News

BMCC Students Abdoul-hanane Gbadamassi and Altrim Mamuti Named 2021 Jack Kent Cooke Scholars Computer Science major Abdoul-hanane Gbadamassi (top) and Biotechnology major Altrim Mamuti (bottom) are among three CUNY students and 72 community college students nationwide to be awarded the Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. The scholarship provides up to $40,000 per year for each winner to complete their final two to three years toward a bachelor’s degree. Gbadamassi, from Togo, and Mamuti, from Albania, gained important lessons from their home countries that inform their research and career goals.

BMCC Community Encouraged to Attend College-wide Open Forum on May 18
BMCC will be hosting a College-wide Open Forum on Tuesday, May 18, from 3 to 4 p.m. to give students, faculty and staff a safe space to share their thoughts and points of view related to the pandemic and its impact on home, work and school. To register, click here.

BMCC Student Team Among 12 Finalists for AACC/NSF Community College Innovation Challenge
Three BMCC students—Computer Science majors Sharna Hossain, Jadgesh Inderjeet and Ryan Brandt—are on a research team selected as one of 12 finalists for Community College Innovation Challenge, a national competition offered by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF). The BMCC student team, led by Computer Information Systems Professor Mohammad Azhar, is developing accessible and affordable Virtual Reality applications that provide an interactive learning platform for autistic children, and helps teach them essential life-skills.

BMCC's Project Impact Receives Special Recognition From DOE's Alternative School District 79
BMCC’s Project Impact program will receive a special recognition award from the New York City Department of Education’s District 79 during Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Appreciation virtual Event on May 20.  BMCC’s Project Impact program meets the needs of students who are at risk of or have been impacted by the justice system, either by having been incarcerated or having had a family member who has been incarcerated. Project Impact at BMCC offers tutoring, social services and workshops throughout the year. Project Impact’s partnership with District 79 enables Project Impact to offer the High School Equivalency (HSE) program which prepares students first for the test and then to enroll in college and graduate.  "BMCC and Project Impact are very appreciative of the collaboration with District 79, proud of our student's accomplishments in the High School Equivalence Program, and excited about the prospect of expanding the program," said Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for Academic Support Services Janice Zummo.

Virtual Fundraiser Presents Performances by the Best of BMCC—“Our Students”
On May 6, the virtual fundraiser “Movements in Transformation” featured performances by students in the BMCC Theatre Department and BMCC Choir. “After a year of transition and uncertainty, we celebrate hope, resilience and new beginnings,” said Vice President for Institutional Advancement Lorna Malcolm. “Most importantly, we celebrate the very best of BMCC—our students.” “In New York City, the performing arts were greatly impacted by the pandemic,” said BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe. “This evening we are coming out stronger on the other side, as we celebrate the dedication of our students, and the creative leadership of our faculty.” Student performances included musical selections and a scene from the play “Line Up” by BMCC alumnus Xavier Galva, and which explores systemic injustice in the criminal justice system. Proceeds for the event totaling $2,733 will support students enrolled in BMCC’s performing arts programs. The live-streamed event can be viewed here.

Watch the Aspen Prize Award Ceremony LIVE! The 2021 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence award ceremony will air from 1 to 2:15 pm ET on May 18. First Lady Jill Biden will be speaking at the event, as well as U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and students from the Top 10 colleges that are finalists for the 2021 Aspen Prize.----Go BMCC!

Announcements

BMCC Will Celebrate the Class of 2021 on June 4
BMCC will celebrate the academic success of its students during a virtual ceremony on June 4 at 11 a.m.  Ceremony participants can upload their photo and share thank you notes and thoughts about their experience at BMCC at the 2021 Commencement webpage.

How to Submit Requests to the Office of Public Affairs The BMCC Office of Public Affairs builds support for BMCC’s mission and promotes the accomplishments of its constituencies. The Office of Public Affairs also helps implement strategic communications initiatives and events that support academic programs, faculty research, student achievement and community engagement. To request assistance from the Office of Public Affairs, please fill out this form and provide a project description and other details.

Enter 199 Chambers Street at West Street Entrance While Ramp Is Closed
To complete the Plaza Roofing Replacement Project before Fall 2021, ramp access to the BMCC entrance at 199 Chambers Street will be off-limits to the general public. Access to the main campus will be through the West Gate (on West Street at the south end of the building, and adjacent to Theatre I). As you walk west on Chambers Street, turn right at the intersection of Chambers and West Street, and the West Gate will be about 200 feet north. A Public Safety team member and signage will guide members of the community into the main building. Thank you for your cooperation.

Free Immersion Program for Remedial Courses
BMCC immersion workshops and tutorial programs provide eligible students a chance to complete certain courses they did not pass, or need to take to satisfy their remedial requirements. Both immersion workshops and tutorial programs are free. Click here to see the workshops and tutorials offered in Summer 2021. For more information, contact immersion@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Compliance and Diversity Policies: Equity Is our Strength 
BMCC policies protect equal educational and employment opportunity, and prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. These policies may also apply to online and off-campus incidents. If you have experienced or witnessed unlawful discrimination and harassment, you can report it to the Office of Compliance and Diversity.

Learn More About Race Equity and Inclusion (REI) at BMCC  Under the guidance of BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe, the Race, Equity and Inclusion (REI) steering committee explores ways to dismantle systemic racism and structural inequality by advancing equity, inclusion and justice for students, staff, faculty and all BMCC communities. As the conscience of the College, the REI strives to amplify all BMCC members' voices, providing actionable items for the College to prioritize and institutionalize. For more information, visit the REI webpage or contact REI@bmcc.cuny.edu

Encourage Students to Submit Original Writing and Art Through May 17   
Through May 17, BMCC students in any major are invited to submit an original drawing, photograph, poem or reflection up to 300 words on how the pandemic has affected their lives and the theme “Hard Times in the Modern World” for inclusion on the Modern Language Colloquium web page. Students can upload their submissions and direct questions to the Modern Languages Department at rzelaya@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Nominate an Outstanding Employee or Team for the Employee Appreciation Award by June 18 Time to cast your ballot! BMCC students, faculty and staff are invited to submit nominations for the  2020-2021 BMCC Employee Appreciation Awards presented to full- and part-time administrative, support and service (non-teaching) staff members in appreciation of their quality of work and dedication to the College. Eligible staff include Civil Service series (including Provisional); College Assistants; Research Foundation employees; Gittleson (COA, CSA, CAA); and HEO Title Series. Full- and part-time faculty are not eligible for this award. The deadline for ballot submissions is Friday, June 18.  Submit one ballot ONLY with nominations for one or more of these categories: Leadership Award, Inspiration Award, Innovation/Technology Award, Rookie of the Year and Team Achievement.

Were You in Lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001? As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, BMCC invites students, faculty, staff and alumni who were present in lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001 or were a member of the BMCC community for the rest of that semester and school year to share their thoughts and experiences. A planning committee led by Vice President Marva Craig is organizing the college's commemoration of this important milestone and there will be a variety of platforms through which to participate. Please begin by completing this form.

Campus Planning and Facilities

Resilience, Health and Wellness: A Comprehensive Website Supports the BMCC Community
Whether focusing on fitness or finding support in a time of crisis, the Resilience, Health and Wellness website provides resources and news for students, faculty and staff. As BMCC President Anthony Munroe puts it, “As a community, we need to reach out to each other, encourage each other to access the resources available to us. No one has to experience this time alone.”

Daily Everbridge Wellness Screening Mandatory for Faculty, Students, Visitors and Staff All visitors to the BMCC campus must complete a daily health screening using the Everbridge App or the Everbridge Email Option. Students, faculty and staff can use this Instructional Guide and visitors can use this Visitor's Guide. The CUNY FAQ guide is also helpful. For those who do not have a smartphone, go to the Everbridge Member Portal and sign up, using your CUNY login credentials to receive email notifications. To protect your own health, as well as that of the BMCC community, it is important to be accurate as possible in self reporting on the Wellness app.

Reimagining BMCC Website Provides Quick Reference to Student Resources Scroll down the Reimagining BMCC website to find Faculty Resources, Staff Resources and Student Resources—the last of which includes a listing of services, offices, hours of operation and virtual contact information to help you guide students toward resources during the academic year. Other sections provide information on campus reopening, procedures, safety measures and more.

Have You Traveled Outside New York Recently? New Everbridge Guidelines Apply.
The Everbridge COVID screening has been modified to meet New York travel guidelines. It will ask the question, "Have you traveled outside of New York State or traveled internationally during the past seven days?"

• If you have traveled to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Vermont during the past seven days, you must answer “No”
• If you have traveled to a state other than Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Vermont in the last seven days, or if you have traveled internationally, you must answer “Yes”

Enrollment

Catch Up on Credits or Get Back on Track to Earning a Degree This Summer
Summer classes at BMCC help students jump start their fall semester, catch up on credits or get back on track to earning a degree. BMCC offers summer class schedules ranging from six to 12 weeks. Session One begins May 27 and Session Two starts July 20. Tuition waivers are available for certain summer courses. Students enrolled at other CUNY schools are welcome to enroll in BMCC summer courses through e-permit. Learn more about Summer at BMCC and important deadlines, as well as application and financial aid information here.

Summer/Fall 2021 Advisement & Registration is Open Faculty and staff, please encourage students to schedule a Zoom meeting with their advisor to discuss their academic progress and registration. Things to know: All students must meet with their advisor before registering. Students can register on CUNYfirst or meet with a Panther Station Specialists on Zoom, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Registration page or contact Academic Advisement at (212) 220-8315 or aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Application Workshop Walks Students Through the Process 
Every Tuesday at 3 p.m., admissions specialists will answer questions and explain how to complete the BMCC application or apply as a readmit student. BMCC uses the CUNY Application to admit new students, and in these sessions, staff will walk students through the whole process—from completing the CUNY application online to figuring out how to send BMCC their school transcripts to complete their applications.

Information Session Demystifies Majors, Financial Aid and More 
On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m, BMCC admissions specialists will share information about major options, financial aid, career planning and more.

Stay Connected with the Office of Admissions
Students who prefer communicating via chat, can ask general questions about BMCC on Fridays at 3 p.m., through one-on-one chat sessions. Say Hello to the Admissions Office on Social Media
We appreciate your likes, follows and thumbs up. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat

Making Headlines

BMCC Health Education Professor Lesley Rennis Discusses Vaccine Hesitancy on College Campuses
May 13—University Business

Sarah Gosler, BMCC Foundation board member and global head of operations & technology relations, BNY Mellon, recognized in EMpower 50 Advocate Executive Role Models 2021
May 12, 2021—Yahoo Finance

BMCC team one of 12 teams nationwide to advance to final round of Community College Innovation Challenge
May 11, 2021—Community College Daily

BMCC to be early voting polling site in NYC
May 11, 2021—Gothamist

BMCC Named a top 50 community college
May 10, 2021—Value Colleges

Human Resources

Mandatory Workplace Violence and ESPARC Training Deadline Approaching
All BMCC employees must complete both a Work Place Violence Awareness (WPV) and Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Course (ESPARC) training. Part-time employees must complete both trainings before the end of this semester. Full-time employees must complete both trainings by July 30, 2021. There are two options for taking the trainings. One is through CUNY Blackboard, following instructions on the HR Training and Development webpage. The other option is Zoom classes led by HR staff at 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. on May 20 for ESPARC and May 18 for WPV. Reserve a Zoom seat through Josefa Larios at jlarios@bmcc.cuny.edu; space will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Enjoy Free Yoga, Meditation, Boxing and More Through June 18
WorkWell Digital presents virtual movement workshops through May. Workshops in chair yoga, meditation, dance cardio, kickboxing and more are available, so register now. Other free virtual workshop options are available on nyc.gov.

9/11 Victims Compensation Fund: File Claim by July 29  If you were employed or a student at BMCC between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002, please know that the normal deadline for filing a claim with the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is two years from the certification of an illness by the World Trade Center Health program (WTCHP)  or two years after the death of a loved one. With the permanent reauthorization of the VCF in 2019, a two-year window allows previously time-barred claims (claims which were not filed within the time limit) to be submitted. This extension, however, expires on July 29, 2021. More information is available at vcf.gov/deadlines. NOTE: Several firms specialize in World Trade Center Victim’s Compensation Fund claims, and can be viewed in the 911 Victims Fund PDF. BMCC/CUNY does not endorse any of these firms, and they are listed solely for informational purposes. You may find additional resources by doing a World Trade Center Victim’s Compensation Fund Google search.

Alumni and Donors

Learn How Charitable Giving Can Be a Key Element in Your Financial Plan: Join Webinar, May 19
On Friday, May 19 from 1 to 2 p.m., the BMCC Office of Institutional Advancement invites alumni, faculty, staff and friends to join a unique learning opportunity—a webinar with Larry Holzberg, LUTCF (shown left) and Rufus Davenport, CFA (shown right), both of Fortis Lux Financial. These financial experts will explain how charitable giving can be a key element in a financial plan that will not only accomplish philanthropic goals but provide tax and income benefits. Learn how lifetime gifts differ from charitable bequests and how income tax deductions factor into charitable gifts. Identify methods that defer donations but yield upfront benefits to you, and more. Register today. Space is limited. See you there!

Give the Gift of Education
Your generous donations go a long way in funding scholarships, research and programs, and allow us to continue delivering quality education to our students. Ways to give include Direct Gifts, Gifts of Securities, Gifts of Real Estate and many more. For more information, please visit the Ways to Give website, call the Office for Institutional Advancement at (212) 220-8020 or email lmalcolm@bmcc.cuny.edu). Your support is greatly appreciated.

Take Action Now on Charitable Deductions for Non-Itemizers The CARES Act allows taxpayers who take the standard deduction to claim a charitable deduction for cash donations made to public charities. For 2021 only, the law doubles to $600 the maximum amount joint filers may deduct. (Single filers or married filers who file separately are limited to $300.) Please consider a charitable donation to Giving to BMCC Foundation. For more information, please contact Phillip Keefe, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at (212) 346-8650 or pkeefe@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Calendar

Join the BMCC Jazz or Guitar Ensemble
May 15-May 30 (by appointment)

BMCC Learning Academy Information Session
May 17

Online Free Workshop: How to Be a Successful Online Student (Students Only)
May 17

Workshop: How to Apply to BMCC as an International Student
May 18

Connect with BMCC

@BMCC is produced and published by the Office of Public Affairs.

Faculty and staff: Submit items for consideration in an upcoming @BMCC to publicaffairs@bmcc.cuny.edu by 12 noon, Wednesday.