Message from the Interim President to Students (03/11/2020)

Dear BMCC Students,

The Governor announced today that the City University of New York (CUNY), including Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), will suspend classes effective tomorrow; there will be no in-person classes on campus from Thursday, March 12- Wednesday, March 18, 2020. During that time, BMCC will be open and will provide training and support to faculty and students to transition all courses from face-to-face delivery to distance teaching formats. Starting Thursday, March 19, 2020 the spring semester will resume with all instruction provided through distance learning for the duration of the semester.

By “distance formats” we refer both to online learning as well as to simpler methods of providing content to students “at a distance,” including using email or some of the more basic capabilities of Blackboard. Distance learning can be both asynchronous—meaning that students and instructors provide and access course material at different times convenient to them—or synchronous—meaning with students and instructors participating at the same time, much like a regularly-scheduled class. Faculty will adopt an approach with which they are comfortable, and whatever approach suits the content of their course.  Faculty will communicate with you about the requirements for your courses. Please make sure to check your BMCC email frequently.  If you need help accessing your student email, please contact userservices@bmcc.cuny.edu,.

We recognize that many students are not familiar with distance learning and may not have easy access to the internet. From Thursday, March 12-Wednesday, March 18, 2020 we will provide training and support for students to prepare for distance learning. Academic and student support staff will plan appropriately. BMCC will remain open throughout the semester (excluding any holidays) for students to access our computer labs, the library, the Learning Resource Center and other tutoring, advisement, Single Stop, the Office of Accessibility, Counseling and other support services. Staff will be present, and faculty will have access to their offices and labs.

You are encouraged to update your information on CUNYfirst and sign up to receive CUNY Alert text messages. We will send additional information about resources, services and activities soon. Please continue to visit BMCC’s Coronavirus: Information and Resources. Updates will also be posted on BMCC’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Linkedin. BMCC is committed to helping you continue your studies and ensuring a safe and welcoming campus.