BMCC Hosts Goldman Sachs Local College Collaborative
On February 22, BMCC hosted a group working session for the colleges participating in the 2018-2019 Goldman Sachs Local College Collaborative on February 22 at Fiterman Hall. BMCC along with Hudson County Community College, New Jersey City University and St. Peter’s University are partners in the program created by Goldman Sachs to support local students and colleges and to assist workforce development.

Innovations Conference Encourages Educators to Think Outside the Box
BMCC, along with Guttman Community College and LaGuardia Community College hosted the Innovations Conference of the League for Innovation in the Community College, February 24 through February 27 at the New York Marriott Marquis in Manhattan. The conference featured institutions from across the country to share best practices in nurturing student success in higher education. During a presentation, BMCC Interim President Karrin Wilks said "Community Colleges are the Ellis Island of the 21st century," according to coverage in the magazine Diverse Issues in Higher Education.

XXII Modern Languages Colloquium, March 11 and 12
BMCC invites students, faculty and staff to attend the XXII Modern Languages Department Colloquium, scheduled March 11 and 12 in Theater 2 of the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers Street. This year’s colloquium theme is “Who is the Monster?: Human monstrosity in fiction and film.” Featured speakers will include: Karrin E. Wilk, BMCC Interim President and Maria Enrico, Chair of Modern Languages Department. For more information call (212) 220-8105.  

(Third from left) Assemblywoman Carmen De La Rosa (D- 72nd District) met with BMCC students outside the Assembly Chambers

Civic Leadership Students Meet With State Assembly Members in Albany
Five BMCC students traveled to the state capital in Albany on February 27 where they met with New York State Assembly Members and advocated for greater funding at CUNY. The students—Kaddy Momoh, Zachary Edminster, Kelly Otterness, Errol LaFleur and Haggur Alruby—are part of BMCC’s Civic Leadership program. They were accompanied by BMCC Director of Government and Community Relations Doug Israel. Among the topics the students discussed were ASAP program funding, MetroCards for CUNY students, funding to hire new full-time faculty and a $250 per student increase in base aid support.  

BMCC Hosts Fifth Annual Women's Conference: Vision and Peace, on March 4
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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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.

Summer and Fall 2019 Advisement and Registration for Continuing Students
Advisement and Registration for the Summer and Fall 2019 semesters will begin on March 4 (for students with 36+ credits) and March 20 (for all students). 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. to 2 p.m. at 199 Chambers Street, 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

BMCC Interim President Karrin Wilks featured in article about Innovation Conference
Feb. 26—Diverse Issues in Higher Education

BMCC OER efforts highlighted in article about Innovation Conference
Feb. 27—Inside Higher Ed

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.

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.

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.

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).

Entrepreneurship: Panther Tank Panel
March 1

Women's Herstory Month: Know Your Rights With the NYC Human Rights Commission
March 5

Free Film Screening: Scenes Through the Cinema Lens: Happy Birthday, Nat King Cole
March 5

	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

BMCC 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.

@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.