Friday, May 7, 2021 | Vol. 2 No. 15, Spring 2021 Semester
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MESSAGE FROM INTERIM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS |
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My Dear Colleagues and Students,
Spring continues to bring evidence of renewal and of a hopeful reopening for New York City, as touted by the Mayor and the Governor, in the coming weeks. With this in mind, we continue to work on the College’s own reopening, with the understanding that such planning, supported by safety precautions, is made alongside the ever-evolving landscape of overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic.
Determining the right balance in our class schedules and student support services is at this time the subject of multiple conversations both at the College level and CUNY-wide. Thank you to the Hostos team, my colleagues and friends, for continuing to respond collaboratively to support our students and their needs. As you know, a recent poll of students CUNY-wide indicates: (1) students’ eagerness to connect with their campuses; and (2) students’ desire for more options and a better balance of course offerings on the ground and online.
In addition, like community colleges both at CUNY and nationwide, Hostos is seeing a decline in student enrollments. While there are variations across higher education, enrollment numbers show that community colleges have been impacted the most.
The Fall 2021 class schedule should represent our best efforts to respond to our students’ needs and to support enrollment, with both endeavors carried out in a safe environment. Therefore, as we engage in conversations about class schedules, which are due to be submitted to the CUNY Central Office on June 15th, I am asking you all to work together to prepare for the Fall semester, wherein in-person and hybrid courses comprise the majority of our course offerings and fully online courses are the minority. This balance is crucial in our efforts to navigate and progress in this ever-changing environment.
As the College transitions into the Fall semester, we will continue to move forward with safety at the forefront, with due respect given to governance, and in consultation with chairs and directors, as well as the College’s Reopening Committee. With the City reopening and municipal employees already returning to work, CUNY is following suit, safely and productively. Plans for the College’s reopening will be revisited and adjusted accordingly as the landscape changes, and with the hopeful signs of increased vaccinations and testing, the College will renew its vibrancy. Again, I thank you for your hard work and contributions to this truly team effort.
Mil gracias y bendiciones, Daisy
Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.
Interim President
Eugenio María de Hostos Community College, CUNY
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A POEM TO CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY |
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I Will Have To Wait ‘Till I’m Mother
By Rupi Kaur
I struggle so deeply
to understand
how someone can
pour their entire soul
blood and energy
into someone
without wanting
anything in
return
I will have to wait till I’m a mother
Rupi Kaur, 2017. milk and honey. 1st ed. Canada: Andrews McMeel Publishing.
About the Author
As a 21-year-old university student Rupi wrote, illustrated and self-published her first poetry collection, milk and honey. Next came its artistic sibling, the sun and her flowers. These collections have sold over 8 million copies and have been translated into over 42 languages. Read more about the author here.
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MIDDLE STATES SELF-STUDY UPDATE |
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Submitted by MSCHE Steering Committee Co-Chairs Professor Kate S. Wolfe and Professor Nelson Nuñez-Rodríguez
MSCHE Update: The What, Why and How behind our College Mission
The Self-Study report drafting process draws out the ways in which our 2017-2022 Strategic Plan, A Bridge to Student Success, represents an authentic manifestation of our mission pillars: (1) Provide access to higher education, (2) Serve as a community resource , (3) Celebrate diversity and multiculturalism, (4) Facilitate socio-economic mobility, (5) Develop linguistics, mathematical, technological, and critical thinking proficiencies, and (6) Foster intellectual growth and lifelong learning. The Middle States evaluation committee will appraise our institutional mission and how we serve our students (Standard I: Mission and Goals) through this purposeful approach.
The student-centered Strategic Plan focuses on student credit accumulation, completion, related outcomes, and processes supporting it. The institutional goals defining this Strategic Plan guide the annual operational plan. Subsequently, the operational plan documents the effectiveness of our daily efforts in making decisions related to planning, resource allocation, program and curricular development, and the definition of institutional and educational outcomes. This interconnection between mission, strategic plan, operational plan and strategies to evaluate the effectiveness of our actions (CUNY Performance Management Plan) brings Purpose and Intentionality. Overall, it brings about an evidence-based decision-making culture helping to reconcile budget informed decisions with our students’ academic needs.
Altogether, the writing process of Self-Study Standard 1 Mission and Goals unfolds our enriched curriculum development, efforts to develop students’ linguistic and mathematical proficiencies and comprehensive understanding of assessment processes while setting a narrative tone for subsequent chapters related to Curriculum Design and Development, Assessment, Budget and Planning, Student Support, etc. The intentional alignment of mission pillars, strategic plan, operational plan and evaluation methods has helped the institution navigate the turbulent waters during the abrupt transition to remote instruction, ensuring we preserve academic continuity and serve our student population even in unforeseen scenarios.
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INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS |
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Submitted by Director of Assessment, AJ Stachelek, Ed.D.
Academic Degree and General Education Program Assessment Presentation at the Assessment Network of New York (ANNY) Conference
In previous issues of El Semanario, the Academic Assessment Task Force and the General Education Assessment Task Force have provided updates on the systematization of the assessment process on both academic fronts. The work being produced at Hostos in the area of academic assessment is innovative, exciting, and worth sharing beyond the institution. For this reason, I submitted a proposal, which was accepted, to present this work at the Assessment Network of New York’s Annual Conference.
The proposal was titled “Redefining Assessment Structures and Support to Enhance Faculty-led Assessment” and highlighted the new structure designed, and continuously improved upon, by faculty within both task forces, as well as by the feedback and contributions by all of the faculty that collaborate with us on a regular basis.
The presentation itself took place on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 20 and laid out all of the changes in both organization and process that occurred in the short window of time since the start of the work in Fall 2020. I focused my presentation on two aspects of our work: first, the systematic approach that aims to demystify the planning and assessment process by laying out clear steps and working with faculty to create a progression towards a meaningful report that informs next steps, and improved student learning. Second, I emphasized the collegial approach to this work, and that relationships and collective learning are at the core of successful — and fast — uptake of organized assessment practices.
The response from attendees was very positive, enthusiastic and validating; they were highly interested in learning more. Colleagues from numerous CUNY institutions expressed interest in utilizing similar structures and processes, as evidenced by the requests for not only the PowerPoint slides, but also for the templates and forms that are now becoming standard practice here at Hostos. Furthermore, the Director of Assessment from Hunter College has reached out to collaborate about this assessment process further to learn even more. It is very exciting to see opportunities opening up where Hostos can become a leading institution on this critical and exciting work in assessment!
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GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS |
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Submitted by Eric Radezky, Ph.D., Director of Governmental and External Affairs
Vaccine Accessibility Resources for Seniors
The NYC Vaccine Command Center is making vaccines more accessible for seniors (65+) including the homebound and those with mobility issues. Possible ways to get a vaccine:
Appointments at Vaccination Sites
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Call 877-VAX-4NYC to make an appointment by phone or visit the Vax Finder at vax4nyc.nyc.gov to find a location and schedule an appointment.
Homebound Appointments
Transportation Services
Transportation is available if individual:
- Has Access-a-Ride: (877) 337-2017.
- Has Medicaid-provided transportation: Use regular contact number to schedule transport or call (844) 666-6270.
- Is a homebound 65+ or disabled New Yorker who needs ambulette services: Call Hunter Ambulette at (718) 991-2211.
Anyone 65 and older who does not qualify for 1-3 above can schedule a free ride with Curb at (646) 349-0289.
As always, to find information regarding vaccination sites, visit NYC's COVID-19 Vaccine Finder. Thank you to our partners at the NYC Vaccine Command Center and NYCHA for providing this information.
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NEWS FROM THE OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
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Faculty Spotlight
On the occasion of the 100th anniversary from the birth of Leonardo Sciascia, KIT and Casa Italiana are presenting three events dedicated to political theater: the first, on March 31, concentrated on political theater in Italian theater; the second one on April 28 focused on Italian-American theater; the third and final event will take place in Fall 2021 and will feature political short plays from around the world.
In the second event, after the introductory remarks on the history of political theater in Italian American Theater by playwright Frank J. Avella, Laura Caparrotti (KIT) talked with Marcella Bencivenni (Hostos University at CUNY), author of Italian Immigrant Radical Culture: The Idealism of the Sovversivi in the United States, 1890-1940 (NYU Press), about Italian American political theater at the beginning of the past century. Excerpts of Italian American political plays were included in the talk.
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Open Computer Lab and Library Availability During Final Exam Period (Recurring notice)
For two weeks in May, the Open Computer Lab and Library will temporarily reopen to support our students as they prepare for their Spring 2021 final exams.
The Student Computing Center (SCC) and Library each announced this exciting news earlier this week. They will continue to share information ahead of this temporary reopening, including the dates and hours of availability, how to schedule a (required) appointment, and the safety measures everyone will need to follow.
Library Resources for Students
What will be available:
Space for individual study at the long table in the Reading Room.
When:
Starting Monday, May 10, and ending Thursday, May 20.
Hours of operation:
Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).
Students will be able to reserve a 1 hour, 45-minute time slot.
Who can be there during those hours:
Eighteen (18) students will be allowed during each time slot.
Five (5) Library faculty and staff will be on-site each day
to provide support to students and distribute devices as needed.
Open Computer Lab
Student Computing Center
What will be available:
The Open Computer Lab in C-595.
When:
Starting Monday, May 10, and ending Monday, May 26.
Hours of operation:
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
11 a.m. through 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Students will be able to reserve a 30-minute time slot.
Who can be there during those hours:
Students will be allowed to use one of thirty (30) available computers.
Students will also be able to do color and black/white printing or copying.
Student Help Desk Staff will be on-site each day to provide support to students.
The Library and Student Computing Center developed their own plans. They will have measures in place to limit occupancy, provide a safe environment, and ensure everyone follows campus guidelines. Reopening for these two weeks will also help the Library and Open Computer Lab prepare for operations during Fall 2021.
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NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT
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Hostos Community College To Celebrate 2021 Graduating Class With Digital Commencement Ceremony (Recurring notice)
Graduation Information
All are welcome to join the Hostos Community College 2021 digital commencement ceremony on Friday, May 28, 2021. at 2 p.m. on Hostos’ YouTube.
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NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
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Submitted by Coronavirus Campus Coordinator, Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne, Senior Vice President of Administration and Finance and Interim Vice President of Student Development and Enrollment Management
Updates to CUNY Vaccination Sites
CUNY Central Office is actively working with the City to expand our vaccine program. One result? Vaccines will soon be set aside for the University’s students, faculty, and staff at City-run sites located on CUNY campuses (currently CCNY, Lehman, and QCC). We’ll provide more information about this — a significant boost to vaccine access for our community — and any other updates as soon as we can.
Walk-In and Scheduled Vaccine Appointments
- Are age 16 years and older.*
- Live in New York State.
- Work in New York State.
- Or go to school in New York State.
If you’d like to find a vaccine site, schedule an appointment, or get more information, you can use these tools:
Online:
By phone:
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State COVID-19 hotline: 833-NYS-4-VAX (833-697-4829)
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New York City: 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692)
You’ll need to bring a few things with you when you go to receive a COVID-19 vaccination:
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Legal proof of your name, date of birth, and residency. This can include a state ID card or driver’s license. If you live in New York, this will also be your proof of eligibility.
- Your Hostos ID card or other proof that you work or go to school in New York, if you live outside of the state.
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Health insurance information, only if you have coverage.
- Any registration tickets or appointment information you received, if you scheduled an appointment.
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Your submission ID for the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form, if you scheduled an appointment.
- Your COVID-19 vaccine card, if you’re going to get your second dose.
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NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
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Student Spotlight
Sandy Guido-Sánchez
Sandy Guido-Sánchez emigrated to the U.S. from Central America and started an educational journey at CEWD’s Adult Learning Center (ALC). Sandy successfully completed the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program and the High School Equivalency (HSE) Test Prep and achieved getting her HSE diploma. With guidance and advice from the ALC staff, Sandy went on to receive an associates degree in 2015 from Hostos Community College, and later a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2017 from Herbert H. Lehman College. All the while, Sandy worked as an ALC Peer Mentor and then as a CEWD College Assistant. Sandy’s story comes full circle as she is currently our ALC-ESOL Program Coordinator.
"As an immigrant I had faced many obstacles, but my GED/HSE instructor always told us, “Esfuerzo termina en éxito” (effort ends in success) and he was right. The sum of all the small efforts that I made day by day helped me to achieve my goals and succeed."
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NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT |
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The Hostos Community College Foundation 2021 Virtual Annual Scholarship Benefit
On Thursday, April 29, the Hostos Community College Foundation presented its premier of the 2021 Virtual Annual Scholarship Benefit. This special event afforded the Foundation the opportunity to express its appreciation to its generous donors, celebrate their impact on students’ lives, and illustrate the phenomenal offerings that Hostos provides to its students and the community. This year, the well-attended Annual Scholarship Benefit raised more than $107,000 in support of student success and the educational mission of the College.
Host Michael Max Knobbe, executive director of BronxNet Television, welcomed the audience to experience the impact and history of Hostos by presenting the program from several iconic locations around the campus. Interim President Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis and Foundation Board Chairperson José A. Sánchez-Kinghorn shared inspiring messages about the College’s tradition of excellence and the student achievement that donors enable through scholarship support. The Foundation bestowed three awards to community leaders in honor of their philanthropy and public service. Continental Food and Beverage, Inca Kola, USA was presented with the Community Impact Award; Mr. and Mrs. Stuart and Randi P. Feiner received the Philanthropic Impact Award; and the Honorable José E. Serrano accepted the Lifetime Community Service Award. Once again, the Foundation extends its congratulations to all of its honorees and thanks them for all they do for the benefit of others.
This event also highlighted the inspired perseverance of Hostos students and alumni through the challenges of the last year. The Office of Alumni Relations applauded the many selfless Hostos graduates who work in healthcare combating the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted six outstanding healthcare professionals who were featured in the Hostos Alumni on the Frontlines series. The digital animation video titled “Hope” created by student Sky Candelario captured the resilient spirit of Hostos students, and a documentary featuring Isabel Neira Sánchez titled “A Day in the Life of a Student” gave insight to her relatable experiences, managing her coursework, volunteering efforts, and familial responsibilities. One viewer reflected, “Listening to Isabel's story, it reminds me of my beginning at Hostos…Thanks to Hostos and the ESL Intensive Program, I was able to succeed. I encourage everyone to support Hostos and its students.”
The Foundation would like to thank each of the generous individuals who supported this event and who help to ensure that a Hostos education remains accessible to all who seek it. The Foundation also extends its deep appreciation to the sponsors of the Annual Scholarship Benefit. Presenting Sponsors: BronxCare Health Systems and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. Community Sponsors: Michael Propper and Family and ChessNYC.com, in honor of the Richard A. Propper Memorial Scholarship; ATAX Tax Preparation and Business Services; and BronxCare Health Systems. Further gratitude is due to the Benefit’s media partner, BronxNet Television, for its assistance in making this a virtual event to remember.
If you were unable to view the premiere, you can watch the entire program by clicking here. If you would like to make a gift in support of student opportunity and success at Hostos, please click Make a Gift.
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Robin Hood Foundation COVID-19 Relief Grant for Student Emergency Assistance and Tuition Support (Recurring notice)
The Hostos Community College Foundation is pleased to announce that it has received a generous $150,000 grant award from the Robin Hood Foundation to provide assistance to students who have experienced financial hardship as a result of the pandemic.
Of the total amount, $100,000 is allocated for emergency assistance to help students with basic needs, such as eviction prevention, medical expenses, childcare, utility bills and groceries. The maximum award will be $1,000 per student, but the amount will vary based on individuals’ unique needs. To apply, students must provide documentation of their need, such as an outstanding utility or medical bill, and must also submit a personal statement detailing how the award will impact them.
The remaining $50,000 is dedicated toward providing tuition support; awards will range from $500-$1,000. Students must specify that they are requesting tuition support and submit a personal statement explaining how this financial assistance will empower them to persist and graduate.
The applications for both emergency assistance and tuition support are available online. For questions or assistance, please contact Ms. Ana Robles Jimenez at 929-260-0389 or aroblesjimenez@hostos.cuny.edu.
Please encourage students to apply at their earliest convenience and note that the application deadline is June 18, 2021.
The Hostos Community College Foundation extends its profound gratitude to the Robin Hood Foundation for its continued support of our students and the mission of the College.
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Nasry Michelen Foundation Scholarship Awards (Recurring notice)
The Hostos Community College Foundation is pleased to announce that it has received a $7,000 contribution from the Nasry Michelen Foundation to provide two scholarship awards at the 2021 Honors Convocation Ceremony, which will be available for view on May 25, 2021. This gift is part of a $57,000 donation in total, with $50,000 earmarked for the intended Nasry Michelen Foundation Scholarship Endowment at Hostos.
For Honors Convocation, two scholarships of $3,500 each will be awarded to graduating students who have demonstrated academic excellence and who intend to continue their education at a four-year institution. Eligible students will have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and must be receiving a degree in an Allied Health or a Public Health Administration Degree Program.
The applications for this scholarship must be submitted with the completed Nasry Michelen Foundation Scholarship form, which can be obtained via the scholarship webpage here. Along with the completed form, applicants must submit: a personal statement that is a minimum of one page in length; three letters of recommendations; and a copy of their transcript. The personal statement should reflect the applicant’s character, background, and community service experience. It should also detail the applicant’s educational and professional goals and illustrate how this scholarship will empower them to attain those goals. The requested letters of recommendation must be written by a professional in the health field or an academic acquaintance, such as a faculty or staff member. Letters from family or friends of the applicant will not be accepted.
For questions or assistance with the application process, please contact Ms. Mayi Libfeld at 718-518-4166 or by email at mlibfeld@hostos.cuny.edu.
Please encourage eligible students to apply at their earliest convenience and note that the application deadline is Tuesday, May 11, 2021.
The Hostos Community College Foundation extends its profound appreciation to the Nasry Michelen Foundation for making this impactful investment in Hostos students.
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Support the Hostos 20.21 Class Campaign and Student Success
The Hostos 20.21 Class Campaign, culminating at the College’s Spring Commencement Ceremony in May 2021, invites you to celebrate our newest graduates while enabling student success. Gifts of $20.21 or more will make a significant, collective impact on our students, helping them to persist and earn their degrees. Hostos equips its students to carve their own pathways and launch their futures – and now the next generation of Caimans is preparing to soon go forth and achieve their goals.
Support the Hostos 20.21 Class Campaign, our growing alumni family, and student success by making your $20.21 gift today!
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Office of Educational Technology (Recurring Notice)
EdTech has developed a series of workshops which offer resources to help students familiarize themselves with Blackboard and other technologies used for online learning. To enroll for an instructor-led online workshops, click here.
Virtual 2021 #BronxEdTech Showcase
EdTech Center for Teaching and Learning | Friday, May 7
The three Bronx CUNY colleges, Lehman College, Hostos and Bronx Community Colleges present “Building Tomorrow Together: Adapting to a New Normal”
How-To: Job Applications & the W-4 Form
Career Services Office | Friday, May 7 | 1-1:45 p.m.
Learn tips and advice for completing online job applications and the W-4 form.
All College Meeting: Academic Year End Gathering
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 | 3 p.m.
Email Etiquette Workshop
Career Services Office | Wednesday, May 12 | 3:15-4 p.m.
In this email etiquette workshop, you’ll learn techniques and strategies to get the results you want for your career. Learn how to write a well-crafted subject line and more!
Hostos WIPA Program 3rd Annual Transition Age Youth Conference Agenda
Continuing Education and Workforce Development | Thurs., May 13 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Featuring Disability Rights of New York
Honors Convocation | Save the Date
May 25, 2021| 6 p.m. | Link forthcoming
Spring 2021 Commencement Ceremony
Office of the President | Friday, May 28 | 2 p.m.
Live streamed on via the Hostos YouTube channel
Virtual Career Fair for Recent Graduates
Career Services Office | Wednesday, June 9 | 12-4 p.m.
Meet employers with internships and job opportunities. Connect individually or in a group live video chat.
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ABOUT EL SEMANARIO HOSTOSIANO/THE HOSTOS WEEKLY
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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.
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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.
Look for the Hostos Weekly each Friday.
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