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"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.

NEWS

Japan Entertainment Club Showcases the New Year’s Traditions of East Asia 


Earlier today in the Poolside Café, the Japan Entertainment Club held its annual New Year’s Celebration, showcasing the traditions and customs of East Asian countries for the college community. Hands-on activities representing Japan, China, and Korea were available for attendees: Japanese mochi-pounding, calligraphy, and origami; Korean New Year’s games; and information about China’s Lunar New Year and Lion Dance traditions. Sushi, lo mein and other Asian dishes were available for sampling. “LaGuardia has a large Asian student population. Twenty-four percent of our students identify as Asian, and LaGuardia is a U.S. Education Department-designated Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI),” said Dr. Tomonori Nagano, English and Language Acquisition professor and faculty mentor for the Japan Entertainment Club. “Appreciation for Japanese culture and the traditions of other Asian countries has been growing in recent years among people of all backgrounds,” said Club President Tafarei Knight, 21, who aspires to become a comic book writer, marrying his passions for creative writing (his major) and Japanese anime. “We were excited to showcase many of these traditions here today, and we appreciate all those who came and participated. 

LaGuardia President’s Society Alumni Share Tech Industry Insight With Students at Civic Hall 


On January 10, alumni from LaGuardia's President’s Society (PS) gathered at Civic Hall at Union Square to share their insight and expertise in the tech industry with LaGuardia students. The alumni panelists work in a range of companies including KPMG, American Express, and Accenture and provided helpful tips for success to the students. The panel discussion was coordinated by the LaGuardia Foundation, which invited PS alumni including Dan Rai, Cohort 08 (Spring‘17), who earned a master’s degree in Information Systems from Baruch, a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Baruch, and an associate degree in Accounting from LaGuardia; Katherine Sandoval, Cohort 02 (Fall ‘13-Spring ‘14) who earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Queens College and an associate degree in Computer Science from LaGuardia; Lu Liu, PS Tech-Cohort 1 (Spring ‘17) who earned a master's degree in Data Science from the Graduate Center CUNY, a bachelor's degree in Marketing Management from Baruch, an associate degree in Programming and Systems in 2017 and an associate degree in Business Administration from LaGuardia in 2012. The panel also included Natalia Harrow, PS Tech-Cohort 2 (Fall ’17), who earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from City College and an associate degree in Computer Science from LaGuardia; Priya Thapa, PS Tech - Cohort 3 (Spring ‘18), who earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Information Security from John Jay College and an associate degree in Computer Science from LaGuardia; Samad Sunny Ahmed, Cohort 11 (Fall ‘18), who earned a bachelor's degree in Information Risk Management and Cybersecurity from Baruch and an associate degree in Business Administration and Technology from LaGuardia; Unique Upreti, Cohort 12 (Spring ‘19), who earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Information ecurity from John Jay and an associate degree in Computer Science from LaGuardia; and Zakia Mahabub, Cohort 08 (Spring ’17), who earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from City College and an associate degree in Computer Science from LaGuardia. 

Public Safety Officer Jedidiah Harris Celebrates Earning Master’s Degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice


When LaGuardia Public Safety Officer Jedidiah Harris earned her master’s (with distinction) in security management from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice last month, she became a triple-CUNY graduate. She has an associate degree in early childhood education from Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), and a bachelor’s in English literature and Hebrew studies (double major) from Hunter College. Officer Harris’ security career began in 2007 when she left a teaching position for a job in security at family and men’s shelters with NYC’s Department of Homeless Services. She took to her new career right away. “I like helping people and protecting people and property. I realize I’ve been doing it my whole life,” said Officer Harris, who grew up in Brooklyn with eight siblings, including an identical twin sister. After joining LaGuardia in 2012, Officer Harris used her tuition benefit to begin working toward her master’s degree in 2016 by taking one class (3 credits) per semester as allowed. Now that she’s finished with the program, Officer Harris looks forward to reading and watching movies in her downtime. On the job, Officer Harris said she feels "prepared to deal with any situation that arises and confident to face whatever the future holds. LaGuardia is a family. It’s close-knit and social. We transfer this feeling to our students. That’s why so many don’t want to leave and come back often to visit.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Students Invited to Tryout to Become Rebel the Red Hawk, LaGuardia’s Mascot


LaGuardia students are invited to try out to become Rebel the Red Hawk, the college’s official mascot! Rebel, embodies our college’s core values and demonstrates school spirit and pride. Rebel’s role is to exemplify Red Hawk spirit by encouraging enthusiasm, athletic excitement, and LaGuardia pride, while representing the college at sporting, community, and college activities. Students who take on the role as Rebel will earn a stipend per appearance and demonstrate their abilities to entertain, interact with individuals and crowds, while exhibiting professionalism, following instructions, and participating with reliability in scheduled events.


Tryouts for the 2024-25 school year will be held in Room E-111

  • Thursday, January 18, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, January 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.


Students interested in trying out must fill out this form. For more information about the tryouts, please contact the Office of Communications and External Affairs at (718) 482-5583, or the Office of Student Affairs at (718) 482-5180.

CUNY Religious and Ethnic Calendar Provides Listing of Celebrations and Observances

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. The City University of New York (CUNY) Religious and Ethnic Holiday Calendar provides dates and brief descriptions of the holidays and religious observances. Some holidays are based on the lunar calendar—which can vary based on region and practice—and, therefore, vary from year to year. This website can assist in event planning and classroom activities.


Student Handbook Updates Now Available



The Division of Student Affairs recently updated the Student Handbook, which is available online. The handbook includes information about campus offices and services, as well as important policy information that students are encouraged to become familiar with. 

College Community Encouraged to Become Familiar with Policies and Governance


As LaGuardia begins a new year, all students, faculty and staff are reminded to become familiar with CUNY and LaGuardia Policies and Governance. to LaGuardia upholds high standards of institutional integrity that reflect our membership in the City University of New York system, our values, and our mission. Honesty, fairness, and equality form the foundation for our policies, rules, and governing bodies. 

Students, Faculty, and Staff Reminded to Present Campus I.D. Before Entering Campus 


A friendly reminder: All students, faculty, and staff must show their LaGuardia ID to Public Safety officers before entering the campus. All students, faculty, and staff are required to always have their digital or printed ID cards to gain access to open buildings, events, and educational programs. Visitors who do not have a college ID, will be asked to show some form of picture identification (state ID, IDNYC, Passport, etc.). For more information visit the Public Safety website. Let’s keep LaGuardia safe!

Budget Office Announcement 


The FY2024 Tax Levy November 30, 2023 Operating Budgets by department are available for viewing.

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Dionne Miller Selected for MSI Aspiring Leaders Program 


The Rutgers Center for Minority Serving Institutions (CMSI) recently announced its fourth cohort of MSI Aspiring Leaders. LaGuardia’s Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Dionne Miller was selected to participate in the program that consists of a two-day forum scheduled April 18 and 19.  


Funded by the Kresge Foundation and the ECMC Foundation, the forum will include sessions on topics like fundraising, mentoring strategies, trustee relationship management, crisis management and communication. Aspiring Leaders will also participate in a one and a half-year mentoring program that connects prominent Minority Serving Institution (MSI) presidential leaders with mid-career aspiring leaders to prepare the next generation of MSI presidents. Click here to learn about the selected Aspiring Leaders. 

Academic Calendar Update


Several changes were recently made to LaGuardia’s Academic Calendar. The updated calendar is available online and for download. Please note the following changes:


  • Spring 2024 New Student Orientation changed to 2/27/2024
  • Spring 2024 Opening Session changed to 2/28/2024
  • Deadline for NC Grade in Spring 2024 Session I changed to 6/30/2024
  • Deadline for NC Grade in Spring 2024 Session II changed to 8/27/2024

ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

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Virtual Office Hours Return After Holiday Break 


Students looking to speak with an advisor about enrollment services can now access virtual office hours every Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Virtual One Stop takes place on Zoom and allows students to drop in and meet with advisors in the Admissions, International Student Services, Registrar, Student Financial Services and Testing offices.  

STUDENT AFFAIRS

New Year, New Location!



LaGuardia CARES is excited to announce our relocation to C-235, where we'll continue to provide the food pantry and support services. Our hours of operation are Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We are also now accepting tax preparation appointments, ensuring you're on track for a stress-free tax season. Plus, fresh produce and Free Lunch is back and will be available every week. For more details or to schedule a tax preparation appointment, drop by our office in C-235, or reach out via email at laguardiacares@lagcc.cuny.edu. Here's to a new year filled with positive changes and continued student support!

RED HAWK ATHLETICS

Cheer for the LaGuardia Red Hawks Women’s and Men’s Basketball 


The mighty Red Hawks invite students, faculty and staff to support them during the following upcoming games. Show your school spirit and support the Red Hawks. Check the Athletics website for full schedules: 

Women’s Basketball 


  • Jan. 20, 12 p.m. vs. Monroe CC
  • Jan. 23, 5 p.m. at BMCC
  • Jan. 25, 5:30 p.m. at Queensborough CC
  • Jan. 27, 1 p.m. at Ulster CC
  • Jan. 30, 6 p.m. vs. Suffolk CC

Men’s Basketball  


  • Jan. 18, 6 p.m. vs. Westchester CC
  • Jan. 20, 2 p.m. vs. Monroe CC
  • Jan. 23, 7 p.m. at BMCC
  • Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m. at Queensborough CC
  • Jan. 30, 8 p.m. vs. Suffolk CC

LIBRARY NEWS

Updates from LaGuardia’s Library 


  • The Library will be closed on Sundays through Fall II. Sunday hours will resume with the Spring I semester Please check our Library Hours before making the trip. 
  • Our Media Lab is open! Come to the second floor to use our computers, print, log into your online class, etc.
  • We have financial literacy resources available for you! Make sure to check out the MoneyBoss website and the FinLit for Life zero-cost textbook
  • The 43rd Annual Library Research Review Competition is open to all students who have research papers with a grade of A. Find out how you can win an award here.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

New Microsoft Teams is Faster and Simpler! Switch Today!



When opening Microsoft Teams, you may have already noticed the option to switch to the new Microsoft Teams client version that Microsoft began introducing this month. The new Teams version will be required for use by all users beginning after March 31. We strongly suggest you change to the new version as soon as possible. The new Teams provides a faster, simpler, and more flexible experience. It installs and loads faster so you can launch the app and join meetings more quickly, resulting in a more efficient use of your time and your device’s resources. 


The switch to the new Teams is also seamless. None of your saved files or information changes. All your Teams, chats, calendar, files, etc., will remain the same, nothing is lost. The look will be new, but not significantly different from the previous version. For more information on what’s changing, visit Features that are changing in the new Microsoft Teams. If you have any issues with Teams, visit Microsoft Teams Troubleshooting. If you like, there is an option to switch back temporarily to the old version until March 31. See the following instructions

LAGUARDIA IN THE HEADLINES

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS: At an event at LaGuardia on December 11, NYC Mayor Eric Adams announced a $600+ million initiative to build new pathways for the city’s young people to discover their passion, receive hands-on career experience, and, ultimately, enter the workforce. 


JACKSON HEIGHTS POST: LaGuardia is the home of one of five Queens Tech Incubators, helping home-grown tech startups to thrive. 

EVENTS

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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.