Student Activities and Services
STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
Bronx Community College (BCC) offers many services and activities designed to support your overall development and college success. Please read the following sections and contact the staff in these areas to learn more about the services available to you. Many graduates of BCC find that their engagement with the various services and activities enhanced their college experiences. We would like to support you as well – feel free to read below and contact us.
ATHLETICS
Director: Dionne DodsonAlumni Gym Building [AG], Room 403 | 718.289.5289
dionne.dodson@bcc.cuny.edu
Athletics at Bronx Community College competes regionally against some of the top competition among two-year colleges in the Northeast. Broncos men’s intercollegiate varsity teams include baseball, basketball and soccer. Women’s intercollegiate teams include basketball and volleyball. All teams play on campus in Alumni Gym or on Ohio Field.
Teams compete as members of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA Region XV) and The City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC). In recent years, teams have won CUNYAC Championships including the 2019 CUNYAC baseball regular season and postseason titles and numerous student-athletes have continued their playing careers after BCC at the four-year level.
Participation on our teams fosters the values of discipline, teamwork, collaboration and an understanding of how to work with others for the achievement of individual and group success. Student-athletes develop confidence, leadership abilities and time management skills through team and individual achievements.
Recreation and Intramurals
Athletics also offers a variety of recreation and intramural opportunities for our students, faculty and staff. Recreation opportunities include the use of the cardio room, weight training areas, basketball gymnasium and pool. Available hours vary based on academic and athletics schedules. Additionally, co-ed club opportunities exist on campus in sports such as tennis, track and swimming.
For more information about our intercollegiate or intramural programming or to join a team, email Associate Athletic Director of athletics Michael Loeffler at michael.loeffler@bcc.cuny.edu.
BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION TEAM (BIT)
Bronx Community College strives to maintain a healthy and safe environment for all students, faculty and staff. The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) was established to identify, assess and monitor students who display moderate to elevated levels of distress, disruption and/or behavioral dysregulation.
Faculty, staff and fellow students are often among the first to notice when another member of the Bronx Community College community is overly stressed or behaving in a dangerous or disruptive manner. Disruption of academic progress, personal relationships and daily behavior may be signs that a person is in distress. To maintain safety and order on campus, the Bronx Community College BIT identifies, responds and ensures appropriate intervention when individual behavior causes concern to other members of the campus community.
To contact a BIT representative, email BIT@bcc.cuny.edu or call 718.289.5630
In case of an immediate emergency, at any time, contact the Department of Public Safety at once 718.289.5911.
COUNSELING AND RESOURCES FOR EMERGENCY SUPPORT (CARES )
Director: Dawn Daniels, LCSW
Loew Hall [LO], Room 436 | 718.289.5100, Ext. 5596
The CARES office provides comprehensive social services and mental health support that can assist BCC students in preventing or overcoming problems such as depression, anxiety, food insecurity, financial emergencies, limited access to health care, financial counseling, housing instability and food insecurity. CARES staff are compassionate professionals who will support your personal and academic success. CARES integrates services from both the BCC CARES Access Resource Center and the BCC CARES Office of Personal Counseling. To contact a CARES representative, email: bcc.arc@bcc.cuny.edu; personal.counseling@bcc.cuny.edu or call 718.289.5223.
CARES Access Resource Center (ARC)
Loew Hall [LO], Room 419 | 718.289.5179
The mission of Bronx Community College CARES Access Resource Center is to provide a human centered and holistic approach to social service and economic resources for students and their immediate family members. CARES ARC offers a suite of comprehensive non-academic related services that supports and promotes student success. CARES ARC provides services and resources to help students address barriers that prevent them from attending and completing school. CARES ARC provides these services in collaboration with both internal and external partners. All services offered at CARES ARC are FREE! Here are some of the services offered:
Food Pantry
The year round Food Pantry provides eligible CUNY students with free nutritious food for their households. The Food Pantry is funded in part by BCC’s Office of Advancement, Communications and External Relations in cooperation with Food Bank for New York City, The Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation and the New York City Council Food Security Program. The Food Bank for New York City has partnered with The City University of New York to open similar pantries at other CUNY campuses.
The Carroll and Milton Petrie Emergency Grant
The Carroll and Milton Petrie Student Emergency Grant Fund has been awarded to BCC for the purpose of providing quick-response emergency grants to matriculated students in good academic standing who are facing short-term financial emergencies.
Financial Counseling
Meet with a financial expert and learn lifelong strategies that will help you save money, build assets, and manage debt. We can also help you get your free credit report, establish credit if you have none, and improve your credit scores. Financial counseling will help you establish and achieve your financial goals. Financial counseling is available Monday-Friday.
Tax Preparation
Get free tax preparation assistance and e-file your forms utilizing our special IRS approved program. Certified tax preparers are available to assist you from February through the second week of April. If you have questions outside of tax season and need assistance we have certified tax preparers available to answer your questions.
Legal Aid
If you have questions about divorce, child support, employment, housing, debt collection, public assistance or any other non-criminal or civil legal questions you can be connected to a lawyer at no cost to you.
You can learn more about all the services we offer by emailing bcc.arc@bcc.cuny.edu or calling 718.289.5179.
Social Service & Legal Assistance
The CARES Team is here to provide you with assistance in applying for various social service and housing programs such SNAP, Access NYC, Housing Connect and much more. In addition, If you have questions about divorce, child support, employment, housing, debt collection, public assistance or any other non-criminal or civil legal questions you can be connected to a lawyer at no cost to you.
CARES Office of Personal Counseling (OPC)
http://www.bcc.cuny.edu/Personal-Counseling
Loew Hall [LO], Room 430 | 718.289.5223
The mission of the CARES Office of Personal Counseling is to assist students with emotional, developmental or psychological concerns that may be interfering with their personal and academic growth. We provide free, confidential, short-term counseling to help students find healthy ways to cope with college and life stressors in order to enhance their personal growth and support their academic focus at Bronx Community College. All students are treated with respect and are seen as individuals with unique strengths. Our services are free and confidential. We are also a liaison to the community, linking appropriate students to more intensive and longer term services as needed. We are committed to supporting the faculty and staff in the identification of students who may benefit from our services and then providing support to those students in need. We provide educational programming to the campus community and work to emphasize wellness and prevention in our outreach efforts including:
Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
Group Therapy and Workshops
Substance Misuse-Addiction
Suicidal Thoughts/Attempts
You can learn more about all the services we offer by emailing bcc.arc@bcc.cuny.edu or personal.counseling@bcc.cuny.edu.
CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS AND RETENTION SERVICES
Director: Karen Thomas, MS
Loew Hall (LO), Room 411 | 718.289.5709
The Office of Customer Solutions and Retention Services (CSRS) supports the academic and non- academic student experience by providing timely solutions and quality services to the entire college community. We are committed to fostering a strong student engagement environment by ensuring the proper guidance and non-academic resources from admission to graduation at Bronx Community College.
The Office of Customer Solutions and Retention Services aims to serve Bronx Community College by re-educating, retaining and restoring confidence within the community on the services we provide and the resources that we offer.
Our services include:
Student inquiries and complaints
Customer Care and Solutions
Student withdrawal prevention
Retention services
Policies and Procedure evaluations for student issues
Assessment
Non-Academic Resources
DISABILITY SERVICES
Assistant Director: Amy Vargas
Loew Hall [LO], Room 209 | 718.289.5361
http://www.bcc.cuny.edu/Disability-Services
Our mission is to provide access and equal educational opportunity to students with disabilities, in accordance to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990), Services are determined on case to case basis. If a student requires services, we encourage them to get in touch with our office, either in person or by phone , selfidentify, apply for services, and provide documentation (e.g., IEP, letter for a Psychologist/ Psychiatrist/Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychoeducational Evaluation, 504 Plan). A disability accommodation specialist will then meet with the student to determine reasonable accommodations and appropriate academic adjustments.
Accommodations may include:
Exams administered and proctored in a less distractive environment
Extended time on exams
Use of assistive technology, (e.g., Smart Pen or Recording Device for class notes, Screen Reading software to have exam questions read aloud, Portable Magnifiers for students with low vision)
Alternative Format for course materials and exams (e.g., Enlarged Print or Braille for students with visual disabilities)
Assistance with securing and coordinating supplemental staff (e.g., Sign Language Interpreters for deaf/hard of hearing students)
Students who register with Disability Services automatically qualify for CUNY LEADS (Linking Employment, Academics, and Disability Services). CUNY LEADS is a unique, individualized program established to facilitate successful academic and career outcomes for students with disabilities. CUNY LEADS is free of charge and available across all 18 CUNY campuses. For more information, visit: https://www.cuny.edu/current-students/student-affairs/student-services/disability/cuny-leads/
Tutoring is available to students struggling with remedial math and with writing-intensive courses.
Disability Services is an official New York State Voter Registration site. Individuals who visit our office are given the opportunity to register as New York State voters. Assistance is available to complete Voter Registration.
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
Director: Jitinder Walia
The Children’s Center [CC], Room 221 | 718.289.5461
At Bronx Community College Early Childhood Center, we aim to provide a nurturing and inclusive environment where infants, toddlers, and preschoolers can thrive. Our center is a dedicated educational institution focused on offering developmentally appropriate early care and education. We create a caring and supportive atmosphere where children learn and develop through age-appropriate activities. Our commitment extends to educating, advocating for, and offering support and expertise that empower and enhance the lives of students, parents, children, our college community, and the broader early childhood community. By supporting the needs of student parents, we contribute to their successful retention and graduation at Bronx Community College.
The Early Childhood Center is licensed to serve infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our Infant/Toddler program caters to children from 6 weeks to two years old. Our preschool program serves children from two years to five years old, which includes 3-K and Pre-K.
The Early Childhood Center also provides extended childcare for preschool and school-age children during the Fall and Spring semesters, Monday to Thursday from 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Our evening program offers a safe and engaging environment with an enriched, developmentally appropriate curriculum.
Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.
HEALTH SERVICES
Director: Alex Aboagye
Community Hall [CH], Main Floor – Room 100 | 718.289.5858
It is the mission of the Office of Health Services at Bronx Community College of The City University of New York to identify, address and provide accessible health care to BCC’s underserved students and to improve the health care status of the student body, as well as the surrounding community. This will support the college’s mission and improve academic outcomes and subsequent professional outcomes.
The Office of Health Services provides health education and wellness activities to BCC’s diverse campus community. Services for BCC students are provided on a walk-in basis and include: physical assessments, treatment of minor injuries and illnesses along with referrals or emergency triage, as well as referrals to community-based healthcare providers. Over-the-counter medications are available upon request.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella/ Meningitis
All Bronx Community College students must comply with New York State Public Health Law requirements regarding immunizations. Students taking six credits (or its equivalent) or more regardless of degree or non-degree status are required to submit proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. Also, all students must complete the on-line Meningitis Acknowledgment Form. Note: The final grade of WA (administrative withdrawal) is the administrative action taken due to non-compliance with State and University immunization or vaccination requirements. Students are financially liable for courses in which they receive a grade of WA.
IT SERVICE DESK
Technology support services to students, faculty and staff are provided through the IT Service Desk unit. This support unit is committed to delivering quality customer service and technical solutions in support of campus-wide technology. Support includes, but is not limited to: email setup, WiFi access, technical support for hardware or software incidents, service requests such as password resets (including CUNYfirst or OSSES issues), change requests such as having new software installed, advice on buying new hardware, advice on choosing software for a new task, telecoms issues such as phone movements and voicemail questions. The IT Service Desk is located in The Roscoe Brown Student Center [BC], Room 308 and its staff may be reached at ext. 5970 or by email at tsc@bcc.cuny.edu.
SHUTTLE BUS
A free shuttle bus service provides evening students with transportation from campus to several subway and bus lines. The hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., during the fall and spring semesters when classes are in session. The shuttle bus picks up passengers in front of Meister Hall [ME], every 30 minutes. Please be prepared to show your BCC identification card upon entering the shuttle.
NOTE: The BCC Shuttle Bus may run on a reduced schedule or may be canceled during the fall term pending modality of course delivery.
SEXUAL & INTER-PERSONAL VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE COURSE (SPARC)
All students are required to complete the free online SPARC course one time at the beginning of their tenure at CUNY/BCC. However, if you are a BCC athlete, student leader (SGA and IOC members), doing a study abroad program and/or participating in overnight travel, you must complete SPARC every year. The purpose of SPARC is to educate CUNY and BCC’s community on policies pertaining to sexual misconduct, how to report incidents and provide available resources.
STUDENT LIFE OFFICE
Associate Director: Tiffany Dubon-Yard
Roscoe Brown Student Center [BC], Room 302 | 718.289.5194
The Office of Student Life includes a variety of activities, special programs, college-wide organizations and clubs that are an integral part of college life. The purpose of this office is to engage students as active members of the college community and to enhance the overall student experience through exposure to diverse perspectives, leadership development, service learning, co-curricular programming and volunteer service. Student Life, the Student Government Association (SGA), the Inter-Organizational Council (IOC) and the Leadership and Success Office work collaboratively for the benefit of students and the campus community.
The Student Activities Committee, a Senate sub-committee, is comprised of students, faculty and administrators. This body serves in an Advisory capacity to the Office of Student Life. They review and approve clubs and college-wide organizations and provide direction for campus-wide programs and activities. Visit http://www.bcc.cuny.edu/Student-Life/ for more information.
Clubs and Organizations
The Inter-Organizational Council (IOC) is the representative body that deals with the welfare and governance of all student clubs and college-wide organizations, except the Student Government Association. The IOC is comprised of one student from each chartered club, organization and honor society at Bronx Community College.
There are over 30 student clubs and organizations at BCC with academic, cultural and social themes. BCC students can join an existing club or start a new club with other BCC students of similar interests. Joining a BCC club is an excellent way to enhance the academic experience at BCC. Students who participate in BCC clubs can explore academic programs and majors, develop leadership skills, practice teamwork, build cross-cultural appreciation and provide community service.
For more information, visit the IOC Office in Roscoe C. Brown Student Center [BC], Room 309; call 718.289.5201; or visit our website at http://www.bcc.cuny.edu/Student-Life/
Commencement Ceremony
The BCC Commencement Ceremony is an annual event at Bronx Community College when graduates, faculty, employees and loved ones celebrate graduates academic success. Students must be eligible to graduate to participate in the commencement ceremony. Commencement ceremonies generally are held at BCC’s beautiful landmark campus.
New Student and Transfer Orientation
Make a smooth transition into college life at Bronx Community College (BCC) by participating in New Student Orientation! The goal of our NSO program is to provide you with all of our essential college information to provide you with the tools that you need to be successful at Bronx Community College.
Through New Student Orientation you will discover new opportunities and gain insight on:
Financial Aid and Paying for College
Our Student Life and Engagement Opportunities
Understand BCC’s Community Standards
Gain insight on BCC’s Technology
Get tips and strategies on Becoming an Effective College Student and more!
Roscoe C. Brown Student Center
The Roscoe C. Brown Student Center is dedicated to serving the social, cultural and recreational needs of Bronx Community College students and provides a variety of services and educational experiences. The facility includes a cafeteria, theatre, club programming space, meeting rooms and the Campus Service Center. For information regarding use of the facilities for programs, meetings or conferences, contact the Events Management office at 718.289.5942.
Student Government Association (SGA)
The Student Government Association is comprised of 15 senators elected by the student body each spring semester. An internal election is conducted for executive positions. As a body, SGA provides direction and guidance on all student-related matters, including student activities and campus programming. SGA members participate fully in the College Senate and its many sub-committees.
OFFICE OF STUDENT DIVERSITY INITIATIVES
Interim Assistant Vice President for Student Success: Jessenia Paoli Esq.
Roscoe Brown Student Center [BC], Room 305 | 718.289.5962
Program Coordinator: LaVerne B. King
Roscoe Brown Student Center [BC], Room 303 | 718.289.3230
The Office of Student Diversity Initiatives (OSDI) serves as a centralized hub for diversity, equity, and inclusion student programming at BCC. OSDI serves the College community by providing support and activities for students that enhance their overall experience and knowledge in respect to the rich diversity and culture that exists at BCC and in our society at large. OSDI partners with students, internal College stakeholders and community partners in creating and implementing co-curricular programming, activities, and college-wide initiatives to support the personal and professional development of all students as well as to cultivate their leadership skills, agency, and efficacy. OSDI strives to create an inclusive campus environment and foster a sense of belonging for all students.
LGBTQI+ Resource Room
Director: Dr. Emalinda McSpadden
Advisor: Edwin Roman
Roscoe Brown Student Center [BC], Room 312 | 718.289.5713
http://www.bcc.cuny.edu/campus-life/student-life/campus-diversity/lgbtqi-resource-room/
The LGBTQI+ Resource Room at Bronx Community College works to foster an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. The Resource Room aims to sustain visibility and a sense of community by providing LGBTQI+ education, programming, and support services on campus.
The LGBTQI+ Resource Room fulfills its mission through varied programming that includes the Safe Space Program, the LGBTQI+ Support Group, as well as the Loud! newsletter.
M.E.N. - Male Empowerment Network Program
Manager: Clifford L. Marshall, II
Roscoe Brown Student Center [BC], Room 101, 102 & 103 | 718.289.5713
M.E.N. is part of CUNY’s BMI (Black Male Initiative). As a university-wide initiative, CUNY BMI’s mission is to encourage, increase and support the inclusion and educational success of students from groups that are severely underrepresented in higher education, in particular African, African-American/Black, Caribbean and Latino/Hispanic males. CUNY BMI projects are open to all academically eligible students, faculty and staff, without regard for race, gender or national origin. BCC’s M.E.N. is one of more than 30 projects funded by CUNY BMI.
WOMXN UP!
Faculty Coordinator: Professor Gloria Rodriguez
Roscoe Brown Student Center [BC], Room 302B | 718.289.5266
Womxn Up! A space to ReSource – Bronx Community College (cuny.edu) Womxn Up! is a welcoming, safe, supportive and inclusive space that serves the needs of Womxn in the BCC Community. We are a home for connection, community, reflection, relaxation, creativity and sisterhood (not just Cisterhood).
We offer:
Empowerment Programming
Mental Health & Wellness Workshops
Women’s Health Programs
Sister Support Groups
Feminist Leadership Development & Certification
Campus Coalitions/Collaborations to end Domestic & Sexual Violence
VETERAN AND MILITARY RESOURCES
Coordinator: John Rosa
Loew Hall [LO], Room 328 | 718.289.5447
The Office of Veteran and Military Resources provides services to veterans, current service members and dependents enrolled at Bronx Community College. From application to graduation, the Office of Veteran and Military Resources takes a proactive approach to the educational process and helps students connect with the necessary resources on and off-campus. This Office assists veterans, service members and dependents with Department of Veteran Affairs educational benefits, academic advisement, and withdrawals due to active duty recalls.
In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), this school adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA. This school will not:
Prevent nor delay the student’s enrollment;
Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
Deny the student access to any resources available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution, including but not limited to access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities.
However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:
Produce the Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class;
Provide written request to be certified;
Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies.
Bronx Community College Reimbursement schedule for Military Tuition Assistance (TA):
For 15-week courses (fall and spring semesters) the return of unearned TA funds to the government is as follows:
15 week Course Withdraw submitted
Before week 1 100% return to the government
During week 1 and before week 2 100% return to the government During week 3 and before week 4 100% return to the government During week 4 and before week 5 100% return to the government During weeks 5-8 100% return to the government
During week 9 (60% of course completed) 100% return to the government
During weeks 10 to Course completion at week 15 (Greater than 60% of course completion) 0% return to the government
For 4-week courses (winter and Summer 1 semesters) the return of unearned TA funds to the government is as follows:
4-week Course Withdraw submitted, the 60% of course completed at 2.4 weeks (Total of 28 days) Before week 1 100% return to the government
Day 1 of course 100% return to the government
Day 4 of course 100% return to the government
Day 8 (30% of course completed) 100% return to the government
Day 16 (60% of course completed) 100% return to the government
Day 17 to the end of course (Greater than 60% of course completed) 0% return to the government
For 5-week courses (Summer II semester) the return of unearned TA funds to the government is as follows:
5-week Course Withdraw submitted, the 60% of course completed at 3 weeks (Total of 35 days) Before week 1 100% return to the government
Before day 5 of course 100% return to the government
Before day 8 of course 100% return to the government
Day 10 (30% of course completed) 100% return to the government
Day 21 (60% of course completed) 100% return to the government
Day 22 to the end of course (Greater than 60% of course completed) 0% return to the government
Bronx Community College Tuition Assistance Policy:
Return of Tuition Assistance: Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is awarded to a student under the assumption the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is rewarded. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of TA funds originally awarded.
To comply with the new Department of Defense policy, CUNY/Bronx Community College will return any unearned TA funds on a prorate basis through at least the 60% portion of the period for which the funds are provided. TA funds are earned proportionally during enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stopped attending. These funds are returned to the military service branch.
Instances when a service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, the educational institution will work with the affected service member to identify solutions that will not result in student debt for the returned portion.