News

BMCC Pride Padlet Welcomes Voices in Celebration of the LGBTQIA+ Community
June is Pride Month. BMCC students, faculty and staff are invited to post on BMCC’s Pride Padlet — a virtual stage for all voices at BMCC. To add a post to this page:

• Go to this link: https://tinyurl.com/BMCCPride2021
• Click on the "+" button in the corner of the page.
• Type a short message in the "Title" section or type a long message in the "Write something" section.
• When you are finished, click anywhere on the page to complete the process.
• After completing the process, you can click on the 3 dots at the top of your post to change the color of your note, edit or delete your note.
• All notes will be reviewed by an administrator before final posting takes place.

Visit the BMCC LGBTQI+ Services website to learn about SafeZone Training, which explores how to become better allies for the queer community; faculty and staff resources, campus resources, and more. While most Pride 2021 activities are still virtual, live events are also an option, including the NYC Pride March on June 27. Learn more at nycpride.org.

BMCC Pipeline Program Students Offered Scholarships to NYU
Ten BMCC graduates have been accepted to New York University (NYU) College of Arts and Science and the NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Studies having completed the GUIDE and POISE pipeline programs. Students in the program are mentored by BMCC and NYU faculty, staff, and other students.  

Four BMCC Students Win Panel Awards at 2021 Beacon Conference BMCC was represented among 19 community colleges in four mid-Atlantic states at the prestigious 2021 Beacon Conference hosted online by Westchester Community College on June 4. Four BMCC students came away with panel awards in their discipline: Zachary Cussick, “Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis at the Postsynaptic Site,” (Biology), Mentor: Professor Joanna Giza; Maya Wong, "Judging by the 'Color' of my Language: Language Appropriation, Raciolinguistic Ideologies, and the Power of Words in Identity Construction," (Communications, Media, Speech), Mentor: Professor Jennifer Delfino; Joshua Lasciche, “Uptake of Radioactive Ions from Aqueous Solutions by Biopolymers,” (Environmental Studies), Mentor: Professor Abel Navarro; William Roman, “Protein-Adsorbents Affinity and Its Potential Use for the Recovery of Proteins from Aqueous Solutions,” (Chemistry and Natural Sciences), Mentor: Professor Abel Navarro.

Animation Major Jneyde Williams Wins Black American Library Card Contest
In January 2021, the Brooklyn Public Library put out an open call for artists to submit their designs for a library card celebrating Black American history, contributions and culture — and the winner is BMCC Animation and Motion Graphics recent alumna Jneyde Williams. The limited-edition card was released at the African American Heritage Center at Macon Library as part of Brooklyn Public Library’s Juneteenth 2021 celebrations, and is available at all library branches in Brooklyn that are issuing library cards. The inspiration behind the design, Williams says in her artist’s statement, “is to show that the key to success is through education and to encourage access to literature for those of impoverished Black communities. The young brown girl is me; since elementary school, I could never keep my head out of a book. As an animation major, I desire to show the importance of the Black experience on screen and I plan to create a not-for-profit program that will train young people in the areas of creative writing and animation. I believe in the words of my mother: it takes a village.”

Announcements

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 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.

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.

Learn About Workforce Development and Degree Programs at CUNY in The Heights
BMCC is preparing for the re-opening of CUNY in The Heights (CITH), serving Inwood, Washington Heights and the Bronx communities in Fall 2021. CITH brings more educational opportunities by creating multiple pathways to degrees and careers with family-sustaining wages. CITH’s renovation project is almost complete and features an expansion of this facility that will double the number of existing classrooms and triple the number of available classroom seats. The expanded facility has been designed to adopt the principles of Universal Design in order to meet the accessibility needs of all. In addition, CITH offers students with opportunities to participate in a variety of Success Programs, including Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) and CUNY Math Start to help them navigate their learning experience and earn their degree.

New Phone System Coming to BMCC
BMCC will soon move from its old Cisco phone system to a Cloud-based phone system from Ring Central. The new system will reduce costs while providing a modern, flexible and unified communications platform that will allow faculty and staff to make and receive work calls from any computer, handheld device or tablet. Please consult the IRT website for more details.

Early Voting Comes to BMCC, June 12-20 Primary Day is June 22 — and from June 12 through June 20, BMCC is opening its campus to NYC voters for Early Voting in this year’s primary elections for Mayor, Comptroller, Public Advocate, Borough Presidents and City Council. Voters assigned to the BMCC Early Voting site will enter 199 Chambers Street through the West Street entrance and proceed to the lower atrium of the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. “We take great pride in our role as a public institution to encourage and support civic engagement and voter participation—not only for our students, but for the city as a whole,” said Doug Israel, Director of Government and Community Relations. “We are pleased to be able to offer the space at BMCC for early voting and urge all New Yorkers to make their voice heard through the ballot box.” To learn more check out CUNY Votes.

Deadline June 18: Nominate an Outstanding Employee or Team for the Employee Appreciation Award 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.

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.

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 steering committee 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.

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. 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”

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.

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 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 and 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.

Making Headlines

Local paper documents moving 2021 Nurses Pinning ceremony
June 8, 2021—Tribeca Tribune

BMCC student Oneil Mahoney named to internship cohort at Columbia University’s Earth Institute
June 7, 2021—State of the Planet

Human Resources

LGBTQIA+ 101: Creating Inclusive Spaces Join WorkWell in celebrating Pride Awareness Month this June by tuning in to this discussion on Wednesday, June 16 at 12 p.m. to learn how to create inclusive spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community. Register Here

Make Your Appointment at a CUNY Employee-Only Vaccination Site
All CUNY employees are eligible to receive the COVID vaccine an employee-only site. To book an appointment, use your employee ID number at either use Bronx/Queens/Staten Island or Brooklyn/Manhattan sites, or go to these sites: 

• The Bronx, Hunts Point Job Center, 847 Barretto Street, Bronx, NY 10474  
• Brooklyn, George Wingate High School, 600 Kingston Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11203  
• Manhattan, Louis D. Brandeis High School, 145 W 84th St, New York, NY 10024 
• Queens, NYC Department of Health Gotham Center, 42-09 28th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 
• Queens, Queens Public Library – Flushing, 41-17 Main St, Flushing, NY 11355  
• Staten Island, Susan E. Wagner High School, 1200 Manor Rd Staten Island, NY 10314  

WPV and ESPARC Training Deadlines: July 30 Deadline 
All BMCC employees must complete Workplace Violence Awareness (WPV) and Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Course (ESPARC) trainings. Part-time employees should have completed both trainings by the end of the Spring 2021 semester. Full-time employees must complete both trainings by July 30. To take the trainings, go to CUNY Blackboard, following instructions on the HR Training and Development webpage.

Enjoy Free Yoga, Meditation, Boxing and More Through June 18  WorkWell (WW) Digital presents chair yoga, kickboxing and more, so register now. Other free virtual workshops are available on nyc.gov. As City of New York employees, WW members and their families have three discounted plan options: Digital, Digital 360, and Workshops + Digital. Recipe of the month, Grilled Corn & Avocado Salsa.

Men’s Health, A Family Affair: June 23
This webinar features special guest Dr. Torian Easterling explains how men can maximize their health, and how their partners and families can support them in their journey towards better health. The webinar is provided by the NYC Office of Labor Relations. The event is June 23 at 12 p.m. Click here to register.

Alumni and Donors

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 Lorna Malcolm, Vice President, Institutional Advancement at 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 maximum amount joint filers may deduct, doubles to $600. (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, call the Office for Institutional Advancement at (212) 220-8020 or email Vice President for Institutional Advancement Lorna Malcolm, lmalcolm@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Calendar

Online Free Workshop: Microsoft Access: Creating a Database (Students Only)
June 11

Writing Center Workshop: Paraphrasing and Quoting for a Strong College Paper
June 14

Panther Partners Information and Registration Session
June 15

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.