follow up with those students, and then they update me. The Succeed system also makes positive reinforcement possible, with the “Kudos” function. I have found the “Kudos” to be extra-helpful right after the middle of the semester, for students who are probably passing, but not yet excelling. Encouraging messages give most of those students a boost, and many students have thanked me for that. For students who are not passing the class, I request the Succeed team’s assistance toward the end of the semester in making sure those students are aware of the “W” deadline. Again, however, not many of my recent students have needed to take the “W.” I am very grateful to the Succeed@Hostos team. Together, we have been able to pull many failing students through to passing semester grades, and many just-passing students through to excellent semester grades.

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.”

CAIMAN CLUES

WEEK 13

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 19, 2021 (Recurring notice)

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

Working with Family-Focused Bronx Organizations Forum

The Center for Bronx Nonprofits invites you to this virtual forum where family focused organizations can discuss their work, share ideas and create partnerships to enhance the work they do for Bronx families and children. The morning will include a panel of five Bronx leaders in the field, followed by breakout rooms for further conversation.

Friday, December 10, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Moderator: Jill Roche Gomez, Hunts Point Alliance for Children

Panelists:

Wanda Carter, Highbridge Advisory Council Family Services

Margaret Della, Kingsbridge Heights Community Center

Aleyna Rodriguez, Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center

Steve Stritch, Mercy Center

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 (Recurring notice)

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 [email protected].

UPDATES FROM THE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Submitted by Dean Ana I. García Reyes

College Discovery Director María Cano and Dean of Community Relations Ana I. García Reyes Attend the 2021 LULAC National Women's Conference

Despite the rain, hundreds of women attended the League of United Latin American Citizens — 2021 LULAC National Women's Conference that took place from November 12 to the 13 at the Sheraton New York Times Hotel.

College Discovery Director María Cano and Dean Ana I. García Reyes represented Hostos at the conference and attended panels and plenary sessions with international women leaders. Dean García remarked, “I want to thank CUNY Trustee Mayra Linares García for inviting us to be part of this powerful women's conference. One never stops learning about all the wonderful contributions that women have made globally, and this conference reaffirmed it.”

Community Relations Dean Ana I. García Reyes a Part of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Roundtable Discussion

Representing Hostos Community College on November 9, Ana I. García Reyes, Dean of Community Relations, participated in the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs roundtable discussion. The Mayor’s Office Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs Raquel Batista and Commissioner of Community Affairs Roberto Perez engaged in a fruitful conversation with diverse community leaders. Dean García emphasized, “Being a part of this roundtable discussion was very informative and a good platform to represent the College. I urge the College community to visit the Mayor’s Immigrant Affairs page to learn more and help anyone that might need the support services that are being offered.”

BRAVO NEWS

20th Anniversary Commemoration of AA Flight 587 A Tribute Hostos Community College Never Forgets

“Twenty years ago, when the families of the victims of Flight 587 where in deep despair and experiencing a deep dark tunnel, Hostos Community College opened its doors to us and our community. And we are deeply grateful for their support throughout all these years,” Belkis Lora, Flight 587 Family Activities Organizer, said during the ceremony’s culminating moment of reflection.

Read the full story here.

Hostos Science Week 2021

Hostos Community College celebrated Science Week 2021: Science for the Future this week! The multi-day event took place November 15-18 and featured a series of discussions on scientific issues and interactive virtual events, including the Hostos STEM Olympiad: Kahoot Format.

Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis helped commence Science Week 2021, delivering remarks during the opening ceremony, in which she praised the Science Week Committee’s “dedicated efforts” in putting together this year’s event. She also noted the similarities between science and a subject near and dear to her heart: poetry.

“Both use close observation as the basis for drawing conclusions,” she said. “Both exemplify and embody humanity’s ability to make great imaginative leaps. Both are intimately concerned with truth. Those who deny the truth and validity of both science and poetry do so at their own risk — and, all too often, ours.”

On Tuesday, November 16, the College welcomed keynote speaker and prominent scientist Dr. Christopher E. Mason, Professor of Genomics, Physiology, and Biophysics at Weill Cornell Medicine, who delivered a keynote presentation titled “A 500-Year Plan for Medicine and Technology on Earth, Mars, and Beyond.”

Science Week 2021 included timely and informative discussions on artificial intelligence, the importance of science in food policy in New York City, black holes and gravitational waves, and much more. Additionally, students had opportunities to share their STEM research presentations, participate in trivia and art contests, and learn about different science majors and career options.

Visit the Science Week 2021 page for more information.

IN-PERSON EVENTS

Thanksgiving Event Distribution of Chickens, Produce, and Side Dishes

Hostos OneStop Student Support Services

November 19 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Savoy Building - D Building 1st Floor

To participate you must RSVP [email protected]

Be a Driver on Thanksgiving at Hostos Community College

God’s Love We Deliver

As a Volunteer Driver, you will USE YOUR OWN VEHICLE to deliver meals to clients, typically between 6-8 households and all in proximity to each other on November, 25, 2021.

Registration link is here to be a driver for 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. time slots.

VIRTUAL EVENTS

EdCast: Helping Special Education Students Return to School

Dr. Linda Hirsch speaks with RueZalia Watkins about effective strategies and support resources to help provide a smooth back-to-school transition for children with mental health and educational needs. The talk also covers parental guidance to services their children might need and deserve.

November broadcast calendar here.

Special Mindful Conversation Series: Re-Imagining Community in Difficult Times

Center for Teaching and Learning

Friday, November 19, 1 p.m.

The fourth session of Mindful Conversations, made to offer a safe space for dialogue on how we can tackle difficult times together with Cynthia Jones and Eunice Flemister.

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, 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.

Dr. Nasry Michelen Allied Health Lecture Series #5: COVID and Its Impact on Dentistry

Guest: Amarilis Jacobo, DDS, speaking with Hostos Professor Julie Bencosme

Thursday, December 2 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Join the Zoom event here.

All College Meeting: Manos a la Obra Recognitions

Office of the President

Wednesday, December 8 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Join the Zoom celebration here.

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:

[email protected] at least two weeks ahead of publication.

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.

Office of the President | Office of Communications | 718-518-4300 | [email protected]