BMCC Fall 2020
To protect the health and well-being of everyone in our community, we are delivering the majority of instruction and support services from a distance this fall. Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the safety guidelines for higher education issued by the New York State Department of Health, we have developed plans for reopening the campus with strictly limited capacity, requiring appropriate physical distancing and protective face coverings, monitoring of health conditions and hygiene, and repeated cleaning and disinfection.
We are committed to creating the best possible experience for students, faculty and staff, strengthening our culture of care inside and outside the classroom, and creating the conditions under which all students can learn and all members of the BMCC community can thrive—even from a distance. We encourage you to thoroughly review this website and the many resources available to provide information and protect your safety and well-being. We are on this together and wish everyone a safe and productive semester, BMCC strong.
Access to Campus
To protect the health and well-being of all members of our community, BMCC will deliver the vast majority of instruction and support services from a distance in fall 2020. Over 98 percent of class sections will be delivered online; and nearly all support services including admissions, advising, tutoring, counseling, career development, the library, and Single Stop will be delivered online. A limited number of services including the Panther Pantry, the Early Childhood Center and research labs will have reduced in-person hours. Access to the campus will be strictly limited to essential staff on a rotating basis, faculty and students in designated in-person classes, faculty and staff to pick up needed materials on a limited basis by appointment only, and students to use computer labs or study areas with appropriate distancing by appointment only.
Stages for Reopening
199 Chambers (Occupants/1580)
Essential Staff
Instructional
Support Programs
Administrative
Scheduled Access
Overflow
70 Murray Street (Occupants/228)
Essential Staff
Support Programs
Administrative
Overflow
BMCC intends on implementing a staged reopening of its facility, guided by the overall reduced capacity. The anticipated timeframe for transitioning between stages will be as follows:
STAGE 1 – Instructional Program starting on Wednesday, August 26 and monitored for a period of two weeks to allow for any necessary adjustments to protocols.
STAGE 2A – Support Programs Program starting on Wednesday, September 16 at 50% reduced capacity and monitored for a period of two weeks before increasing to 75% and subsequently to 100%.
STAGE 2B – Administrative Program starting on Wednesday, September 30 at 50% reduced capacity and monitored for a period of two weeks before increasing to 75% and subsequently to 100%.
STAGE 3 – Scheduled Access Function (Offices only) starting on Wednesday, October 14 at 50% reduced capacity and monitored for a period of two weeks before increasing to 75% and subsequently to 100%.
STAGE 4 – Overflow Program TBD starting on Wednesday, October 28 and dependent on need.
BMCC’s Fall 2020 Reopening Plan was approved by CUNY and the State as required. It provides comprehensive details about safety procedures related to people (including the requirement for face coverings and social distancing), places (including extensive and frequent cleaning and disinfection), and processes (including required daily screening and procedures related to any confirmed COVID case on campus). The plan also includes a governance structure with a Reopening Steering Committee and designated liaisons and teams related to particular aspects of the plan (for example health monitoring and vulnerable populations).
BMCC is committed to creating the best possible experience for students, faculty and staff— in-person and virtually— strengthening our culture of care, and creating the conditions under which all students can learn and all members of the community can thrive.
Contacts
Health Monitoring:
Penelope Jordan, Director of Health Services
pjordan@bmcc.cuny.edu
Vulnerable Populations:
Maria Deckinger, Associate Director of Human Resources
mdeckinger@bmcc.cuny.edu
Safety Protocols:
Michael Korn, Director of Public Safety
mkorn@bmcc.cuny.edu
Facility Operations:
Eric Lugo, Chief Admin. Superintendent
elugo@bmcc.cuny.edu
Specialized Program:
Michael Spath, EHS and Risk Manager
mspath@bmcc.cuny.edu
Access Control:
Tanya Hughes, Administrative Events Coordinator
thughes@bmcc.cuny.edu
Communications & Technology:
Joseph Spadaro, Vice President for Technology
jspadaro@bmcc.cuny.edu
Manuel Romero, Executive Director of Public Affairs
mromero@bmcc.cuny.edu
Procedures
Access to the Campus
Beginning STAGE 2: Access to campus for students ONLY, will be available in a limited capacity. Our Fall 2020 plan for safely reopening severely limits the number of people who are allowed on campus. Once we’ve reached stage 2, you will be able to register here.
Daily Health Screening
To ensure the health and safety of those who need to attend an in-person class, no one will be allowed to enter a CUNY campus without first undergoing a health screening. Please use this Instructional Guide for accessing and using the app.
Return to Work
Faculty and staff returning to work on a more consistent basis will be required to complete the Return to Work Training Video which is available on Blackboard. It is recommended you take a screen grab of the completion page (showing the check marks and the notation of completion), BEFORE you select submit. If there is an issue, the screen grab can be used as proof of completion.
Non-compliance Safety Protocols Form
The Non-compliance Safety Protocols Form is designed to help BMCC with monitoring COVID-19 Safety Protocols on campus as part of the BMCC Re-Opening and Operations Plan.
BMCC is taking the proper safety measures for social distancing.
Masks are required on campus at all times.
Keep physical distance. Stay at least 6 feet away from other people.
Please use the stairs. It’s healthier for everyone.
Please wash your hands regularly and for at least 30 seconds.
Please use the hand sanitizer. It’s healthier for everyone.
All surfaces have been disinfected.
Physical Distancing – Limit Occupancy and Congestion
199 Chambers (Occupants/1580)
Essential Staff
Instructional
Support Programs
Administrative
Scheduled Access
Overflow
70 Murray Street (Occupants/228)
Essential Staff
Support Programs
Administrative
Overflow
Rationale for Onsite Programs
A very limited number of academic sections will need to be offered onsite. These classes are primarily associated with the clinical and lab components of the Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Programs. A total of 14 sections for both of these programs will meet regularly Monday thru Saturday, with a total number of students for all sections not exceeding 240. The other program, Theatre will meet occasionally (once a week), with a total number of sections not exceeding 4 and the total number of students for all sections being less than 40. Physical distancing measures have been implemented in all assigned rooms with maximum room capacities reduced by 60% minimum. See specific rationale below.
Gathering in Enclosed Spaces
REDUCED OCCUPANCY
- Dining Halls
- Computer Labs
- Breakrooms
- Childcare Center
- Restrooms
- Hallways and Stairways
- Lecture/Classrooms
RESTRICTED OCCUPANCY
- Elevators
- Exterior Campus Grounds
- Offices
- Lobby and Common Areas
- Bookstore
- Theaters I & II
- Art Gallery
NOT ACCESSIBLE
- Gymnasium / Pool / Fitness Center
- Locker Rooms
- Cafeteria
- Library
- Learning Resource Center
- Conference Rooms / Waiting Areas
- Reflection Room
- Testing Center
General Information
Updates
Frequently Asked Questions
PLEASE NOTE: Responses to the Frequency Asked Questions will be updated with guidance from the New York State Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the City University of New York (CUNY).
Health and Safety
We can significantly reduce the risk of getting the virus by encouraging mandatory use of face coverings by all building occupants (faculty, staff, students and visitors), by reducing the number of occupants in buildings, with the implementation of physical distancing, health monitoring protocols, intensified cleaning and disinfecting procedures, increased filtering and air changes of building ventilation and the practice of good hand hygiene as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
BMCC is working to minimize building occupancy across the entire campus. Currently, there is limited access to 199 Chambers Street and the Murray Building only.
Staggered scheduling of administrative functions and gatherings will be used to ensure compliance with physical distancing. Furniture and seating layouts will facilitate physical distancing in these common areas.
Communication and Updates
BMCC will continue to monitor the situation and work in collaboration with CUNY and health experts to provide information as it is made available. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to continue visiting the BMCC website for updates.
Yes, guidelines and signage will be placed in bathrooms, along common areas (cafeteria, gym and library), classrooms, labs, and hallways.
BMCC’s Nurse Penelope Jordan (pjordan@bmcc.cuny.edu) is the designated liaison who is responsible for leading the efforts of tracking and responding to COVID-19 cases. BMCC will take proper steps under the guidance of the CDC in case of an outbreak.
Services
Visit BMCC’s website to learn about services and guidelines.
Assistance is available from the Learning Resources Center, the E-Learning Center, the Library, and from your instructors.
Please visit the BMCC website to learn about services provided that include the Counseling Center, Single Stop, Financial Aid and the Center for Career Development.
Academic and Business Travel
All non-essential university-related international and domestic travel is suspended until further notice. This includes all CUNY-sponsored student international and domestic travel, and non-credit travel under the auspices of CUNY or any CUNY college or student organization. International travel in non-CUNY credit-bearing programs is discouraged. Please know that pursuing these types of programs will be deemed a private undertaking and is not eligible for CUNY’s international travel insurance.
People
Student Resources
Online Learning
BMCC’s Distance Learning and Resources site will provide you with information to help you as an online student. Services include free online tutoring in a wide range of subjects. We offer support in the digital tools you will need such as Zoom, Blackboard, Email and Creative Cloud software.
Extracurricular
Contact the Office of Student Activities (OSA) to find out when and where clubs will be meeting.
BMCC will continue to offer a wide range of events and workshops–some online and others in-person.
Financial and Other Assistance
In addition to Financial Aid, BMCC has created a Covid-19 Student Emergency Fund for unexpected financial problems. Students wishing more information should contact the BMCC Single Stop Office at singlestop@bmcc.cuny.edu.
The Panther Pantry can provide food for students who are facing a food emergency.
The Excelsior Scholarship can help qualified full-time students attend BMCC tuition free. The BMCC Completion Grant can assist students with at least 35 credits who need financial assistance to finish their degree at BMCC. The Office of Scholarships, Awards and other Opportunities helps students apply for funding to finance their education.
Faculty Resources
Guidance for Distance Learning
See BMCC’s Faculty Course Continuity Resources for information, training and support.
Learn about how to make your distance learning classroom accessible to students who are receiving accommodations from the Office of Accessibility.
Staff Resources
Health and Safety
See our Covid-19 webpages for information about staying healthy.
Learn about the extra steps being taken by Facilities to ensure a healthy workplace.
Places and Services
The Academic Advisement and Transfer Center can be reached by email: aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and on weekends by appointment.
The Office of Admissions is currently operating remotely. Contact Admissions representatives for assistance Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m and Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The office can also be contacted online or phone (212) 220-8000, Ext. 7320. The Panther Station/How To Team are working remotely assisting with Admissions, Enrollment and Financial Aid, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m and Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Office of the Bursar is currently operating remotely, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday – Thursday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Fridays. Contact the Bursar by email: bursar@bmcc.cuny.edu or phone: (212) 220-1300.
The cafeteria is currently closed. If the situation changes, updated information will be posted here.
The Center for Career Development is currently open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and offering services in an on-line format which including live chats, on-line workshops and meetings. Contact the Center by email: career@bmcc.cuny.edu or phone: (212) 220-8170.
Virtual services include:
- Get career advice via a video or phone chat.
- Set up a meeting with a career advisor.
- Use Career Express to search for jobs.
The Office of Compliance & Diversity can assist BMCC students, faculty, and staff with issues of unlawful discrimination/harassment. Email OLevy@bmcc.cuny.edu or TWade@bmcc.cuny.edu for assistance. Staff are currently working remotely Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
The on-campus Computer Labs are currently closed. Email servicedesk@bmcc.cuny.edu if you need further information.
The Counseling Center is currently able to provide services to BMCC students online via Zoom video chat, phone and e-mail. Students can contact the Counseling Center at counselingcenter@bmcc.cuny.edu with any questions. A counselor will respond to you within 24 hours during open business hours, Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m -5 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m.. If a student knows who their counselor is, they can also email their counselor directly for information and to schedule a time to speak.
NYC Well (a confidential 24/7 helpline)
If your symptoms of stress become overwhelming, reach out for support and help. You can contact NYC Well, a confidential 24/7 helpline, staffed by trained counselors. They can provide brief counseling and referrals to care in over 200 languages.
- Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355)
- Text “WELL” to 65173
- Chat at NYC.gov/nycwell
If you are having a mental health emergency, do not wait to hear back from a counselor. Call 911, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), NYCWELL at 1-888-NYC-WELL or go to your nearest emergency room.
The Early Childhood Center is currently operating remotely Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
As of September 21, 2020
The Early Childhood Center will be physically open
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
For more information, email CScottCroff@bmcc.cuny.edu, ygutierrez@bmcc.cuny.edu or spalacio@bmcc.cuny.edu. You can also phone: (212) 220-8250 or (212) 220-8253 and leave a message.
The Office of Evening/Weekend Programs is currently operating remotely. For more information, email eveningweekend@bmcc.cuny.edu.
The Office of Financial Aid is operating remotely at this time. Contact the office by email: finaid@bmcc.cuny.edu or phone: (212) 220-1430. Financial Aid representives can answer your questions and offer assistance.
Health Services staff are in the office on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8 a.m.-5 pm. and Thursday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.They can be reached by phone at (212) 220-825 or by email: healthservices@bmcc.cuny.edu.
The Immigration Support team is operating remotely to provide you with services and support. They provide information about relevant institutional policies, legislation and executive orders, including those affecting international students, permanent residents and students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
Tiffany James
Student Success Outreach and Programming Coordinator
(929) 242-9807 (phone or text)
tjames@bmcc.cuny.edu
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Jackie Normyle
Student Success Outreach and Programming Coordinator
jnormyle@bmcc.cuny.edu
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.
The International team is operating remotely to provide you with services and support. If you are applying to BMCC, contact our virtual enrollment specialists for assistance Monday – Thursday, from 9 a.m.– 7 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Students already admitted to BMCC can email: internationalstudents@bmcc.cuny.edu or contact our Virtual Front Desk via Zoom:
- Zoom: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/6905243240?pwd=d2VXblRGN1AzM3FDWGFydGlvWGM4Zz09
- Personal Meeting ID: 690-524-3240
- The Virtual Front Desk is open:
– Mon.: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 12-3 p.m.
– Tues.: 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.
– Wed.: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.and 2-4 p.m.
– Thurs.: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
– Fri.: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.and 1-3 p.m.
Wherever you are, the Learning Resource Center is currently operating remotely and has a full array of services to help you succeed in your courses. They offer online tutoring, academic coaching, workshops and more.
199 Chambers Street Hours of Operation: Closed
(Currently operating remotely)
All LRC services will be online during fall 2020
Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday: closed
When no classes scheduled, the LRC will be opened: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, closed
The BMCC Library is currently closed, but some services are available online. For more information, email: help@bmcc-cuny.libanswers.com. The Library can be contacted by email or online chat (chat feature is on the right side of the library homepage.) The Library is physically closed in Fall 2020, but can assist students via email and with online services..
The Panther Pantry is open! Students can pick up bags of food on Thursday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Students will receive an email reservation from the Office of Student Affairs. Students may also request to be added to the reservation list by sending an email to singlestop@bmcc.cuny.edu or by calling (212) 220-8195.
The Panther Station is currently operating remotely to assist students with admissions, enrollment and financial aid. Staff are available Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. They can be reached by phone: (212) 220-8000, Ext. 7320 or online.
The office of the Registrar is currently operating remotely, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.. Email the office at registrar@bmcc.cuny.edu or contact Registrar’s Office representatives for assistance signing up for classes.
Scholarships, Awards and other Opportunities is currently operating remotely Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Email scholarship@bmcc.cuny.edu for assistance.
Single Stop is currently operating remotely. The staff can assist you with finding legal services, financial counseling, tax preparation, health insurance and SNAP assistance for food purchases. Email the office at singlestop@bmcc.cuny.edu . Staff members are working remotely Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
