"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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Opening Sessions Sets the Stage for the Spring 2024 Semester
With classes for the Spring 2024 semester beginning in just two days, faculty and staff gathered this morning in the Little Theater or logged into YouTube for Opening Sessions. President Kenneth Adams, LaGuardia’s Vice Presidents, and Chief of Staff Nayelli Valencia Turrent reviewed recent achievements, challenges, and priorities for the college. Highlights included enrollment trending up 14% relative to last year, which is outpacing other CUNY community colleges and having a positive impact on the college’s revenue and deficit projections. New grants are expanding the college’s ability to help students facing housing insecurity, and plans are underway to make 29th Street a permanent pedestrian plaza. President Adams reported that work on a new five-year strategic plan is underway, under the facilitation of Kimberly Wright, a student support specialist with the ACE Data Analytics Program who has an extensive background in strategic planning. Priorities for the 2024–2029 plan will include addressing disparities in student success and applying learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic to planning for potential periods of instability. Video of Opening Sessions can be watched on the college’s YouTube channel. Questions not answered live will be addressed in an email that will be sent out in the coming days.
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New Students Kick off Spring Semester at Orientation
More than 600 incoming students attended this semester's New Student Orientation on February 27. Just a few days before classes ramp up, these new students came together to learn a bit more about what to expect during their time here at LaGuardia and get acquainted with their new peers. Be sure to welcome any new faces you see around campus this semester!
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Casa de las Américas Welcomes Student Ambassadors
Casa de las Américas is happy to welcome its new cohort of Student Ambassadors: Ailec Tapia Susana, Accounting major; Britney Ayala, Liberal Arts: Math and Science STEM major; Dona Desire, Paralegal Studies major; Carolina Lenes Areola, Business Administration major; Hermione Piedra, Biology major (not pictured); Kevin Villa, Psychology major; and Melissa Ortega Benavides, Liberal Arts: Math & Science STEM major. La Casa staff members Dr. Sonia Alejandra Rodriguez, co-director, English; Dr. Ingrid Veras, co-director, Natural Sciences; and Stefania Gonzalez, office manager say the Student Ambassadors will be participating in a variety of projects throughout the semester including community service, arts projects, and cultural events. La Casa will be hosting its Spring 2024 Open House Wednesday, March 6, from 2 to 4 p.m., in Room M-141. The campus community is invited.
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LaGuardia's Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Celebration Committee Honored During Lunar New Year Celebration
On February 24, LaGuardia's Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Celebration Committee was honored by Assembly Member Steven Raga during his Lunar New Year Celebration at Elmhurst Library. The festive event included performances by Chinese singers, traditional Korean Senior Dancers and many others. The Committee was recognized for its work in promoting understanding, awareness, and appreciation of Asian and Asian American cultures, histories and contributions and bringing together students, faculty and the wider community to celebrate thee diverse and dynamic contributions of Asian and Asian American groups. AAPI Celebration Committee members Professor Tao Chen (Mathematics Professor & Chinese Club Advisor) and Claudia Chan (Deputy Director of External Affairs) attended the event. Professor Chen accepted the award on behalf of the committee and shared some of the exciting AAPI programming and activities on campus. Learn more about LaGuardia's Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Celebration.
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LaGuardia Community College Celebrates Women’s History Month with “HERStory in the Making”
LaGuardia Community College will celebrate Women’s History Month in March with “HERStory in the Making,” a series of events highlighting the historical and continued contributions and achievements of women, and all those who fight for women’s rights. Programming focuses on the doers and changemakers at the forefront of political, artistic, and educational advancement. The series is spearheaded by LaGuardia’s 2024 Women’s History Month Committee, which is co-chaired by Dr. Alexis McLean, Vice President of Student Affairs, Deema Bayrakdar, Director of the Women’s Center, and Dr. Cory Rowe, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice. The month-long program is presented in collaboration with Casa de las Américas, Campus Life, Health Services Center, the Women’s Center, and academic departments at LaGuardia. Events kick off on Friday, March 8. Learn more and add events to your calendar here.
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Submissions Sought for “HERStory in the Making: Showcase”
Students, faculty, and staff are invited to submit written pieces or artwork that reflect women who inspire them, or that share their own stories or journeys, for “HERStory in the Making: Showcase,” part of the 2024 Women’s History Month Celebration. The works will be displayed in the M-Building lobby display cases. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 8. Photos, stories, and digital art should be submitted through Canva or MS Forms. Non-digital artwork should be submitted in-person at Casa de las Américas in M-141. Works will be unveiled at a reception planned for 2–4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13 in the M–Building lobby. For more information, contact Dr. Ingrid Veras.
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Register to Read Your Favorite Short Work or Expert at the Women’s Literary Salon, Via Zoom or In-Person
Members of the LaGuardia community are invited to submit short works or experts from your favorite female authors, or their own original work, in any genre, at a Women’s Literary Salon in honor of Women’s History Month. Two sessions will be held. A virtual session is scheduled for 11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 14. An in-person event is planned for 1–3 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 in the E-Building Poolside Café. Register for these events here. For more information, contact Nathan Tosh.
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Join LaGuardia and the CUNY LGBTQIA+ Consortium at the St. Pat’s for All Parade
Please come represent LaGuardia as we march in the St. Pat's for All Parade alongside the CUNY LGBTQIA+ Consortium. The parade begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 3 in nearby Sunnyside, Queens. St. Pat's for All was founded by LGBT rights activist Brendan Fay as an inclusive alternative to St. Patrick’s Day parades in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, which formerly banned gay Irish groups from marching. CUNY is proud to march with LGBTQIA+ organizations and others at the first St. Pat's Parade in NYC that includes all communities. Learn more and RSVP here.
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CEA Offers Professional Headshots for Faculty and Staff
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, March 13
- Wednesday, April 10
- Wednesday, May 15
- Wednesday, June 12
For more information contact Anastasia Figuera, photographer, Ext. 7471.
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LaGuardia CARES Clothing Drive Continues
Earlier this week, LaGuardia kicked off a clothing drive to benefit asylum seekers and migrants that have recently arrived in New York City. Inspired by the CUNY Women’s Conference Leadership theme, CUNY Women Leading and Mobilizing Our Communities, a community day of service will be observed at all CUNY campuses on March 18. LaGuardia's clothing drive will culminate on that day, when all of the donations are delivered to individuals in need. New and gently used clothing items in all sizes can be dropped off at LaGuardia CARES in C-316, Monday though Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Rebel’s Resources Available for Students, Faculty and Staff
The LaGuardia website includes the Rebel’s Resources webpage, a central location to find offices, departments, and units across the college. The RR page offers listings with direct hyperlinks by categories including: Academic Departments, Programs and Support; Registration, Tuition and Financial Resources; Student Engagement, Services and Programs; and Other Programs, Resources, and Policies. The RR page is a shortcut for finding resources quickly.
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From the Budget Office
The FY2024 Tax Levy January 31, 2024 Operating Budgets by department are available for viewing.
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LaGuardia Humanitarian Intitiative Invites Community Members to Zoom Kick-Off
Join the LaGuardia Humanitarian Initiative in their efforts to cultivate change! Register for the LHI Spring 2024 Zoom kick-off, taking place March 28 from 2:15–3:15 p.m. Register here. The LHI also invites the LaGuardia community to donate healthy food options to the food pantry — your support empowers LHI to create a healthier and more sustainable food environment on campus to the students that use the pantry in LaGuardia CARES. Donate today and join the movement for better food choices and a brighter, healthier future for students! Learn more here.
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Public Notice of Upcoming Accreditation Review Visit by ACEN
LaGuardia Community College will host a site visit for continuing accreditation of its Registered Nursing Program by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). You are invited to meet with the site visit team and share your comments about the program in-person at a meeting scheduled at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 in E-322 of the E-Building located at 31-10 Thomson Avenue Long Island City, NY. Written comments are also welcome and should be submitted directly to:
Dr. Kathy Chappell, Chief Executive Officer
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3390 Peachtree Road Northeast, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
Or by email to kchappell@acenursing.org. All written comments should be received by ACEN by March 5, 2024.
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LaGuardia Community College Foundation Issues Annual Report
LaGuardia Community College is New York’s launchpad, uplifting exceptional New Yorkers from all walks of life to better futures in the best city in the world. Please see the consolidated Annual Report for 2021-22 and 2022-23 to learn more about the work of the Foundation. Thank you for your generous support!
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LAGUARDIA AND WAGNER ARCHIVES | |
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Students Interview City Council Member Sandra Ung for Women in Government Project
LaGuardia Community College students interviewed New York City Council Member Sandra Ung on February 16 about representing District 20 in Queens. Through the auspices of the Robert D. L. Gardiner–Joseph Shenker Student Scholars Program, participants in the Women in Government project investigate local leaders and learn about their approach to governance. Students Luana Gonzalez, Genevieve Muir, and Egypt Thom drafted questions for Council Member Ung after researching her platform and policy goals. Professor Anja Vojvodic serves as faculty mentor to the project. In addition to interviews like this one, Women in Government students will conduct primary source research at the LaGuardia and Wagner Archives on related topics. Thanks to Council Member Ung for supporting this project and our students!
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Save the Date: Faculty Book Adoption Trainings on March 13 and April 11
There will be two CUNY-wide faculty adoption training webinars for faculty to learn how to navigate the new online bookstore portal. These 20-minute sessions will enhance your understanding of the adoption process and ensure that you can efficiently communicate essential textbook information to your students. Use the links below to access the training sessions:
Both sessions will cover the same material, so you only need to attend one.
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Virtual Office Available Every Friday for Enrollment Assistance
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 and Testing offices.
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Updates from LaGuardia’s Library
- It’s Black History month! Check out our collection of books.
- Our Media Lab is open. Come to the second floor to use our computers, print, log into your online class, etc.
- LRC 103, our Internet Research Strategies course, is a one-credit class. You can find more information here.
- Be sure to check out the Library’s financial literacy resources!
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HUMAN RESOURCES AND PERSONNEL UPDATES | |
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New York Yankees Educators Appreciation Week — June 18-22
The New York Yankees are honoring all educators and their families/friends during their annual Educator’s Appreciation week! Every ticket purchased for any of the games on June 18, 19, 20, 21 or 22 through this offer comes with a choice of either an exclusive Yankees lunch bag or tumbler cup co-branded with the Yankees’ Teacher Appreciation logo. $15 meal vouchers valid at any standing concession stand will also be included for the June 18, 19 and 20 games. For more info and to see all current offers, click here. For groups of 10 or more, suites, or season ticket packages please reach out to Ben Powell at (646) 977-8472.
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Living With Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers — Early Stage (Virtual Series)
In the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, families face new questions as they adjust. What does the diagnosis mean? What kinds of plans need to be made? What resources are available to help? This special three-part program provides practical answers to the questions that arise in the early stage. The virtual series from the Alzheimer’s Association and John Jay College of Criminal Justice is available for all CUNY employees across three weeks to learn more about the early stages of the disease. Wednesdays, March 6, 13 and 20 from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Click here to access the Zoom sessions (Or, use the meeting ID 858 1746 1844 and passcode 185115).
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CUNY Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA): How It Works
The CUNY FMLA policy provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying reasons during the designated leave year, i.e., September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025. In order for the leave to be paid while out on FMLA,, eligible employees must have enough sick or annual leave available to use for the paid leave. For more information, visit CUNY’s Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Policy, Procedures & Forms.
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Professional Development Monthly Tip: DCAS No Cost Training Opportunities
Consider attending one of these upcoming professional development trainings offered at no cost by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services:
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Creating a Culture of Inclusion, From Microaggressions to Microaffirmations (In-Person): Microaggressions are verbal and non-verbal exchanges, intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages based solely on individuals’ membership in a marginalized/underrepresented group. Employees frequently targeted can experience health problems, burnout, and other negative effects. This course features case scenarios and interactive assessments that promote a more inclusive, respectful, and engaging workplace. For details, see the DCAS Catalog. Course Code: C9583 (In-Person) In-Person: May 6, 9 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. Register to attend.
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LGBTQ: The Power of Inclusion (Live Webinar/eCourse): This course facilitates awareness of the emotional impact of being a member of the LGBTQ community and provides guidance for how to create/promote an open and inclusive environment. Receive specific guidance for correct and inclusive terminology, City agencies’ responsibilities under Mayor’s Executive Order 16 (EO 16) regarding legal right of transgender and gender non-conforming persons, as well as examples of behaviors that may violate EO 16. For details, see the DCAS Catalog. Course Code: C7787W (Live Webinar) Live Webinar: March 6, 9 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. or 1:30– 5 p.m. Register to attend.
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Tax Time – How to Access Your Tax and Pay Information
As tax season approaches, you may need to access your LaGuardia tax and pay information online. You can access your W-2, pay stubs and other information through NYCAPS/ESS (Employee Self-Service). Here's a step-by-step guide to accessing your tax and pay information:
- Open a new browser window and navigate to My Paycheck Page on NYC.gov.
- Select Employee Self-Service (ESS) at the top of the page.
- Enter your seven-digit City Employee ID # which can be found on your pay-stub. If you don’t remember or know your number, or don’t have a pay stub to check, contact payrollhelp@lagcc.cuny.edu.
- Enter your password. If this is your first time trying to login, refer to the NYCAPS/ESS Instructions & Information.
- After you log in for the first time, you will be asked to create a new password.
- After logging in and you’re on the NYCAPS/ESS home screen, click on “Pay and Tax Information” which will take you to a screen where you can access your information.
For more information, account set-up instructions and the NYCAPS Employee Self-Service Guide, refer to NYCAPS/ESS Instructions & Information.
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Your Input is Needed! Complete the Professional Development Survey Today!
Human Resources is in the process of creating a professional development program that will actively promote learning, community engagement, and encourage continuous professional and personal growth for everyone. Please check your emails for our survey requesting your feedback and take a few minutes to complete it. Your feedback will help guide the Professional Development process and ensure that all voices are heard and included in the training and development initiative. Click HERE to complete the survey.
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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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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.
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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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