President's Report for December 2023

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

The Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning (CETL) will offer High Impact Practices (HIPs) workshops (Jan 23 & 24, 2024) to support faculty in integrating Academic Service Learning, Common Read, Global Diversity Learning, Students Working in Interdisciplinary Groups, Undergraduate research, and Writing Intensive. All faculty are encouraged to sign up for the workshops for integrating High-Impact Practices (HIPs). These practices are teaching strategies that promote deeper learning and greater persistence. ​CETL and the Office of Educational technology (OET) will provide professional development opportunities on Open Educational resources (OER) development process. For the 7th consecutive year, as part of the New York State Open Educational Resources (OER) Scale-Up Initiative, CUNY has funded QCC's ongoing OER project. Queensborough has received funding for Cohort VII (2023-24). Faculty from various disciplines will have the opportunity for redesigning course materials and implementing pedagogical approaches to replace proprietary textbooks with OERs available on campus-based, centralized technology platforms.​

 All Faculty are encouraged to visit the CETL and OET homepages to see a complete listing of all upcoming events and professional development opportunities.  

Office of Educational Technology (OET)

In Spring 2024, Queensborough C.C. will begin the transition to the new Learning Management System, Brightspace by Desire2Learn (D2L). The transition will be implemented over two semesters.

The Transition Process Timeline:

Spring 2024

• Early in the spring, D2L will migrate Queensborough’s course content to Brightspace. Active courses will not be disrupted as Blackboard content will be copied over to Brightspace, not deleted from Blackboard.
• Faculty will have access to their courses in Blackboard and in Brightspace as migrations are completed. 
• Faculty will remain to have access to Blackboard until the end of 2025, but no new course shells will be generated in Blackboard after Spring 2024.
• Faculty training and resources to use Brightspace effectively for teaching and learning will be provided by a combination of D2L, CUNY Online and campus trainers, webinars, and other materials.
• Continue training for LMS administrators and staff who will interact with Brightspace.

Summer 2024/Fall 2024

• Faculty are expected to deliver their courses in Brightspace starting in Summer 2024.
• Faculty training and resources to use Brightspace effectively for teaching and learning will be provided by a combination of D2L, CUNY Online and campus trainers, webinars, and other materials.
• Student resources to use Brightspace effectively for learning will be provided by a combination of D2L, CUNY Online and campus trainers, webinars, and other materials.

To ensure a smooth transition, the Office of Educational Technology (OET) has designed and delivered two webinars with the title: “QCC Roadmap to Brightspace & Pre-migration Best Practices”. This webinar provided a set of guidelines and best practices that instructors should apply to their course before the migration. Our reports indicate that 54 instructors attended these webinars. 

Numerous campus representatives will be involved in the LMS transition to Brightspace. Queensborough has created two committees/teams, Campus LMS Migration Team and Faculty Champions. These groups will develop a comprehensive transition, implementation, and training plan for the transition from Blackboard to D2L Brightspace.

The Campus LMS Migration Teams leaders are:
Campus Lead: Phyllis Curti-Tweed, Provost, and VP of Academic Affairs
Campus Co-lead: Denis Bejar, Director of Educational Technology
Learning Management Expert: Delwar Sayeed, IT Academic Applications Specialist
Academic Technologist: Ka Cheng, IT Academic Applications Specialist
Project Coordinator: Punita Bhansali, Faculty
Communications: Leslie Ward, Librarian

The collaborative efforts by the campus community to prepare for the new LMS will be key in this process. In order to provide faculty-specific outreach and support, we invited faculty to join a new initiative called Faculty Champions. Twenty-five instructors have volunteered to join this initiative. The Faculty Champions will:

• Serve as peer mentors for the faculty in their academic departments.
• Build a knowledge base in their academic departments.
• Serve as the liaison between OET and their academic departments.
• Work one-on-one with faculty who may need extra help during the transition.

For more information about the transition, click on the following link: https://www.qcc.cuny.edu/brightspace/

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

October 20 – November 16, 2023 

Continuing Education and Workforce Development

NYC Department of Youth and Community Development: $27,550, Hartigan, Ellen & Conkling, Lori; “Career Development Connect Participant.” 

Jobs for the Future, Inc: $5,500, Hartigan, Ellen & Conkling, Lori; “Google Career Certificates: Community College” 

Office of Academic Affairs

Temple University: $138,536, Pullin, Michael; “CUNY Community College Transportation Research Study” 

Academic Momentum STEM Tuition Waiver

We are pleased to announce that Con Edison has allowed us to use their STEM Tuition Waiver Scholarship for Undocumented and International Students to be extended for use during the Fall and Spring semesters.  The scholarship allows the recipients to take one tuition-free STEM course. We supported 17 students during the Fall 2023 semester.

Enrollment Management Update

The Office of Academy Advisement Office is seeing an early demand for students to register for spring 2024 classes. Academy Advisement requires all first-time, first semester students to see an adviser before registering for classes. In addition, this semester, a pilot is in effect requiring a group of students who are on academic probation, with a cumulative GPA below 1.6, to see an adviser and discuss their progress before registering for classes. These two (2) mandatory advising experiences has led to a robust demand for advising continuing students in both modalities - virtual and in-person services. The Office of Academy Advisement is also seeing new students as of November 8, with freshmen, readmits and transfers registering for classes. Academy Advisement continues to use student leaders and Tiger Advisers, to help register students for spring 2024 courses. 

Athletics Update

The Queensborough Community College Men's Cross-Country Team had three (3) of its team members honored by the CUNYAC (CUNY Athletic Conference) for their individual performances this season. Sophomores Renaediaz Miller and Nickolas Pirovolikos were both named 2023 CUNYAC Men's Cross-Country All-Stars, while fellow sophomore Stanley Cazeau was named to the 2023 CUNYAC Men's Cross Country Sportsmanship Team, as voted on by the league's head coaches. 

Student Support Resources

• Faculty and staff are asked to encourage students to avail themselves of the valuable and free resources through the Advocacy Resource Center. Services provided include 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.
• Applications for The Guttman Scholarship for High-Achieving Community College Graduates will open in November for eligible students. Faculty and staff are asked to encourage our students to apply. To be eligible for a spring 2024 scholarship, students must earn an associate degree from a CUNY community college in the spring 2023, summer 2023, fall 2023 or winter 2024 semester, and must currently have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Students must also be transferring to Brooklyn, City, Hunter, Lehman, or Queens College in spring 2024, and must enroll full time (at least 12 credits/semester). Scholarship priority will be given to students who qualify for financial aid. Students who are awarded a scholarship will receive up to $4,000 paid over two years (four semesters at up to $1,000 a semester).

• TheDream.US Scholarship Program provides college scholarships to highly motivated students who entered the United States as minors under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protect Status (TPS), and who, without financial assistance, cannot afford a college education. All funding is provided by private donations to The Dream.US organization.  Full details, including eligibility requirements, can be found HERE. The application will open on November 1, 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 deadline to apply is 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

• Students who anticipate completing their degree requirements at the conclusion of the fall 2023, winter 2024, spring 2024 or summer 2024 semester are invited to take their Graduation Portrait. Portraits will be taken beginning Monday, December 4 through Thursday, December 7 in the Student Union Building – Lower Level from 10:00 am – 5:30 pm and appointments are required. To schedule an appointment, students can contact the Office of Student Activities at (718) 631-6233, visit their office in the Student Union Building – Lower Level, or email Ms. Cha Huang at CHuang@qcc.cuny.edu. 

• Free HIV/STI Testing will be available in the Office of Health Services (Medical Arts Building – Room MC 02) from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm on December 5, 6, 13, 19, and 20. These free services are provided by Northwell Health as well as the Aids Center of Queens County (ACQC) and are open to all currently enrolled QCC students. 

• As the fall 2023 semester ends and students prepare to take their final exams, QCC has lined up a series of food events for students to prepare them. As such, "Fuel Up for Finals" (sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs) is open to all currently enrolled students. Beginning Thursday, December 14 through Tuesday, December 19, free grab & go snacks will be available for students from 9:00 am - 11:00 am, followed by an afternoon session from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm, at the Science Building Atrium as outlined in the schedule below:
  • Thursday, December 14 (9:00 - 11:00 am and 4:00 - 5:00 pm)
  • Friday, December 15 (9:00 - 11:00 am) – NO AFTERNOON SESSION
  • Monday, December 18 (9:00 - 11:00 am and 4:00 – 5:00 pm)
  • Tuesday, December 19 (9:00 - 11:00 am and 4:00 - 5:00 pm)

Do Good. GIVE!

#CUNYTuesday, November 28, 2023

On November 1st, Queensborough launched its giving campaign for #CUNYTuesday, which is on November 28th. If you have not already, please consider joining a #CUNYTuesday team and start fundraising with your colleagues! The team that raises the most money wins a life-size Tiger and bragging rights for a year and the team that secures the most donors wins a Tiger trophy!! 

 

The 4 #CUNYTuesday support areas are:

• The Lucille A. Bova Food Pantry
• The Male Resource Center
• The QCC Fund Promise Scholarship
• The Athletic Award in honor of John Bevilacqua

For more information, please contact Saji at ssheerazi@qcc.cuny.edu.

Annual Fund Campaign:

Faculty and staff may choose to support The Lucille A. Bova Food Pantry, The Male Resource Center and The QCC Fund Promise Scholarship. Click here to make your donation online. Please make checks payable to the QCC Fund, Inc. and mail them to The College, Division of Strategic Initiatives and Advancement, Room A-508. 

New York City Marathon – Sunday, November 5, 2023:

Queensborough Community College Fund, Inc. received four entries in the NYC Marathon this November. The four (4) charity runners each agreed to raise $2,500 in support of our students. Thank you to Mateo Saenz,’18, Amanda LaSalle,’12 Christine Pagano in our nursing department, and Jose Lijo, a friend of the college, for supporting Queensborough students at such a quintessential New York event. 

A Tribute to Claire Dupre 1996 – 2023:

Thank you to faculty and staff for their outpouring of support! Funds raised in Claire’s honor support the QCC Fund Promise Scholarship to help keep students on track to graduation. 85% of Queensborough students with a tuition balance of just $500 to $1,000 are forced to drop out before earning their degree. Click here to view messages to Claire from family and friends and if you would like to make a donation in her honor. 

Thank you! 

On October 18th, a record-breaking 200 + students, faculty and staff participated in a Fight Campus Hunger Basketball and Volleyball Tournament. The grassroots student fundraiser, in partnership with the SGA, and the Muslim Student Association, raised $600 for the Lucille A. Bova Food Pantry to help provide groceries for the one in four Queensborough students experiencing food insecurity. 

 

 MAJOR GIFTS TO THE COLLEGE:

Amazon New York awarded $25,000 to the Lucille A. Bova Food Pantry to support Queensborough students facing food insecurity.

Grubhub increased their grant funding this year from $5,000 to $7,500 in support of the Lucille A. Bova Food Pantry.

Libra Philanthropies awarded $20,000 to the Kupferberg Holocaust Center to sustain the Center’s work to counter antisemitism and hate which undermine our society’s shared values and commitment to human rights.

As always, we thank you for your continued support! 

 

The Lucille A. Bova Food Pantry Give Thanks Give Back Thanksgiving food distribution is scheduled for Tuesday, November 21, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Thanksgiving items and perishables will be purchased from a very generous donation from Grubhub. Elected officials will be on site to help with packing bags and are welcome to stay to distribute the prepackaged bags to students.

 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.      

• 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 

Fall 2023 Programming Summary:

• During the Fall 2023 academic semester, the KHC presented 13 public programs including lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and special commemorative events. 

• There were 3 thematic program initiatives this semester, the QCC Welcome Read series, the Human Rights, and the Museum series, and the KHC/NEH 2023-24 Colloquium – Trauma, Remembrance and Compassion.             

• The Center was honored to have partnerships with 15 organizations and groups, some of whom focus on the Holocaust and other human rights issues, including: Sam and Frances Fried Holocaust and Genocide Academy at the University of Nebraska at Omaha; the Center for the Study of Genocide & Human Rights at Rutgers University; the Holocaust, Genocide, and Interfaith Education Center at Manhattan College; and the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center.

 There were 4 QCC partnerships including the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), the Welcome Read Committee, and the departments of Art and Design, and English. 

• Public programs ranged from our Annual Kristallnacht Commemoration, with keynote speaker Oren Stier, whose presentation was entitled - “The State of Holocaust Education in the US Today” (228 registrants), to “Building and Sustaining Indigenous Cultural Institutions of Today” with photographer and founder of Ma’s House Jeremy Dennis (50 registrants); to “Archives of Nostalgia: Exploring America’s Many Pasts” with QCC faculty Dr. Tim Keogh and Irvin Weathersby, Jr., and Dr. Erin Thompson from John Jay (62 registrants). 

• On November 14^th, the KHC hosted our second community open house in celebration of our newest original exhibition – “The Concentration Camps: Inside the Nazi System of Incarceration and Genocide,” which was attended by over 40 members of the community (including many local Holocaust survivors), as well as QCC faculty, staff, and students. 

• The KHC had 1000+ attendees participate in our virtual/in-person programs during the Fall semester. * 

• Recordings of the KHC’s Fall programs were shared to the QCC YouTube channel and currently have 750+ views (as of 11/15/23) * 

*NOTE: At the time of report submission (11/17) the following KHC programs remain: 

KHC & New York City College of Technology (City Tech) Partnership – Virtual & In Person 
Racism, Eugenics & Antisemitism: Connections between Jim Crow and Nuremberg Race Laws
Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. EST 

Register to attend virtually on Zoom: https://tinyurl.com/5d8e7uzc
Register to attend in person at City Tech: https://JimCrowandtheNurembergRaceLaws.eventbrite.com 

KHC & New York City College of Technology (City Tech) Partnership – Virtual

The Evian Conference and the Refugee Crisis: 85 Years Later
Monday, December 4, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. EST

Register to attend virtually on Zoom: https://tinyurl.com/bvwnun7s

***

To view any recorded KHC public programs that took place during the Fall 2023 semester,

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

2023-2024 KHC-NEH COLLOQUIUM

Weaponizing the Past: Art, History, and the Rhetoric of National Greatness

https://khc.qcc.cuny.edu/neh-programs/ 

With neofascist movements currently on the rise across the world, this series looks back on the history of fascism in the twentieth century, with particular focus on the way in which an aestheticized national imaginary was used as the guiding rhetoric of the Nazi party. Our speaker series collectively seeks to explore how the Nazi party and other radical movements have utilized the fetishization of the past to violently erase those out of compliance with their retroactive national norm. Organized in dialogue with contemporary issues, the series is aligned with the current KHC exhibit, The Concentration Camps: Inside the Nazi System of Incarceration and Genocide.

2023-24 Faculty Fellows:

Dr. Aliza Atik, Associate Professor of English

Dr. Kathleen Tamayo Alves, Associate Professor of English

 

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.

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 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.

 

Sunday, November 19, 2023 – 3:00 p.m.

Tenors Unlimited

The number one selling UK duo, Tenors Unlimited, returns to the U.S. with an exciting program of classical and popular music. Also known as The Dynamic Duo, the tenors will take you on a fantastic musical journey that will move you and make you laugh, in equal measure! Celebrating 20 years together, Jem Sharples and Paul Martin have assembled an eclectic selection of songs, including some of the best-loved melodies from the worlds of opera, musical theatre, and popular music, including crooner favorites. Using talents honed in their previous solo careers, the tenors set out to bring their own unique blend of wit, charm, and vocal arrangements to the classical crossover genre. Indulge yourself for the afternoon as these great showmen entertain you with soaring vocals, velvet harmonies and a killer sense of humor.

Tickets range from $35 - $60.

 

Saturday, December 2, 2023 – 8:00 p.m.

Vinyl Radio

Vinyl Radio is vocal power with a righteous regard for the great Rock-n-Roll music classics. Performing music from The Eagles, America, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, The Doobie Brothers and more, Vinyl Radio delivers the harmonies and melodies of classic ‘70s radio. These Music City (Nashville) pros combine their considerable talents into an experience that captures the essence of an era when guitars and grooves, mellow mayhem and melodies ruled the airwaves! These artists have toured extensively with legendary bands that include Huey Lewis, Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, and the band America to name a few. We are so excited to welcome Vinyl Radio to New York! Simply put, this concert is all the music you love brought to life. Tickets range from $35 - $60.

 

Friday, December 15, 2023 – 8:00 p.m. 

The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine: The Nutcracker

The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine is a 55-member troupe of Ukrainian dancers who come together each year to perform in North America. In what has become an annual tradition, the company has toured its production of The Nutcracker throughout the U.S. and Canada since its founding. But this year, things are different. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, eyes have turned toward the Eastern European nation and its displaced people, including its dancers. Despite all the odds, the company is back bringing to life the classic tale of Clara and her magical Nutcracker. Featuring stunning sets, elaborate costumes, and breathtaking choreography, the production showcases the immense talent and precision of the dancers, with graceful movements and technical prowess that will leave audiences in awe. The music, composed by Tchaikovsky, enhances the magical atmosphere of the performance. The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine's Nutcracker is a holiday tradition that is not to be missed. Tickets range from $40 - $65.

 

Wednesday, November 15, 2023 - 1:15 p.m.

Senior Loyalty Program sponsored by Councilmember Schulman: 

Richie Santa A Tribute to the King

This program is being presented for the senior citizen members of the Queens Community House in Kew Gardens, New York.

 

CREATIVE SERVICES 

ContinYOU Campaign for CEWD

Creative Services is working with the Office of Continuing Education and Workforce Development on a 16 page "View Book" (a sample course offering and promotional piece) that will be printed in a quantity of ~20,000 and mailed to a highly targeted audience. This project is being done in concert with the redesign of the CEWD page by Web & Application Services and will be the first step in an integrated marketing campaign to promote their professional development and persona enrichment courses. 

International Student Checklist & Spanish Language Brochure

The Office of Admissions and CLIP are working together on a major initiative to attract international students to Queensborough. As such, they have requested that Creative Services create two brochures promoting Queensborough to an international audience, one in English and another in Spanish. Additionally, we are working on a new comprehensive checklist for this population to explain the requirements needed to gain admission to Queensborough, steps to take once they are accepted, and what to do after they are registered for classes.

 Communications and Public Relations

Press:

Queensborough Community College lecturer Michael Lawrence was the subject of an Amazon-produced video highlighting the success of our partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and how it has prepared our students for industry-ready certifications in the tech industry.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbPcVT--axs

Queensborough Community College was recognized as one of the Best Community Colleges (#2) in New York by Intelligent.com

https://www.intelligent.com/best-community-colleges/new-york/#nassau_community_college

Creating a marketing campaign that aligns with CUNY’s current campaign to waive the application fee for high school seniors who apply for entry in the fall 2023 semester. 

Communications Support: 

Supporting Advancement with messaging to encourage faculty and staff to join #CUNYTuesday Teams. A new Initiative to allow faculty and staff to have fun, bring awareness to the College’s giving campaign, and raise funds.