Friday, October 21, 2022 | Vol. 5, No. 10, Fall 2022 Semester

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,


As another week comes to its close, I rejoice in the multiple activities going on at the college to support the student experience. Consider the following opportunities offered just this past week, of which some are on an ongoing basis:


  1. Salsa dancing every Wednesday, beginning October 19-December 14, 2-3 p.m. in our Dance Studio, C-152, sponsored by our Health and Wellness program, quite unique and ours, just simply splendid.
  2. On a weekly basis, again, the Office of Health and Wellness is offering students Mindful Coloring on the Go, where they can learn about and engage in mindful drawing in the open space of the C and A Atriums.
  3. The Writing Center and Scholarships Office offered a number of workshops on Tuesday, October 18 on personal statements that will assist students in applying and getting scholarships.
  4. Transfer and Articulation Agreements with the Transfer Success Program (NSF HSI IUSE) and New York City Tech College, sponsored by OAA and Math and Science Departments in support of Engineering and other opportunities on Wednesday, October 19 in C-463.
  5. Participatory Budgeting, hosted by Dr. Eric Radezky, Director of Government and External Affairs, took place on Wednesday October 19 at 3 p.m. via Zoom for students to learn about the participatory budgeting process, and in which everyday New Yorkers can give ideas and suggestions for how a certain amount of money in the New York City budget should be spent next year. Raffles were presented to students in attendance.


There are so many more announcements every week. I encourage students and faculty alike to discuss and to participate, as applicable, as we look for a fully supportive outside of the classroom experience and celebration of the human spirit, as frequently as schedules allow. I am ever so grateful to my generous colleagues and proud of our persevering and hard working students. Bravi!


Mil gracias y bendiciones, Daisy 


Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

A POEM OF CELEBRATION

Dame La Mano

by Gabriela Mistral 


Dame la mano y danzaremos;

dame la mano y me amarás.

Como una sola flor seremos,

como una flor, y nada más.

 

El mismo verso cantaremos,

al mismo paso bailarás.

Como una espiga ondularemos,

como una espiga, y nada más.

 

Te llamas Rosa y yo Esperanza;

pero tu nombre olvidarás,

porque seremos una danza

en la colina y nada más.

Give Me Your Hand

Translated by Ursula K. Le Guin

 

Give me your hand and give me your love,

give me your hand and dance with me.

A single flower, and nothing more,

a single flower is all we'll be.

 

Keeping time in the dance together,

singing the tune together with me,

grass in the wind, and nothing more,

grass in the wind is all we'll be.

 

I'm called Hope and you're called Rose:

but losing our names we'll both go free,

a dance on the hills, and nothing more,

a dance on the hills is all we'll be.


From Selected Poems of Gabriela Mistral: Translated by Ursula K. Le Guin. Copyright © 2003 Ursula K. Le Guin. Courtesy of University of New Mexico Press.

MESSAGE FROM SGA PRESIDENT LEAGHTON N. OZORIA

When?


Is Mars finished yet? From Mr. Wizard to young scientists across the world to schools like M.I.T.(Massachusetts Institute of Technology) we must ask ourselves, should we become scientific or more technological? When science and technology go hand in hand we can clap for them. I feel this is a call for existence to become humankind. A human can be so close to the heavens in this social stigma.


Are we running out of real estate on earth? What should the martian home look like? What will we eat when we get there? All very important. I would suggest to accompany a hovercraft like the Audi Shark with a “Hovering hom.” Let’s eat! What is on the menu? NASA can lead the way and show us the science of eating in space. So, when homes fly is predictive of this day.

CAIMAN CLUES

The “Caiman Clues” for the  Fall ’22 semester | Week 8


Dear Students,


Here are the Caiman Clues: 


Congratulations, you’ve passed the halfway point of the semester. Take a second to give yourself some credit and a pat on the back for how hard you’ve worked thus far!


  • Tips to Thriving – Join the Student Leadership Academy’s Speak-Up workshop, “How to Combat Burnout, Stay Motivated, and Communicate Your Needs Directly,” with guest speaker Lawrese Brown via Zoom on Friday at 3:30 p.m. Register here
  • Career Services opportunities – Check out Career Services’ Launching Your Career: Accounting and Business (part 2) on October 21 at 3:30 p.m. (Register here)
  • On-Campus Activities – Combat stress with some Salsa dancing on Wednesdays and relaxing yoga on Thursdays, both from 2 to 3 p.m., in studio C-152.


Every week, for the Academic calendar year, read the Caiman Clues for helpful tips and reminders.


Simply follow our Facebook (@HostosCC), Twitter (@HostosCollege) and Instagram (@HostosCollege) for helpful hints you can use all year round.

PRESIDENT’S INITIATIVES

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


Dear Students and Colleagues,


I hope the semester is progressing well and you are enjoying the fall season with the cooler weather and beautiful foliage. I am pleased to provide updates on recent activities sponsored by the Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives. The Hostos Research Center (HRC) held its first Grant Writing Workshop for the fall semester: IRB Application Process | Research and Ethics on October 13 via Zoom. The workshop was facilitated by Professor Antonios Varelas and Professor Yoel Rodríguez. It provided participants with vital information on the IRB (Institutional Review Board) process, guidance on submitting IRB applications, and strategies for conducting research in a responsible and ethical manner. The HRC is planning another event for the fall Grant Writing Workshop series so stay tuned for that announcement.


A number of special events were also held this week to support students’ participation across the various President’s Initiatives. Students working in Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus this semester had the opportunity to participate in a Career Development Day event hosted on October 17 by the President’s Office and Career Services Office. The Career Services team led by Director Lisanette Rosario did an excellent job facilitating three interactive workshops designed to support students’ development of career readiness skills. We also held a Families United in Education Information Session for family members that are attending Hostos together to provide them with information about the available resources and cultural activities that they can benefit from through this initiative. To cap off this week’s events, a welcome reception was held to celebrate the selected NextGen Public Health Scholars: Hawa Abraham, Andrea Vasquez Guillen, and María Vasquez Guillen. President Cocco De Filippis shared welcoming remarks and encouraging words in recognition of the students’ achievements and future growth as they embark on this new educational journey. Hostos’ partners from the Columbia School of General Studies and Mailman School of Public Health were also in attendance and shared their vision for the educational experience students could expect at Columbia University.


I am also excited to announce the launch of the “Celebrating the Love of Learning” Mural Design Contest. All student artists and teams of students are invited to submit proposals to create two original murals to be displayed in the new Hostos Research Center located on the main level of the C-Building at 450 Grand Concourse. This opportunity is open to all Hostos Community College students from any discipline. Submissions in two-dimensional media are encouraged such as painting, graphic design, and drawing. Works incorporating a dynamic blend of media are also encouraged. A prize of $500 will be made per selected design. Two designs will be selected. All art materials and paint supplies will be provided.


The selected mural designs should add vibrancy to the Hostos Research Center and reflect the artist’s visual representation for the theme “celebrating the love of learning.” We are seeking artwork that embodies the celebration of knowledge-building across disciplines and evokes the feelings and ideas that the “celebrating the love of learning” inspires for the artists.


The deadline for submitting entries is November 30, 2022 by 11:59 p.m.

To learn more about the “Celebrating the Love of Learning” Mural Design Contest and submit an entry click here. Please use your CUNY login to access.


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 GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Submitted by Director of Governmental and External Affairs Eric Radezky, Ph.D.


Early Voting, October 29 to November 6!


November 8 is Election Day and will feature elections for US Senate, all of the seats in the US House of Representatives, Governor of New York and all seats in the New York State Senate and Assembly. You can vote on Election Day, or you can take advantage of early voting between October 29 to November 6 to beat the rush.


To find your poll site, visit the Board of Elections website and use the lookup tool on the homepage. Note that your early voting poll site might be different from your Election Day poll site.


Other useful tools on the Board of Elections site include a way to check if you are registered to vote, the application to register if you are not, and an FAQ page about elections and voter registration in New York City.

 

Exercise your right to vote on Election Day or in early voting!

NEWS FROM THE OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Submitted by Karla Contreras, Dual Degree Advising Coordinator


STEM and Dual Program Orientation Week Results


This fall 2022, the STEM and Dual Program Orientation week was held from September 20–28 with a total of 165 attendees. An overview of the academic programs below was provided:


  • Forensic Sciences
  • Computer Sciences
  • Criminal Justice
  • Liberal Arts & Sciences AS
  • Engineering


The goal of the STEM Orientation week was to provide an overview of each academic program, policies, and articulation agreement. Additionally, students received information regarding the academic resources and opportunities offered at the institution to improve students' learning experience such as research, scholarship, transfer process, tutoring, and career exploration.


The STEM and Dual Program Orientation week worked in collaboration with the programs and coordinators listed below:


  • The Student Success Coaching Unit (SSCU)
  • Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP)
  • Hostos Academic Learning Center (HALC)
  • The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP)
  • Career Services
  • Degree Program Coordinators


In spring 2022, the orientations were offered during the week of February 28–March 4. A total of 159 students attended that orientation.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

Submitted by VP of Student Development and Enrollment Management (SDEM) La Toro Yates, Ph.D.


Accessibility Resource Center - ARC


On October 10-12 ARC staff and student leaders attended the New York State Disability Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY. In partnership with executive board members from the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities Hostos Chapter, we presented to Disability professionals through NY State on Promoting Self-Determination for Students with Disabilities through Advocacy and Student Leadership. Hostos was the only student presentation on the agenda and they were recognized for their advocacy and continuous partnership to represent students with disabilities in NY State.


Admissions Office


This past week, the Office of Admissions and Recruitment participated in the St. Raymond’s HS College Fair. St. Raymond High School for Boys is a parochial high school affiliated with the Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of New York. Our Admissions Advisor, Ms. Yamilka Santana, connected with students and counselors, highlighting our academic programs and outstanding student support services.


Children’s Center


A NEW TWO-YEAR-OLD CLASSROOM OPENS!

On Tuesday, October 11 we opened an additional classroom for two year olds, with nine children enrolled. Our former assistant teacher, Ms. Scalici, is now the lead teacher in the new room.


Health & Wellness

The Wellness Office & NYC WorkWell held a Staff & Faculty Influenza Clinic on Wednesday. We were able to vaccinate 32 members of the college community. Walk-ins were welcomed, as well.


Financial Aid


Welcome to 2022–2023


Federal Work-Study (FWS) season. Our program and students need you!


Become a Federal Work-Study Supervisor, by completing the form in the link FWS Supervisor Request.

 

  • Give students an opportunity to earn while they learn.
  • Help develop our students’ skills.
  • You can make a difference by providing a valuable experience.


There will be a Supervisor Orientation on October 20 for new and returning supervisors — more information to come. 


For additional questions, you may send an email to FWS@hostos.cuny.edu or call the Office of Financial Aid at 718-518-6555.

Poem submitted by VP La Toro Yates


I, Too

By Langston Hughes

 

I, too, sing America.

 

I am the darker brother.

They send me to eat in the kitchen

When company comes,

But I laugh,

And eat well,

And grow strong.

 

Tomorrow,

I’ll be at the table

When company comes.

Nobody’ll dare

Say to me,

“Eat in the kitchen,”

Then.

 

Besides,

They’ll see how beautiful I am

And be ashamed—

 

I, too, am America

NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE 

Tips for Detecting Phishing Attacks


Cyber attackers are using more sophisticated tactics to create their attacks. They are researching and making more personalized campaigns so it is getting harder to recognize phishing/smishing (SMS/text phishing) attempts and scams. But you can still spot them if you stay aware and know what to look for. Before you click on anything in response to a suspicious message — either email or text, ask yourself the following questions:


  1. Does the message create a heightened sense of urgency? Is it making you feel pressured to take immediate action (e.g. a message from a bank saying your account has been compromised or a payment is needed)? The greater the pressure to take action, the more likely this is an attack.
  2. Does the message make sense (e.g., Do you even have an account with that bank? Would your supervisor or colleague urgently text you to rush out and buy gift cards?)? If the message seems odd or out of place, it may be an attack.
  3. Did you receive a work-related email from a coworker or perhaps your supervisor, but the wording looks off or the signature in the message seems unusual? Or is the email using a personal email address such as @gmail.com?


If you receive a message that seems odd or suspicious, one option to confirm if it is legitimate is to call the sender via a trusted phone number (and don’t click on anything in the message). You can also reach out to Hostos IT for assistance.


As always, your common sense is an important defense.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

The Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) at Hostos Community College receives $3 Million from the US Department of Health and Human Services (HRSA) to support their Community Health Worker Training Program.


Over the three-year grant period, Hostos CEWD will train 270 new and/or incumbent workers as Community Health Workers. Trainees will have the opportunity to participate in either a CHW field placement experience or Hostos CEWD’s New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Registered CHW Apprenticeship Program. The Hostos CHW Training Program will also help eligible participants obtain credit for prior learning that can be applied to their college transcript when they enroll in a Hostos degree program. In addition, Hostos CEWD will provide comprehensive student support services, which include assisting participants with textbooks, childcare, transportation (if needed), and providing them with a stipend. Hostos CEWD’s long-term goal is to increase the number of skilled Community Health Workers locally and regionally, as well as creating an industry “gold standard” for training CHWs. By 2025, Hostos CEWD will have trained over 550 Community Health Workers thanks to the financial support we have received from HRSA’s Bureau of Health Workforce, the Robinhood Foundation, and the Mother Cabrini Foundation. In addition, support from industry partners such as the Montefiore Community Health Systems Lab and the Department of Family and Social Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine will continue to be critical to our success. In honor of the “Promotores” that started this work, we forge ahead to train Community Health Workers.

Spread the Word


Please share information about CEWD’s current scholarships and no-cost programming opportunities, which can be found by clicking here and selecting the scholarships and tuition assistance programs link in our online course catalog. 


For additional information, please encourage prospective students to sign up for one of CEWD’s upcoming summer Virtual Information Sessions by visiting https://tinyurl.com/HostosCEWD.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Changes to CUNY Tuesday


Our annual CUNY Tuesday season of giving has started! Remember, this year there will not be a payroll deduction option for CUNY faculty and staff. Instead, we encourage our giving community to make a pledge or enroll in recurring payments via the CUNY Tuesday website between October 8 and November 29. Setting up a pledge with recurring payments is the easiest way to support students with a manageable, monthly payment. Contact Idelsa Méndez if you have questions or want help planning your gift.


To set up your recurring gift at any time, visit www.givetohostos.com enter your donation amount, then click “add donation.” When more options appear, select “recurring gift.”

Gerontology Unit Seeks to Establish Scholarship Fund for Aging and Health Studies Students  


In honor of Professor Flemister’s retirement, the Gerontology Unit has started fundraising for a Gerontology Student Scholarship. Help the unit reach the $5,000 threshold to set unique scholarship criteria by making a gift here.


If your unit would like to learn more about establishing a scholarship to directly support your students, contact Colette Atkins to learn more.

BRAVO NEWS

New Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) Committee Formed at Hostos

 

The Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) Committee at Hostos Community College has been established to support the integration and participation of Hostos Community College in the CUNY Network of HSIs as well as in the larger national network of HSIs.

 

Within its work, the committee will provide recommendations and support for practices/activities that can inform the institution on how to further develop our HSI identity, engage with other HSIs on collaborations and funding efforts, increase access to Higher Education for the Hispanic/Latinx population, and promote the success of our Hispanic/Latinx students, faculty, and staff.

 

By aligning the committee’s work with both the external HSI landscape and the internal priorities of the college, the committee seeks to further realize the potential of Hostos Community College as an HSI.

 

Committee Members:

 

  • Clara Nieto-Wire, Ph.D., Chair of the Committee (Associate Professor, Mathematics Department)
  • Andrea Fabrizio, Ph.D. (Associate Dean of Academic Affairs)
  • Silvia Reyes, Ph.D. (Director of CLIP and of Special Projects and Student Engagement)
  • Karina Guardiola (Coach, Student Success Coaching Unit (SSCU))
  • Maria Vasquez, RN (Nurse, Student Health Services)
  • Jessica Powell (Academic Advisor, Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP))
  • Claude Fernandez, CPA, MBA (Assistant Professor and Interim Chairperson, Business Department)
  • Karin Lundberg, Ph.D. (Professor, Language and Cognition Department)
  • Anders Stachelek, Ed.D. (Associate Professor, Mathematics Department & Director of Academic Assessment, Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Research, and Assessment (OIERA)
  • Victoria Munoz, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor, English Department)
  • Emmanuel Velayos Larrabure, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor, Humanities Department)
  • Inmaculada Lara-Bonilla, Ph.D. (Associate Professor, Humanities Department)

 

The Anticipated Tasks for Fall 2022 of the HSI Committee:


  • Familiarize with the framework of the upcoming Spring 2023 CUNY Network of HSIs Conference.
  • Determine the internal activities that will be required from Hostos to support this CUNY wide initiative.
  • Prepare pertinent recommendations to the institution. 

 

Please join us in recognizing these staff and faculty members who are so giving of their time to serve our students!

VIRTUAL EVENTS

Grow with Google Career Services & Alumni Mixer

Wednesday, November 2 | Virtual Event



Career Week Alumni Panel – Alumni Speakers Bureau

Monday, November 7- Friday, November 11 | Virtual Event


SAVE THE DATE

DSA2022 Virtually@Hostos: X Biennial Dominican Studies Association Conference

December 1–3, 2022

The College is co-sponsoring the DSA Conference, which will consist of 18 panels and 7 roundtables over the course of three days. More details to be shared soon. We hope you will join us virtually on Zoom!

IN-PERSON EVENTS

Abua Yala: Structural Origins (Recurring Notice)

October 5–December 21 | The Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos


Hostos Review/Revista Hostosiana 18 Launch Event

Tuesday, October 25 | 6 p.m. | Longwood Art Gallary @ Hostos and Zoom

The Latin American Writers Institute celebrates the publication of its 18th issue in its 18th year. The issue is titled “Contemporary Nepantlas: Writing From Crossing Borders From The Americas/ Nepantlas Contemporaneos: Literatura Y Cruce De Fronteras En La Literatura De Las Americas.” Hostos Review/Revista Hostosiana no. 18 gathers texts in English, Spanish, and Portuñol by authors from Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, Honduras, Puerto Rico, the United States mainland and more.

Register in advance here.


Q& A with Jill Jonnes, Author of “South Bronx Rising” 

Thursday, October 27 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Savoy Multipurpose Room, D Building 

“South Bronx Rising” author Jill Jonnes is visiting Hostos with Nilka Martell, founder and director of Loving the Bronx. Jill and Nilka will present the new edition of “South Bronx Rising” through a Q&A with audience members. 


Rainbow Hostos Presents An LGBTQ+ Fall Party

Thursday, October 27 | 3:30 p.m. | C-391

Meet fellow LGBTQ+ Students, Faculty and Staff. Snacks and Refreshments will be served and costumes are encouraged. Sponsored by The President’s Office, Office of Compliance and Diversity and Rainbow Hostos.


Calipulli Mexican Dance Company: Dia de los Muertos

Saturday, October 29 | 8 p.m. | Main Theater

Sunday, October 30 | 3 p.m. | Main Theater

Hostos students, faculty, and staff — and their families and friends — are invited to Calpulli Mexican Dance Company’s production of Día de los Muertos. More information here


El Inolvidable Tito Rodriguez: A Tribute Concert

Saturday, November 12 | 8 p.m. | Hostos Theater

Sunday, November 13 | 4 p.m. | Hostos Theater

Buy tickets here.


Homecoming Alumni Basketball Game

Thursday, November 17 | Hostos Gym | 4:30 p.m. (tentative) | Hostos Gym

Details forthcoming.

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 Fall 2022 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.

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Office of the President | Office of Communications | 718-518-4300 | publicrelations@hostos.cuny.edu