"Campus Update" is a weekly e-newsletter published by LaGuardia's Division of Communications and External Affairs to provide news and information to the college community. | |
Leaders from the Caribbean Research Center at Medgar Evers College, the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute at City College, the Haitian Studies Institute at Brooklyn College, and the Center for Puerto Rican Studies (CENTRO) at Hunter College joined LaGuardia’s Casa de las Américas and Institutional Archives yesterday for a day of information sharing and networking hosted at LaGuardia. The “One CUNY Caribbean Symposium & Networking Event” was the inaugural such symposium. “Our goal was to bring together Caribbean focused centers and institutes throughout CUNY to highlight the work being done to illuminate the history and heritage of the peoples from the Caribbean,” said Donniece Davis, Associate Director of Campus Life and Co-chair of the symposium. Representatives of the institutes and centers gave presentations highlighting their groups' ongoing research, past accomplishments, and upcoming events. According to Jeffery Kazembe Batts, M.A., Co-chair of the symposium, “Each representative used their 20-minute presentation to empower the audience with possibilities for future scholarship and engagement.” Following the presentations, attendees were entertained by the Dominican Dance Group and heard inspiring words from LaGuardia President Kenneth Adams and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso before moving to the Poolside Café to network and dine on food from the restaurant Caribbean Fusion. | |
LaGuardia faculty, staff, and students are invited to an observation event for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Cobblestone Courtyard. The event is hosted by LaGuardia’s CUNY 2X Tech Career Program and CUNY Research Scholars Program (CRSP), in collaboration with the Bangladesh Student Association and Society of Physics student clubs. “The 2024 eclipse should be an exciting event—in New York City, we’re expected to see 90% totality,” said Dr. Allyson Sheffield, Associate Professor of Physics at LaGuardia. “For comparison, during the last eclipse in 2017, there was 70% totality in NYC.” Dr. Roman Senkov, Professor of Physics, Co-Director of CRSP, Advisor of the LaGuardia Chapter of Society of Physics Students, and Editor-in-Chief of Ad Astra, advises people to never look directly at the sun during an eclipse, because doing so can cause permanent eye damage. Instead, people are encouraged to wear solar eclipse glasses for safe viewing. Dr. Senkov said there will be 20 solar eclipse glasses available for participants to share during the solar eclipse viewing. He also encourages anyone interested in learning more about eclipse phenomena to read an article in the latest issue of Ad Astra, titled, “April 8th, 2024: Great Solar Eclipse,” written by Amaru Alzogaray, Liberal Arts: Math and Science major. | |
LaGuardia Community College and Lehman College were recently awarded a three-year grant of $500,000 ($250,000 each) from the CUNY Workforce Development Initiative – Contract Courses/Workforce Development funding program. In Fiscal Year 2024, New York State gave CUNY approval to earmark a portion of this annual funding program for the English Language for Work Initiative, which seeks to provide training to asylum seekers and migrants. The grant will be used to support costs associated with the “Queens-Bronx Express (QBE): English for Work” project being led by John Hunt, Assistant Dean for Pre-College Academic Programs in LaGuardia’s Division of Adult Continuing Education. | |
The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) recently published a report featuring LaGuardia as an institution that offers actionable strategies to increase value in postsecondary education. Institutional policies and practices shape which students have access to college, who persists and completes, who borrows, and who experiences economic and social mobility. In new case studies, IHEP spotlighted how two minority-serving institutions – LaGuardia Community College and the University of North Texas – employ innovative strategies that help more students receive measurable returns on their investment in higher education. | |
Queens CUNY Undergraduate Symposium Highlights Student Research | |
On April 2, students, faculty, and administrators from CUNY colleges across Queens gathered for the Borough of Queens CUNY Undergraduate Symposium, hosted at Queens College. The symposium was a celebration of student research that included a showcase of scholarly achievements, exchange ideas, and engagement in interdisciplinary dialogue. Students presented research posters and led discussions on their research. Kenneth Adams, President of LaGuardia Community College, was a featured speaker along with Dr. Frank Wu, President of Queens College; Dr. Alicia Meléndez, Director of Undergraduate Research at Queens College; and Dr. Ron Nerio, Research Programs Director with CUNY Office of Research. Keynote speakers were Dr. Joanela Nouel, a post-doctoral fellow at the NYC DOHMH Public Health Laboratory and Dr. Alma Rodenas-Ruano, Associate Professor in the department of Natural Sciences at Fordham University. LaGuardia student Rebecca Kane worked with her mentor Professor Preethi Radhakrishnan on her research titled, “Filters of the Creek: Oyster Bioremediation and the Metagenomic Profile of the Gut Microbiome of Crassostrea Virginica (Eastern Oyster) in the Urban, Superfund Estuary, Newtown Creek.” Other representatives from LaGuardia included Dr. Rejitha Nair and Dr. Dionne Miller, from Academic Affairs, and Dr. Nathan Hossanah, from Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science. | |
LHI Students Represent LaGuardia at Capitol Hill | |
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On March 14th, two students from the LaGuardia Humanitarian Initiative, Abir Apon, a Business and Technology major, and Nang Kham Hsi Liang, a Biotechnology major, represented LaGuardia Community College at Capitol Hill during International Women’s Month, through LHI’s partnership with CARE International, an LHI global partner. During their two days in Washington, D.C., Abir and Nang engaged with several global leaders and joined New York state delegates to present on roles assigned by CARE’s representative. Abir served as a meeting leader at Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez’s office where he advocated for support of at least $61.7 billion USD for the international affairs budget in fiscal year 2025. After attending the advocacy training, Abir and Nang met with global women leaders and CARE USA experts to discuss how advocacy impacts US investment in foreign assistance for women and girls worldwide. | |
LHI’s focus on global and experiential learning helped the students to gain a valuable leadership experience that allowed them to closely reflect on their classroom knowledge, community needs, and career goals when proposing solutions for both local and global communities in need. Prof. Tuli Chatterji, Founder and Coordinator of LaGuardia Humanitarian Initiative, designed these projects and partnerships to create these memorable opportunities for LaGuardia students. “The experience ignited a spark in me to give back to my current community as well as to Myanmar, my home country,” Nang says. “I believe I cannot get to this point and have this knowledge without LHI, and I am forever grateful for their support. | |
LHI Students Present at CUNY Teaching and Learning Conference | |
Four students in the LaGuardia Humanitarian Initiative presented at the CUNY Teaching and Learning Conference on March 22. LaGuardia Community College was represented by Easter Sim, an International Studies major; Ekaterine Abutidze, Psychology major; Nang Khamsi Liang, Biotechnology major; and Zalemoon Yakcub, Nursing major. The CUNY Teaching and Learning Conference is a celebration of teaching excellence and a commitment to creating a thriving academic community. The conference is designed to foster inter-campus collaborations and mentoring relationships related to teaching that will enhance the learning experience for our students. Additionally, the conference aims to foster a culture of professional growth at all stages of development and a stronger sense of belonging among CUNY faculty participants. | |
LaGuardia Community Invited to Celebrate 10 Years of First Year Seminar | |
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Join the college community in celebrating the 10th anniversary of LaGuardia’s First Year Seminar (FYS) in an inspiring atmosphere. The event is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m., April 10 in the Atrium, located on the first floor of the E-Building. Hear from LaGuardia students and alumni about the impact of the FYS on their success and network with Student Success Mentors (SSMs), faculty, and staff who make the FYS possible. Share your FYS experiences, while learning about new resources to support your continued success at LaGuardia. Light refreshments and raffle prizes will be available! For more information contact SSM@lagcc.cuny.edu. | |
Interfaith Council Reschedules Launch to May 15 | |
Students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend LaGuardia’s Interfaith Council on May 15, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., in room E-242. The event will include commentary from special guests: Emmanuel Nartey, Priest, and Professor of Philosophy of Religion/LaGuardia Community College; Huzaifah Islam Khan, Graduate Student in Islamic Studies, and alumnus member; Lakshmi Bandlamudi, Professor of Psychology; Rabbi Sara Zacharia, Hillel at Queens College; and Sophia McGee, Director of Intercultural Student Engagement and Dialogue with CUNY Central Office of Student Affairs. Lunch will be served. The LaGuardia Community College Interfaith Council is being formed to openly and peacefully spark respectful dialogue about faith and its role in our lives. The Council also aims to provide a safe space for students to explore their own faith journeys and learn from diverse religious and spiritual perspectives. For more information, please contact Alexis McLean at amclean@lagcc.cuny.edu or Choon Shan Lai at clai@lagcc.cuny.edu. | |
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Staff Employee Engagement Survey Available from April 2-26 | |
LaGuardia’s Employee Engagement Committee is offering the Staff Employee Engagement Survey. In the survey, staff members are encouraged to share their concerns and work experiences at LaGuardia Community College. The survey also gives staff the opportunity to share their perspective to help shape the college’s goals, help determine priorities, and create a more inclusive community. The last engagement survey was conducted in October 2020, when 67% of full-time and 26% of Part-time employees responded. The staff survey, offered through WorkForce Science Associates begins April 2 through April 26. The survey is safe and secure and will be provided to each staff member via email with an individualized survey link. Participants should not share links. | |
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LaGuardia subscribes to an inclusive and welcoming environment with an appreciation for celebrations and observances that are important to a wide range of cultures and religions. Here are just a few of the religious and ethnic observances recognized in our community throughout the month of April:
- March 10–April 8: Ramadan
- April 9: Eid Al-Fitr
- April 17: Rama Navami
- April 22–30: Passover
- April 24: Armenian Martyr’s Day
For a full listing of holidays and observations celebrated this month and throughout the year, please visit the CUNY Religions & Ethnic Holiday Calendar.
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Wellness Center Releases Spring I E-Guidebook | |
With Spring I already underway, the Wellness Center would like to inform faculty and staff of the various resources and programming available to the campus community through the center. The Wellness Center offers both in-person and remote counseling services to students, as well as mental health workshops and training sessions designed for students, faculty, and staff alike. Students who are interested in the Wellness Center’s counseling services at the center can fill out intake forms in English or Spanish to get started. For a comprehensive guide on Wellness Center programming and resources that you can share with students, you can access the Wellness Center’s Spring I E-Guidebook. | |
Commencement Student Speaker Applications Now Being Accepted | |
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With Commencement coming up soon on June 21, applications to serve as Commencement Student Speaker are now being accepted. Faculty and staff are encouraged to invite graduating students who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and who embody the spirit of the graduating class to apply by May 3.
Please visit our Commencement webpage for additional information; details regarding arrival times, directions, and more will be added over the coming weeks.
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Faculty and Staff Assistance Needed for Commencement | |
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Preparations are well underway to celebrate LaGuardia’s 52nd graduating class at Commencement, taking place June 21 on the Quad at Queens College. Celebrating the hard work and achievements of our students takes a large team. Sign up to work on site at Queens College on Commencement Day. Help is needed with the student line up, ushering graduates and guests, check in, site set up, wheelchair assistance, and more. Faculty and staff are invited to attend Commencement and can RSVP here. Faculty wishing to march in the procession must wear academic regalia; rentals are available through Herff Jones, if needed. Orders may be placed online for shipment to your address or for pick-up on campus in June (the deadline for on-campus pick-up or home shipping is April 24). | |
LaGuardia Staff Invited April 10 to Have Lunch with President Adams | |
Kenneth Adams, President of LaGuardia Community College invites staff to participate in a chat n’ chew, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., April 10, in room E-501. The lunch will offer staff an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and ideas with President Adams. Staff members who are interested can sign up here. Space is limited. No formal agenda, no fancy food — just a chance to meet and catch up! | |
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For the past two years, LaGuardia Community College has used various names to identify the open street on 29th Street, such as "LaGuardia Community Greenway," "The Plaza," and "La Plaza." We need you to help us select a name which we will formally use across the college. The deadline to vote is April 17, 2024.
VOTE HERE.
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As a pilot program in 2022, organized by the President’s Society Environment Program, "the Greenway" was introduced as a pop-up space for outdoor activities and programming on 29th Street, stretching from Skillman Avenue to 47th Avenue. In 2023, the success of the pop-up "Greenway" inspired the LaGuardia community to partner with New York City’s Open Streets program to bring back "the Greenway" with a series of eight days filled with events and activities that reflect our community’s diversity, culture, and spirit. Learn more about the vision for the 29th street closure here. | |
1LaGuardia: Raise Your Voice, Respect Each Other | |
LaGuardia’s Office of Compliance and Diversity educates and develops a workforce that embraces cultural competence, intersectionality, and aids in ensuring compliance with Federal, State, City, and CUNY Policies on Sexual Misconduct and Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination. LaGuardia encourages a positive and welcoming environment free from harassment and discrimination of any kind. Learn about: | |
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Professional Headshots for Faculty and Staff | |
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LaGuardia’s Communications and External Affairs Division is hosting a series of “Photo Days” for faculty and staff who need to update their professional headshots! The Photo Days are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Room E-509. Book your timeslot here for one of the following dates:
- Wednesday, April 10
- Wednesday, May 15
- Wednesday, June 12
For more information contact Anastasia Figuera, photographer, Ext. 7471.
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LAGUARDIA AND WAGNER ARCHIVES | |
Archives Historian Stephen Petrus Receives Vincent Maltese Triangle Fire Memorial Medal | |
On March 25, the anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911, Archives historian Stephen Petrus was presented with the Vincent Maltese Triangle Fire Memorial Medal for his lifelong commitment to teaching about the tragedy and its aftermath. Petrus and his colleagues at the Archives use material from the New York State Senator Serphin Maltese Collection to inform students about the Triangle fire and the labor movement of the 1910s. These primary sources include newspaper clippings, photographs, and labor reports. Prior to his work at the Archives, Petrus focused on the Triangle fire in his New York City History course at Lehman College, and, as a Big Onion historical walking tour guide, he discussed the subject with visitors on walks through the Lower East Side, Chinatown, and Greenwich Village. The fire took the lives of 146 garment workers, mostly young immigrant women. Many were teenagers. "They had their entire lives ahead of them," Petrus reflected in his acceptance speech at Christ the King High School in Queens.
Pictured above: Archives historian Stephen Petrus in center, along with Triangle Fire Memorial Designer Uri Wegman, on the left, and, on the right, former State Senator Serphin Maltese, who lost his grandmother and two aunts at the Triangle fire.
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Author of Fiorello LaGuardia Biography to Speak in Little Theater | |
LaGuardia and Wagner Archives is pleased to co-sponsor an event highlighting the history, achievements, and personality of the college’s namesake – Fiorello LaGuardia, on Thursday, April 4, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, in the Little Theater. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to learn about Fiorello LaGuardia, “one of the twentieth century’s most colorful politicians,” and his relevance to us today. In the main part of the event, Archives historian Stephen Petrus will conduct a conversation with Terry Golway, author of the just-published book, I Never Did Like Politics: How Fiorello LaGuardia Became America’s Mayor and Why He Still Matters. Before the conversation, LaGuardia theater student Rafael de la Cruz will perform a brief dramatic monologue in the voice of Mayor LaGuardia. The event will close with a trivia contest about Mayor LaGuardia, with student winners receiving free signed copies of Golway's book. | |
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LAGUARDIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | |
LaGuardia to Host Day One of New York Forum of Amazigh Film on April 18 | |
The ninth edition of the New York Forum of Amazigh Film is slated to take place in person April 18–19 and virtually on May 17. This year, the theme of the forum is “Memory and Resilience,” and it will feature screenings of recent shorts as well as Moroccan filmmaker Izza Génini’s 1993 short films Vibrations in High Atlas and Nuptials in Middle Atlas. Génini will also be present for a Q&A session in the afternoon. The first day of the festival will take place at LaGuardia, with the second day taking place at Columbia University. To learn more about the films and RSVP, click here. | |
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Students looking for enrollment services support can now access virtual office hours every Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Virtual One Stop takes place on Zoom and allows students to drop in and meet with staff from the Admissions, International Student Services, Registrar, Student Financial Services, Student Information Center, Transfer Credit Evaluation and Testing offices. | |
The LaGuardia Student-Parent Initiative invites students who are parent to the upcoming Student-Parent Power Hour Workshop April 10, taking place on Zoom from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. In this virtual workshop, student-parents will learn about emotional health and its impact on their relationships with others. Two of LaGuardia's student-parents, Mary Hunt and Shakura Burden, will be sharing their personal journeys, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of balancing parenthood with academic life.
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Updates from LaGuardia’s Library | |
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- At our next MoneyBoss workshop, Professor Andrea Francis will present “A Student’s Guide to Credit,” on Thursday, April 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m., in the Poolside Cafe. Register here.
- Group Study Rooms are open! Students can reserve a room here.
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HUMAN RESOURCES AND PERSONNEL UPDATES | |
Free Professional Development Opportunities for You
The University Human Resources, Professional Development & Learning Office has free, upcoming professional development opportunities available to all employees. The first session will be held on Monday, April 8. Employees will receive a meeting invitation with the link to the workshops the day before the session begins. The NYC Commission on Human Rights (NYCCHR) is offering two online workshops:
- Working with Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Communities, Monday, April 8, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. This workshop aims to show how transgender New Yorkers face discrimination in all areas covered by the City Human Rights Law and they must be treated with dignity and respect. Covers protections under the City Human Rights Law, briefly addresses federal and state law and reviews in detail correct terminology when addressing the LBGTQI community.
- Human Rights Law and Age Discrimination in Employment, Wednesday, May 29, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. The workshop provides information about age discrimination and protections under the City Human Rights Law for all workers. Examples of age discrimination in employment are discussed, as well as best practices for employers.
For more information and to register, please go to the workshop registration form.
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Fastest and Best Way to Get Technology Help
Whenever you have any technology-related problems—whether it’s with apps like CUNYfirst, Outlook, or the Faculty & Staff Portal, etc. or with any network services or computer equipment — the fastest and best way to get help is to contact the IT HelpDesk by opening a ticket through the Faculty & Staff Portal, or by calling 718-482-6134.
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Protect Your Data! Take the CUNY Cybersecurity Awareness Training Course Today!
Given the rapidly increasing threats to our cybersecurity, CUNY is taking various actions to safeguard the security of our data. To that end, CUNY recently created a 40-minute Cybersecurity Awareness training course, designed specifically for faculty and staff. This course covers many cybersecurity risks, such as phishing attacks, spam, and hacked accounts, and best practices for safeguarding your data. You can view the course on Blackboard. All LaGuardia faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to take this course as soon as possible to protect their own and the University's data. If you have any questions regarding the training, please contact Maritza Acero.
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LAGUARDIA IN THE HEADLINES | |
"Campus Update" is produced and published by the Communications and External Affairs Division. Faculty and staff who wish to submit items for publication can email CampusUpdate@lagcc.cuny.edu. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Monday to be considered for publication on Wednesday. |
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