Friday, March 3, 2023 | Vol. 6, No. 7

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

We are moving forward in steady and sure ways to improve outcomes for our students. The good news this past week is that retention of students from Fall 2022 to Spring 2023 is up 8.3%, higher than every prior year, including 2017. Our enrollments are up 7.3% or so; final numbers to be set later on in the semester. Great to hear, as we are encouraged to redouble our efforts to retain even higher numbers and to work with our students and learn from them about the support they need to continue a journey that is about social justice and bright futures.

In this week’s Semanario, you will read in the Bravo News about the success of our women’s basketball team, for the sixth year in a row. Bravi! You will also read a shout-out to our public safety officers for defusing recently what could have been a potentially difficult situation. 

I wish you continued joy, hope and satisfaction in this semester’s journey of teaching and learning, advising and guidance of our deserving students.

Mil gracias y bendiciones,

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President



A POEM TO WELCOME WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

MESSAGE FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT LEAGHTON N. OZORIA

Martin Luther King, Jr., a spiritualist, became an innovative world leader as he shared his beliefs with multitudes, just like Jesus. He had a power that made him eternal. Dr. King’s original first name, Michael, translates as Son of God, which is not a surprise. Today, his dream accompanies us, and although he’s no longer with us in the flesh, his words have resurrected his spirit continuously for the commemoration of Black lives.

Each year we follow the template of his words for Black History Month, which we celebrated at Hostos all of February. The Black race is no longer out of sight. Let us not forget love and peace can be infinite between Black people and other races. That is the new America that a month like February makes us think about: we can work with each other, love each other, and dream with each other. There is love for all as long as we validate each other and come together. Congratulations to Black America and everyone for a month that we continue to celebrate all year. Dr. King’s dream can definitely be our future.



CAIMAN CLUES

Weekly Tips & Reminders to Navigate Life at Hostos

Hello Students, 

There is plenty going on this week! Learn how to manage stress, connect with resources to help you with your career goals, and expand your research and technological skills. Keep the dates below in mind to make sure you are using all the tools available to succeed here at Hostos. 

CSTEP Proyecto Access: Research, mentoring, and conference attendance opportunities for STEM college students who are enrolled full-time with a GPA of 2.7 and above. Additional benefits include a semester stipend, research workshops and a faculty mentor. Apply here. 

HOPE Program: Are you looking to take classes during the summer and seeking a high-quality academic summer program for your child or children? This program provides an on-campus college experience with wraparound support. Check out our program requirements, click “Apply Now!,”and complete your application today. The priority deadline is March 1 and the final one is on March 15.  

Student Technology Workshops: The Educational Technology Office offers technology workshops for students. You can check out the weekly calendar and register here. Additionally, they offer self-paced online trainings on Blackboard: the “Are You Ready?” virtual class, which takes 30 minutes to complete, and Microsoft Office trainings. Each application offers information, videos, and quizzes that need to be completed to see additional topics. Click on this link to enroll, then follow the directions provided.   

Save the Date! Majors Fair on March 8 and March 9: Speak with faculty members and academic advisors to learn more about academic and career options at Hostos and successfully navigate your majors to make informed career choices. On-campus date: March 8, 2023, 1 - 3 p.m. Virtual date: March 9, 2023 from 5 - 7 p.m. 



MS. MACKENZIE SCOTT’S GIFT: PRESIDENT’S INITIATIVES

Submitted by Sofia Oviedo, Ph.D., Research Programs Director

Dear Students and Colleagues,

As we look toward the successful completion of the 2022-2023 academic year at Hostos Community College, I am pleased to announce that the Office of the President is hosting two student recognition events this spring with the support of the Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives. Each special event will honor up to 15 students that have demonstrated persistence and resiliency in achieving their academic goals while overcoming significant challenges.

On behalf of President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D., I am delighted to extend a cordial invitation to all Hostos faculty and staff members to nominate one or more students to be honored at one of the following events:

1) President’s Recognition Tea in Honor of Women’s History Month - March 21

2) President’s Recognition Barbeque in Honor of Student Resiliency - April 4

Nominations are welcome for all students for each event regardless of gender. Nominees must be enrolled as a student for the Spring 2023 semester and have earned 12 or more credits at Hostos with a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be considered. Selected students and nominating faculty/staff members will have the opportunity to attend one of the scheduled celebratory events and receive special recognition from President Cocco De Filippis. Each selected student will receive a certificate, book, and a $500 stipend.

For faculty and staff, this is a wonderful opportunity for you to nominate a student you know has made major strides in advancing their education at Hostos while facing major challenges that could have deterred them from moving forward. We want to honor students whose strength of character and determination is propelling them to greater heights in their academic journey.

To nominate a student, please complete the form here.

The deadline for student nominations for participation in the President’s Recognition Tea is March 9, and the deadline for participation in the President’s Recognition Barbeque is March 17. For additional information, please contact me at soviedo@hostos.cuny.edu or 718-518-4309.

Recurring Announcement

The Families United in Education Program (FUiE) is inviting all family members that are currently enrolled at Hostos to join our spring semester cohort. FUiE is designed to support and encourage family members, including siblings, cousins, spouses/legal partners, and parent/adult child, who are enrolled in degree programs to make satisfactory progress toward degree completion. The program offers monthly mentoring, educational workshops, access to social support, and cultural engagement experiences. If you are interested in applying or learning more about this program, please contact Ms. Christeen Francis, in the Health and Wellness Office, at chfrancis@hostos.cuny.edu.

Deadline to apply for spring enrollment in Families United in Education is March 31, 2023.

For more information about the Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives, please email or call Sofia Oviedo at soviedo@hostos.cuny.edu | Tel: 718-518-4309.



OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT (OIERA)

Submitted by Dean Babette Audant, Ph.D.

Equitable Support for CUNY Advances Equity for Underrepresented Minorities



Governor Kathy Hochul released her 2024 Fiscal Year (FY) budget that allocates $7.5 billion to SUNY and CUNY; the modest increases are not sufficient given rising operational costs. Funding for CUNY’s community colleges is in part (20%) dependent on sustained and increased enrollments. Funding overall includes “regularized” tuition increases. Adding to the higher education austerity in a state that boasts a budget surplus, Mayor Eric Adams implemented a 3% cut to FY 2023 support to CUNY and another 4.5% in FYs 2024 and 2025. 

The Chancellor, college presidents, and other CUNY representatives are advocating for more support from NYS. The argument is based on the numbers:

New York City is the economic engine of New York State, providing ~40% of all state tax revenue. With Long Island and Westchester, the “downstate” region produces between 66% and 82% of NYS revenue. 

More critical still, support for CUNY students is support for underrepresented minorities who propel that economic engine that is NYC. CUNY and its individual colleges help students achieve socio-economic mobility.



A quick side-by-side to illustrate who we serve at CUNY – metrics reflected at Hostos:

This is a moment for informed, intentional indignation. Fiscal austerity and fiscal uncertainty — what with these conditions placed upon us by NYS — are inequitable and racist proposals that will hurt those most vulnerable from achieving their potential. It is a short-sighted decision that will ultimately hurt NYC’s capacity to continue producing the tax revenues on which the state depends. It is a step backward at a time when stepping up is the right thing to do.



POLICY OF THE WEEK

Highlighting CUNY Policies You Should Know

Submitted by Executive Counsel and Labor Designee Eugene Sohn, Esq.

CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy

It is the policy of the University that all of its activities shall be conducted in accordance with the highest standards of integrity and ethics and in a manner that will not reflect or appear to reflect adversely on the credibility, objectivity, or fairness of the University, its leadership, faculty or staff. Every individual to whom this Policy is applicable (each, a “Covered Individual”) must maintain the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Furthermore, each Covered Individual must refrain from any use whatsoever of his or her position at the University, or the information, privileges, or influence such position may provide, when such use is motivated by, or gives the appearance that it is motivated by the desire for private gain or advantage for the Covered Individual, or for other persons, institutions, or corporations with which he or she has family, professional, business, or financial connections.

Read the entire policy here.



NEWS FROM THE DIVISIONS

OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (OAA)

Students are persisting!

Spring 2023 is off to a wonderful start. The enrollment numbers are strong, with significant gains in overall enrollment and the number of FTEs (Full Time Equivalency) enrolled at Hostos: more students are enrolled and students are attempting more credits than they did in Spring 2021 and 2022.

Another very positive indicator is the Fall-to-Spring (aka one-semester) retention of Fall 2022 first-time, full-time freshmen (FTFTF). Thanks to herculean, coordinated, targeted efforts by SDEM and OAA coaches, advisors, staff, and faculty, Fall 2022 FTFTF have been retained at a rate of 78.6%, which is higher than it has been the past two years, and is higher even than pre-pandemic numbers. We can do this!

*Data are preliminary (courtesy of Hostos OIERA)

Honors Convocation Ceremony

Honors Convocation is a special recognition ceremony of student academic achievement. With the exception of ceremonies held virtually during the pandemic, the in-person ceremony is hosted by OAA in the Main Hostos Theater. This year’s ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, May 24. The valedictorian, salutatorian, and student honorees receiving scholastic achievement, departmental, and/or special awards will be recognized and celebrated with college leadership, faculty, and staff. 

Planning for the ceremony is being led by a cross-divisional committee and relies on support from the President’s Office, Administration and Finance, Public Safety, Theater, and the unwavering dedication of the Senate Scholarship and Awards Committee co-chaired by Professors Ronette Shaw and Rodney Blair, as well as from other faculty and staff. Currently, award information is being identified by departments and programs across the campus, and planning is underway. Invitations to student honorees will be distributed in early May. All faculty and staff are encouraged to join in the celebration. A reservation system will be opening soon.



STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM)

Submitted by VP La Toro Yates, Ph.D.

Admissions

The week of February 13, 2023, was the kick-off week of our spring recruitment cycle. As our Recruitment Calendar continues to grow, we have already solidified 60 activities for the spring semester.

Additionally, the Office of Admissions and Recruitment is collaborating with the Office of the Bronx Borough President to participate in the 2023 Educational College Fair on Saturday, March 11, at Lehman College. We have confirmed support to participate from the Office of Financial Aid, ASAP, College Discovery, and CEWD. 

We will update you soon about these initiatives.

Scholarships

Great news! Hostos Internal Scholarships are open. To learn more about them and eligibility, log in to the Hostos Scholarship website here. Currently, there are approximately 24 open scholarships. Most of them have a deadline between April 15 through May 27.

Student Success Coaching Unit (SSCU)

Student Success Coaches are creating degree plans for all continuing students. Students will receive notifications about their completed degree plans and meet with their Success Coach to finalize course selection. Expected dates of degree plan completion at 50% will be Tuesday, March 7, and 100% completion by April 4 in time for Fall 2023 enrollment.

Office of Transfer Services

Transfer Talks

Join us and get help with your CUNY Transfer Applications

• Every Tuesday in C-512, from 12 - 1 p.m.

Walk-In Wednesdays

Come in and meet with a member of the Transfer Services Staff and get answers to your questions

• Every Wednesday in D-101-A, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Thursday Transfer Tabling

Come and ask your Transfer questions

• Every Thursday in the A-Atrium, from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Additional Events

Mark your calendars for the following events (some locations, times, and links pending):

• March 7: Transfer Explorer (T-REX) Workshop – Learn how your credits transfer to other CUNY schools. 
• March 9: Meet with Peer Mentors and schedule an appointment in the A-Atrium from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
• March 14: HBCU Transfer Summit, 1 - 3 p.m. All interested in participating, please register here. 
• March 16: SUNY Farmingdale Admissions Counselors in the A-Atrium, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
• March 21: Understanding Pathways: What is the difference between AA, AS, and AAS degrees in the transfer process. Details coming soon. 
• March 23: Fordham University in the A-Atrium from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
• March 28: Fill Out your CUNY Application. Please note that although the priority deadline was February 1, IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO COMPLETE IT!
• March 30: Meet a CUNY 4-Year Admissions Counselor! We will host a CUNY Transfer Fair in the A-Atrium from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. The following schools have been confirmed: City College, John Jay, Baruch, Hunter, CSI, York, School of Professional Studies, Lehman, Queens College, and Brooklyn College!

Health & Wellness Center Updates

One Stop Program 

The Petrie Foundation Student Emergency Grant application was launched by email to all Hostos students on Friday, February 10, and the One Stop Program received 133 students' applications. The application review started on Tuesday, February 21.

Hostos Office of Veterans Affairs (HOVA)

HOVA representatives attended the NYS Black, Puerto Rican and Asian Legislative Caucus, which took place on Saturday, February 18. The Hostos students who participated met with NYC Mayor Eric Adams, NY Attorney General Latisha James, and several state representatives. 

The Veterans Administration is collaborating with HOVA to bring a powerful presentation to the College, on April 13, from 3 - 5:30 p.m. Hostos will be hosting a screening of the Borinqueneers documentary, the first major documentary to chronicle the never-before-told story of the Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment, the only all-Hispanic unit in the history of the U.S. Army. HOVA is working with the American Legion to bring in the actual members of this prestigious military unit to the viewing. Location: TBD.



POEMS TO INSPIRE OUR COMMUNITY

Submitted by VP La Toro Yates, Ph.D.

Life

By Paul Laurence Dunbar

A crust of bread and a corner to sleep in,

A minute to smile and an hour to weep in,

A pint of joy to a peck of trouble,

And never a laugh but the moans come double;

And that is life!

A crust and a corner that love makes precious,

With a smile to warm and the tears to refresh us;

And joy seems sweeter when cares come after,

And a moan is the finest of foils for laughter;

And that is life!



ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM)

Thank You and Good Luck to Ms. Elizabeth Friedman, Director of Campus Planning & Development!

As of today, March 3, Hostos will have lost yet another long-standing staff member to the enticing embrace of retirement.

Elizabeth Friedman, Director of Campus Planning & Development, has been a critical member of the Administration & Finance division for over 9 years overseeing the College’s capital and space planning projects. Her work has had her interacting with myriad offices and individuals, from CUNY’s Office of Facilities Planning and Construction Management (FCPM), NY State Dormitory Authority (DASNY), and vendors-to-college point persons. Prior to Hostos, Ms. Friedman worked in CUNY FCPM for fifteen years, mostly in capital project development. She worked with and was an advocate for CUNY campuses while in FCPM. She worked with Hostos and, more specifically, Associate Dean for Campus Planning & Operations Steve Delgado on the College’s Master Plan. When Steve Delgado retired, Sr. Vice President Rodríguez-Chardavoyne asked if Ms. Friedman would consider joining the college as Delgado’s replacement. Given her experience with CUNY and the campuses, she was a great fit. She seamlessly took on developing the College’s campus-wide capital budget and capital request proposals, securing funding for various building/facilities projects, liaising with CUNY FCPM, DASNY, and other agencies, etc. In addition to her position’s responsibilities, she has secured another type of legacy — as a fantastic baker. She has generously outfitted the office with cookies and cakes throughout her years at Hostos and that talent will be greatly missed.

As for what she looks forward to doing after she leaves Hostos, she couldn’t cite anything specific, like a vacation or a project. “I have no other plans other than rest and relaxation, … and reading,” she said. That sounds like a very good plan.

Today is Ms. Friedman’s last day with the College, so please join Administration & Finance in thanking her for her years of service and wishing her all the best in her retirement.



CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD)

CEWD’s Hostos55 Bingo Trivia



To celebrate Hostos’ 55th Anniversary, the Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) invites you to join us for a fun afternoon of bingo and games, including a Hostos trivia. The event will take place on Wednesday, March 8, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Savoy Multipurpose Room, D-Building/Savoy Manor Building, at 120 East 149th Street. Refreshments will be served and prizes will be awarded!

Spring 2023 Catalog Now Available

The Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development’s (CEWD) Spring 2023 catalog is now available online. To view our online catalog, please click here.

Virtual Information Sessions

To learn more about CEWD’s Spring 2023 program offerings, please attend one of the following upcoming Virtual Information Sessions:

• Wednesday, March 8 at 6 p.m.
• Saturday, March 18 at 11 a.m.
• Wednesday, March 22 at 6 p.m.

To register for a Virtual Information Session, go here.



INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

The Alumni Fund for Student Transfer Scholarships

The Office of Alumni Relations is pleased to announce the Hostos Alumni Fund for Student Transfer Scholarships. The intended fund gives alumni a way to honor the impact of their Hostos degree by providing empowering support to current students who want to further their academic careers at a four-year institution. If you’re an alum, consider making a gift toward the Hostos Alumni Fund for Student Transfer Scholarships using this link.

Save the Date for the Hostos 55th Anniversary Gala

The Hostos Community College Foundation will host the College’s 55th Anniversary Gala on Wednesday, April 26 at the Surf Club on the Sound in New Rochelle.

For further details or to secure tickets and sponsorships, please visit the website: www.HostosBenefit.com.



BRAVO NEWS

Celebrating the Accomplishments of the Hostos Community

A Heartfelt “Thank You” to Our Public Safety Heroes

Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis would like to recognize our Public Safety Division, who quickly responded to an incident at the B-Building on February 21. A Hostos non-affiliate, Mr. Mardoche Die, attacked one of our officers. PO DeJesus and sergeants Rodríguez and Pinzón tackled the situation. The perpetrator was taken to Lincoln Hospital due to mental distress prior to transferring to the 40th Precinct for processing. Thank you to Public Safety for always keeping our community safe! We deeply value your dedication to our family. 

Congratulations to our Basketball Caimans!

President Cocco De Filippis would also like to congratulate our Caimans, who defeated the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) Panthers two weeks ago to secure the CUNY Athletic Conference (CUNYAC)/Healthfirst Community College Women’s Basketball Championship for the sixth consecutive year! The win tied them with BMCC (1998-2003) for the most consecutive titles in league history. We couldn’t feel any prouder! 



HOSTOS FOR EVERYONE

Free Services for the Community

Hostos Offers Free Preventive Dental Hygiene Services to the Public

For more information and scheduling, call 718-319-7943.



The appointment schedule is as follows: 

Mondays: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 - 6 p.m.

Wednesdays: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 2:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Fridays: 9 a.m.. - 1 p.m. and 2 - 6 p.m.

Location: Hostos Dental Hygiene Patient Care Facility

500 Grand Concourse, Bronx NY 10451

B-Building 

The Dental Hygiene Patient Care Facility at Hostos Community College is a teaching unit that provides high-quality dental care, primarily cleanings and dental x-rays to the community, while adhering to the most current sterilization techniques. Several appointments will be needed and each may last three hours at a time.



Note: The clinic does not provide restorative dental work such as fillings, implants, etc.



EVENTS

Title: School of American Ballet (SAB) – The Beauty of Ballet

Date | Time: Sunday, March 5 | 2 p.m.

Location: Repertory Theatre

Description: This FREE program is led by SAB faculty member Katrina Killian and features advanced SAB students. Audiences are offered a sneak-peek on how students train to become professional dancers. The program includes excerpts from famous ballets, including “The Nutcracker,” “Swan Lake” and “The Sleeping Beauty,”  performed in costume to live music. This wonderful introduction to the art of ballet is recommended for young children and families. Free admission. Register here. 

Title: Liberation Arts Collective – Video Mixtape Vol. 1, Art of the Possible

Date | Time: Wednesday, March 8 | 7 p.m.

Location: Repertory Theater

Description: Liberation Arts Collective, headed by the wife-and-husband dynamic duo of Arlene Chico-Lugo and Eric Aviles, brings us an assortment of filmed comedy sketches that will make you laugh, cry, and yell out for JUSTICE!! Their work reflects on the pandemic, injustice, creating art as a couple, sustainable love & joy, and even an imaginary boxing match between the USA and Puerto Rico! They will be present and will hold a Q&A and talkback following the film’s screening. Free admission. Register here.

Title: Tek Weh Yuhself

Dates | Times: Friday, March 10 | 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 11 | 7 p.m.

Location: Main Theater

Description: The world premiere of this romantic comedy, written by Devon Morgan and produced by Having Purpose Entertainment, will be presented at the Hostos Main Theater. This performance is made possible by the Family Empowerment Program, Family Empowerment Club, the Hostos Office of Alumni Relations, and a grant from Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives. Get tickets here. Discounted price options are available for students and alumni. 

Title: Strategic Plan Open Forum for Students

Date | Time: Tuesday, March 28 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: C-391

Title: Strategic Plan Open Forum for Faculty/Staff

Date | Time: Tuesday, March 28 | 3 - 5 p.m.

Location: Savoy Multi-Purpose Room

Title: Virtual Strategic Plan Open Forum for All

Date | Time: Thursday, March 30 | 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Location: Zoom (link coming soon)

Title: “Black Resistance in the Workplace” featuring Chris Smalls

Date | Time: Tuesday, April 25 | 3:30 p.m.

Location: C-391

Title: 2023 Hostos Community College Foundation 55th Anniversary Gala

Date | Time: Wednesday, April 26, 2023 (Time: TBD)

Location: Surf Club on the Sound in New Rochelle  

Title: “The Racialized Politics of Education in 2023” featuring CUNY Senior Vice Chancellor for Institutional Affairs, Strategic Advancement and Special Counsel Glenda Grace

Date | Time: Monday, May 8 | 11 a.m.

Location: SMPR



ABOUT EL SEMANARIO HOSTOSIANO / THE HOSTOS WEEKLY



El Semanario Hostosiano / The Hostos Weekly is a weekly communication vehicle designed to unite our multiple voices as we share news about members of the Hostos family, provide updates on our work and upcoming events, and disseminate policy that impacts our work.

Published on Fridays at 9 a.m.

For inclusion in The Hostos Weekly, please send your items to:

publicrelations@hostos.cuny.edu at least two weeks ahead of publication.

Please keep submissions to no more than two paragraphs of written content and note,

we are unable to add attachments to our publication.

Find the Spring 2023 Publishing Schedule for El Semanario Hostosiano here.

Past issues of El Semanario Hostosiano / The Hostos Weekly can be found here.

Look for The Hostos Weekly each Friday.