President's Report for October 2023

Office of Center for Excellence in Teaching and learning (CETL)

The Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning (CETL) will be hosting a workshop series on "Copyright and Publishing" (Oct 11) and "Copyright and Teaching" (Oct 25) in collaboration with QCC Library. These workshops will familiarize faculty with various issues regarding ownership of intellectual property. Participants of CETL's upcoming workshop on "Engaging Students with GPS Mindset" (Oct 18) will gain an understanding of how to empower their students in their learning experience by receiving information about the Mindset GPS framework or Learning Mindset that is being taught at CUNY.  CETL's workshop series on the "Scholarship of Teaching and Learning" in Oct & Nov will familiarize faculty with the process of systematic scholarly inquiry that focuses on teaching practices and student learning. ​All Faculty are encouraged to visit CETL and OET homepages to see a complete listing of all upcoming events and professional development opportunities.

 

Office of Educational Technology (OET)

The Office of Educational Technology (OET) continues to offer faculty development opportunities. This semester, OET is offering ten webinars on different Educational Technology applications. Thirty-one instructors have registered for these webinars. The most popular webinar was “Enhancing Instructional Videos with PlayPosit” with 15 registrations.

Faculty can visit the OET web site to see a complete listing of all upcoming Distance Learning Webinars and Professional Development Opportunities. 

The “Fall 2023 - Student Learning Readiness Course- Are you Ready” is currently available under "My Organizations" module on the Blackboard Home page for all students. While the course is likely to be most useful to first-time freshman who have the least familiarity with Blackboard, the course material could also be beneficial to any student who might need a refresher. The Fall 2023 report shows that 280 students have completed this orientation course.

CUNY will be transitioning to a new learning management system (LMS), D2L “Brightspace.” The overall transition will be phased over two years, with four groups of campuses transitioning over sequential semesters: Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. By Fall 2025, all courses will be delivered in Brightspace. Queensborough will be in the second transition group. For more information, click on the following link: CUNY’s LMS Transition web page.

Currently, the Office of Educational Technology is offering Drop-in Virtual Office Hours through Blackboard Collaborate. Faculty can join the OET Virtual Office to speak with an IT Academic Specialist, Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs 

Grants Awarded

August 23 – September 27, 2023 

Chemistry Department 

Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration: $500,000, Lall-Ramnarine, Sharon & Sideris, Paul; “Developing Next Generation Radiation Safety Professionals.”

 

Continuing Education and Workforce Development 

CUNY Central Office of Careers & Industry Partnerships: $304,941, Hartigan, Ellen & Conkling, Lori; “Creating Inclusive Technology Pathways and Sustaining Careers for CUNY Students, Alumni and the Broader NYC Community.”

 

Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity

The Faculty Fellow for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity has been curating conversations with junior faculty of color to help support their sense of belonging on campus. Additionally, the monthly “What’s the FaculTEA” newsletter, updating junior faculty on opportunities in their fields and on campus continues to be distributed to those who have opted into the listserv. 

Plans are underway for the second cohort of the Teaching Excellence Pilot in collaboration with AVP Matos. Cohort I is working on submitting their reflections, which will inform the plans for developing the second cohort. 

The celebration for the first iteration of the Fostering a Culture of Belonging cohort took place on September 28 at 2pm in the Student Union Lounge. Course takers from this course and the Inclusive Teaching for Equitable Learning cohort for Spring 2023 were honored for their completing the micro credential for each course. The Fall 2023 cohort of Fostering a Culture of Belonging begins October 9. 

The Sankofa Celebration for 2024 is being developed by the QCC Incubator team. 

Student Support Resources

• Faculty and staff are asked to encourage our students to avail themselves of the valuable and free resources through the Advocacy Resource Center. Services provided include (but are not limited to) public benefits screening, financial coaching, legal assistance, tax preparation services, housing assistance, food pantry referrals, and more.

 

• Emergency funding is available to students who face a financial crisis that puts at risk their continued enrollment toward their QCC degree. Supported through a grant from The Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation, the funds provide one-time, emergency grants to students in good standing with short-term financial emergencies to enable them to remain in school, rather than being forced to leave or drop out. Students with short-term financial emergencies should be referred to Ms. Amawati Gonesh, Advocacy Resource Center Program Manager, via email at AGonesh@qcc.cuny.edu.  Additional information can be found online at QCC Scholarships.

 

• The CUNY Ethics and Morality Essay Contest is funded by an endowment gift of $100,000 to the City University of New York by Dr. K. York Chynn and his wife Noelle Chynn. This annual award is intended to promote and stimulate thinking by college students at CUNY about the topic of ethics, morality, and virtuous behavior in their lives. More than ever, these issues arise not only in the personal relationships of individuals and family and friends, but also in the context of corporate, government, and social responsibility, whether it is about treating others fairly and honestly, or food safety. The topic of this year's essay is Virtue and the deadline to apply is October 30, 2023.

 

• The 2023 CUNY Thomas Tam Scholarship was established in honor of Dr. Thomas Tam's many contributions to the City University of New York. The scholarship award is given to a qualified undergraduate student currently enrolled in any of the CUNY colleges, Asian or Non-Asian "who has demonstrated creativity in the communication of the concerns of the Asian American community in areas such as Health, Education, and Culture." All currently enrolled CUNY undergraduate students are eligible to apply for the Thomas Tam Scholarship.  Display of communication of the concerns of the Asian American community can be in the form of written reports, film, video, new media techniques, and the development of performances or materials in the arts and sciences. The deadline to apply is October 30, 2023.

 

• The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship makes it possible for the nation's top community college students to complete their bachelor's degrees by transferring to a selective four-year college or university. The Foundation provides up to $40,000 per year to each of approximately 45 deserving students selected annually, making it the largest private scholarship for two-year and community college transfer students in the country. Each award is intended to cover a significant share of the student's educational expenses – including tuition, living expenses, books and required fees – for the final two to three years necessary to achieve a bachelor's degree. Awards vary by individual, based on the cost of tuition as well as other grants or scholarships he or she may receive. The application will open on October 5, 2023, with a deadline to apply of January 11, 2024.

 

• The Women's Forum Education Award provides a scholarship of $10,000. The awards will be given to women aged 35 and over who have faced and overcome adversity and now, after an interruption in their education, have resumed the pursuit of their first associate or bachelor's degree. Applicants must demonstrate noteworthy promise and resilience in the face of challenges and must also demonstrate a commitment to helping others and to making a difference in their community, large or small, when their own career goals are achieved. Financial need and academic excellence are not the primary determining factors in the selection of recipients, although true financial need should be evident, and the candidate should be in good academic standing. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2024.

 

Upcoming Events

 

• The Queensborough Male Resource Center (QMRC) will sponsor a “Barber Shop Day” event on Monday, October 16 at 2:00 pm in the Student Union Building – Upper Level (Room 107). Free haircuts will be available to all students on a first come, first-served basis as we recognize the growing cost of many routine self-maintenance services that students need in order to present their best selves, and we would like to help.

 

• Free Flu Shots will be available to QCC students (first come, first served) on Wednesday, October 18 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm in the Office of Health Services (Medical Arts Building – Room 02).

 

• The Queensborough Male Resource Center (QMRC) will host a “6 Ways to Pay for College” workshop on Wednesday, October 18 at 1:30 pm in the Student Union – Upper Level (Room 107). This workshop will speak to the different options available to help you pay for college. How should you prepare and plan to attend a college that will be more expensive than QCC? Is what you are currently paying sustainable until you graduate? These questions, and more, will be discussed and answered at this event.

 

• Students will have an opportunity to have a Free Professional Head Shot taken on Wednesday, October 25 at 2:00 pm in the Student Union Building – Upper Level (Room 107). Sponsored by the Queensborough Male Resource Center. RSVP is required for all students who wish to participate. To RSVP, click HERE.

 

 

FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGNS:

Do Good. GIVE!

Faculty and staff will be receiving a letter in the mail from Ho Martin Yuen, ‘23, the 2023 inaugural salutatorian. Please scan the QR code on the insert card and watch Martin’s video appeal for your support of the Lucille A. Bova Food Pantry, the Male Resource Center, and the new QCC Fund Promise Scholarship which provides critical financial support to students with an outstanding tuition balance of $500-$1,000 (85% of students with a tuition balance of $500-$1,000 do not return the following semester).  Click here to give online and make your selection from the drop-down menu.

 

Your donation to the Annual Fund Campaign makes both an immediate and

life-long impact on our students!

 

A Tribute to Claire Dupre 1996 – 2023:

In honor of Claire Dupre. Claire’s passion for life and commitment to her education inspired many within the Queensborough family. She was on the path to graduating this December. Thank you to faculty and staff for their outpouring of support! Funds raised in Claire’s honor will be used to award scholarships to Queensborough students who are facing financial barriers preventing them from achieving their dream of earning a college degree. Please visit the website if you would like to make a donation in Claire’s honor and to view messages from friends and family.

 

Please join us for the Fight Campus Hunger kickoff campaign!

Basketball & Volleyball Tournaments in the RFK Gym on October 18, 2023 - 12:10 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The grassroots student fundraiser, in partnership with the SGA, and the Muslim Student Association, is hosting a basketball and volleyball tournament on Wednesday, October 18^th during club hours. Students, faculty, and staff are ALL welcome to participate.

 

Students register FREE and the suggested contribution for faculty and staff is $5.

All funds raised will support the Lucille A. Bova Food Pantry on campus.

 

Registration is required – click here to register

 

MAJOR GIFTS TO THE COLLEGE:

William Harnisch,’66 gifted $24,000 through the William Harnisch Foundation for scholarships to Brooklyn Tech alumni enrolled at Queensborough. Mr. Harnisch is an accomplished investment professional who graduated from Queensborough in 1966. In 2004, he founded Peconic Partners, one of the top performing hedge funds in the world!

Rosette Tucker Teitel gifted $10,000 for the KHC Library Revitalization Project. Rosette is a Holocaust survivor who was born in France and hidden by Catholic farmers while her mother was a part of the French Underground during the war. Rosette was unaware of her Jewish heritage until she was older and struggled with her identity.

FOUNDATION GRANTS TO THE COLLEGE:

For the FY23-24 Academic Year:

 

• The Eugene M. Lang Foundation again awarded $25,000 in emergency grant funds for undocumented and immigrant Queensborough students to ensure they receive the support they need to stay in school and on track to graduate.
• The Amazin’ Mets Foundation increased their grant funding from $10,000 to $20,000 for scholarships to full-time Queensborough students. The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation also renewed again this year with a $10,000 matching contribution.

 

As always, we thank you for your continued support!

 

Art Gallery

 

Internship Program:

 

• Since June, two students from the Gallery and Museum Studies Program have been participating in the internship program in the Department of Art and Design.
• Two high school students completed a five-week internship from the Summer Youth Employment Program through the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development.

 

 

List of Exhibits/Events - October 12, 2023 - Oakland Building – 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.:

 

• Wenzhi Zhang

Porcelains

• The art of Porcelain in conjunction with Guangzhou University, China.
• “Suture” series of Daqi porcelain plate paintings utilizes Daqi and Jinshan techniques to highlight the luxurious and noble appearance of beautiful flowing glass.

 

• European Master Drawings: The Creative Interpretation and Techniques

It is worth remembering that there are no rules in drawing apart from the artist’s own intention and ability to use the material as he wishes. Drawing is more complex than this exhibition suggests, involving numerous stages and the use of many materials. This exhibition of previously unseen drawings is therefore an opportunity to engage with artists and their individual relationship to the tools of their craft. The works created by European artists from the Renaissance to the 19th century are chosen to emphasize the role of drawing in the history of art.

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• In Memoriam of Bonnie Terril Ross (1956-2022):

            New donations of African Art were received from David Ross in memory of his wife.

 

Kupferberg Holocaust Center

 

Programming:

For list of all public programming offered in the Fall 2023 semester and for more information on how to register, visit:

https://khc.qcc.cuny.edu/events-2/

 

KHC & US Holocaust Memorial Museum Professional Development Workshop – Contact KHC@qcc.cuny.edu for more information

Integrating Holocaust Education into the Community College Classroom

 

Friday, October 13, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EDT.

Part II: Holocaust Education on Campus Up Close

 

Human Rights and the Museum Series—Virtual Program

Building and Sustaining Indigenous Cultural Institutions of Today

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. EDT.

Jeremy Dennis, Photographer and Founder of Ma’s House

Sarah Biscarra Dilley, Curator of Indigenous Programs & Community Engagement at Forge Projects

 

KHC-NEH Lecture—Virtual Program

Archives of Nostalgia: Exploring America’s Many Pasts

Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. EDT.

Dr. Erin Thompson, Professor of Art Crimes at John Jay College of Criminal Justice-CUNY Dr. Tim Keogh, Assistant Professor of History at QCC

Irvin Weathersby Jr., Lecturer of English at QCC

 

Holocaust Memory/Annual Kristallnacht Commemoration—Virtual Program

2023 Kristallnacht Commemoration: The State of Holocaust Education in the US Today

Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. EST.

Dr. Oren Stier, Professor of Religious Studies, and Director of the Holocaust and Genocide Studies & Jewish Studies Certificate Program in the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International University

 

Special Community Event—In Person Only; registration information the KHC’s website

KHC Nazi Concentration Camps Exhibition: Open House

Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. EST.

Dr. Laura Cohen, KHC Executive Director

 

KHC ORIGINAL EXHIBITION

The Concentration Camps: Inside the Nazi System of Incarceration and Genocide

On View and Online at: https://khc.qcc.cuny.edu/camps/

 

The KHC continues to offer self-guided audio tours of its original exhibition which surveys the scope and brutality of the Nazi system of incarceration and genocide, underscoring the horrific consequences of antisemitism, racism, and authoritarianism. In addition to the exhibit’s text, images, and artifacts, personal testimonies from local Holocaust survivors offer painful insights into these excruciating landscapes of degradation and dehumanization. This exhibit is curated by Dr. Cary Lane, KHC 2020-21 Curator-in-Residence and Associate Professor of English at QCC.

 

Recordings for any virtual or hybrid programs will be available on the KHC website:

https://khc.qcc.cuny.edu/recordings/

 

Visit the Education page of the KHC website at https://khc.qcc.cuny.edu/education/

for a complete listing of our comprehensive library guides and to view recorded events from our past NEH colloquia.

 

Queensborough Performing Arts Center (QPAC)

 

QPAC’s From Page to Stage (On-Going Faculty Collaborations):

Theatrical re-enactments of historical events are used as a connective pathway for reaching and teaching students. This is a free resource for all departments.

The submission process is ongoing:

• Requests for adaptations will be reviewed on an on-going basis.
• Faculty can request specific works by sending an email to Susan Agin, Executive & Artistic Director, QPAC (SAgin@qcc.cuny.edu).
• Assuming the availability of the material and copyright permissions, a performance/recording schedule will be submitted within two weeks following each proposal received.

We encourage submissions and we are available to answer any questions.

Saturday, October 21, 2023 – 5:00 p.m.

Decadia: 80’s And Beyond

Fort Totten Park, Bayside, NY

Rain Date: 10/23/23, 6:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Councilmember Vickie Paladino

Although Decadia started out as an '80s cover band, they have developed into so much more. An eight-piece band fronted by three world-class vocalists; they can perform a vast variety of material and deliver the songs with the high energy needed to make audiences dance until they drop. As New York's premier '80s cover band, a Decadia show is jam packed with your favorite hits from the 80s, but also includes '70s classics, '90s favorites blockbuster movie soundtracks and current hits. One of the most sought after acts in the New York area, Decadia plays approximately 100 shows each year to packed theaters, concert venues, corporate and private events. The band is comprised of top-drawing veteran musicians and singers in Broadway, television, and feature film credits including American Idol, KYGO, the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, The Lynyrd Skynyrd Legends Tour, Richie Blackmore, Bonnie Tyler, Nine Days, Movin’ Out, Kinky Boots, In the Heights, Spiderman and Grease. Rain date: Monday, 10/23/23 at 6:30 p.m. No tickets needed. Bring your own chair. Sponsored by Councilmember Vickie Paladino.

Sunday, October 22, 2023 – 3:00 p.m.

UPTOWN

This show is not to be missed! The men of UPTOWN present top-tier vocals and invigorating choreography in a unique and modern show that gets every crowd on their feet! This group exudes unparalleled energy with their blend of classic Motown music and contemporary radio hits. UPTOWN is about to take you on a first-class trip through the melodies you love, with a fresh new feel that will leave you screaming for more. Straight out of NYC, these young men will sing and dance their way into your hearts (and out of your seats). With the styling of the Temptations, vocals like Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson and the energy and contemporary feel of Bruno Mars, everyone is going UPTOWN!

Top Pick: We are so sure you will absolutely love this show that we are giving you TWO opportunities to see it (dates above). Featuring songs made famous by Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Jackie Wilson, The Four Tops, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Spinners, Bruno Mars, Prince and more. Get your friends together and get your tickets now! $35 - $60

Saturday, October 28, 2023 – 8:00 p.m.

ABBA-Mania

Experience the ultimate ABBA tribute, with the most accurate recreation of one of the best pop bands in history. Instantly, you are back in time when songs like Waterloo, Fernando, Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen and more topped the billboard charts. Featuring an extraordinary cast of talented musicians and performers, this group delivers an authentic and unforgettable tribute to the legendary Swedish band, musically, vocally, and visually. They have captured the hearts of fans for generations. Fully costumed, with energetic choreography and impeccable musicianship, Abbamania recreates all the magic of an Abba concert! $35 - $60

GOTTA DANCE KIDS!

QPAC’s Broadway Dance-Along Workout Challenge for Kids!

Fall workshops are held inside QPAC:

October 21, 2023, 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

October 28, 2023, 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

QPAC invites children, ages 8-14, to participate in an exciting dance workout offered on Saturdays. Choreography as seen on Broadway, and in the movies, is re-created to provide a fun way of working out.

The workshop, which runs for 5 weeks in the fall and 5 weeks in the spring, will be taught by professional dance choreographers that reflect New York City’s multi-ethnic communities. Each workshop is shaped to the level of each group, and participants receive feedback from the instructor.

Sponsored by Council Members James F. Gennaro, Linda Lee, to assist in providing affordable, cultural & artistic programs in the community.

 

CREATIVE SERVICES

  

“ContinYOU” Campaign for CEWD

Creative Services has created and is implementing a campaign to promote the course offerings of the College’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development Office called “ContinYOU.” The campaign includes three-months of paid search on Google, social media using Meta’s Facebook, Instagram and Meta Ads Manager platforms, and a zip-code targeted postcard mailing.

 

Web and Application Services

 

Monday.com: 

 

We are in the early stages of procuring the enterprise plan for Monday.com. The enterprise plan will allow faculty and staff to sign in with their QCC credentials to track the status of their requests to the various areas of the division. We will ideally have this completed by the end of October.

 

CEWD Website Redesign:

The CEWD website is being redesigned for better discoverability of their courses and programs. Course data will be pulled in directly from their course registration system (Xenegrade XenDirect) which will keep the website up to date in real-time.

 

Migrating QCC Applications to Use CUNY Login Credentials:

 

We have been in contact with CUNY CIS and have started the setup process to migrate QCC applications (i.e., Starfish, QCC Connect, Dynamic Forms, etc.) to use CUNY Login credentials. This will minimize the number of usernames and passwords students must activate and remember, easing frustrations and offering a better experience overall. Once the setup process has been completed, all applications can be switched over at the same time. A communications campaign will be necessary to inform the College community.

 

QCC was notified by the Central Office that we will have a 5% reduction in city-funded spending in November, a 5% reduction in January and another 5% in April as part of New York City Mayor Eric Adams steps to stabilize the city’s finances. Financially this represents $14 million that will be reduced from our budget and that creates further constraints on the QCC operating budget. The QCC finance team will be working on developing a plan.