BMCC Receives $230,407 from NSF for Research on Dark Matter
BMCC Science Professor Quinn Minor has been awarded $235,407 from the Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST) of the National Science Foundation for his research project, “Testing the Cold Dark Matter Model by Constraining Dark Matter Substructure in Gravitational Lens Galaxies.” The project extends September 1, 2016 through August 31, 2019. During that time, Minor will mentor six students who will receive stipends and analyze digital simulations of gravitational lenses, which occur when light from one galaxy is "bent" by the gravitational pull of another galaxy, which acts as a "lens.” The students will attend meetings with other CUNY student researchers at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), where Minor is a Research Fellow. They will learn Python, a programming language, and present talks and posters on their research. Besides learning science and being able to “see themselves in the research environment,” students who are mentored in research projects "tend to continue their science studies beyond BMCC,” Minor says. "A lot of studies have shown that mentored research at an early stage correlates with retention in that field."

Pictured above (L-R): Byeonghyeon So, Drew Ballard, Adam Marr, Prof. Bill Roane, Joanne Torres, Carolina Dellepiane, Eunice Melendez, Samantha Jean, Laiquan Bates.

Exploring Transfer Program Celebrates Graduates’ Success
Eight BMCC students were selected to be a part of the 30-student cohort of the Exploring Transfer (ET) Program at Vassar College during June and July 2016. They come from a variety of majors and successfully completed the coursework and rigors of this intense program. On July 29, the students were awarded their certificates in Blodgett Auditorium on the Vassar campus. ET Director Bernetta Parson welcomed the participants and Dr. Sidney Plotkin, Professor of Political Science at Vassar, spoke on behalf of the program’s faculty. Alexandria Smalls, a recent BMCC graduate who completed the ET program in 2015, addressed the graduating class on behalf of this summer’s counselors. Drew Ballard, a current BMCC student, was selected by his peers to discuss his experience in this diverse, intense five-week program. The Graduation Address was given by BMCC alumna Kat Stephens-Mothudi who completed the ET program in 2011, graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 2014 and is currently pursuing a Master of Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. A reception for the students and counselors followed in Alumni Hall at Vassar.

BMCC Community Invited to Q&A Hosted by Office of Institutional Effectiveness & Analytics
What is institutional effectiveness? What is “analytics”? How does this impact me or my department? The Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Analytics (IEA) cordially invites faculty and staff to participate in a town hall session to address the College’s planning, assessment and accreditation efforts. IEA ensures the implementation of the College’s Strategic Plan, continued Middle States Accreditation, and institutional research and analysis. With support from college-wide assessment committees, IEA also ensures the development, implementation and evaluation of an Institutional Effectiveness plan. The event is scheduled Tuesday, September 27, 3:00 p.m., 199 Chambers Street, Room S719. Contact L. Wassila Soulemana (LSOULEMANA@bmcc.cuny.edu), to RSVP for this inaugural event.

Help Make a Difference!
Nearly 90% of BMCC students need financial assistance in order to meet their educational goals. The BMCC Faculty/Staff Campaign is an opportunity for the BMCC community to provide much needed scholarship and emergency support for BMCC students. If each staff and faculty member donates $25 to $100, the College could raise over $80,000 for students. There are three ways to give:

• Send your check payable to the BMCC Foundation, via interoffice mail to the Office of College Development, F1330. (Please note, you can designate your donation to your department.)
• Make a donation online
• Text your donation to BMCC at (646) 876-2622

Weight Watchers Meetings Start at BMCC Weight Watchers meetings will be starting at BMCC on Monday September 12 from 1:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in S341. If you join between September 4 and 19, you will be eligible to receive a free Starter Kit. If would like to attend the meetings here at BMCC, please contact Lori Mazzola, lmazzola@bmcc.cuny.edu). Or go to nyc.join.weightwatchers.com Select SIGN UP NOW Input NYC’s Employer ID: 11612222 Input NYC’s Employer Passcode: WW11612222 Follow instructions to enroll Once enrolled, redeem your Starter Kit Enter your mailing address to receive your free kit

Registration Open for Excel Workshops
BMCC faculty and staff encourage students to register for Excel workshops presented by the Accounting Department. Students will learn Accounting Based Excel applications, organize and sort various data and information. Students will also learn to create spreadsheets, and perform advanced data analysis using functions, formulas, and charts. Workshop dates: Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 21 and 28. To register, contact Professor Achraf Seyam, Accounting Department, (212) 220-8354, aseyam@bmcc.cuny.edu.

BMCC Fitness Center Now Open to BMCC Community The BMCC Fitness Center (Room N275) enhances the learning environment by providing programs, services and facilities that promote healthy lifestyles, build community and foster student success. The Center is open to all members of the BMCC community (students, faculty and staff). We also offer recreation activities (Room N299) such as half-court basketball, volleyball, tennis, badminton, ping pong, soccer, yoga and Zumba. Yoga is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12 noon – 2:00 p.m. and Zumba class is offered Tuesdays, 1:00 pm - 2:00 p.m., Wednesdays, 12 noon –1:00 p.m., and Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. All facilities are free with your BMCC I.D.

Syreeta McGadden, BMCC Professor of English, participates in Arts Alive Festival, Johannesburg, South Africa
September 14, 2016 — Artslink

BMCC professors credited for role in developing CUNY Games Network
September 13, 2016 — EdSurge

BMCC Professor Warren Benfield serves as lead author for Caribbean Human Development Report
September 12, 2016 – United Nations Development Programme

BMCC’s role in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 remembered
September 9, 2016 — NYSUT.org

Jamaine Roseborough, BMCC student, comments on nonprofit Knowledge House
September 9, 2016 — The Wall Street Journal

Alumni Mixer in Shirley Fiterman Art Center BMCC alumni are welcome back for a mixer and to view the new exhibit, Chromatic Space, in BMCC's Shirley Fiterman Art Center on Monday, September 26 at 5:30 PM. Karrin E. Wilks, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, will share highlights from the new BMCC Strategic Plan, and refreshments will be served. Come network with fellow alumni, and learn how you can be a part of BMCC’s growing community. The Art Center is on the first floor of Fiterman Hall, 81 Barclay Street, New York, NY 10007. Please RSVP by September 20, by clicking here: Alumni Event RSVP

BMCC Alumni Council Encourages Participation in Events and Networking
BMCC’s Alumni Council welcomes BMCC alumni interested in strengthening relationships between alumni and the college. For information contact Kami Crary, Manager of Alumni Affairs and Events, at kcrary@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Ways to Give
The BMCC Foundation is grateful for contributions of all types and levels. Learn about the ways you can help ensure student success and make a difference at BMCC. For further information, please contact Doris Holz, Vice President of Development, dholz@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Scholarship Opportunities for BMCC Students
Sept. 21, 22

MoneyWorks Seminars
Oct. 5, 19, 26; Nov. 9, 30 and Dec. 7

How to Get Back on Track When You’re on Academic Probation
Sept. 16, 21, 27; Oct. 13, 19, 27; Nov. 3

BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center Listings

Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Scholarship Listings

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