Who knew?
In addition to learning about these special services, students browsed tables and displays to learn about academic departments, programs and opportunities at BMCC they might not even know exist.
“You don’t have to play on a sports team at BMCC to get involved with athletics,” said Amena Zeno of the Athletics Department, who also expressed amazement that many students didn’t seem to know about BMCC’s newly renovated, free swimming pool, and high-tech gym.
Guerda Baucicaut, a coordinator in the BMCC Library, let students know they can borrow calculators and electronic language dictionaries. Many were surprised to learn they can also reserve a private study room for two hours, so they can study in groups.
Judy Noble, a Video Arts and Technology adjunct professor, said of her concentration: “It’s like this hidden little gem. People don’t realize we have high-definition studios and cameras; that we teach AVID—video editing software—and Pro Tools—recording and editing software—and that we have state-of-the-art, phenomenal facilities.”
The spirit of the institution
Besides serious discussions about credits and academic majors, students linked arms to have their pictures taken with BMCC’s mascot, a giant blue panther.
A “conductor” in traditional hat and uniform circulated through the event with a microphone, encouraging students to try their luck with raffle tickets for a monthly Metrocard.
The BMCC Library staff gave out free copies of books by Toni Morrison and Frank McCourt, chess games were set out on tables, inviting challengers to play, and a theater-sized popcorn popper filled the air with that irresistible, salty scent.
“I think this is a great event,” said BMCC President Antonio Pérez. “It allows us to share the things we do. In an institution as large as ours, sometimes things go unnoticed—but this event shows the spirit of the institution.”
A living catalogue
It’s one thing to see departments and programs listed in a catalogue, and quite another to talk with professors, staff and students closely involved with that area of study.
At the Kickoff event, students learned of vital supports services and special programs like the BMCC Writing Center, Reading Lab, Study Abroad, College Discovery, Tutoring, Basic Skills Lab, The Office of Services for Students with Disabilities, Women’s Resource Center, Career Development, and internships to “translate their theoretical classroom knowledge into practical applications,” according to Jon Dash, Chair of Cooperative Education.
Students also had a chance to ask questions about majors they’d been considering, stopping to talk at booths for Health Information Technology, Human Services, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, and others.
They chatted with engineering students who remotely controlled a robot rolling on the floor, and consulted with Professor Abdramane Serme, whose enthusiasm opened conversations about becoming a math major.
They also checked out CPR equipment used in the paramedic department, got information on scholarships—and even discovered ways to raise their employability, while pursuing these diverse academic goals, through offerings in BMCC’s Continuing Education department.
“We want to help train you and get you into the workforce sooner rather than later,” said Calvin Young of that department.
