March 8, 2019 FacebookTwitterInstagram
@BMCC
News
Screenwriters

Time Warner Screenwriting Fellows Read Completed Screenplays
BMCC hosted a Time Warner Screenwriting Fellowship screenplay reading on February 28 in Theater 2 at 199 Chambers Street. Professional actors read three screenplays, written by BMCC alumni—Marcelino Sorza, Sympna Roman and Alfonso J. Henrique— who were also fellows in the Time Warner Foundation funded program. “It was a real pleasure to bring Marcel, Dympna, and A.J.'s full screenplays to the same stage where, almost two years to the day, their original scenes first found their feet,” said Media Arts and Technology Professor George Stevenson, who is director of the BMCC Time Warner Fellowship program. Another group of actors will read excerpts from screenplays written by the 2018-2019 cohort of fellows on April 18.

Robotics

"Robotics Unplugged" event showcases BMCC robots
The Teacher Education Club hosted “Robotics Unplugged” on March 6. Computer Information Systems Professor Mohammad Azhar gave a presentation about the technology involved in designing and constructing robots for a variety of uses. For more information contact Professor Azhar, (212) 220-1477.

Gala

Save the Date: 2019 BMCC Foundation Gala May 16
The BMCC Foundation 2019 Gala—Invest in a Future, Celebrate Success—is scheduled for May16 at Cipriani, 25 Broadway in lower Manhattan. This year's honorees are Tim Gokey, CEO of Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc., and the Herbert and Audrey Rosenfield Fund. The emcee is Baruch Shemtov of Fox 5 News. For more information, contact Tracie Basch at (646) 483-8018 or [email protected].

Announcements
Conference

BMCC Fifth Annual Women's Conference: Vision and Peace Rescheduled for March 18
BMCC is hosting a day-long conference with panels and speakers drawn from anti-trafficking organizations, UN Women, scholars whose research explores wartime gender-based violence, and global/transnational NGOs. For more information visit the event website.

Congressman Max Rose to Speak at Young Engagement Summit March 16
BMCC students are encouraged to attend the Youth Engagement Summit (YES), a leadership conference designed to educate and motivate students about civic issues on March 16 beginning at 9 a.m. in Richard Harris Terrace. Speakers include Congressman Max Rose (D-NY 11th District), Make the Road New York Youth Organizer Perla L. Liberato, Associate Protection Officer with the U.N. Commission for Refugees Sara Abouh and BMCC Director of Government Relations and Community Relations Douglas Israel. For more information, contact the BMCC Student Government Association at (212) 220-8000 ext. 8208.

appreciation BMCC Employee Appreciation Awards Ballots Are Now Available
Students, faculty and staff--show your appreciation for staff (non-faculty) members who demonstrate outstanding achievement, performance and creative contributions through their role at BMCC—beyond what is normally expected of employees. Fill out your ballot and submit ONE nomination in each category: Leadership, Inspiration, Innovation/Technology, Rookie of the Year and Team Achievement. You get ONE chance to submit your ballot... make it count by filling in a thoughtful, detailed nomination by no later than April 30.
St Pat

St. Patrick's Day Lunch Will Raise Funds for Student Emergency Fund
On March 13 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Richard Harris Terrace at 199 Chambers Street, the 11th Annual St. Patrick's Day Lunch will present Irish music and dance, door prizes and a traditional Irish buffet. Tickets are $25 and raise funds to support the BMCC Student Emergency Fund, which helps students who have immediate, temporary needs – such as food insecurity or the cost of a monthly MetroCard – that can make a difference between dropping out or continuing with their semester. Tickets can be purchased online, or by visiting Mitchelle Henriques, Fiterman Hall 1330, (212) 220-8020, [email protected].

Faculty Invited to Participate in COACHE Job Satisfaction Survey
Full-time faculty are invited to participate in the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) job satisfaction survey. Data collected by COACHE gives voice to faculty about the successes and struggles of working in academia. By participating in the study, faculty will have an opportunity to share their perspective about working at BMCC and CUNY in a secure and confidential manner. Faculty will receive an email with a personalized link to the survey. For more information, visit the COACHE survey page.

Mediums Shirley Fiterman Art Center Presents Mediums of Exchange
BMCC and Lehman College, CUNY are presenting Mediums of Exchange, a two-part art exhibition in BMCC's Shirley Fiterman Art Center through March 30.(At left: Mark Wagner, Tentacular, 2015, currency collage on panel, 46 x 36 inches, detail. Courtesy of the artist and Pavel Zoubok Fine Art, NY.)
SingleStop Free Tax Preparation Available to BMCC Community
BMCC students, faculty and staff who have a pre-tax household income at or below $54,000 can take advantage of FREE tax preparation at BMCC. Walk-in services are offered at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-230 now through April 15 from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays; from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays; and from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. This service is provided with support from Citigroup in collaboration with BMCC Single Stop. For more information visit online or call (212) 220-8195.

Plaza Reconstruction Capital Project
As part of the upcoming Plaza Reconstruction project at BMCC, abatement of hazardous materials identified in the underlayment of the existing pavers will be performed at various phases of the construction project. This activity, which began January 21, is regulated by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, which ensures the safe and proper removal and disposal of these materials. Abatement notifications posted on all building entrances are part of these requirements and are there to inform the occupants of these activities. The required notices are not meant to alarm our building occupants, but to keep everyone informed that the work will be performed in a safe and regulated manner. We apologize for any inconvenience this upcoming construction may cause as we work to improve our facilities.

BMCC Website Content Management System Update
The Office of Public Affairs has installed WordPress—a content management system which will make BMCC website use easier for faculty and staff—and is scheduling training sessions with liaisons from BMCC offices and departments on the use of this system. If you have questions, please call Manny Romero, Executive Director of Public Affairs, at (212) 220-1238.

BMCC Enhances Instructional and Support Spaces in 70 Murray Street Building
The 199 Street Chambers Street campus of BMCC extends to Fiterman Hall—on Barclay and Greenwich Street—as well as several floors of 70 Murray Street. These locations are constantly upgraded. The Murray Street site has undergone a comprehensive upgrade that yielded 31 smart classrooms, state-of-the-art computer labs, a student lounge, a gender-neutral restroom, a respite room for nursing parents, and more.


Enrollment
Advisement

Summer and Fall 2019 Advisement and Registration for Continuing Students
Advisement and Registration for the Summer and Fall 2019 semesters has is now being offered. Please encourage continuing students to take advantage of early registration get the classes they need and the schedule they want for the upcoming semesters. Students can register on CUNYfirst. For more information, contact the Advisement Center at (212) 220-8315. #BMCCFinishFaster

Admissions Spring 2019 Open House: Saturday, March 23
Do you have family/friend who is interested in going to college? Invite them to the BMCC Admissions Open House on Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at 199 Chambers St., to learn about academic programs, financial aid options, student services, special programs and how/when to apply. RSVP at www.bmcc.cuny.edu/openhouse. For more info, contact the Admissions Office at (212) 220-1265.

Share Your Tips for Student Success
You – the instructors and student support staff of BMCC – know from experience what actions lead a student to succeed in the classroom. Help our Panthers start off on the right foot! This month the Admissions Office will publish a list of ‘Top Tips for Success' on the #FuturePanthers blog, and we’re asking you to share your insights. What is the best thing a student can do now and throughout the semester to set themselves up for success? What student behaviors help you to help them? Submit your piece of advice in three minutes online.

Admissions and Financial Aid Info Sessions
Prospective students are invited to attend information sessions for an overview of BMCC and the admissions and financial aid process. They can also take part in a Q & A with admissions and financial aid specialists. For more information, contact the Admissions Office, (212) 220-1265.

Say Hello to the Admissions Office on Social Media
The BMCC Admissions Office has launched new social media accounts. Stop by online and say hi! We appreciate your likes, follows and thumbs up. Facebook: @bmccadmissions Twitter: @bmccadmissions Instagram: @bmccadmissions Snapchat:@explorebmcc

Making Headlines

BMCC Theatre Professor Diane Dowling’s play highlighted
Feb. 27—Broadway World

Highlights from NJCAA Championship, hosted at BMCC
March 4—Newsday

2019 Tribeca Film Festival lineup announced
March 6—benzinga

Human Resources

Commuter Benefits Provider will Change in Spring 2019
In Spring 2019, the City of New York will be changing the commuter benefits provider from WageWorks to Edenred Commuter Benefit Solutions. New cards will be mailed to the address on each employee's file. Employees are encouraged to verify their email and mailing address within WageWorks by logging into their account or calling 1-877-924-3967. Please remember the “ID Code” is the last 4 of your reference #, located on employee paystubs.

TIAA Meet With a TIAA Representative on Campus
Faculty and staff can schedule an appointment with a representative from TIAA at various dates through June. For more information, call (800) 732-8353 or visit a session schedule.

Mandatory Workplace Violence Prevention Training: Online or Classroom Sessions
All BMCC faculty and staff must complete an annual Workplace Violence Prevention Training by registering through CUNY Blackboard. Part-time employees must complete the course before the end of the Spring 2019 semester; full-time employees by July 31, 2019. If you prefer to complete the training in a classroom setting, instead of online, contact Maria Deckinger, [email protected] or (212) 220-1496 by 5 p.m. on March 11 to sign up for a session on March 13 at 12 noon at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-719.

Deer Oaks EAP Now Offers Phone and Video Counseling
As part of the BMCC's Employee Assistance Program, Deer Oaks is now offering video and structured telephonic counseling in addition to its traditional in-person counseling service. Employees can schedule calls with a counselor in advance by calling (855) 492-3633 or email [email protected].

Pre-Tax Limit for Wageworks Commuter Benefits Increased
The pre-tax limit for monthly Commuter Benefits deductions (WageWorks) increased from $260 to $265 on January 1. No paperwork is required to activate the increase, but those who wish to change their deduction or enroll in the program may visit the Benefits page of the BMCC Human Resources website, complete the WageWorks Transit Benefit form and submit it to Human Resources, 199 Chambers Street, Room S-717.

Enhance Your Skills Through CUNY Professional Development
The CUNY Professional Development and Learning Management (PDLM) Office presents the CUNY Professional Development Program now through June 19. BMCC faculty and staff can choose sessions ranging from data analytics to business writing and many others. Certificate programs are available. View catalogue and sign up now.

Alumni and Donors
Champions
Panther Head Are You a BMCC Alumni Champion?
BMCC Alumni Champions are BMCC Alumni who are currently a staff or faculty member at BMCC. The Office of Alumni Relations is gearing up to create special programing in appreciation for your continued dedication and service to your alma mater. We want to hear from you so we can extend special invitations to events and activities at BMCC. Please join our list of BMCC Alumni Champions by sending your information to us online. For more information, contact Yartiza Gonzales, (212) 346-8455 or [email protected].

Charitable Giving Through an IRA
Donors at least 70½ years old can take advantage of a simple way to satisfy minimum required distribution and benefit BMCC students at the same time. Donate up to $100,000 from an IRA directly to the BMCC Foundation without having to pay federal income taxes. Please contact Phillip Keefe, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving, (212) 346-8650 or [email protected] for additional information.

Alumni Alumni Invited to Connect and Network
BMCC Alumni Affairs provides alumni benefits and services, as well as involving alumni in the advancement and support of BMCC. Alumni are invited to special events, profiled in BMCC publications and welcomed into the vibrant community that is BMCC. For more information, contact Yaritza Gonzalez, Manager of Alumni Relations and Annual Fund, (212) 346-8455 or [email protected]

Make a Difference in Students’ Lives: Faculty and Staff Campaign
The faculty and staff of BMCC support our students in countless ways, every single day. That support includes contributing to the BMCC Foundation Scholarship Fund. Your support of the Faculty and Staff Campaign makes a significant difference in our students’ lives. There are three easy ways to give:

  • Make a donation online.
  • Text your donation to BMCC at (646) 876-2622.
  • Send your check, payable to the BMCC Foundation, via interoffice mail to the Office of College Development, F-1330. (Please note, you can designate your donation to your department).

Calendar
Cellist

Vocalist and Cellist Gabriel Royal
March 8

SUNY Empire State College Table Visit
March 11

Admissions and Financial Aid Information Session
March 12

TPAC

BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center Listings

Career

Center for Career Development Events

CETLS

Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Scholarship Events

CONED

Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development Events

Panther Pride
Panthers

Start Here. Go Anywhere. Five Panthers baseball players continue their career at four year colleges
With baseball season right around the corner, five sophomores from the 2018 BMCC team have committed to playing baseball and continuing their education at four year programs. Former BMCC student-athletes Kevin TapiaChristopher NunezMatthew LeonteRandy Berroa and Dwayne Thomas have all joined rosters at various schools across the country as they pursue their bachelors' degree.

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