BMCC set to Host the 2018-19 NJCAA Region XV Men and Women’s Basketball Championship
For the first time in over a decade, the NJCAA Region XV Basketball Championship will be hosted by BMCC. Both the semifinal and final round of the men's and women's tournament will be held in BMCC Gymnasium on March 2 and 3.​ As far as junior college athletics go, this is a very big event. Admissions is free, and it's in the BMCC gym. For more information, contact Dakota Olson, (212) 220-8263.

Non-traditional Excellence: Two BMCC Students Win Vanguard Award Animation and motion graphics major Jan Iverson, nominated by Professor Susan Stratton, and human services major Nico Tyndale, nominated by Professor Keith Carter, are two of the eight Vanguard Award winners, statewide. The awards recognize outstanding college students with a major or career in which one gender represents less than 25 percent of those employed in that field.

BMCC Students and Faculty Participate in NYC Public Advocate Debate
BMCC hosted a political debate between the seven candidates running to be the city’s next public advocate on February 20 in Theater One at 199 Chambers Street. More than 250 students, faculty and staff registered to attend the event which was broadcast live on Spectrum NY1—barely one week ahead of the February 26 city-wide special election. After the debate, students said they were politically energized by the issues the candidates discussed. Interim President Karrin Wilks told students in audience, “Your participation in our democratic process is vital to the future, critical to advancing equity and social justice, and to ensuring that our great city is a place where everyone can thrive.

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.

Innovations Conference: February 24 - 27
BMCC, along with Guttman Community College and LaGuardia Community College is hosting the Innovations Conference of the League for Innovation in the Community College, February 24 through February 27 at the New York Marriott Marquis, New York, NY. Registration is $1,150 for nonmembers and $1,050 for League members. Dozens of BMCC administrators, faculty and staff will be presenting. ​Hundreds of breakout sessions, speaker events and exhibitions will focus on learning and teaching, leadership and organization, workforce preparation and development, student success and basic skills and developmental education.

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].

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].

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 beginning February 13. 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 Academic Affairs web page.

February Is African Heritage Month
BMCC will celebrate the 2019 African Heritage Month—Intersections in the Diaspora—with events planned throughout February. For information on upcoming events, visit the African Heritage Month webpage.

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.)

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. Please hold off submitting web edits to Public Affairs until after February 25. If you have questions, please call Manny Romero, Executive Director of Public Affairs, at (212) 220-1238.

BMCC Employee Appreciation Awards: Nominations Open Show your appreciation for colleagues or staff members who demonstrate outstanding achievement, performance and creative contributions through their role at BMCC—beyond what is normally expected of employees. Submit no more than one nomination for each of the following categories: Leadership, Inspiration, Innovation/Technology, Rookie of the Year and Team Achievement.

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 11 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 three social media accounts. Stop by online and say hi! We appreciate your likes, follows and thumbs up. Facebook: @admissions Twitter: @bmccadmissions Instagram: @bmccadmissions

Former BMCC student Jaquan Cesar killed on highway while trying to help crash victim
Feb. 21—Southwest Dutchess Daily Voice

BMCC hosts NYC public advocate debate
Feb. 21—Gotham Gazette, NY Daily News, Politico, AM New York

Jorge E. Yafar named assistant vice president for campus planning and facilities
Feb. 20—Diverse Issues in Higher Education

Are You Ready to Move More? Sign Up by March 1
BMCC has partnered with WorkWell NYC to offer a free, 8-week tone-up and conditioning course: March 13, March 20, March 27, April 3, April 10, April 17, April 24 and May 1 from 5:15 to 6 p.m. in the BMCC gym. Participants must bring a lock for their locker, sneakers, and loose-fitting clothing such as sweats, yoga pants and T-shirt. Email Lori Mazzola, [email protected] by March 1 to sign up. Spots are limited!

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.

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.

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 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).

Teacher Education Day
February 22

DACA and TPS Students: Apply for THEDREAM.US Scholarship
February 22

BMCC Foundation Inc. Scholarship Workshop
February 26

Volunteer Fair
February 26

	BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center Listings		Center for Career Development Events
	Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Scholarship Events		Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development Events

Second-Half Surge Lifts BMCC Past Hostos in 2019 CUNYAC Final, 104-90

Lauren Malcolm Represents BMCC on CUNY Community College Women's Basketball All-Star Team

Back-to-Back: Quran Dublin Repeats as CUNYAC Player of the Year

Women's Basketball
Feb. 26: BMCC vs. Suffolk County Community College (Selden, NY, Ammerman Campus)

Men's Basketball
Feb. 26: BMCC vs. Queensborough Community College (BMCC gym)

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

Faculty and staff: Submit items for consideration in an upcoming @BMCC to [email protected] by 12 noon, Wednesday.