"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. | |
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A Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop and 40th Anniversary of Video Music Box
Earlier today, Campus Life hosted a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop and 40th anniversary of Video Music Box, one of the longest running video shows and one of the first to feature Hip Hop videos. Ralph McDaniels, a LaGuardia alum and Hip Hop trailblazer who co-founded and serves as co-host of Video Music Box, was a special guest. The event featured a screening of “You’re Watching Video Music Box” (directed by Nas), a Q&A about the film with McDaniels, a student cypher (rap battle), and a DJ showcase with LaGuardia Music Professor Will Fulton. The CUNY Hip Hop Council helped bring this event to LaGuardia.
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Students Learn about Peace and Justice from a Hiroshima Atomic Bombing Survivor
Earlier this afternoon, a packed audience heard from a special guest, Toshiyuki Mimaki, a survivor of the U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945 when he was three years old. Mr. Mimaki is co-chair of Nihon Hidankyo (The Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Suffers Organization). He was in New York this week with other atomic bombing survivors (known in Japanese as Hibakusha), attending a review of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons at the United Nations. His visit to LaGuardia was coordinated by Japanese language professor and College Discovery professor/counselor Dr. Kyoko Toyama, who moderated the event. The audience included students from Dr. Toyama’s Japanese language class and College Discovery Honors and Leadership seminar, a History class taught by Dr. Robin Kietlinski, a Political Science class taught by Dr. Nichole Shippen, a Human Services class taught by Dr. Maureen Doyle, and a Psychology class taught by Dr. Tomo Imamichi. Reporters from two Japanese media outlets, NHK Media (often called the BBC of Japan) and Kyodo News, that are working on stories about Mr. Mimaki’s advocacy for atomic bombing survivors, were also in attendance.
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Casa de las Américas Hosts Film Screening and Discussion
On November 29, Casa de las Américas hosts “Faith in Blackness: An Exploration of AfroLatiné Spirituality” film screening and discussion with film Director and Producers Charles Reynoso, Josué Perea, Michael A. Lopez Jr., and discussant Dr. Robert Rivera. “Faith in Blackness,” is a short-form documentary which highlights the lived experiences of AfroLatines of different faith traditions by sharing their stories and how their Blackness plays a role in their spirituality and vice-versa. The documentary showcases the individual lived experiences of AfroLatines and their engagement to their faith and spiritual traditions. The screening and discussion is scheduled from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in room E-111.
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LaGuardia Hosts Health Services Center World AIDS Day Commemoration and Health Fair
LaGuardia’s Annual Health Services Center World AIDS Day Commemoration and Health Fair was presented on November 29, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the E-Building Atrium. Students, faculty, and staff had the opportunity to learn about health organizations throughout New York City offering services aimed toward prevention, screening, and intervention. This year marks the 35th anniversary of World AIDS Day on December 1st. First observed in 1988, World AIDS Day was initiated by health ministers from around the world who called for a spirit of social tolerance and a greater awareness of HIV/AIDS on an international scale. The theme for 2023 is: “Let Communities Lead.” Click HERE to learn more about World AIDS Day.
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LaGuardia Opens Search for permanent Executive Director for Human Resources
With the conclusion of the interim period of the current Executive Director, LaGuardia has launched a search for a permanent Executive Director for Human Resources. Among other responsibilities, the Executive Director designs and manages programs to recruit and retain personnel, orients new hires, provides professional development, facilitates access to benefits for college personnel, and administers policies and procedures that ensure a supportive and inclusive environment. The job posting is available HERE. Please forward the posting to people you know that might be interested in applying.
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LaGuardia Community Invited to Closing Sessions December 6
President Kenneth Adams invites all faculty and staff to attend the Fall Closing Sessions on December 6 in the Little Theater (M-Building). Remarks will begin at 2:30 p.m. The Closing Sessions will also be livestreamed. Closing Sessions will be followed by the Holiday Reception and Faculty Auction in the E-Building Atrium.
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Faculty Council Auction and Plant Sale, December 6
The Faculty Council Auction and Plant Sale to raise money for student scholarships is scheduled for Wednesday, December 6 at 3:30 p.m. in the E-Building Atrium, as part of the President’s Holiday Reception. A limited number of poinsettias, wreaths, and flowering cactus plants will be available, and pre-ordered items will be available for pick up. LaGuardia’s student and faculty artists will also be auctioning off their work; the Faculty Council is also accepting any contributions of food items (e.g. baked goods) or gift cards/certificates to be auctioned off during the event. To make a contribution, please email Dr. Hara Bastas at hbastas@lagcc.cuny.edu.
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PSC-CUNY Cycle 55 Application Deadline is Friday, December 15, 2023
The Professional Staff Congress - City University of New York (PSC-CUNY) Research Award Program was established to encourage and support faculty research. Awards are distributed by the University Committee on Research Awards (UCRA), a faculty committee, and administered by RFCUNY. The PSC-CUNY Research Award Program supports academically relevant research across all disciplines. Proposals must include original research or creative activities by the principal investigator (PI). All applications are submitted through the Grants Proposal System. Please direct inquiries to Jessica Zeichner-Saca, Grants and Sponsored Programs, at jsaca@lagcc.cuny.edu.
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Vet Tech Club and LaGuardia CARES to Host Pet Pantry Drive December 4-6
The Vet Tech Club is excited to partner with LaGuardia CARES in hosting its first Pet Pantry Drive! Help the Vet Tech Center bring joy and paws-itivity this holiday season with your pet-friendly donations to help establish LaGuardia's first-ever animal food and supplies pantry. Stop by the C-Building lobby anytime from 10 to 12 p.m. between December 4 and 6 in the C-building lobby to drop off items like dry food (15 pounds maximum), canned food, collars, and more. View the complete list of things you can donate here.
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Business Office Update
The FY2024 Tax Levy October 31, 2023 Operating Budgets by department are available for viewing.
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LaGuardia Joins Van Hailin' Resource Fair at Queens Borough Hall
On November 17, 2023, LaGuardia staff members Luda Spajic and Nedelka Sotelo participated in the Van Hailin' Resource Fair at Queens Borough Hall. The fair was coordinated by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Van Hailin', the Taxi and Limousine Commission's Mobile Outreach Unit. The annual event brought together a number of governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and various TLC departments with the goal to share resources, provide services, support, and information to the public.
Pictured (from left to right): Nedelka Sotelo (LAGCC Office of Credit for Prior Learning), Dylan Cepeda (TLC Deputy Director of External Affairs), Audra Palacio (Assistant of TLC Commissioner), and Luda Spajic (LAGCC External Affairs).
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LaGuardia Alumna Shares Passion for Photography
New York-based photographer Chika Kobari visited LaGuardia Community College on November 29 to share her passion for photography. Chika, who is a Commercial Photography Program alumna from LaGuardia, was invited as part of our LaGuardia Alumni Artist Lecture Series and Portfolio Review, funded in part by the Title V Project Conexión grant from the US Department of Education. Born in Japan and raised in NYC, Chika’s career in the arts and commercial photography spans 15 years working with international publications and brands like The New York Times, Elle, Teen Vogue, Alexander Wang, and Calvin Klein. She is a passionate retoucher and owner of Cloak Studio, a post-production, retouching, and fine art printing service. Click here to learn more about Chika Kobari and her work.
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Faculty Invited to COACHE Focus Groups
The COACHE Committee would like to invite faculty to attend an upcoming focus group, dedicated to the survey.
- Pre-Tenured Faculty: Thursday, December 7 at 11 a.m. in E-501
- Tenured Faculty: Thursday, December 7 at 2:30 p.m. in E-501
If you are unable to attend but would like to participate, please email Rochell Isaac and the Committee will attempt to accommodate you (be sure to indicate your desired session).
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Volunteers Needed for BLM Summit Committee
Planning for the Black Lives Matter Summit 2024 is getting underway, the only thing the committee is missing is YOU! Volunteer to join this year’s committee to assist with planning and organizing the 9th Annual Black Lives Matter Summit, taking place in April 2024. Meetings are starting soon and will take place on Zoom; if you are interested in joining the committee or have questions, please email Rachel Romain (rcharles@lagcc.cuny.edu).
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ACE Career and Professional Programs Welcome Gregory Hernandez as Program Manager
Gregory Hernandez has joined Adult and Continuing Education’s Career and Professional Programs (CAPP) as the Program Manager for the new Film Production Grip Training Program. A video producer, entrepreneur and filmmaker based in the Bronx, Gregory has numerous film credits, including his feature length comedy and sci-fi web series called “Leaky Thoughts,” filmed throughout the five boroughs of New York City; a feature length documentary that he produced and directed called “1.5 Million” (currently in post-production), which centers around the literacy crisis in the Bronx; and an interview series called “Bronx Vignettes” that highlights activists and creatives in the Bronx. Gregory has co-founded Bronx Film 48 to help increase the number of filmmakers in the Bronx and started a creative video production company called Green Canvas Productions, which is now an LLC. He also founded a nonprofit organization called Bronx Independent Cinema Center that seeks to develop an independent movie theater/incubator in the Fordham area of the Bronx.
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Women’s Basketball
- Dec. 2, 12 p.m. at Ulster CC
- Dec. 5, 6 p.m. vs. Queensborough CC
- Dec. 7, 7 p.m.at Suffolk County CC
- Dec. 9, 12 p.m. vs. Kingsborough CC
- Dec. 12, 6 p.m. vs. Sullivan County CC
- Dec. 14, 6 p.m. vs. Bronx CC
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Men’s Basketball
- Dec. 2, 2 p.m. at Ulster CC
- Dec. 5, 8 p.m. vs. Queensborough CC
- Dec. 9, 2 p.m. vs. Kingsborough CC
- Dec. 12, 6 p.m. vs. Sullivan County CC
- Dec. 14, 8 p.m. vs. Bronx CC
- Dec. 19, 7 p.m. at Union County
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HUMAN RESOURCES AND PERSONNEL UPDATES | |
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Register for an Upcoming Professional Development and Learning Course
If you’re looking to take the next step in your journey toward professional development, the University Human Resources, Professional Development & Learning (PDL) Office has a series of courses to help you get started. This semester, the office is offering engaging and effective Department of Citywide Administrative Services courses, both online and in person. Course topics include managerial effectiveness, enhancing emotional intelligence, task delegation, and more.
For the full list of upcoming PDL sessions and their cost, visit the office’s Winter Course Offerings brochure. To register, please request approval from your supervisor before filling out the Course Registration Form.
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Last Two Days of Open Enrollment for Active Employees and Retirees: Nov. 29 – 30
If you’re looking to change health insurance plans, add a dependent, or drop a health insurance plan, now is the time to do so: Open enrollment lasts through November 30. This is the one time during the year when you can change your benefit elections and add or remove dependents for health, dental, and vision plans without a qualifying life event.
If you have any questions about open enrollment, please reach out to Bonnie Brown at bbrown@lagcc.cuny.edu or Bryan Parks at bparks@lagcc.cuny.edu.
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Missed Thanksgiving Week Paper Check Distribution? Pick Up Your Check By Fri., Dec. 1
If you missed the Payroll Office’s distribution of paper checks last week, you can pick up your check by this Friday, December 1, from 9 AM to 5 PM. No appointment is necessary. Paper checks not picked up will be returned to the City Monthly.
This distribution is for employees not enrolled in Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit paystubs are accessible to view and print by using NYCAPS ESS-Employee Self Service. If you need help or have any questions, please contact LaGuardia's Payroll Office at payroll@lagcc.cuny.edu.
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Cybersecurity Training
Given the rapidly increasing threats to our cybersecurity, the City University of New York 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 CUNY Faculty & Staff. This course covers various 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 active employees at LaGuardia Community College are strongly encouraged to take this course 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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Last Chance to Register for CUNY IT Conference November 30 – December 1
CUNY invites you to attend the 22nd annual CUNY IT Conference at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, November 30– December 1. This year’s enlightening and timely theme is "Us and IT. CUNY in the Age of Generative AI." Registration is free. Don't miss this chance to gain fresh perspectives and connect with colleagues regarding Generative Artificial Intelligence. If you need assistance registering or have any questions, please contact Jeremy Smith.
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"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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