Queens College President Félix V. Matos Rodríguez To Be Named Chancellor Of City University Of New York
The Board of Trustees of The City University of New York will vote to appoint Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, an accomplished scholar, teacher, administrator and public servant, as the eighth Chancellor of CUNY. Matos Rodriquez, who has been president of Queens College since 2014, will be both the first Latino and minority educator to head the University. Matos Rodríguez, 56, has drawn national recognition as a trailblazer in higher education. He will assume the post May 1. For more details, visit the CUNY News webpage.

BMCC One of Nation's Top Fulbright Scholar Producers BMCC and a community college in Virginia were named the top Fulbright Scholar producers nationwide for 2018-2019 among associate degree granting institutions. BMCC and Northern Virginia Community College each produced two scholars, more than any other associate degree-producing institution. BMCC was also one of four CUNY colleges named as top Fulbright scholars and students producers according to the United States Department of State's Fulbright Program. Established in 1946 under legislation introduced by the late Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, the program is considered the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government.

BMCC Writing Across the Curriculum Program Highlighted in Panels and Activities
On February 6, the BMCC Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) program presented WAC Day at 199 Chambers Street. Organized by Professors Christa Baiada, Holly Messitt and Rifat Salam—who serve as the college’s WAC co-coordinators—the day’s panels and discussions highlighted faculty and student experience in more than 200 Writing Intensive courses that span every major at BMCC.

Save the Date: 2019 BMCC Foundation Gala May 16
The BMCC Foundation 2019 Gala—Invest in a Future, Celebrate Success—is scheduled for May16 at Cipriani, 25 Broadway in lower Manhattan. This year's honorees are Tim Gokey, CEO of Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc., and the Herbert and Audrey Rosenfield Fund. The emcee is Baruch Shemtov of Fox 5 News. For more information, contact Tracie Basch at (646) 483-8018 or tracie@baschproductions.com.

Innovations Conference: February 24 - 27
BMCC, along with Guttman Community College and LaGuardia Community College are hosting the Innovations Conference of the League for Innovation in the Community College, February 24 through February 27 at the New York Marriott Marquis, New York, NY. Registration is $1,150 for nonmembers and $1,050 for League members.​ Hundreds of breakout sessions, speaker events and exhibitions will focus on learning and teaching, leadership and organization, workforce preparation and development, student success and basic skills and developmental education.

February 15: BMCC Competes in CUNYAC Championship Finals
Both the BMCC women's and men's basketball teams have just won their semifinals rounds, and are headed to the CUNY Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) Championship Finals on February 15 at 6 and 8:30 p.m. in the BMCC gymnasium. Tickets are free. Show your Panther Pride and support your team as they compete on home turf in the season's final round! For more information, visit CC Men's Basketball and CC Women's Basketball on the CUNYAC site.

BMCC Hosting NYC Public Advocate Debate February 20
Students, faculty and staff are invited to a live, televised debate between candidates for New York City public advocate on February 20 at 7 p.m. in Theater 1 at 199 Chambers Street. The debate is sponsored by Spectrum NY1 and the New York City Campaign Finance Board. Errol Louis of NY1 will moderate the event. The special election to elect New York City’s next public advocate will be held February 26. For more information and to RSVP, contact Douglas Israel at disrael@bmcc.cuny.edu or (212) 220-8067.

Faculty Invited to Participate in COACHE Job Satisfaction Survey
Full-time faculty are invited to participate in the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) job satisfaction survey beginning February 13. Data collected by COACHE gives voice to faculty about the successes and struggles of working in academia. By participating in the study, faculty will have an opportunity to share their perspective about working at BMCC and CUNY in a secure and confidential manner. Faculty will receive an email with a personalized link to the survey. For more information, visit the Academic Affairs web page.

February Is African Heritage Month
BMCC will celebrate the 2019 African Heritage Month—Intersections in the Diaspora—with events planned throughout February. For information on upcoming events, visit the African Heritage Month webpage.

Shirley Fiterman Art Center Presents Mediums of Exchange BMCC and Lehman College, CUNY are presenting Mediums of Exchange, a two-part art exhibition in BMCC's Shirley Fiterman Art Center through March 30.(At left: Mark Wagner, Tentacular, 2015, currency collage on panel, 46 x 36 inches, detail. Courtesy of the artist and Pavel Zoubok Fine Art, NY.)

BMCC Students Invited to Student Parent Resources Fair​ The Pathways for Expecting and Parenting Students (PEPS) program at BMCC welcomes students to a Student Parent Resources Fair on February 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 199 Chambers Street, Richard Harris Terrace. PEPS supports expectant and student parents with referrals to services including child care, counseling, health care, nutritional counseling, Single Stop services, MetroCards, parenting workshops and much more. PEPS staff is available to assist students Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Single Stop Office, Room S-230, 199 Chambers Street. For more information, contact Shirlgandy Saint-Jean, ssaintjean@bmcc.cuny.edu or (212) 776-6403.

Free Tax Preparation Available to BMCC Community BMCC students, faculty and staff who have a pre-tax household income at or below $54,000 can take advantage of FREE tax preparation at BMCC. Walk-in services are offered at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-230 now through April 15 from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays; from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays; and from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. This service is provided with support from Citigroup in collaboration with BMCC Single Stop. For more information visit online or call (212) 220-8195.

Plaza Reconstruction Capital Project
As part of the upcoming Plaza Reconstruction project at BMCC, abatement of hazardous materials identified in the underlayment of the existing pavers will be performed at various phases of the construction project. This activity, which began January 21, 2019, is regulated by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, which ensures the safe and proper removal and disposal of these materials. Abatement notifications posted on all building entrances are part of these requirements and are there to inform the occupants of these activities. The required notices are not meant to alarm our building occupants, but to keep everyone informed that the work will be performed in a safe and regulated manner. We apologize for any inconvenience this upcoming construction may cause as we work to improve our facilities.

BMCC Website Content Management System Update
The Office of Public Affairs has installed WordPress, a content management system which will make website use much easier for faculty and staff. This system will be in place at the beginning of the Spring 2019 semester. Public Affairs will begin scheduling training sessions with liaisons from BMCC offices and departments on the use of this system after the semester begins. Please hold off submitting web edits to Public Affairs until after February 25. If you have questions, please call Manny Romero, Executive Director of Public Affairs, at (212) 220-1238.

BMCC Employee Appreciation Awards: Nominations Open Show your appreciation for colleagues or staff members who demonstrate outstanding achievement, performance and creative contributions through their role at BMCC—beyond what is normally expected of employees. Submit no more than one nomination for each of the following categories: Leadership, Inspiration, Innovation/Technology, Rookie of the Year and Team Achievement.

Admissions Spring 2019 Open House: Saturday, March 23
Do you have family/friend who is interested in going to college? Invite them to the BMCC Admissions Open House on Saturday, March 23 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at 199 Chambers Street, to learn about academic programs, financial aid options, student services, special programs and how/when to apply. RSVP at www.bmcc.cuny.edu/openhouse. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at (212) 220-1265.

Share Your Tips for Student Success
You – the instructors and student support staff of BMCC – know from experience what actions lead a student to succeed in the classroom. Help our Panthers start off on the right foot! This month the Admissions Office will publish a list of ‘Top Tips for Success' on the #FuturePanthers blog, and we’re asking you to share your insights. What is the best thing a student can do now and throughout the semester to set themselves up for success? What student behaviors help you to help them? Submit your piece of advice in three minutes online.

Admissions and Financial Aid Info Sessions 
Prospective students are invited to attend information sessions for an overview of BMCC and the admissions and financial aid process. They can also take part in a Q & A with admissions and financial aid specialists. For more information, contact the Admissions Office, (212) 220-1265.

Say Hello to the Admissions Office on Social Media
The BMCC Admissions Office has launched three social media accounts. Stop by online and say hi! We appreciate your likes, follows and thumbs up.
Facebook: @admissions
Twitter: @bmccadmissions
Instagram: @bmccadmissions

BMCC VP of Student Affairs Marva Craig pens opinion article on transportation costs
February 11—The Hechinger Report

Mediums of Exchange art exhibit featured
February 11—Tribeca Tribune

BMCC Top Fulbright Scholar producer among community colleges nationwide
February 10—The Chronicle of Higher Education

CUNY Holiday: February 18
Monday, February 18 (President's Day) is a CUNY holiday for most BMCC employees. For more information, visit the CUNY Employee Holiday and Annual Leave Periods handout.

Meet With a TIAA Representative on Campus Faculty and staff can schedule an appointment with a representative from TIAA at various dates through June. For more information, call (800) 732-8353 or visit a session schedule.

All BMCC Employees Required to Complete Workplace Violence Prevention Training
All BMCC faculty and staff must complete an annual Workplace Violence Prevention Training by registering through CUNY Blackboard. Part-time employees must complete the course before the end of the Spring 2019 semester. Full-time employees must complete the course by July 31, 2019. After completing the course, and while still in Blackboard, employees must review the Campus Specific Information Supplement on workplace violence risk factors that may be present at their work location. Those employed at multiple campuses are required to review the supplement for each location at which they work. For more information or if you prefer to complete the training in a classroom setting, contact BMCC WVP Training Coordinator Maria Deckinger, mdeckinger@bmcc.cuny.edu or (212) 220-1496.

Deer Oaks EAP Now Offers Phone and Video Counseling
As part of the BMCC's Employee Assistance Program, Deer Oaks is now offering video and counseling by phone in addition to its traditional in-person counseling service. Employees can schedule calls with a counselor in advance by calling (855) 492-3633 or email eap@deeroaks.com.

Pre-Tax Limit for Wageworks Commuter Benefits Increased
The pre-tax limit for monthly Commuter Benefits deductions (WageWorks) increased from $260 to $265 on January 1. No paperwork is required to activate the increase, but those who wish to change their deduction or enroll in the program may visit the Benefits page of the BMCC Human Resources website, complete the WageWorks Transit Benefit form and submit it to Human Resources, 199 Chambers Street, Room S-717.

Enhance Your Skills Through CUNY Professional Development
The CUNY Professional Development and Learning Management (PDLM) Office presents the CUNY Professional Development Program now through June 19. BMCC faculty and staff can choose sessions ranging from data analytics to business writing and many others. Certificate programs are available. View catalogue and sign up now.

Are You a BMCC Champion? BMCC Champions are BMCC Alumni who are currently a staff or faculty member at BMCC. The Office of Alumni Relations is gearing up to create special programing in appreciation for your continued dedication and service to your alma mater. We want to hear from you so we can extend special invitations to events and activities at BMCC. Please join our list of BMCC Alumni Champions by sending your information to us online. For more information, contact Yartiza Gonzales, (212) 346-8455 or ygonzalez@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Charitable Giving Through an IRA
Donors at least 70½ years old can take advantage of a simple way to satisfy minimum required distribution and benefit BMCC students at the same time. Donate up to $100,000 from an IRA directly to the BMCC Foundation without having to pay federal income taxes. Please contact Phillip Keefe, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving, (212) 346-8650 or pkeefe@bmcc.cuny.edu for additional information.

Alumni Invited to Connect and Network BMCC Alumni Affairs provides alumni benefits and services, as well as involving alumni in the advancement and support of BMCC. Alumni are invited to special events, profiled in BMCC publications and welcomed into the vibrant community that is BMCC. For more information, contact Yaritza Gonzalez, Manager of Alumni Relations and Annual Fund, (212) 346-8455 or ygonzalez@bmcc.cuny.edu

Make a Difference in Students’ Lives: Faculty and Staff Campaign
The faculty and staff of BMCC support our students in countless ways, every single day. That support includes contributing to the BMCC Foundation Scholarship Fund. Your support of the Faculty and Staff Campaign makes a significant difference in our students’ lives. There are three easy ways to give:

• Make a donation online.
• Text your donation to BMCC at (646) 876-2622.
• Send your check, payable to the BMCC Foundation, via interoffice mail to the Office of College Development, F-1330. (Please note, you can designate your donation to your department).

Ask the Entrepreneur Panel Talk
February 15

Film Screening: Moonlight—African Heritage Month
February 15

How to Get Back on Track When You're on Academic Probation- Fit Mind Series
February 19

Music Students Recital
February 20

	BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center Listings		Center for Career Development Events
	Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Scholarship Events		Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development Events

Hostos, BMCC Roll Into CUNYAC Tournament Final With Semifinal Routs

2018-19 CUNYAC Community College Men's Basketball Championship Field Set

2018-19 CUNYAC Community College Women's Basketball Championship Field Set

Headed for Playoffs, BMCC Basketball Gains Momentum With Doubleheader Win

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Feb. 19: BMCC vs. Suffolk County Community College (Selden, NY)

MEN'S BASKETBALL
Feb. 13: BMCC vs. Queensborough Community College (BMCC gym)
Feb. 19: BMCC vs. Suffolk County Community College (Selden, NY)

@BMCC is produced and published by the Office of Public Affairs.

Faculty and staff: Submit items for consideration in an upcoming @BMCC to publicaffairs@bmcc.cuny.edu by 12 noon, Wednesday.