"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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LaGuardia is among the top 10 best community colleges in New York, according to 2024 rankings from Intelligent.com. The annual rankings from Intelligent.com examined 93 schools offering two-year associate degree programs in New York State. Each institution received a score between 0–100 based on quantitative measures, including tuition, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and student resources. LaGuardia scored 92.24 for affordability and availability of resources to help students graduate and successfully establish careers in their fields of interest. According to Intelligent.com, its methodology is based on information from ranking sites including U.S. News & World Report and BestColleges.com. It also uses data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center of Education Statistics’ College Navigator, the College Board, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. | |
Two LaGuardia students, Allen Chien and Amena Shamia, have been selected as recipients of the 2024 Barry Goldwater Scholarship, one of the oldest and most esteemed national scholarships for STEM majors in the United States. Goldwater Scholars are selected based on their academic merit, commitment to a STEM research career, display of “intellectual intensity,” and potential for making a significant contribution in their future field of study. The 2024 Goldwater Scholars were selected from a pool of more than 5,000 applicants—only a handful of winners represent community colleges. Allen, who is from Taiwan, graduated from LaGuardia in December 2023 with his degree in Computer Science, and is now pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His mentors at LaGuardia include Dr. Praveenkumar Khethavath, Professor and Computer Science Program Director; Dr. Midas Tsai, Chemistry Professor; and Dr. Maria Entezari, Natural Sciences Professor. Amena, a Biology major from Bangladesh, aims to earn a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology. She aspires to become a scientist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Her mentors include Dr. Claudette Davis, Associate Professor of Biology and Director of LaGuardia’s Biology Program; Dr. Tonya Hendrix, Associate Professor of Natural Sciences at LaGuardia; and Dr. Xueling Wu, Principal Investigator at the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center of Columbia University Irving Medical Center—where Amena worked as a research assistant through CUNY LifeSci NYC. Congratulations to Allen and Amena! | |
LaGuardia Selects Students to Serve as Rebel the Red Hawk | |
After two days of tryouts and interviews, Dean Chimborazo and Bishal Dahal, both Theater majors, have been selected to serve as Rebel the Red Hawk, the college’s official mascot. They are pictured above with Dr. Alexis McLean, Vice President for Student Affairs—Dean is at left and Bishal is at right. They will participate in various events as Rebel throughout the semester including athletics, college ceremonies, and other on-campus events. Members of the college community can now request Rebel through the college website to make an appearance at their event. Requests will be reviewed before confirmations are made. For information about future tryouts or other matters related to Rebel the Red Hawk, please email Dr. Manny Romero, Vice President for Communications and External Affairs at mlromero@lagcc.cuny.edu and Dr. Alexis McLean, Vice President for Student Affairs at AMclean@lagcc.cuny.edu. | |
LaGuardia Alumni Artist Lecture Series Features Summer Walker | | |
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The latest installment of the LaGuardia Alumni Artist Lecture Series features photographer Summer Walker, from 3 to 5 p.m., April 10, in room B-326. Summer is a 2021 graduate of LaGuardia currently working as a photographer and digitech at The Line Studios in Long Island City. At the studio, she photographs product still lifes and assists photographers and clients in realizing commercial on model fashion shoots for their brands. Through her personal projects, Summer reflects on meaningful ideas of souvenir, memory, dreams, and consciousness. In creating her documentary and alternative-based imagery, she aspires to spark contemplation and connection to an inner world. The LaGuardia Alumni Artist Lecture Series was funded in part by the Title V Project Conexión grant from the U.S. Department of Education. For more information about the series, contact Professor Maureen Drennan at mdrennan@lagcc.cuny.edu. | |
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On April 16, LaGuardia will host the 9th annual Black Lives Matter (BLM) Summit titled, "Black Creative Expression, Politics and Social Change." This year’s summit explores the power of Black expression, Black creativity, and Black politics while celebrating “50 Years of Hip Hop.” The event will feature thought-provoking discussions, artistic performances, and engaging conversations to showcase the contributions of the Black community. Rachel Romain, from Campus Life/Multicultural Exchange, is chair of the BLM planning committee and says the Summit will delve into the diverse forms of Black expression, from literature to visual arts, music to spoken word, and examine how these creative outlets intersect with political movements and social change.
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Annual Earth Day Festival Planned for April 17 | | |
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On April 17, LaGuardia will host a day dedicated to celebrating the environment at the Annual Earth Day Festival. Organized by the Sustainability Council, the Festival will take place in the E-Building Atrium and feature environmental groups, agencies and vendors from around the city, games and activities, and raffles and snacks. Join in the celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and contact the Sustainability Council with any questions. | |
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. | |
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 | |
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). | |
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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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CUNY hosts “Replacing Hate and Finding Unity” Discussion | | |
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As part of the Chancellor’s Campus Climate Support Initiative, University Human Resources (UHR) will continue its Diversity Dialogues, a series of discussions and conversations from academic and non-academic viewpoints, highlighting issues pertaining to discrimination, as well as methods, ideas, and specific actions to confront and combat hate. The next discussion, “Replacing Hate and Finding Unity,” is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 18 and is open to all CUNY students, faculty, and staff. | |
This discussion will feature three board members of We Are Many United Against Hate (WAM-UAH), a non-profit, non-partisan organization: Daryl Johnson, a subject matter expert on organized hate groups and domestic terrorism; Arno Michaelis, former White Supremacist who recruited people into supremacist hate groups; Pardeep Kaleka, a former police officer whose father was killed in the Sikh Temple shooting in Wisconsin in 2012. Also joining the discussions is WAM-UAH's founder, entrepreneur, and Anti- Hate Activist Masood Akhtar. The panel will be moderated by Sahana Gupta, CUNY Chief Diversity Officer for the School of Professional Studies and School of Public Health, and Member of CUNY's University Advisory Council on Diversity (UACD). Register here to attend. | |
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, 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 Interviews Former City Councilmember Freddy Ferrer on 1986 Gay Rights Bill | |
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For the upcoming digital exhibit on the 1986 Gay Rights Bill, Archives historian Stephen Petrus recently conducted an oral history interview with former Bronx City Councilmember Freddy Ferrer. The Gay Rights Bill, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in housing, employment, and public accommodations, was passed in the New York City Council by a vote of 21 - 14. Ferrer, who also was Bronx Borough President and a mayoral candidate, discussed his decision to vote “yes” for the bill despite overwhelming opposition from his constituents. Other former City Councilmembers interviewed for the project include Ruth Messinger and Sal Albanese. The Archives has the City Council Collection, a vital source of records on local laws and government in New York City history.
Pictured above: Former City Councilmember Freddy Ferrer interviewed by Archives historian Stephen Petrus about the 1986 Gay Rights Bill.
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Students Visit Massive LIC Power Plant | |
Five of the eleven students who received Rise Light & Power Scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year visited the iconic facility—the largest power plant in NYC—for an electrifying tour hosted by Wil Fisher, Manager of External Affairs, and Simar Gill, Human Performance Engineer. During the visit, the scholars, all majoring in various STEM fields, learned about Rise Light & Power’s commitment as a leader in the nation’s clean energy transition. The on-site visit helped them better understand the company’s transformation of the historic Ravenswood facility. Rise Light & Power is creating an Offshore Wind Training Hub here at LaGuardia. | |
Professor Selected to Participate in Mentor Up | |
Dr. Thomas Onorato, professor in Natural Sciences, has been selected to participate in Mentor Up, a workshop to support Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Grant Mentoring for Two-Year Colleges. Participants in this workshop will learn about the NSF ATE program and how to effectively apply for grant funding. In the workshop participating faculty must propose a specific project to improve an ATE-eligible technical program in a one-age proposal. | |
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LaGuardia’s Society for Women Engineers Earn Honorable Mention for Video Project | | |
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Congratulations to LaGuardia’s Society for Women Engineers (SWE) for earning an Honorable Mention in the Video Challenge Contest! The contest was sponsored by the SWE Community Colleges Affinity Group (AG) and the Community College Affiliate Support and Expansion (CCASE) Program. The video, features Mechanical Engineering majors Elisabeth Oh and Darla Castibilobello, and was submitted by Elisabeth, along with SWE Affiliate advisor Ait Elmouden Abdellah. The video addressed the following challenge questions: What impact has your SWE affiliate had on you?; How has your affiliate supported the mission of the SWE Community Colleges AG?; and How has your community college supported, or plans to support, your SWE affiliate? | |
Calling all student researchers! The LaGuardia Undergraduate Research Committee will host the 7th Annual LaGuardia Undergraduate Research Day on Wednesday, May 22, in the Mainstage Theater Lobby (2nd floor of E-Building) from 2 to 5 p.m. This is an in-person poster presentation event. This event provides an excellent platform for students to showcase their research projects, share their findings, and engage in discussions with peers and faculty members. | |
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Research mentors are encouraged to inform their research students to register as soon as possible and get familiar with the abstract and poster submission due dates below:
- Monday, April 15: Deadline to submit Abstracts.
- Friday, May 3: Deadline to submit posters and recorded presentations.
- Wednesday, May 15: Registration deadline to attend the in-person event.
- Thursday, May 16: Tuesday, May 21: Online viewing period
- Wednesday, May 22: In-person poster presentation
For questions about accessibility, to request a Sign Language Interpreter or another accommodation to participate in this event, please email Dr. Doyel Pal (dpal@lagcc.cuny.edu) and Dr. Pratikkumar Rathod (prathod@lagcc.cuny.edu).
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Open Education Resources Symposium Scheduled on May 3
An Open Educational Resources (OER) Symposium will be held Friday, May 3, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in room E-242. The event will spotlight the adoption, development, and use of OER across our college and CUNY featuring faculty and staff work, including zero-textbook-cost classes (ZTC), free online assessments, supplemental classroom materials, and open pedagogy modules. We invite you to share your OER efforts with a short oral presentation or a poster. Both individual and group work are welcome. Please complete this form by April 15, 2024.
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Modern Languages to Offer Students Assistance
From April 15 through June 5, faculty and staff from Modern Languages and Literature Programs will be tabling in the C-Building lobby and the Atrium in the E-Building to answer questions from students about language courses. Students can also ask about tutoring and placement exams. The tabling schedule offers many opportunities for students to learn about Modern Languages. For information contact Modern Languages at (718) 482-5466.
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Save the Date: Ninth Annual Honors Research Conference and Competition on May 31
The Honors Student Advisory Committee has announced the date of the ninth annual Honors Student Research Conference and Competition. This year, the conference will take place May 31––stay tuned for more updates to come!
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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. | |
Updates from LaGuardia’s Library | | |
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- We have different departments come into the Library to provide information to our students. Some have raffles and prizes! Make sure to check our Events & Workshops site for a complete listing.
- Group Study Rooms are open! Students can reserve a room here.
- LRC 103, our Internet Research Strategies course, is a one-credit class. You can find more information here.
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HUMAN RESOURCES AND PERSONNEL UPDATES | |
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CUNY HR Service Alert: NYCAPS Payroll Stub Access Unavailable
CUNY Central has announced that the NYCAPS (New York City Automated Personnel System) is currently experiencing a technical issue and access to Employee Self Service (ESS) is unavailable. CUNY Central is working diligently with the vendor to resolve the problem and restore access so that you can view your paystub. In the meantime, if you need immediate access to your most recent paystub, the LaGuardia Payroll department will temporarily print or email a password protected copy, please contact the Payroll Department by email at payroll@lagcc.cuny.edu or by calling 718-482-5518.
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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:
- 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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