Recent Announcements for Faculty

Important Dates/Information

1. Academic calendars here 

• 5-Week-2:  Session ends Aug 13. Grade rosters open Aug 13-17.
• 3-Week-3:  Session ends Aug 12. Grade rosters open Aug 12-16.
• Fall classes begin August 28.

2. Save the Date!  2026 New Student Convocation, Tues, Sept 1, 1:40-2:55pm in the Lynch Theater. Register here to participate and, if needed, to borrow regalia by today, Weds, August 5. Questions to Alyssa Hollywood at ahollywood@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Summer Fridays through Aug 14. HR Virtual Office Hours Thurs, 11am-1pm: Register  
4. Full-Time (FT) Faculty Personnel Process: Please use this form nowFaculty Personnel Action Form (FPAF) (previously Form C). The Faculty Personnel Process Guidelines (FPPG) were revised. Personnel files close Sept 11.
5. Book Adoptions. Please submit book/material information for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required. Fall adoptions overdue.

• Fall:  78% complete, 533 missing or incomplete.
• To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link. 
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources. 
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Writing and quantitative reasoning skills are two of the most critical literacies we can help students develop. For most courses, writing appropriate to the discipline is required: essays, summaries, arguments, posts, lab reports, analyses, research papers, etc. Through these, students gain knowledge and communication skills.

We also seek to help students build quantitative reasoning (QR) skills necessary for academic success: logical reasoning and data literacy, for example. Where do these skills support your assignments and expectations? Assignments that exercise QR skills work well with case studies and problem-based/project-based learning.

Here are some writing and QR resources to help facilitate course planning:

• John Jay Vertical Writing Program: writing resources for faculty that include First Year Writing, Writing Across the Curriculum, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Alan Siegel Writing Center: writing support for students (e.g., workshops, tutoring).
• QR Teaching Materials: guidance on teaching QR skills across disciplines (QC)
• Drs. Duane M. & Lily E. Christ Math & Science Resource Center: quantitative literacy and STEM support for students (e.g., course-specific workshops, tutoring).

The TLC’s new teaching resource site launches in a few weeks! To discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.   

Professional/Pedagogical Development Opportunities

1. (FT faculty): The NCFDD Fall Faculty Success Program (9/14 - 11/22) discounted pricing ends this Friday 8/7! Please email me ASAP by Friday for fall participation. FT faculty can apply for funding from the Faculty Opportunity Fund to participate (this time or in a future session). See here for information on the Faculty Opportunity Fund. 
2. Hunter College ACERT is offering a 10-Day Syllabus Challenge that  begins Mon, Aug 10. All are welcome. The challenge is asynchronous. Participating instructors receive a daily weekday email for 2 weeks with brief tasks that move toward completing your syllabus. Resulting syllabi will be more student-centered, inviting, joyful, and help to cultivate inclusive learning communities. Enroll here in the 10-Day Syllabus Challenge! 
3. Hunter ACERT lunchtime seminar open to all of CUNY. GenAI Meets Learning: Rethinking Courses and Teaching, Mon 8/17 @ 12-1pm on Zoom.
4. CDI Webinar: Setting the Tone for Classroom Dialogue, Tues, Aug 18, 12-1pm EDT. Many faculty spend time preparing for difficult classroom conversations. One of the best ways to navigate those moments is to build trust before they happen. Join this conversation on how to create classroom environments where students feel comfortable engaging honestly across differences. Panelists will share practical approaches for: setting classroom intentions, building trust, encouraging honest participation across differences, and responding thoughtfully when conversations are challenging. Register - Setting the Tone: Building Classroom Trust from Day One.  

New Policies/Clarifications 

There are numerous policies and procedures regarding student work during a semester, including the commonly accessed policies on attendance, incomplete work, and student grade appeals. The College Bulletins (Undergraduate and Graduate) provide relevant and important information annually and are a useful resource for questions about policies and about requirements for programs of study (e.g., majors).

1. Attendance Policy. CUNY meets the federal definition of an institution that is not required to take attendance under Title IV regulation 34 CFR 668.22 (b)(3)(i). As a non-attendance taking institution, daily attendance records are not collected by the College Registrars, and CUNY does not require professors to take attendance. Any attendance records are taken for the professors’ own purposes. Therefore - a faculty member’s attendance policy should be clearly stated on the syllabus.
2. Recording Policy. The John Jay Policy Prohibiting Recording by Students or Visitors of Class Sessions Without the Written Permission of the Course Instructor(s) requires that faculty include the policy on their syllabi and state in their syllabi whether students may make recordings and, if so, under what conditions. Read the full policy at the link above. Model language will be shared in the Syllabus Guidelines (coming soon). 

See the Faculty Handbook: Teaching, Students and the Classroom for more information.          

1.  Important Dates/Information

1. Academic calendars here.  Summer sessions are wrapping up soon!

• 3-Week-3:  Session begins July 27. VOE rosters open July 28-30.

2. Important Library Announcement:  The way we sign in to use Library databases and content from home is about to change.  Starting Mon, Aug 10, users will be asked to enter their CUNYFirst credentials to access Library resources remotely.  This will affect students, faculty, staff and faculty retirees.  It will improve our IT security and make access to Library resources easier for our students, including e-permit students. Users will also have the option to sign-in using the classic, John Jay email credentials method. More information is available on the library website.   
3. Save the Date!  For the 2026 New Student Convocation,Tues, Sept 1, 1:40-2:55pm in the Lynch Theater. Register here to participate and, if needed, to borrow regalia no later than Weds, Aug 5. Questions to Alyssa Hollywood, ahollywood@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. Summer Fridays through Aug 14. HR Virtual Office Hours Thurs, 11am-1pm: Register  
5. Full-Time (FT) Faculty Personnel Process: Please be aware thatForm C is now called the Faculty Personnel Action Form (FPAF) – please use this form now. The Faculty Personnel Process Guidelines (FPPG) were revised. 
6. Book Adoptions. Please submit book/material information for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required. Fall adoptions overdue and the bookstore is open to students.

• Fall: 77% complete, 563 missing/incomplete. (Thank you for the 1896 completions!)
• To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link. 
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources. 
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Fall 2026 classes start in four weeks on Friday, August 28. If your courses are ready to go, congratulations! For the rest of us, here are some thoughts on teaching with technologies.

Brightspace: While many of us know the basics, we may not know how to streamline communications and grading or which tools and settings to use to support student accessibility needs. ODL workshops and guides can help!

AI Use Policies: There are no mandates to use AI in our courses. We strongly recommend that all syllabi include an AI use policy (none, partial, full) and that you think ahead to AI policies for specific assignments. Here are sample AI syllabus policies to consider.

Accessible Materials: Making our materials accessible for all students is essential (and now legally required). The CUNY Digital Accessibility Training Hub provides short, focused trainings and resources to assist with updating our materials.

Learning Curves: Some students will be unfamiliar with the technologies we ask them to use (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, VoiceThread, e-Portfolio, Perusall). We recommend that your assignments and lesson plans include the structured time and resources that students will need to learn these tools and apps.

TLC events begin Monday, August 24! Mark your calendar for Faculty Development Day on Thursday, August 27. Check this weekly email for information about teaching workshops.

We are updating our Faculty Resources site! To discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, please contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.   

1.  Important Dates/Information

1. Academic calendars here.  Summer sessions:

• 8-Week-1:  Grade rosters open July 21-27.
• 3-Week-2:  Session ends July 22. Grade rosters open July 22-26.
• 3-Week-3:  Session begins July 27. VOE rosters open July 28-30.

2. Save the Date!  The 2026 New Student Convocation will be Tues, Sept 1, 1:40-2:55pm in the Lynch Theater. Join us to welcome new students with a special induction into the JJ community. Register here to participate and, if needed, to borrow regalia no later than Weds, August 5. Questions to Alyssa Hollywood at ahollywood@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Summer Fridays through Aug 14. HR Virtual Office Hours Thurs, 11am-1pm: Register  
4. Full-Time (FT) Faculty Personnel Process: Please be aware thatForm C is now called the Faculty Personnel Action Form (FPAF) – please use this form now. The Faculty Personnel Process Guidelines (FPPG) were revised. 
5. Book Adoptions. Please submit book/material information for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required. Fall adoptions overdue.

• Fall:  76% complete, 593 missing or incomplete.
• To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link. 
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources. 
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC

Summer is moving quickly! This may be a good time to consider teaching goals for the year. 

Think back on your own learning experiences. Which felt life-changing or convinced you THIS was your discipline and an essential part of your future? What do you recall about them? Was there a strategy or assignment that made essential connections? Perhaps an instructor shared examples that continue to inspire you or advice that still guides you today. 

How might you facilitate such learning highlights in your courses? Perhaps you can lead students to help and inspire each other (e.g., sharing techniques for success on reading quizzes: How one instructor helped students become better readers). However you build transformative learning into your courses, what a gift to share with our students!

We are updating our Faculty Resources site! In the interim, to discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, please contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.   

3.  Digital Accessibility Resources – A Different Kind of Summer Fun?   

I hope you are enjoying all the fun things to do in the summer (e.g., a free outdoor movie)! For different kind of summer fun – here are some Digital Accessibility resources to explore.

• CUNY CIS Training Accessibility webinars on the CUNY Hub (sign into CUNY Login):  Under ‘Digital Accessibility”, a robust array of videos on digital accessibility topics.  
• How to create an accessible syllabus & Creating PDF & Microsoft Office Documents
• John Jay’s FAQs about digital accessibility and JJ Slides-Accessible Template.
• Our JJ ODL LMS Support Team Accessibility in Brightspace webinar recording.
• JJ TLC: Making Materials Accessible Recommended Resources
• JJ Library: Digital Accessibility Best Practices - LibGuides at John Jay College

Questions? Brightspace, ODL LMS (LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu); student accommodations: Office of Accessibility Services (OAS@jjay.cuny.edu); library resource accessibility: (libref@jjay.cuny.edu); or the JJ website: Kira Poplowski (kpoplowski@jjay.cuny.edu).

1.  Important Dates/Information

1. Academic calendars here.  Summer sessions:

• 8-Week-1:  Session ends July 21. Grade rosters open July 21-27.
• 3-Week-2:  Session ends July 22. Grade rosters open July 22-26.
• 5-Week-2:  VOE rosters open July 15-19.*

2. *Reminder: What Verification of Enrollment (VOE) means:Faculty must verify which students are attending or participating and which have never attended any class and/or have not participated in an academically related activity since the start of a session.

   Academically related activities include, but are not limited to: attending class; taking an exam, tutorial or computer-assisted instruction; submitting an assignment; attending an assigned study group; participating in an online discussion about academic matters; and initiating contact with a faculty member to ask about the academic subject studied in the course. Logging in to an online course is not sufficient, by itself. It is suggested that you try to contact students who have not yet participated before the VOE deadline (and before submitting) to ensure accurate reporting. For asynchronous online courses, it helps to build in an assignment before the deadline to allow students to participate. 

3. Save the Date!  The 2026 New Student Convocation will be Tues, Sept 1, 1:15-2:50pm in the Lynch Theater. Join us to welcome new students with a special induction into the JJ community. Register here to participate and, if needed, to borrow regalia no later than Weds, August 5. Questions to Alyssa Hollywood at ahollywood@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. For questions about academic integrity, see the Academic Integrity Office website or email Helen Kapstein, Director of Academic Integrity, AcademicIntegrity@jjay.cuny.edu.
5. Summer Fridays through Aug 14. HR Virtual Office Hours Thurs, 11am-1pm: Register  
6. Full-Time (FT) Faculty Personnel Process: Please be aware that Form C is now called the Faculty Personnel Action Form (FPAF) – please use this form now. The Faculty Personnel Process Guidelines (FPPG) were revised. 
7. Book Adoptions. Please submit book/material information for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required. Fall adoptions overdue.

• Fall:  75% complete, 599 missing.
• To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link. 
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources. 
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Schedule Your Course Prep Time. Even in summer, finding (and protecting) time for scholarly and creative writing can become a bucket list item we never seem to check off. Finding and protecting time for course planning (attentive, focused time) can be nearly as challenging. 

First, set a regular time each week to plan your courses. It might be 30 to 90 minutes: find time when you can turn off notifications and sit with few distractions in comfortable space. 

Second, set small, achievable goals. They may be as simple as filling in your contact info and class meeting times or as detailed as creating the course schedule or a Brightspace module. 

Third, use the time for any part of your course that needs work. Reconsidering how you assess student work? Redesigning a scaffolded assignment? Searching for new resources (we recommend Open Educational Resources that are digital, accessible and free). It all counts! 

Finally, invite a colleague to be your course design partner. You can encourage each other, share parts of your course for feedback, and keep each other on track. Give yourself the gift of more time and stronger course design!  (Note – these tips work for scholarship, too!)

We are updating our Faculty Resources site! In the interim, to discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, please contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.   

3.  Fun Summer Stuff  

I hope you are enjoying some of the fun things to do in the summer – many of them free!

• The Classical Theatre of Harlem: Othello now through July 26, Marcus Garvey Park 
• Jazz at Lincoln Center’s summer concert series includes free and discounted events
• Hudson River Museum Feel Good Fridays 
• Other museums you can find HERE under Special Access. Great air conditioning!
• Summerstage:        https://cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage/ 
• Free Shakespeare in the Park in Central Park
• Hudson Classical Theater Company: Free plays, Thurs-Sun, 6:30pm, at the Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument, Riverside Park (W89 St & Riverside Dr) – Hamlet until July 19.
• Free outdoor movies across NYC.

1.  Important Dates/Information

1. Academic calendars here.  Summer sessions:

• 5-Week-1:  Grade rosters close TODAY, Weds, July 8.
• 8-Week-1:  Session ends July 21. Grade rosters open July 21-27.
• 3-Week-2:  VOE rosters close Thurs, July 9.
• 5-Week-2:  Session begins Mon, July 13. VOE rosters open July 15-19.

2. Fall convocation – Save the Date!  The 2026 New Student Convocation will be held on Tues, Sept 1, 1:15-2:50pm in the Lynch Theater. We are excited to welcome new students with a special induction into the John Jay community. Register here to participate in convocation and, if needed, request to borrow regalia no later than Weds, August 5. Email questions to Alyssa Hollywood at ahollywood@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. If you have questions about academic integrity during a summer session, see the Academic Integrity Office website or contact Helen Kapstein, hkapstein@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. Summer Fridays through Aug 14. HR Virtual Office Hours Thurs, 11am-1pm: Register   
5. Full-Time (FT) Faculty: 

• Personnel process: Form C is now called the Faculty Personnel Action Form (FPAF) – please use this form now.  The Faculty Personnel Process Guidelines (FPPG) were revised. Please review ASAP. For questions, email me at acrossman@jjay.cuny.edu. 
• CUNY is transitioning toCayuse for IRB submissions. IRB Manager unavailable until Aug 3. Updates on OAR compliance website. Questions to JJ-IRB@jjay.cuny.edu.

6. Book Adoptions. Please submit book/material information for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required. Fall adoptions overdue.

• Fall:  73% complete, 646 missing. Summer adoptions were 90% complete.
• To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link. 
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources. 
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Summer teaching resolutions. Now that we are midsummer, we have an opportunity to review teaching observations and student evaluations in less stressful moments to form next year’s teaching resolutions. They can be simple and specific and can become our anchors or roots for becoming the teachers we want to be.  

To start, see this brief Inside Higher Ed piece Making the most of critical student evaluations.

If you decide to set or consider resolutions, we encourage you to find a balance between student feedback and peer observations. What will you definitely continue? What might you try differently? Write, sketch, map, list, or even record your resolutions and give yourself goals and benchmarks. Then set these aside until you are ready to plan your courses! (Full-time faculty: You can include these goals on your Faculty Personnel Action Forms.) 

Bookmark this TLC News & Opportunities page. To discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, please contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.   

3.  Opportunities  

1. Creating Accessible Experiences for Deaf Students:  ​Workshop Recording​. For questions, contact Lewanda Miller, University Deaf and Hard of Hearing Student Accessibility Manager, CUNY, Lewanda.Miller@cuny.edu.
2. Fun Summer Stuff!  Summer Fridays might be a good time to enjoy (mostly free):

• Hudson River Museum Feel Good Fridays 
• Other museums you can find HERE under Special Access. 
• Summerstage:  https://cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage/ 
• Free Shakespeare in the Park in Central Park
• Hudson Classical Theater Company: Free plays, Thurs-Sun, 6:30pm, at the Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument, Riverside Park (W89 St & Riverside Dr) – Hamlet until July 19.

1.  Important Dates/Information

1. Academic calendars here.  Summer sessions:

• 8-Week-1:  Verification of enrollment (VOE) rosters close June 12

2. Summer Fridays are here! Staff members will not be working Fridays from June 12 through Aug 14. HR Virtual Office Hours will be Thursdays, 11am-1pm: Register Here. 
3. Adjunct Summer Pay Dates: begin June 11. Check for accurate payment for course load. Contact your Chair if not paid. (Faculty hired near session start may experience a delay.)
4. Full-Time (FT) Faculty – Important Updates and Reminders: 

• FT faculty are required to report productivity information for the 2025 calendar year by June 15. Guidelines. Reporting template. Questions to oar@jjay.cuny.edu. 
• Personnel process: The Faculty Personnel Committee changed the Form C – now called the Faculty Personnel Action Form – please use this form now.  Also, the Faculty Personnel Process Guidelines (FPPG) were revised. Please review ASAP. (See below for June 16, 11am Senior (Doctoral) Lecturer promotion workshop and RSVP here). For questions, email me at acrossman@jjay.cuny.edu. 
• IRB System: CUNY is transitioning from IRB Manager to Cayuse for IRB submissions. For summer approval, applications must be submitted in IRB Manager byJune 22, before IRB Manager becomes unavailable (Jul 6 - Aug 3). For applications expiring during this period, submit check-in or continuing review before June 15.
  • Download copies of your current application materials from IRB Manager for your records. Instructions in the IRB Manager Manual.
  • See OAR compliance website for updates and resources.
  • Email questions to JJ-IRB@jjay.cuny.edu.

5. Book Adoptions for summer and fall.Please submit book/material information for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required. Summer and fall adoptions overdue.

• Summer adoptions: 87% complete; 62 missing. Fall: 70% complete, 722 missing.
• To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link. 
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources. 
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Academic Support: If you are teaching a summer course, be sure to recommend our excellent tutoring support services (and refer your students early for assistance).

The Alan Siegal Writing Center, 1.68 NB, 212- 237-8569, Link to Virtual Front Desk 

Hours:  June 1-July 30 (no weekend hours)

• Mon & Thurs: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (online only)
• Tues & Weds: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (online and in person)
• Faculty can email for referral forms or download them from the Writing Center page
• Students can bring drafts of papers, brainstorm a topic, work on revisions, and so on. 
• Students can sign up for regular skills workshops through Navigate by following the instructions posted here on the Writing Center page 

Drs. Duane M. and Lily E, Christ Math and Science Resource Center, 1.94 NB, msrc@jjay.cuny.edu, 646-557-4635.

Hours: June 2nd - August 13th

• Monday: 9:00am - 4:00pm (online only)
• Tues & Weds & Thurs: 9:00am - 4:00pm (online and In person) 
• Courses Covered:  BIO (101, 102, 103, 104, 205, 315); CHE (101, 102, 103, 104, 201, 202, 302, 315);   MAT (105, 106, 108, 141, 151, 152, 204, 253); PHY (101, 203, 204); SCI (110, 112, 114); STA: 250

Bookmark this TLC News & Opportunities page. To discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, please contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

3.  Professional Development & Opportunities  

1. Workshop:  Senior Lecturer Promotions, Tues, June 16, 11-12:30pm, TLC (335HH) and via Zoom-Promotion Workshop (Meeting ID: 886 6533 0890, Passcode: 105086). RSVP here. Please note: I will revisit the start of the session with anyone who joins a bit late because they are teaching. We will hold another session in October. I am here this summer and can meet with anyone who wants to consult on applying: acrossman@jjay.cuny.edu.
2. Making Materials Accessible – Faculty working sessions in June. Join peers in hands-on working sessions to begin making course materials digitally accessible. Sessions include tips, resource info (e.g., John Jay’s FAQs about digital accessibility), and individual work on materials. Faculty and staff from the Library, ODL, and TLC will be available. Sessions are:  Weds, June 17, 10am-12pm, Zoom & Thurs, June 18, 1:30-3:30 pm, TLC (335 HH).
        Please complete this this form if you plan to participate. There is no deadline, but to ensure an in-person seat, please sign up ASAP. Questions: TLC@jjay.cuny.edu. 
3. Introducing our interlibrary loan (ILL) services: Access research materials beyond the library, Mon, June 15, 11:30am-12pm, Zoom, login with JJ credentials  (ID: 876 9674 6736, Passcode: 588540). Questions to Karen Okamoto kokamoto@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. Expand your scholarly reach: Upload your publications to CUNY Academic Works, Weds, June 17, 11:30am-12pm, Zoom, login with JJ credentials (ID: 830 9579 2586, Passcode: 204619). Questions to Karen Okamoto kokamoto@jjay.cuny.edu.
5. NCFDD Summer Programs!  JJ has an NCFDD institutional membership – so all faculty – part-time, full-time, and doctoral students – have free individual accounts and can attend: 

• Webinar: Moving From Resistance to Writing, Thurs, June 11, 2pm EST, RSVP here.
• The 14-day writing challenge, July 6-July 19 (register by June 26): challenge yourself to write daily, share progress with colleagues. Register for the Writing Challenge
• To claim your NCFDD account: (a) Go to https://www.ncfdd.org/join; (b) choose John Jay; (c) select “Activate my Membership”; (d) complete registration with your jjay email address; (e) confirm in jjay email by clicking “Activate Account”. 

4.  Community Events  

1. June 28^th is CUNY Day with the Mets! Citi Field, 1:40pm vs. the Phillies! Tickets here: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Cunyday27. First 1000 get a CUNY Mets cap!
2. If music is more your speed, check out the NY Philharmonic concerts in parks all around the city June 9-14!  https://www.nyphil.org/. Not to mention Lincoln Center’sSummer for the City program (Jun 10-Aug 8) – All events are free or Choose-What-You-Pay.

1.  Important Dates/Information

1. Academic calendars here.  Summer sessions:

• 3-Week-1:   Verification of enrollment (VOE) rosters open until Thurs, June 4.
• 5-Week-1:  VOE rosters open June 3-June 7
• 8-Week-1:  VOE rosters open June 6-June 12

2. Adjunct Summer Pay Dates: begin June 11. Check for accurate payment for course load. Contact your Chair if not paid. (Faculty hired near session start may experience a delay.)
3. All Full-Time (FT) Faculty – Important Updates and Reminders: 

• FT faculty must complete monthly timesheets. Sign in with username (JJ email) and JJ email password https://e-time.jjay.cuny.edu/login. Faculty Handbook-HR Info.
• FT faculty are required to report productivity information for the 2025 calendar year by June 15. Guidelines. Reporting template. Questions to oar@jjay.cuny.edu. 
• Personnel process: The Faculty Personnel Committee updated the Form C – now called the Faculty Personnel Action Form – please use this form now.  Also, the  Faculty Personnel Process Guidelines (FPPG) were revised and include information on Senior Lecturer lines (see June 16, 11am promotion workshop below). Please review in advance of the fall personnel process.   
• IRB System Update: This summer, CUNY HRPP transitions from IRB Manager to Cayuse for IRB submissions. For review and approval this summer, any new IRB applications must be submitted in IRB Manager by June 22, 2026, before the “Quiet Period” (Jul 6 - Aug 3), when IRB Manager will be unavailable. For applications expiring during this period, submit a check-in or continuing review before June 15.
  • All future IRB submissions will be submitted and reviewed through Cayuse. We encourage you to download copies of current applications and attachments from IRB Manager for your records. Instructions in the IRB Manager Manual.
  • See the OAR compliance website for updates and resources.
  • If you have any questions, please email JJ-IRB@jjay.cuny.edu.

4. Book Adoptions for summer and fall.Please submit book/material information for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required. Summer and fall adoptions overdue.

• Summer adoptions: 88% complete; 57 missing. Fall: 69% complete, 751 missing.
• To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link. 
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources. 
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Summer provides an opportunity to recharge. If you’re looking for inspiration, affirmation, and energy, we recommend listening to and reading these resources that share teaching and learning insights from our John Jay faculty and students. Each contains work published this past year (the podcast series includes our winners from 2021-2026).

• John Jay Distinguished Prize Winner Podcasts
• What’s Love Got to Do with It: Emotions in the Classroom Workbook for Teachers
• Flipping the Pyramid: Developing Critical Thinking Skills with GenAI
• Bringing Life after John Jay into the Classroom PASS Student Handout

Bookmark this TLC News & Opportunities page. To discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, please contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

3.  Professional Development & Opportunities  

1. Workshop:  Senior Lecturer Promotions, Tues, June 16, 11-12:30pm. Room TBD and via Zoom-Promotion Workshop (Meeting ID: 886 6533 0890, Passcode: 105086).
2. Making Materials Accessible – Faculty working sessions in June. Updating instructional materials for digital accessibility is necessary but challenging. Join peers in hands-on working sessions to work on updating course materials. Sessions will include a few minutes for introductions, tips, and resource info (e.g., John Jay’s FAQs about digital accessibility), followed by individual work on materials. Brief consultations with faculty and staff from the Library, ODL, and TLC will be available.

Dates, Times, & Locations:

1. Mon, June 8, 10 am-12 pm, TLC, 335 HH
2. Tues, June 9, 1:30-3:30 pm, Zoom
3. Weds, June 17, 10 am-12 pm, Zoom
4. Thurs, June 18, 1:30-3:30 pm, TLC, 335 HH

Please complete this form if you plan to participate.  There is no deadline for registering: however, to ensure an in-person seat, please sign up as soon as possible for those sessions.  Questions? Contact us at TLC@jjay.cuny.edu. 

3. Lloyd Sealy Library is here every summer to support your scholarly endeavors. They are offering two brief Zoom info sessions to highlight and explain interlibrary loan services and CUNY Academic Works. Questions to Karen Okamoto kokamoto@jjay.cuny.edu.

• Introducing our interlibrary loan (ILL) service: Access research materials beyond the library, Mon, June 15, 11:30am-12pm, Zoom, login with JJ credentials  (ID: 876 9674 6736, Passcode: 588540). Need materials (e.g., articles, books) not available through the Lloyd Sealy Library, and CUNY and SUNY libraries? Learn about interlibrary loan services and how they can support your summer research.
• Expand your scholarly reach: Upload your publications to CUNY Academic Works, Weds, June 17, 11:30am-12pm, Zoom, login with JJ credentials (ID: 830 9579 2586, Passcode: 204619). Learn about our institutional repository, CUNY Academic Works (CAW) and how it can make your publications available to more readers. 

4.  Community Events  

2026 CUNY is playing fair – June 28^th is CUNY Day with the Mets! Citi Field, 1:40pm vs. the Phillies! Tickets here: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Cunyday27.

1.  Important Dates/Information

1. Academic calendars here. 
   • All final grades are due by Friday, May 29, 11pm EST. 
   • IMPORTANT:  It is critical to submit grades by the deadline. The Registrar’s Office will no longer reopen final grade rosters for late submissions.
2. All Full-time Faculty – Important Updates and Reminders: 
   1. Full-time faculty must complete monthly timesheets during the 9-month academic year (Dept Chairs approve). Go to: https://e-time.jjay.cuny.edu/login and sign in with username (JJ email) and JJ email password. See Faculty Handbook-HR Info.
   2. Full-time faculty are required to report productivity information for the 2025 calendar year by June 15. Reporting guidelines here. Download the reporting template here. Email questions to oar@jjay.cuny.edu. 
   3. Personnel process: The Faculty Personnel Committee updated the Form C – now called the Faculty Personnel Action Form and Faculty Personnel Process Guidelines (link to come). Please review in advance of the fall personnel process.
3. Book Adoptions for summer and fall. Please submit book/material information for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required. Summer and fall adoptions overdue.
   1. Summer adoptions: 87% complete; 61 missing. Fall: 66% complete, 806 missing.
   2. To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link. 
   3. Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
   4. Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources. 
   5. If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.   

2.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Making Materials Accessible – Faculty Working Sessions in June!  Updating instructional materials for digital accessibility is necessary but challenging.  Join peers in hands-on working sessions that offer time, space and support to update your course materials. Co-hosted by the Teaching & Learning Center, Office of Digital Learning, and Lloyd Sealy Library, sessions are intended to assist faculty in meeting Title II compliance for digital materials.

The 2-hour sessions will include a few minutes for introductions, tips, and resource info (e.g., John Jay’s FAQs about digital accessibility), followed by individual work on materials. Brief consultations with faculty and staff from the Library, ODL, and TLC will be available.

Dates, Times, & Locations:

1. Mon, June 8, 10 am-12 pm, TLC, 335 HH
2. Tues, June 9, 1:30-3:30 pm, Zoom
3. Weds, June 17, 10 am-12 pm, Zoom
4. Thurs, June 18, 1:30-3:30 pm, TLC, 335 HH

Please complete this form if you plan to participate.  There is no deadline for registering: however, to ensure an in-person seat, please sign up as soon as possible for those sessions.  Questions? Contact us at TLC@jjay.cuny.edu. 

3.  Professional Development & Opportunities  

1. Today! ODL LMS: Brightspace Open Q&A, Weds, May 27, 2-3pm, ODL LMS ZOOM. Meeting ID: 851 8651 0851; Passcode: 311253.
2. ODL LMS Brightspace Drop-In Lab, Thurs, May 28, 1:40-2:55pm, L2.72.03NB.
3. Last Call! For proposals to our next Faculty Development Day on Thurs, Aug 27. See guidelines and submit proposals at this TLC link. Deadline: Fri, May 29, 11:59 pm ET. For inspiration, feel free to check out this podcast from 2026 Distinguished Teaching Prize Winner Jamie Longazel (POL) who discusses designing assignments to help students "surface" their identities in their cultural and socioeconomic contexts and the friction between working class origins and higher education norms. Click here to listen.
4. OAR full-day, in-person workshop on the role of artificial intelligence in scholarship, research and academic work: Tues, June 2, 9:30am-4pm. Focus on practical, non-technical applications of AI and explore how tools work, how they support research and writing, and how to engage them responsibly and effectively. Register here to attend. 

4.  Community Events 

1. 2026 Commencement Ceremony, Monday, June 1, 3:30 pm, Barclays Center, Brooklyn. 
   1. Academic regalia (if you rented) is here for pick up (621HH) until Thurs, May 28, 3pm. Or pick it up at Toki Row at Barclays before the ceremony (elevator up to Club Level (CL) when you enter) - our new faculty robing area this year (not Qatar Club). 
   2. Don’t be late! The QATAR entrance to Barclay’s will CLOSE for faculty at 4pm.
   3. Review the Faculty Commencement Guide here – particularly if you need accommodations for the ceremony – for all the event details.
2. CUNY is playing fair – June 28^th is CUNY Day with the Mets! Citi Field, 1:40pm vs. the Phillies! Tickets here: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Cunyday27.

5.  Important Policy Information  

1. Clarification of Attendance Policy: 

• CUNY meets the federal definition of an institution not required to take attendance under Title IV regulation 34 CFR 668.22 (b)(3)(i). That means daily attendance records are not collected by College Registrars. CUNY does not require professors to take attendance. Any attendance records are taken for professors' own purposes.
• Therefore: Your attendance policy should be clearly stated on your syllabus.
   

2. New JJ Policy Prohibiting Recording by Students or Visitors of Class Sessions

   In brief: The recording, photographing, or videotaping of all or parts of classes is prohibited unless written permission is given by the course instructor(s). Exceptions:

• For photographs of presentations, such as materials on whiteboards or projected on screens, oral permission by the presenter is sufficient.
• When access to recorded class sessions is a Reasonable Accommodation, per the ADA and as determined with the Office of Accessibility Services, the instructor will be consulted to provide or permit recording or provide alternative supplemental study material as appropriate. Individuals may not share, copy, download, disseminate, or sell such materials to others.
• It is not a violation of this policy for an attendee to record conduct that violates another University policy or regulation if the recording is made for the sole purpose of reporting that conduct only to an appropriate College or University Office. 
• Therefore: Faculty shall include this policy on their undergraduate and graduate course syllabi and state in their syllabi whether students may make recordings and, if so, under what conditions.  (Model language to come.)

1.  Important Information

1. Academic calendars here. 
   • Spring semester: Grade rosters close Fri, May 29 @ 11pm.
   • 8-Week-2 session:  Finals May 21-23. Grade rosters open May 21 to May 29 @ 11pm.
   • Spring 2026 final exam schedule (8-week-2 graduate session exam schedule)
2. Important:  All final grades due by Fri, May 29, 11pm. It is critical to submit grades by the deadline. The Registrar’s Office will no longer reopen online final grade rosters for late submissions.
3. End-of-semester papers are coming in now – a good time to nominate your students’ best work (essays, research projects, analyses, arguments, stories, personal narratives, poems) for John Jay’s Finest. Submit up to 3 pieces to jjfinest@jjay.cuny.edu. (See work from prior years here on the John Jays Finest page).
4. Book Adoptions for summer and fall. Please submit book/material information for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required. Summer and fall adoptions overdue.

• Summer adoptions: 87% complete; 64 missing. Fall: 65% complete, 837 missing.
• To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link. 
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources. 
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook. 

2.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Fall 2026 Faculty Development Day – Call for Proposals. Are you ready to share your teaching and learning insights?! Our Fall 2026 Faculty Development Day theme is Opening Doors: Connecting Access and Success for Students and Faculty.  

Our next Faculty Development Day will be Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Breakout session track topics:

• Track 1:   Equity Means Access: Understanding Accommodations as Social Justice
• Track 2:   Practical Approaches to Digital Accessibility
• Track 3:   Only Humans in the Room: Analog Teaching and Learning
• Track 4:   Knowing and Doing: Teaching with GenAI and Agentic AI
• Track 5:   Faculty Success: Finding Your Village

See guidelines and submit proposals at this TLC link. Deadline: Fri, May 29, 11:59 pm ET. Questions? Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

3.  Professional Development & Opportunities   

1. Today! ODL LMS: Brightspace Open Q&A, Weds, May 20, 2-3pm, ODL LMS ZOOM. Meeting ID: 834 6513 8041; Passcode: 957784.
2. ODL LMS Brightspace Drop-In Lab, Thurs, May 21, 1:40-2:55pm, L2.72.03NB.
3. OAR is accepting nominations here for the 2026–2027 Book Talk Series.Nominate your own work or that of a colleague whose recent publication would contribute to the college's intellectual and scholarly life. Deadline: May 21, 5pm.
4. CUNY Faculty Leadership and Innovation Fellows Program accepting applications for 2026-27. Deadline extended  to: Fri, May 22, 11:59pm. To apply (single PDF): 1-3 pg statement of interest; CV; letter of rec from dept chair, program director, or senior administrator; and provost letter of support and approval. Details and application link: Faculty Fellows page. Questions to Dr. Nicola.Blake@cuny.edu. 
5. OAR invites faculty to a full-day, in-person workshop on the role of artificial intelligence in scholarship, research and academic work: Tues, June 2, 9:30am-4pm. It will focus on practical, non-technical applications of AI and explore how the tools work, how they can support research and writing, and how to engage them responsibly and effectively across disciplines. Register here to attend. 

4.  Community Events  

2026 Commencement Ceremony, Monday, June 1, 3:30 pm, Barclays Center, Brooklyn. 

• Full-time faculty expected to attend. Confirm attendance with this link by TODAY, Weds, May 20. If not attending, please email Provost Pease explaining why. 
• Academic regalia (for those who rented) is available for pick up (621H) from NOW until Thurs, May 28, 3pm. Or pick yours up at The Toki Row at Barclays before the ceremony Mon, June 1 (elevator up to Club Level (CL) when you enter).
• Toki Row is our NEW faculty robing area this year (not Qatar Club) due to renovations. 
• Don’t be late! The QATAR entrance to Barclay’s will CLOSE for faculty at 4pm.
• Review the Faculty Commencement Guide here – particularly if you need accommodations for the ceremony – for all the event details.

5.  Digital Accessibility Primer:  More summer fun?! 

Resources in case you want to explore.

• John Jay’s FAQs about digital accessibility and JJ Slides-Accessible Template.
• Our JJ ODL LMS Support Team Accessibility in Brightspace webinar recording.
• Hunter College workshops: Center for Digital Learning & Innovative Pedagogy. 
• BMCC accessibility workshops: BMCC-Accessibility Events. 
• How to create an accessible syllabus guide, CUNY Library Services. 
• Creating PDF & Microsoft Office Documents, CUNY CIS for updating course syllabi.
• CUNY CIS Training Accessibility webinars on the CUNY Hub (sign into CUNY Login).

Contact the following for questions about – library resources or basic digital accessibility troubleshooting: Ingrid Conley-Abrams (iabrams@jjay.cuny.edu); student accommodations: Office of Accessibility Services (OAS@jjay.cuny.edu); JJ website: Kira Poplowski (kpoplowski@jjay.cuny.edu); or Brightspace, ODL LMS (LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu).

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars here.
   • Student Evaluation of Faculty: Remind students – ends May 19, 11:59pm.
   • Spring semester: Grade rosters open Sat, May 16. Close Fri, May 29 @ 11pm.
   • 8-Week-2 session:  Finals May 21-23. Grade rosters open May 21 to May 29 @ 11pm.
2. Spring 2026 final exam schedule (8-week-2 graduate session exam schedule):
   • We are short one Tues class when finals start on Sat, May 16. So finals start - but are interrupted for one more Tuesday class on Tuesday, May 19.
   • Tues/Thurs classes have finals Thurs, May 21 or Tues, May 26. No finals May 23-25 (holiday weekend). Last day of finals is May 26. Final exam schedules here.
3. If you know a student seeking a paid summer fellowship, please share the following. Fellows to receive $5,000 for the summer. Questions to Miesha Smith, Deputy Borough President (mieshasmith@manhattanbp.nyc.gov):  Ruth Messinger Fellowship in Immigration Policy & C. Virginia Fields Fellowship in Public Health Policy
4. 2026 Commencement is Mon, June 1, 3:30 pm at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Full-time faculty are expected to attend. Confirm attendance with this link by Weds, May 20. If not attending, please email Provost Pease explaining why. Faculty must wear an academic robe to be in the procession. Questions to: commencement@jjay.cuny.edu. Please review the Faculty Commencement Guide posted here.
5. Voicemail. If your voicemail stopped going to your JJ email after the email migration, you can email the helpdesk to ask them to resume forwarding voicemails to your email. They can also reset your voicemail passcode if you forgot it. (I did!)
6. Book Adoptions for summer and fall.Please submit book/material information for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required. Summer and fall adoptions overdue.

• Summer adoptions: 86% complete; 69 missing. Fall: 63% complete, 883 missing.
• To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link.
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 16  

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Supports to Prepare for Finals. 

• Find the message to Students HERE under Week 16.
• Faculty – please amplify the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Assigning Final Grades. Before assigning final grades, it can be helpful to refresh your grade knowledge. College grade info (INC guidelines and what W grades mean) available HERE.

Incomplete (INC) grades: should be given only when a student would pass the course if they satisfactorily complete the remaining course requirements, at your discretion.

• INC grades should only be given in consultation with the student.
• There should be an agreed-upon plan for the student to resolve the INC grade on time. A sample agreement is posted here under “General forms”.

Unofficial Withdrawal (WU): should only be assigned to students who have stopped participating and have not completed the course.   

Our Fall 2026 Faculty Development Day Call for Proposals is open! See the FDD call here. Explore the JJ Distinguished Teaching Academy site, TLC Resources and John Jay AI Plus hub. Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

4.  Professional Development & Opportunities   

1. Today! ODL LMS: Brightspace Open Q&A, Weds, May 13, 2-3pm, ODL LMS ZOOM. Meeting ID: 864 3347 1347; Passcode: 936332.
2. CUNY Faculty Leadership and Innovation Fellows Program accepting applications for 2026-27. Deadline: Fri, May 15, 11:59pm. To apply (single PDF): 1-3 pg statement of interest; CV; letter of rec from dept chair, program director, or senior administrator; and provost letter of support and approval. Details and application link: Faculty Fellows page. Questions to Dr. Nicola.Blake@cuny.edu.
3. OAR is accepting nominations here for the 2026–2027 Book Talk Series from all disciplines. Nominate your own work or that of a colleague whose recent publication would contribute to the college's intellectual and scholarly life. Deadline: May 21, 5pm. 

5.  Community Events

1. Invitation: University Faculty Senate (UFS) Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee Listening Session:  Register here for Weds, May 13, 10-11 am.
2. Spring 2026 Faculty & Staff Event, Thurs, May 14, 1:45pm, Reception to follow in L.61. Recognizing new faculty and staff, 13.3B and tenure achievement, service milestones and retirees. Inquiries to: AskHR@jjay.cuny.edu. 
3. OAR Book Talk: Dr. Abdelmajid Hannoum (Anthropology, UKansas) will discuss Living Tangier: Migration, Race, and Illegality in a Moroccan City. Thurs, May 14, 4:30-6pm, 630HH. Register here for the Living Tangier talk.

6.  New Library Resources:  Summer fun!  

New Electronic Resources are now live! The Lloyd Sealy Library announces new additions to our electronic collections to support research with primary source analysis and global policy studies, while streamlining literature reviews across all disciplines:

• Academic Search Ultimate: A large multidisciplinary database that expands international research with thousands of peer-reviewed, full-text journals.
• HeinOnline (four modules): Over 200 million pages of legal history, government documents, and international treaties.
• Policy Commons (seven modules): A specialized tool for finding “grey literature,” reports and briefings from global think tanks and NGOs, and more. 

For the full breakdown—including video tutorials and tips on when to use each—check out the blog post here: New Database Highlights.

Everything is available right now via OneSearch or the A-Z New Databases List for both on-campus and remote use.  Please contact the library if you need help with these new resources. Happy researching!

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars here.
   • 8-Week-2 session:  Finals run May 21-23.
   • Fall 2025 INC Grades: Faculty deadline – Fri May 8 to submit Inc-to-Grade Forms.
2. Spring 2026 final exam schedule (8-week-2 graduate session exam schedule):
   • Finals start on Sat, May 16. They are interrupted for one Tues class on Tuesday, May 19.
   • Tues/Thurs classes have finals Thurs, May 21 or Tues, May 26. No finals May 23-25 (holiday weekend). Last day of finals is May 26.  Final exam schedules here.
3. Important Reminder from the Counseling Center:  May 6 & 7, the Seeing Rape production will occur. If you plan to request that students see the production for your class, please offer an opt-out alternative – without explanation needed, as it can be difficult for those who have been sexually traumatized to watch. Allowing survivors (or any student) the option of whether or not to attend is better therapeutically. To register for free tickets or to make a donation, click here.
4. Compliance Trainings:  If you haven’t yet, please complete them ASAP (in Brightspace)
5. 2026 Commencement is Mon, June 1, 3:30 pm at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Full-time faculty are expected to attend. Confirm attendance with this link by Weds, May 20. If not attending, please email Provost Pease explaining why. Faculty must wear an academic robe to be in the procession. Questions to:  commencement@jjay.cuny.edu.
6. Book Adoptions for summer and fall.Please submit book/material information for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required. Summer and fall adoptions overdue.

• Summer adoptions: 76% complete; 117 missing. Fall: 60% complete, 961 missing.
• To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link.
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 15  

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week:  Bust Stress to Boost Finals.  See TLC Timely Teaching Tip below.

• Find the message to Students HERE under Week 15.
• Faculty – please amplify the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic.     

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Help Our Students Manage Their Stress. This week’s student success tip includes strategies to address end of term stress. We can take notes! Whether we make the most of the stress-busing tips or find our own ways to take breaks and nurture our teaching and personal selves, as instructors we need to practice self-care. Being kind to ourselves helps us improve our focus, compassion, and overall quality of instruction.

This week’s student success slide, designed by Cornelia Preda in Student Academic Success Programs, can be posted over your desk or kept open on your devices for quick consultation when you want ideas for returning to your center.

Speaking of ideas … our Fall 2026 Faculty Development Day Call for Proposals is open! See the FDD call here. Explore the JJ Distinguished Teaching Academy site, TLC Resources and John Jay AI Plus hub. Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

4.  Professional Development & Opportunities  

1. Today! ODL LMS: Computing Final Grades in Brightspace, Weds, May 6, 2-3pm, ODL LMS ZOOM. Meeting ID: 864 3347 1347; Passcode: 936332.
2. ODL LMS Brightspace Drop-In Lab, Thurs, May 7, 1:40-2:55pm, L2.72.03NB.
3. Life After College: Career Building in the Classroom, Thurs, May 7, 1:40-2:55pm, 335HH (TLC). Join Psychology Peer Academic Support System (PASS) students for a conversation about how faculty can connect classroom learning to life after John Jay.  RSVP for PASS Workshop here.
4. The CUNY Faculty Leadership and Innovation Fellows Program is accepting applications for 2026-27: provides immersive administrative experience and structured leadership development. Deadline: Fri, May 15, 11:59pm. Required (single PDF): 1–3-page statement of interest, current CV, letter of recommendation from a dept chair, program director, or senior administrator, and provost letter of support and approval. Details and application link: Faculty Fellows page. Questions to Dr. Nicola.Blake@cuny.edu. 

5.  Community Events  

1. The 2026 Research & Creativity Expo runs through May 8! Join the celebration of our students’ exceptional work completed with their mentors during this annual multi-day series of events. Email questions to osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.
2. CUNY Teaching and Learning Conference, Fri, May 8, 9am-4pm, CUNY Graduate Center. Register here-CUNY Teaching Conference.
3. Town Hall, Mon, May 11, 1:40-2:55pm, L.61NB or Zoom (Meeting ID: 825 6582 3934, Passcode: 168206). Comments or questions to TownHall@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. Invitation: University Faculty Senate (UFS) Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee Listening Session:  Register for a session here: Weds, May 13, 10-11 am.
5. Spring 2026 Faculty & Staff Event, Thurs, May 14, 1:45pm, Reception to follow in L.61. Recognizing new faculty and staff, 13.3B and tenure achievement, service milestones and retirees. Inquiries to: AskHR@jjay.cuny.edu.
6. OAR Book Talk: Dr. Abdelmajid Hannoum (Anthropology, UKansas) will discuss Living Tangier: Migration, Race, and Illegality in a Moroccan City, an ethnographic study of migration, race, and legality in the Moroccan city of Tangier.Thurs, May 14, 4:30-6pm, 630HH. Register here for the Living Tangier talk.

6.  Digital Accessibility Primer:  Resources 

NYS digital accessibility policy requires compliance with WCAG 2.2 guidelines by Jan 2027.

• John Jay’s FAQs about digital accessibility and JJ Slides-Accessible Template.
• Our JJ ODL LMS Support Team Accessibility in Brightspace webinar recording.
• Hunter College workshops: Center for Digital Learning & Innovative Pedagogy.
• BMCC accessibility workshops: BMCC-Accessibility Events.
• How to create an accessible syllabus guide from CUNY Library Services and Creating PDF & Microsoft Office Documents from CUNY CIS for updating your course syllabus.
• Recordings of CUNY CIS Training Accessibility webinars on the CUNY Hub.  You must be signed into your CUNY Login account to access the CUNY Hub.

Questions about library resources or basic digital accessibility troubleshooting, email Ingrid Conley-Abrams (iabrams@jjay.cuny.edu). Questions about:  student accommodations, the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS@jjay.cuny.edu); the JJ website: Kira Poplowski (kpoplowski@jjay.cuny.edu); Brightspace, contact ODL LMS (LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu).

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars here.
   • 8-Week-2 session:  Student withdrawal deadline: Sat, May 2. (Finals run May 21-23.)
     • Fall 2025 INC Grades: Student deadline – Fri, May 1 to submit work to resolve INC grade. Faculty deadline – Fri May 8 to submit Inc-to-Grade Forms (in CUNY First).
2. Reminder for the Spring 2026 final exam schedule (8-week-2 session differs):
   • We are short one Tues class when finals start on Sat, May 16. So finals start - but are interrupted for one more Tuesday class on Tuesday, May 19.
   • After that, about half of Tues/Thurs classes have finals Thurs, May 21, the rest on Tues, May 26. No finals May 23-25 (holiday weekend). Last day of finals is May 26.
   • To find when yours is/are scheduled, see the final exam schedules here.
3. Compliance Trainings:  If you haven’t yet, please complete them ASAP (in Brightspace)
4. 2026 Commencement is Mon, June 1, 3:30 pm at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Full-time faculty are expected to attend. Confirm attendance through this link by Weds, May 20. If you are not attending, please email Provost Pease explaining why. (Adjunct faculty are not required to attend, but are welcome.)  Faculty must wear an academic robe to be in the procession. Questions to:  commencement@jjay.cuny.edu.
5. Book Adoptions for summer and fall.Please submit book/material information for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required. Summer and fall adoptions overdue.

• Summer adoptions: 72% complete; 134 missing. Fall:54% complete, 1088 missing.
• To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link.
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

6. Full-time Faculty: Last chance to review and confirm accuracy of your 2025-26 workload in e-Workload before the system CLOSES for this year. Final deadline: May 5. Email any missing items or discrepancies to facultyworkload@jjay.cuny.edu.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 14  

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week:  Stay on Track with Summer Classes 

• Find the message to Students HERE under Week 14.
• Faculty – please amplify the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Academic Integrity Concerns. With fewer than three weeks left of classes, you may have concerns about potential student violations of academic integrity. Please keep in mind that our instincts about what is or is not authentic student work may not be accurate.

If you suspect cheating or inappropriate use of external sources/tools - here are some tips (Royalty & Blue, 2025): Talk with your student as early as possible when you have concerns. Before you meet, gather information (e.g., review the assignment for signs of AI-generated content), review your syllabus and policies, and prepare to set a positive tone. Begin the discussion by thanking the student for meeting. Emphasize that the purpose is to understand their work better, not to accuse them. Use open-ended questions that invite the student to explain their process and thought patterns. For example:

•  Can you walk me through how you approached this assignment?

•  What resources did you use for this project?

•  Can you explain this particular section to me?

Listen actively and with empathy, allowing the student to speak without interruption. Show examples where external sources or tools might have been used and explain why they are concerning, based on your course guidelines. Perhaps review the academic integrity policy in greater depth. Clarify or reinforce your expectations, provide resources and perhaps consider alternatives (e.g., a ‘regret clause’ that allows a student to rescind a problematic assignment for 0 credit; perhaps resubmit for partial credit).

You can review the Academic Integrity process here. Please contact Academic Integrity Officer Jennifer Dobbins (jedobbins@jjay.cuny.edu) as early as possible, especially if a student’s grade would be impacted. Perhaps contact your chair as well for support or advice.

If you would like additional guidance and feedback to support your teaching, please contact Teaching & Learning Center Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

4.  Professional Development & Opportunities  

1. Today! ODL LMS: Brightspace Open Q&A, Weds, Apr 29, 2-3pm, ODL LMS ZOOM. Meeting ID: 883 5799 4062; Passcode: 989031.
2. Form C Workshop, Fri, May 1, 1:30-3pm in 335HH or Zoom – Form C Workshop (ID: 854 7122 6501, Code: 796793). RSVP for in-person by Thurs, Apr 30 to me at apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Request for Proposals! 2026-27 Student Tech Fee Proposals. Due Fri, May 1, 5pm. Submit proposals online here.  A current JJ username and password is required.
4. Life After College Workshop, Thurs, May 7, 1:40-2:55pm, 335HH (TLC). How can faculty intentionally integrate conversations about life after college into their courses, a topic that weighs on students more than faculty may realize? Our Psychology Peer Academic Support System (PASS) student presenters want to share ways to make coursework feel consequential in ways students can see and hold on to. RSVP for PASS Workshop here.
5. The CUNY Faculty Leadership and Innovation Fellows Program is accepting applications for 2026–2027. This program expands CUNY’s internal pipeline of academic leaders with an immersive administrative experience and structured leadership development. Deadline: Fri, May 15, 11:59pm. Required materials (single PDF submitted online) are: a 1–3-page statement of interest, a current CV, a letter of recommendation from a department chair, program director, or senior administrator, and a provost letter of support and approval. Full details and application link on the Faculty Fellows page. Questions to Dr. Nicola Blake, Univ Dean for Faculty Affairs: Nicola.Blake@cuny.edu.

5.  Community Events   

1. Today! Book Launch Roundtable, Weds, Apr 29, 6-8pm, Shiva Gallery. The Shiva Gallery will launch a book developed with the exhibition On Absence. Speakers to include Anupama Rao, Achia Anzi, and Oorja Garg. Inquiries to Macushla Robinson.
2. Today! Environmental Learning Series: Planting the Estuary: Cultivating Bioregional Learning.  Weds, Apr 29, 1:45-2:45pm, Zoom. Details on this events page.  Register here. Questions to Bibi Calderaro, Hannah Chu or Julie Kiss.
3. Cammett Lecture:  Thurs, Apr 30, 3-4pm, Moot Court (6.68NB). Dr. Justene Hill Edwards (UVirginia) will discuss: The Freedmen's Bank and the (Un)Making of Reconstruction. Info on Dr. Hill Edwards & event details. RSVP at jjay.cc/cammett-rsvp
4. Save the dates! The 2026 Research & Creativity Expo is coming Apr 29-May 8! Come celebrate students’ accomplishments with their mentors. Kicking things off:

– The first public performance by the John Jay Jazz & Contemporary Music Ensemble, Wed, Apr 29, 1:30-2:15pm, Hound Square NB. Coordinated by Daniel Blake (AMU)

– The annual Faculty & Administration Mentor Recognition Reception on Wed, Apr 29, 5:30-7:30pm, Moot Court (6.68NB). Click on this link to RSVP for the reception. OSRC student scholars present their projects (posters) at the reception. Join the celebration of our students’ exceptional work completed with their mentors during this annual multi-day series of events. Email questions to osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.

5. Invitation: University Faculty Senate (UFS) Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee Listening Sessions. Objective: Provide safe spaces for faculty and staff to share experiences related to IDEA on their campuses. 

   Listening Sessions (Zoom):  Register for a session here.  Dates: Mon, May 4, 6:30-7:30 pm & Weds, May 13, 10-11 am.

6. Uncovering Truths: Research, Evidence, and Justice with the Innocence Project, Tues, May 5, 1:30-3pm, Moot Court (6.68NB). Speakers: Julia Moran & Jaime S. Henderson (The Innocence Project) and Margaret Kovera (Psychology). Register here-Innocence. Questions to osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.
7. CUNY Teaching and Learning Conference, Fri, May 8, 9am-4pm, CUNY Graduate Center. Register here-CUNY Teaching Conference. 

6.  Digital Accessibility Primer:  Hunter & BMCC Workshops 

NYS digital accessibility policy requires compliance with WCAG 2.2 guidelines by Jan 2027. We shared John Jay’s FAQs about digital accessibility and JJ Slides-Accessible Template. 

Other campuses are sharing resources as well. For instance, Hunter College shared their accessibility workshops. Descriptions and registration links are on their Center for Digital Learning & Innovative Pedagogy Workshops page.

BMCC opened their accessibility workshops to colleagues from other campuses. See their upcoming events here: BMCC-Accessibility Events. Summer workshops will be added soon.

Questions about library resources or basic digital accessibility troubleshooting, email Ingrid Conley-Abrams (iabrams@jjay.cuny.edu). Questions about:   student accommodations, the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS@jjay.cuny.edu); the JJ website: Kira Poplowski (kpoplowski@jjay.cuny.edu); Brightspace, contact ODL LMS (LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu).             

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars here.
   • 8-Week-2 session:  Student withdrawal deadline:  Sat,May 2.
     • Fall 2025 INC Grades: Student deadline – Fri, May 1 to submit work to resolve INC grade. Faculty deadline – Fri May 8 to submit Inc-to-Grade Forms (in CUNY First).
2. Compliance Trainings:  If you haven’t yet, please complete them ASAP (in Brightspace)
3. 2026 Commencement is Mon, June 1, 3:30 pm at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Full-time faculty are expected to attend. Confirm attendance through this link by Weds, May 20. If you are not attending, please email Provost Pease explaining why. (Adjunct faculty are not required to attend, but are welcome.)  Faculty must wear an academic robe to be in the procession. Questions to:  commencement@jjay.cuny.edu.  
4. Book Adoptions for summer and fall.Please submit book/material information for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required.

• Summer adoptions overdue:(70% complete; 145 missing). Fall deadline: April 27.
• To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link.
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 13  

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week:  Questions about Registration? Ask Buddy the HoundBot! 

• Find the message to Students HERE under Week 13.
• Faculty – please amplify the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC 

Student Evaluations. The Spring 2026 (and 8-week-2) online student course evaluation process will run May 5-19.  Stay tuned for the notification.  Please inform students about the dates of the evaluation period.  

Here are a few suggestions to support student evaluation (SEOF) participation:

1. Consider sharing with your students how their responses help you improve your courses. Explain the purpose of the evaluations and share examples of feedback you received in the past and how the course benefitted in response.  
2. For in-person and hybrid classes, set aside in-class time to complete evaluations.
3. Perhaps send email reminders or offer collective incentives such as extra credit for a specific class rate of completion (e.g., 1 point for all if 70% of students complete).
4. Remind students that evaluations are anonymous and not available until 4-5 weeks AFTER grades are submitted.

If students have trouble accessing the evaluation, or for questions about Student Evaluation of Faculty or the SEOF committee, please contact seof@jjay.cuny.edu.

If you would like additional guidance and feedback to support your teaching, please contact Teaching & Learning Center Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.   

4.  Professional Development & Opportunities   

1. Today! ODL LMS: Brightspace Quizzes, Weds, Apr 22, 2-3pm, ODL LMS ZOOM. Meeting ID: 899 8201 1240; Passcode: 000029.
2. Workshop for Lecturers: CCE: What Is It and How Do I Get it?, Fri, Apr 24, 1:30-3pm in 335HH or Zoom - CCE workshop (ID: 892 5373 0432, Code: 089407). RSVP by Thurs, Apr 23 to me at apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu.

5.  Community Events

1. Today! Town Hall, Weds, Apr 22, 1:40-2:55pm, L.61NB. Meeting ID: 876 4590 2176; Passcode: 730222.

2. Invitation: University Faculty Senate (UFS) Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee Listening Sessions. Objective: Provide safe spaces for faculty and staff to share experiences related to IDEA on their campuses. The committee report will offer guidance on making progress on IDEA-related issues (aggregated, anonymous input).

   Listening Sessions (Zoom):  Register for a session here (may need to disable proofpoint)

•      Friday, April 24, 1-2 pm
• Monday, May 4, 6:30-7:30 pm
• Wednesday, May 13, 10-11 am

3. Food for Thought lunch and learn with colleagues. Mon, Apr 27, 1:30-2:45pm, Faculty/Staff Dining Room. Host: Interdisciplinary Studies. Speakers: Katie Gentile & Wendy Barrales. RSVP here for Food for Thought by Fri, Apr 24, Noon.
4. Economics Justice Speaker Series:  Dr. Ellora Derenoncourt (Princeton), Mon, Apr 27, 1:40-3pm, L.84, Labor Market Institutions & Racial Inequality. Events page here.
5. Faculty Recognition Awards Ceremony, Tues, Apr 28, 4-5:30pm, 630HH. Celebrate  Distinguished Teaching, Service and Research Awards. Faculty Awards Ceremony RSVP
6. Book Launch Roundtable, Weds, Apr 29, 6-8pm, Shiva Gallery. The Anya & Andrew Shiva Gallery will launch a book developed with the exhibition On Absence. Speakers to include Anupama Rao, Achia Anzi, and Oorja Garg. Inquiries to Macushla Robinson.
7. Environmental Learning Series: Planting the Estuary: Cultivating Bioregional Learning.  Weds, Apr 29, 1:45-2:45pm. Guest speaker & location will be announced. Details on this events page.  Register here. Questions to Bibi Calderaro, Hannah Chu or Julie Kiss.
8. Cammett Lecture:  Thurs, Apr 30, 3-4pm, Moot Court (6.68NB). Dr. Justene Hill Edwards (UVirginia) will discuss: The Freedmen's Bank and the (Un)Making of Reconstruction. Her research explores the intersection of African American history, American economic history, and the history of American slavery. More information on Dr. Hill Edwards and event details here. RSVP at jjay.cc/cammett-rsvp
9. Save the dates! The 2026 Research & Creativity Expo is coming Apr 29-May 8! Come celebrate students’ accomplishments with their mentors. Kicking things off:

– The first public performance by the John Jay Jazz & Contemporary Music Ensemble, Wed, Apr 29, 1:30-2:15pm, Hound Square NB. Coordinated by Daniel Blake (AMU)

– The annual Faculty & Administration Mentor Recognition Reception on Wed, Apr 29, 5:30-7:30pm, Moot Court (6.68NB). Click on this link to RSVP for the reception. OSRC student scholars present their projects (posters) at the reception. Join the celebration of our students’ exceptional work completed with their mentors during this annual multi-day series of events. Email questions to osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.

6.  Digital Accessibility Primer:  JJ PowerPoint Template 

The Justice Dept announced a one-year delay implementing Title II ADA changes but NYS digital accessibility policy requires compliance with WCAG 2.2 guidelines by Jan 2027. It’s a welcome window to prepare! To support digital accessibility efforts, please see John Jay’s FAQs about digital accessibility – including our new John Jay Slides-Accessible Template. 

This new John Jay Slides-Accessible Template is a PowerPoint template with JJ branded, digitally accessible slides.  You can download and edit the slides.  For best results:

• Add slides using the “New Slides” command from the “Slides” group on the Home tab (rather than pasting in new slides).
• Give each slide a unique title
• Add content using placeholders (e.g., click icon to add table; rather than adding tables or text boxes manually, for example)
• Keep tables simple (do not merge or split columns or rows) to keep them digitally readable.
• Be sure charts or graphs are not color dependent for interpretation.
• Label images with alt-text (or mark as descriptive)
• Run the accessibility checker when you are done editing.

Questions about library resources or basic digital accessibility troubleshooting, email Ingrid Conley-Abrams (iabrams@jjay.cuny.edu). Questions about:  student accommodations, the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS@jjay.cuny.edu); the JJ website: Kira Poplowski (kpoplowski@jjay.cuny.edu); Brightspace, contact ODL LMS (LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu).

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars here.   
   • Conversion day:   On Tues, Apr 21 - classes follow a Thursday schedule
     • Fall 2025 INC Grades: Student deadline – Fri, May 1 to submit work to resolve INC grade. Faculty deadline – Fri May 8 to submit Inc-to-Grade Forms (in CUNY First).
2. Last Call:  Nominate students to present work in Spanish or Spanish & English at the Research & Creativity Expo. Deadline: April 17. Email Drs. Barberet or Lecuna for info.
3. Compliance Trainings:  If you haven’t yet, please complete them ASAP (in Brightspace)
4. Our 2026 Commencement ceremony is Mon, June 1, 3:30 pm at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Full-time faculty are expected to attend. Confirm attendance through this link by Weds, May 20. If you are not attending, please email Provost Pease explaining why. (Adjunct faculty are not required to attend, but are welcome.)  Faculty must wear an academic robe to be in the procession. Questions to:  commencement@jjay.cuny.edu.  
5. Book Adoptions for summer and fall.Please submit book/material information for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required.

• Summer adoptions overdue:(65% complete; 173 missing). Fall deadline: April 27.
• To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link.
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See the Faculty Handbook.   

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 12  

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week:  Summer & Fall Registration is Now Open.  

• Find the message to Students HERE under Week 12.
• Faculty – please amplify the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Celebrating Excellent Teaching. Here at the TLC, we’ve been inspired by faculty who are sharing stories and strategies that demonstrate excellent teaching. What are you doing well? What are you learning from your peers and other sources about methods  and successes that make the difference with our students?

Here are a few tips to help you recognize, maximize and share great teaching:

• be specific about what is working and why
• reflect on what is context-dependent (such as this group of students, this set of readings, activities, assignments, or classroom set up)
• make notes about what to repeat next term or with the next class sessions
• identify common factors or features of our wins that define our teaching styles

When we recognize our teaching strengths, we validate and reactivate our commitments to our students and our disciplines. We also gather evidence to include in conversations about teaching with colleagues in our departments and across the college.

Explore our JJ Distinguished Teaching Academy site celebrating our fantastic teachers and   TLC Teaching Resources! Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

4.  Professional Development & Opportunities   

1. Today! ODL LMS: Brightspace Open Q&A, Weds, Apr 15, 2-3pm, ODL LMS ZOOM. Meeting ID: 843 4714 9401; Passcode: 083946
2. CUNY Teaching Matters: Making Exams a Learning Tool: Using Exam Wrappers in STEM (with a Look at AI), Fri, Apr 17, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, Virtual. Explore how exam wrappers (short reflection activities after tests) help students learn how to improve next time. Presenter: Peter Novick (QCC). View event flyer for details and to register.
3. Workshop for Lecturers: CCE: What Is It and How Do I Get it?, Fri, Apr 24, 1:30-3pm in 335HH or Zoom - CCE workshop (ID: 892 5373 0432, Code: 089407). RSVP for in-person by Thurs, Apr 23 to me at apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu.

5.  Community Events  

1. Economics Justice Speaker Series: Brian Callaci, Wed, Apr 15, 1:40-3pm, L2.84, discusses his book, Chains of Command: The Rise and Cruel Reign of the Franchise Economy.
2. Environmental Learning Series: Planting the Estuary: Cultivating Bioregional Learning.  Weds, Apr 15, 1:45-2:45pm, 5.67NB & Zoom. How learning in nature can help us understand ecosystems and our role in them. Details on this events page.  Register here. Questions to Bibi Calderaro, Hannah Chu or Julie Kiss.
3. OAR Book Talk: Vicente Lecuna (MLL) presents his book, A Promising Past: Remodeling Fictions in Parque Central, Caracas, Thurs, Apr 16, 4:30-6pm, 9.64NB. Discussion to be led by Irina Troconis, Cornell. Detailed book and event info here. Register here-Lecuna.
4. JJ Blood Drive, in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week & Survivors. Tuesday, Apr 21, 12-6pm, L.61. Register to donate blood here. More info on this events page.
5. Town Hall, Weds, Apr 22, 1:40-2:55pm, L.61NB or zoom (meeting ID: 876 4590 2176, passcode: 730222)
6. Food for Thought lunch and learn with colleagues. Mon, Apr 27, 1:30-2:45pm, Faculty/Staff Dining Room. Host: Interdisciplinary Studies. Speakers: Katie Gentile & Wendy Barrales. RSVP here for Food for Thought by Fri, Apr 24, Noon.
7. Save the dates! The 2026 Research & Creativity Expo is coming Apr 29-May 8! Come celebrate students’ accomplishments with their mentors. Kicking things off is the annual Faculty & Administration Mentor Recognition Reception on Weds, Apr 29, 5:30-7:30pm, Moot Court (6.68NB). Click on this link to RSVP for the reception. OSRC student scholars will present their research and creative projects (posters) at the reception. Join the celebration during this annual multi-day event. Questions to osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.

6.  Digital Accessibility Primer:  Supports from Our Team

Reminder to check out John Jay’s FAQs about digital accessibility for lots of useful information gathered by our team. 

From our Library colleague, Ingrid Conley-Abrams:

Creating Accessible Slides – This slide show has tips and guidelines and lots of how-to’s!   

From our LMS team: 

The Ally Course Accessibility widget was added to the home page every John Jay course so instructors can easily locate info on improving the accessibility of their courses. The Ally Course Report breaks down your course materials, with direct links to content needing remediation. Guidance and strategies for using the Ally Course Report are in the Ally for Instructors: Microlearning for Accessible Teaching video series. 

Questions about library resources or basic digital accessibility troubleshooting, email Ingrid Conley-Abrams (iabrams@jjay.cuny.edu). Questions about:  student accommodations, the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS@jjay.cuny.edu); the JJ website: Kira Poplowski (kpoplowski@jjay.cuny.edu); Brightspace, contact ODL LMS (LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu).     

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars here.  Classes resume this Fri, Apr 10.
   • Spring session: Last day to drop a class with a grade of "W” is Mon, Apr 13.
     • 8-Week-2 session:  VOE rosters due today, Apr 8.
       • Fall INC Grade Resolution: Student deadline – Fri, May 1 to submit incomplete work to faculty to resolve INC grades for Fall 2025 classes. Faculty deadline – Fri May 8 to submit Inc-to-Grade Forms to Registrar to resolve INC grades (in CUNY First).
2. Call for Student Nominations:  Nominate students to present work done in Spanish, or in Spanish and English at the Research & Creativity Expo (May 4). Deadline: April 17. Email Rosemary Barberet or Vicente Lecuna for more information.
3. Book Adoptions for summer and fall. Please submit book/material information for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required.

• Summer adoption deadline: March 30 (54% complete so far). Fall deadline: April 27.
• To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link.
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.          

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 11  

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Plan Your Summer & Fall Schedule: Add classes to your cart 

• Find the message to Students HERE under Week 11.
• Faculty – please amplify the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Plans and Connections. As they return from spring recess, our students are starting to register for their fall courses. How can we support planning and maintain students’ focus on learning with us now? We recommend these two easy strategies for academic success.

Make Plans to Finish Well:  With 6 weeks left, prompt students to plan backwards from their final projects and exams to the present.  They might make a table and, for each week (rows), they can list their goals, assignments, time needed and available, resources, and any challenges they foresee in staying on track (columns).

Make Learning Connections Across Terms: Try a short freewriting exercise where students identify what they are learning now that they believe will be important to their success in spring courses. Or, support partner and small group discussion for 5-10 minutes on this topic. Invite students, live or asynchronously, to write down their connections and share for feedback. Making their ideas visible will amplify the connections and deepen critical thinking!   

Feel free to explore the TLC’s Teaching Essentials page for information on various effective pedagogies and practices. Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

4.  Professional Development & Opportunities  

1. Workshop for faculty and staff: Brave Spaces for LGBTQIA+ students (event page), Fri, Apr 10, 10-11am, zoom. RSVP directly here. Questions to LGBTQ@jjay.cuny.edu.
2. CUNY Teaching Matters: Making Exams a Learning Tool: Using Exam Wrappers in STEM (with a Look at AI), Fri, Apr 17, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, Virtual.  Explore how exam wrappers (short reflection activities after tests) help students learn how to improve next time. Presenter: Peter Novick (QCC). View event flyer for details and to register.
3. American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) Fellowship Info: Faculty considering applying for a 2027 ACLS Fellowship, come to an ACLS Fellowship Workshop, Mon, Apr 20, 6-7:30pm, CUNY Graduate Center Room 9206. RSVP for the workshop by Apr 13.

5.  Community Events  

1. This week! International Coercive Control Conference (ICCC), NYC 2026: Fri Apr 10 & Sat, Apr 11, 6.68NB (Moot Court). Co-chaired by Drs. Chitra Raghavan and Kendra Doychak, the conference examines coercive control across contexts and focuses on practical, cross-disciplinary approaches to advancing policy, practice, and accountability. Register and learn more here. Faculty: Use code JJAY (in-person) or JJAYvirtual (remote) for a discounted rate of $50. Students: Register with their student email for a $30 rate.
2. Gaypril Kickoff, Mon, Apr 13, 1:30-3pm, Hound Square. Details on this events page.
3. Economics Justice Speaker Series: Brian Callaci, Wed, Apr 15, 1:40-3pm, L2.84, discusses his book, Chains of Command: The Rise and Cruel Reign of the Franchise Economy.
4. Environmental Learning Series: Planting the Estuary: Cultivating Bioregional Learning.  Weds, Apr 15, 1:45-2:45pm, 5.67NB & Zoom. How learning in nature can help us understand ecosystems and our role in them. Details  on this events page.  Register here. Questions to Bibi Calderaro, Hannah Chu or Julie Kiss.
5. OAR Book Talk: Vicente Lecuna (MLL) presents his book, A Promising Past: Remodeling Fictions in Parque Central, Caracas, Thurs, Apr 16, 4:30-6pm, 9.64NB. Discussion will be led by Irina R. Troconis, Assistant Professor, Cornell University. Detailed book and event info on this events page. Register here-Lecuna.
6. JJ Blood Drive, in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week & Survivors. Tues, Apr 21, 12-6pm, L.61. Register to donate blood here. More info on this events page. 

6.  Digital Accessibility Primer:  Powerpoints and Templates to Come 

As we work on making our digital materials accessible going forward – again, you can check John Jay’s FAQs about digital accessibility for information on accessibility in Brightspace and tips for making materials digitally accessible. 

We are creating digitally accessible templates that you can adapt for your classes. First, we will share a powerpoint template that has the JJ branding. It will be in the FAQs and on our Resources for Web Editors @ JJ page. (Some textbook publishers also provide digitally accessible slides.)  Next, we will share a digitally accessible model syllabus template. In each case, you would need to re-check accessibility after making your edits (see FAQs for tips). 

Additional resources on accessible slides if you would like to read more:

• Make your PowerPoint presentations accessible to people with disabilities-MS support
• How To Make Your Presentations and Slide Decks Accessible and Inclusive - accessiBe

Questions about library resources or basic digital accessibility troubleshooting, email Ingrid Conley-Abrams (iabrams@jjay.cuny.edu). Questions about:  student accommodations, the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS@jjay.cuny.edu); the JJ website: Kira Poplowski (kpoplowski@jjay.cuny.edu); Brightspace, contact ODL LMS (LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu).           

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars here.  Spring break Apr 1-9. Classes resume Apr 10.
   • Spring session: Last day to drop a class with a grade of "W” is April 13 (see below).
     • 8-Week-2 session:  VOE rosters open April 4-April 8 (deadline).
2. Call for Student Nominations:   Nominate students to present work done in Spanish, or in Spanish and English at the Research & Creativity Expo (May 4). Deadline: April 17. Email Rosemary Barberet or  Vicente Lecuna for more information.
3. Book Adoptions for summer and fall.Please submit book/material information for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required.

• Summer adoption deadline: March 30 (42% complete so far). Fall deadline: April 27.
• To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link.
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 10 

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Know Your Options Before You Withdraw encourages students to meet with an academic advisor and contact financial aid before officially withdrawing (W). (Note: W, WU and F grades may impact financial aid; W/WU have no GPA impact.) 

• Find the message to Students HERE.
• Faculty – The last day students can withdraw from spring classes is April 13. Students may appreciate updated information on their progress to inform their decisions.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Take a Break for Self-Care. During spring break, let’s remember to take breaks for self-care. Try any or all of these tips for a few minutes or more and give ourselves the gift of wellbeing.

Mindfulness: When we are fully present in a moment with who we are and what we are sensing and feeling, we give ourselves permission to be whole. Try breathing, visualization, or noticing each of our five senses to reset and renew.

Community: When we make time to connect with those people and environments who nurture us and invite us to reciprocate, we strengthen our sense of belonging.

Wonder: There is so much beauty, love, and depth in our lives. Take time and space to feel awe in nature, in art, in different experiences that expand our lives.

Joy: When we allow ourselves to feel joy, we build strength and resilience. Laughter and delight can help us process stress and trauma.

Justice: We believe in justice. When we reconnect with our values, we remind ourselves that we are in the right place at the right time. This is another experience of belonging.

We hope we all return feeling renewed and restored!  Feel free to explore the TLC’s Teaching Essentials page for information on various effective pedagogies and practices. Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

4.  Professional Development/Opportunities  

1. CUNY CIS Training schedule. Register for CIS trainings (in advance; CUNY login). More info: lms.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu.

• Today!  Making PDFs Accessible with Adobe Acrobat (Weds, Apr 1, 1pm)

2. CUNY Office of Library Services Summer Archives & Open Knowledge Faculty Fellowship Program details and timeline. Deadline: April 7, Noon. Questions to archives@cuny.edu.
3. NCFDD Workshop: Executive Function and Student Success: Small Teaching Shifts That Matter, Weds, Apr 8, 2pm. A practical, research-informed webinar on how to integrate executive function support into your teaching without adding more to your plate.

To claim your NCFDD account: (a) Go to https://www.ncfdd.org/join; (b) choose John Jay from the menu; (c) select “Activate my Membership”; (d) complete registration with your jjay email address; (e) confirm in jjay email by clicking “Activate Account”.

4. Workshop for faculty and staff: Brave Spaces for LGBTQIA+ students (event page), Fri, Apr 10, 10-11am, zoom. RSVP directly here. Questions to LGBTQ@jjay.cuny.edu.

5.  Community Events & Faculty Awards  

1. Due today! Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. Deadline: April 1. Application information HERE. Questions to: osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.
2. Dispute Resolution Roundtable: Interfaith Solidarity in Times of Hate, Thurs, Apr 2, 8:00-8:30am (networking); 8:30-10:00am (program), on Zoom. Register for roundtable here. Professor Najeeba Syeed will share components of interfaith solidarity and collaborative care, a trajectory for interfaith dialogue as a Peacebuilding process.
3. I’m no Yankee’s fan, but this is pretty cool – May 3^rd: CUNY Day at Yankee Stadium – Orioles vs. New York Yankees.

6.  Digital Accessibility Primer:  Website resources 

If you are looking for some fun with digital accessibility over the break – maybe give your faculty page some TLC? For instance, you can check materials, like your CV, for accessibility with guidance from John Jay’s FAQs about digital accessibility (starting pg 8). 

When you sign in to your own page, an accessibility checker automatically flags inaccessible content or potentially inaccessible content that should be checked manually. See tips for how to using the accessibility checker on the Resources for Web Editors @ JJ.   

Marketing & Communications put together lots of resources here: Resources for Web Editors @ JJ and are offering more sessions to introduce the website review process:

• Today! Weds, April 1, 1:45-2:30pm,  Register for Apr 1
• Weds, April 8, 11-11:45am, Register for Apr 8

Questions about library resources or basic digital accessibility troubleshooting, email Ingrid Conley-Abrams (iabrams@jjay.cuny.edu). Questions about:  student accommodations, the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS@jjay.cuny.edu); the JJ website: Kira Poplowski (kpoplowski@jjay.cuny.edu); Brightspace, contact ODL LMS (LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu).         

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.  Spring break Apr 1-9.
   • 8-Week-1 session:  Grade rosters close today, Mar 25.
2. College Events Calendar:  Please submit requests that an event be added to the College’s events page via this Marketing & Communications Request Form.
3. Peer observations of teaching must be conducted by Tues, Mar 31. Submit Brightspace enrollment requests to apfaculty@jjay.cuny.eduat least 24 hours in advance.
4. Call for Student Nominations:  Nominate your best students to present work done in class in Spanish, or in Spanish and English at the Research and Creativity Expo (May 4). Deadline: April 17. Email Rosemary Barberet (rbarberet@jjay.cuny.edu) or Vicente Lecuna (vlecuna@jjay.cuny.edu) for more information (in English or Spanish).
5. Book Adoption Time for Summer and Fall.See Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC below.    

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 9

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Get Ready to Register for Summer & Fall. See TLC Timely Teaching Tip below.

• Find the message to Students HERE under Week 9.
• Faculty – please amplify the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic. 

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Registration time = Book adoption time. Students are being asked to get ready to register for summer and fall. By federal law, we must inform students what books/materials are required for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required – at the time they register. 

Summer class Adoption deadline: March 30  (bookstore opens 4/20/26)

Fall class Adoption deadline: April 27  (bookstore opens 7/15/26)

Why so early? To  ensure students can acquire accessible versions of course materials – and so that they can find the most affordable course materials, if purchases are required. 

• To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click the faculty link.
  • Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
  • Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources.
  • If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

Feel free to explore the TLC’s Teaching Essentials page for information on various effective pedagogies and practices. Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

4.  Professional Development/Opportunities  

Professional Development Calendar

1. Today! ODL LMS: Brightspace Open Q&A, Weds, Mar 25, 2-3pm, ODL LMS ZOOM. Meeting ID: 895 9763 3253; Passcode: 399854
2. Call for applicants! Artificial intelligence is transforming how students learn, research, and produce work, raising important questions about course design, academic integrity, and authentic assessment. If you’re looking to move from uncertainty to intentional, effective use of AI in your teaching, apply for Mindful AI for Modern Teaching: From Workshop to Practice, a 4-week online, cohort-based experience (March 30–April 26). This hands-on workshop offers structured support to help faculty thoughtfully integrate AI into their curriculum, with a $500 stipend for completion. Limited space is available; please consider applying today. Deadline is Thurs, Mar 26.
3. CUNY CIS Trainings (CIS schedule here) to build accessibility and inclusive design skills. Register here for CIS (advance registration required; log into CUNY Login account). For more info, email the ODL LMS Support team at lms.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu.

• Ensuring Accessibility in Brightspace (Thurs, Mar 26, 10am)
• Writing Effective Alternative Text (Mon, Mar 30, 12pm)
• Making PDFs Accessible with Adobe Acrobat (Weds, Apr 1, 1pm)

4. OAR workshop: Securing Private Foundation Grants: Practical Tactics for Busy Faculty & Staff, Thurs, Mar 26, 12-1:00pm, Zoom-Register here. Learn effective approaches for initiating contact, engaging funders and building relationships with foundations.
5. CUNY Transfer Initiative Info Session: Fri, Mar 27, 1-2pm, Virtual (Mar 27 Registration). Questions to TransferInitiative@cuny.edu.
6. CUNY Office of Library Services Summer Archives & Open Knowledge Faculty Fellowship Program details and timeline. Deadline: April 7, Noon. Questions to archives@cuny.edu.

5.  Community Events & Faculty Awards

1. Library Author Series: Thurs, Mar 26, 1:40-3pm, 2nd fl library class. Jessica Gordon-Nembhard (AFR) will discuss her bookCollective Courage:  A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice (10^th anniversary ed). RSVP to attend.
2. Leaders of Justice Series: Join President Mason in conversation with New York State Police Major Treneé D. Young ‘06. Bring classes! Thurs, Mar 26, 1:45-3pm, Moot Court (6.68NB). RSVP at www.jjay.cuny.edu/Young. Questions: externalaffairs@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Africana Studies and Anthropology present: Music, Poetry, Prose, Drums: The Heartbeat of Our People 2, Mon, Mar 30, 1:30-2:55pm, Moot Court (6.68NB). Join this celebration of student creations and performances in poetry, playwrighting and prose (students in AFR 132 and AFR 125). Faculty guest performers: Ms. Purdie and Avi Bornstein. DIVINE RHYTHM drum ensemble with Elka Samuels Smith and student participants.
4. Environmental Learning Series: Planting the Estuary: Cultivating Bioregional Learning. First event: Mon, Mar 30, 1:45-2:45pm, 5.67NB & Zoom. Explore how we're connected to the Hudson River estuary and the living environment around us. Learn more on the events page.  Register here. Questions to Bibi Calderaro, Hannah Chu or Julie Kiss
5. Last call! Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. Deadline: April 1. Application information HERE. Questions to: osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.

6.  Digital Accessibility Primer:  Some tips and resources 

The are ways to check the accessibility of our materials, such as the Brightspace Accessibility Checker and Ally for LMS. (See CUNY trainings listed in Professional Development above.) 

John Jay’s FAQs about digital accessibility includes instructions on making various types of materials accessible (e.g., slides, word documents, PDFs) – starting on pg 8. For example, you could make a document accessible in word, convert it to a PDF, then make sure that is accessible using steps in our FAQs. 

In addition, our library has a scanner that can make scanned PDFs full-text searchable: Library Accessibility Scanner  in addition to many other accessibility resources.

The ODL LMS Support Team Accessibility in Brightspace webinar recording is available online

CUNY resources: Home - Accessibility Toolkit for Open Educational Resources (OER) - Library Guides at CUNY Office of Library Services

Questions about library resources or basic digital accessibility troubleshooting, email Ingrid Conley-Abrams (iabrams@jjay.cuny.edu). Questions about:  student accommodations, the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS@jjay.cuny.edu); the JJ website: Kira Poplowski (kpoplowski@jjay.cuny.edu); Brightspace, contact ODL LMS (LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu).

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic Calendars here.  No classes Fri, Mar 20. Spring break Apr 1-9.
   • 8-Week-1 session:  Finals/last classes Mar 20-22. Grade rosters open Mar 20-25.
2. College Events Calendar:  Please submit requests that an event be added to the College’s events page via this Marketing & Communications Request Form.
3. Full-time faculty: Multiple Position Reports are due Fri, Mar 20. Questions to multiplepositions@jjay.cuny.edu. The e-workload system is open for faculty reporting until Fri, Mar 20. Questions to facultyworkload@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. Peer observations of teaching must be conducted by Tues, Mar 31. Submit Brightspace enrollment requests to apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu at least 24 hours in advance.
5. Call for Nominations:  Nominate your best students to present work done in class in Spanish, or in Spanish and English at the Research and Creativity Expo (May 4). Deadline: April 17. Email Rosemary Barberet or Vicente Lecuna for detailed call for nominations (in English or Spanish).   

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 8  

Student Success Communication Campaign. We’re back!!  Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Mid-Semester Check-In. See Timely Teaching Tip below.

• Find the message to Students HERE under Week 8.
• Faculty – please amplify the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Mid-Term Progress Check. Midterm weeks are excellent times to check in with students on their progress. These touchpoints support executive functioning skills such as time management, prioritization, planning, and other academic and professional skills.

Make sure to remind students of advising support, tutoring/academic supports, and withdrawal deadlines (Monday, April 13; Grad 8-Wk-2: May 2). 

Consider one of these reflective strategies:

Brightspace course progress: Remind students to check their Brightspace courses under the top menu item “Course Progress.” Offer tips on how much of the course overall you expect them to have completed and how they can make steps towards recovery, if needed.

Syllabus schedule: Ask students to review the schedule and check off what they’ve already accomplished. Reflective writing, peer discussion, and online anonymous polls can help students make connections and form insights about their learning over the past 7.5 weeks.

Learning objectives: A few minutes of reflective writing or peer discussions help students identify their learning objective progress. What has been learned? What needs to be learned to meet the objectives? Ask students to contribute to shared growth and completion plans.

Feel free to explore the TLC’s Teaching Essentials page for information on various effective pedagogies and practices. Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster. 

4.  Professional Development/Opportunities

Professional Development Calendar

1. Today! ODL LMS: Brightspace Assignments, Weds, Mar 18, 2-3pm, ODL LMS ZOOM. Meeting ID: 883 2148 0581; Passcode: 352519.
2. CUNY CIS Trainings (CIS schedule here) to build accessibility and inclusive design skills. Register here for CIS (advance registration required; log into CUNY Login account). For more info, email the ODL LMS Support team at lms.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu.

• Today - Designing Accessible PowerPoint Presentations (Weds, Mar 18, 12pm)
• Building Accessible Excel Spreadsheets (Tues, Mar 24, 1pm)
• Ensuring Accessibility in Brightspace (Thurs, Mar 26, 10am)
• Writing Effective Alternative Text (Mon, Mar 30, 12pm)
• Making PDFs Accessible with Adobe Acrobat (Weds, Apr 1, 1pm): To get Acrobat

3. CUNY Transfer Initiative Info Sessions: Weds, Mar 18, 12:30-1:30pm, Virtual (Mar 18 Registration) OR Fri, Mar 27, 1-2pm, Virtual (Mar 27 Registration). The CUNY Transfer Initiative aims to ensure students can move smoothly across institutions while staying on track academically via established Universal Transfer Paths. Sessions facilitated by the Office of Transfer and Articulation. Questions to TransferInitiative@cuny.edu or University Associate Dean for Transfer and Articulation samar.elhitti@cuny.edu.
4. Call for Proposals: Grants for Innovative Research on Social Mobility - Colin Powell School, City College. Awards up to $10,000 for research expenses. Apply at The Social Mobility Lab 2026 Proposal Portal.  Deadline: Sun, Mar 22, 11:59pm EST.
5. OAR workshop: Securing Private Foundation Grants: Practical Tactics for Busy Faculty & Staff, Thurs, Mar 26, 12-1:00pm, Zoom-Register here. Learn effective approaches for initiating contact, engaging funders and building relationships with foundations.
6. CUNY Office of Library Services Summer Archives & Open Knowledge Faculty Fellowship to use CUNY archival collections and/or Wikimedia platforms in fall 2026. See program details and timeline. Deadline: April 7, Noon. Questions to archives@cuny.edu.

5.  Community Events & Faculty Awards  

1. Today! Panel & Conversation: Gender Equity Initiatives in NYC, Weds, Mar 18, 6:30pm, 6.68NB (Moot Court). Refreshments 6:15pm. Panelists Priya Nair, Dora Mendez, Steven Chambers, Moderator Maria D’Agostino (PAD). Events page.  Gender Equity RSVP
2. OAR Book Talk: Community Conversation on Mental Health Services in NYC, Past Present and Future. Philip Yanos (PSY), author of Exiles in New York City, Thurs, Mar 19, 4:30-6pm, 6.68NB (Moot Court). Detailed info on this events page. Register here-Yanos.
3. Economics Justice Speaker Series with Guney Isikara, Thurs, Mar 19, 1:40-3pm, L.76.
4. Shiva Gallery, Thurs, Mar 19, 5:30pm, conversation with Shaurya Kumar, artist who engages themes of memory, cultural loss and transformation of sacred objects/practices. Register for Kumar talk here. To visit with class, email Macushla Robinson.
5. Food for Thought lunch and learn with colleagues. Tues, Mar 24, 1:30-2:45pm, Faculty/Staff Dining Room. Host: Sociology. Speakers: Drs. Tarun Banerjee, Yeju “Chloe” Choi & Sergio Grossi. RSVP here for Food for Thought by Mon, Mar 23, Noon.
6. Library Author Series: Thurs, Mar 26, 1:40-3pm, 2nd fl library class. Jessica Gordon-Nembhard (AFR) will discuss her bookCollective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice (10^th anniversary ed). RSVP to attend.
7. Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. Deadline: April 1. Application information HERE. Questions to:  osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.

6.  Digital Accessibility Primer:  How Do We Do It & FAQs

Critical questions faculty have about digital accessibility are: How do we do it?  What does digital accessibility look like? (See CUNY trainings listed in Professional Development above.)

Digital accessibility requirements reflect internationally recognized technical standards for digital accessibility. They apply to our course materials, academic content and websites. That is a heavy lift for us all. 

How do we do it?   Resources:

• John Jay’s FAQs about digital accessibility. It includes instructions on making various types of materials (e.g., slides, word documents, PDFs) accessible.
• Adobe Acrobat Pro can recognize and edit the text from a PDF that was scanned as an image.  All faculty and staff can claim Adobe Acrobat Pro by going to Adobe.com and logging in with their CUNYfirst username and password. If individuals want to download and install Adobe Acrobat Pro to a local machine, they must do that for themselves.
• ODL LMS Support Team Accessibility in Brightspace webinar recording is available online
• CUNY resources: Home - Accessibility Toolkit for Open Educational Resources (OER) - Library Guides at CUNY Office of Library Services

What does digital accessibility look like?  https://community.pepperdine.edu/techlearn/accessibility/ 

Questions about library resources or basic digital accessibility troubleshooting, email Ingrid Conley-Abrams (iabrams@jjay.cuny.edu). Questions about:  student accommodations, the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS@jjay.cuny.edu); the JJ website: Kira Poplowski (kpoplowski@jjay.cuny.edu); Brightspace, contact ODL LMS (LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu).

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.   No classes Fri, Mar 20. Spring break Apr 1-9.
   • 8-Week-1 session:  Finals/last classes Mar 20-22. Grade rosters open Mar 20-25.
2. IMPORTANT:   New requirements for digital accessibility include materials faculty upload into Brightspace for their classes. Our JJ LMS team is offering Today a How To Webinar on Brightspace Accessibility. CUNY has trainings on digital accessibility this week (PDFs today) and see tip below (#6) on accessible library materials. FAQ to come!
3. Annual Property Re-Inventory. Today, Weds, Mar 11, 12-4pm, NB main lobby, last day of Laptop Scanning Station. Email Lou Perillo loperillo@jjay.cuny.edu for alternate plan.
4. All faculty: Multiple Position Reports due Fri, Mar 20. Questions? Join Multiple Position info session on Zoom, Today, Weds, Mar 11, 1:40-2:55pm (Meeting ID 461 223 6540, Passcode 1023) or email multiplepositions@jjay.cuny.edu.
5. Full-time faculty: The e-workload system is open for faculty until Mar 20. If you have questions, email facultyworkload@jjay.cuny.edu.  
6. Full-time faculty personnel deadlines – March 15 deadline to notify Provost in writing of intent to apply for (early) tenure and/or promotion this fall. Copy Kyeanna Bailey (kbailey@jjay.cuny.edu), your dept chair, and attach your CV.
7. Peer observations of teaching must be conducted by Tues, Mar 31. Submit Brightspace enrollment requests to apfaculty@jjay.cuny.eduat least 24 hours in advance.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 7  

Student Success Communication Campaign. We’re back!!  Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Career Engagement. See Timely Teaching Tip below.

• Find the message to Students HERE under Week 7.
• Faculty – please amplify the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic. 

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Emphasizing Career Connections. One way we measure student success is via post-graduate employment. We want students to find and sustain careers that build on knowledge and skills they learn at John Jay – in a changing world. For ideas, templates, or strategies to emphasize career connections in courses, here are two sites to explore:

Career Learning Lab - Resources For Faculty & Staff:  You can submit requests for workshop presenters and employer connections or bring your class to the Career Learning Lab. Visiting helps students build connections, understand available support, and know where the Lab is. 

CUNY Faculty Career-Connected Learning Resource Hub:  This faculty-created hub has tools and resources to help faculty include career-connected learning in their courses. Connect classroom theory with job market realities, help students find paid work experience, etc.

Feel free to explore the TLC’s Teaching Essentials page for information on various effective pedagogies and practices. Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

4.  Professional Development/Opportunities  

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! ODL LMS: Accessibility in Brightspace, Weds, Mar 11, 2-3pm, ODL LMS ZOOM. Meeting ID: 831 4689 4323; Passcode: 800395.
2. CUNY CIS Trainings (CIS schedule here) to build accessibility and inclusive design skills (etc). Register here for CIS (advance registration required; log into CUNY Login account). For more info, email the ODL LMS Support team at lms.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu.

• Today Making PDFs Accessible with Adobe Acrobat (Weds, Mar 11, 1pm)
• Accessibility Basics: Why you should care (Fri, Mar 13, 12pm)
• Creating Accessible Word Documents (Mon, Mar 16, 11am)
• Designing Accessible PowerPoint Presentations (Weds, Mar 18, 12pm)

3. Applications invited: Director of Academic Integrity (aka Academic Integrity Officer (AIO)) who will collaborate with current AIO, Jennifer Dobbins to create/define the role. 3-year renewable term; full-time JJ faculty member with tenure/CCE. Full invitation, top of Recent Announcements for Faculty page. Statement of interest to Dean Crossman, acrossman@jjay.cuny.edu by Fri, Mar 13. AI process questions jedobbins@jjay.cuny.edu
4. Call for Proposals: Grants Supporting Innovative Research on Social Mobility - Colin Powell School, City College. See here for info on previous grantees. Will support up to six projects of up to $10,000. Awards for research expenses (e.g., stipends for RAs, travel expenses, participant compensation, supplies, etc. (not course releases). Apply at The Social Mobility Lab 2026 Proposal Portal.  Deadline: Sun, Mar 22, at 11:59pm EST.
5. CUNY's Office of Library Services welcomes 14 full-time teaching faculty members to the 2026 Summer Archives and Open Knowledge Faculty Fellowship. Fellows receive $5000 summer salary to use CUNY archival collections and/or Wikimedia platforms in fall 2026. See program details and timeline of important dates. Deadline: April 7, Noon. Register here for info sessions about fellowship. Email questions to archives@cuny.edu.

5.  Community Events & Faculty Awards  

1. Leaders of Justice Series: Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, head of London Metropolitan Police, on policing, public safety, leadership, global security challenges. Discussion and Q&A facilitated by Erica Bond. Bring classes! Mon, Mar 16, 3:00pm, L.61. RSVP at www.jjay.cuny.edu/Rowley. Questions: externalaffairs@jjay.cuny.edu.
2. Town Hall, Tues, Mar 17, 1:40-2:55pm, L.61NB or Zoom (Meeting ID: 825 6582 3934, Passcode: 168206). Comments or questions to TownHall@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Sociology dept community conversation: The Hard Work of Peace: Governance, Community, and the Complex Path Beyond Violence, Tues, Mar 17, 1:40-3pm, 520.18HH or Zoom. With Senator Allan Bernard.
4. Panel & Conversation: Gender Equity Initiatives in NYC, Weds, Mar 18, 6:30pm, 6.68NB (Moot Court). Refreshments 6:15pm. Panelists Priya Nair, Dora Mendez, Steven Chambers, Moderator Maria M’Agostino (PAD). Events page.  Gender Equity RSVP
5. OAR Book Talk: Community Conversation on Mental Health Services in NYC, Past Present and Future. Philip Yanos (PSY), author of Exiles in New York City, Thurs, Mar 19, 4:30-6pm, 6.68NB (Moot Court) conversation with Yumiko Ikuta, Sasha-Marie Robinson and Taina B. Martinez. Detailed bios and info on this events page. Register here-Yanos.
6. Shiva Gallery event: Thurs, Mar 19, 5:30pm, conversation with Shaurya Kumar, artist who engages themes of memory, cultural loss and transformation of sacred objects. Register here (part of On Absence). For class visit, email Macushla Robinson.
7. Food for Thought lunch and learn with colleagues. Tues, Mar 24, 1:30-2:45pm, Faculty/Staff Dining Room. Host: Sociology. Speakers: Drs. Tarun Banerjee, Yeju “Chloe” Choi, Sergio Grossi & Marisa Tramontano. (Next date: Mon, Apr 27.)
8. Library Author Series: Thurs, Mar 26, 1:40-3pm, 2nd fl library class. Jessica Gordon-Nembhard (AFR) will discuss her bookCollective Courage:  A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice (10^th anniversary ed). RSVP to attend.
9. Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. Deadline: April 1. Application information HERE. Questions to: osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.

6.  Digital Accessibility Primer: Selecting Accessible Library Materials 

Last week we shared how to fix hyperlinks. (See CUNY trainings above in Professional Development.) This week: Selecting Accessible Library Materials. 

1. When sharing/posting resources, it’s important to consider if readable and operable
   1. PDFs (especially if older or scanned from books) often lack searchability, are incompatible with screen readers, and don’t display content correctly on mobile devices (which many students rely upon). [CUNY workshop TODAY on making PDFs accessible]
      1. Many Library databases offer various more accessible formatting options, including:
2. Simple HTML text-only versions (works well for screen readers)
3. EPUBs
4. Customizable font style and size
5. Text-to-speech features
   4. For full instructions on how to select accessible Library materials, please refer to this slideshow: Selecting Accessible Library Materials: Offering readers screen-reader compatible, customizable, and mobile-friendly resources. For more targeted assistance, Contact Ingrid Conley-Abrams, Digital Initiatives Librarian.

Questions about library resources or basic digital accessibility troubleshooting, email Ingrid Conley-Abrams (iabrams@jjay.cuny.edu). Questions about:  student accommodations, the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS@jjay.cuny.edu); the JJ website: Kira Poplowski (kpoplowski@jjay.cuny.edu); Brightspace, contact ODL LMS (LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu).

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.  No classes Fri, Mar 20. Spring break Apr 1-9.
2. Library Resource access. Can't make it to the Library but need research assistance? Chat is available during regular weekday Library Hours and is always staffed by a John Jay College Librarian (never a bot!).
3. Full-time faculty: The e-workload system is open for faculty until Mar 20. If you have questions, join Thurs, Mar 5, 1:40-2:55pm, workload info session on Zoom, Meeting ID 461 223 6540, Passcode 1023 or email facultyworkload@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. All faculty: Multiple Position Reports are due Fri, Mar 20. If you have questions, join Weds, Mar 11, 1:40-2:55pm, MPR info session on Zoom, Meeting ID 461 223 6540, Passcode 1023 or email multiplepositions@jjay.cuny.edu.
5. Annual Re-Inventory of Property. If you have a JJ laptop, please have it inventoried at the Laptop Scanning Station, NB main lobby, 12-4pm, Mon, Tues & Weds, until Mar 11.
6. Full-time faculty personnel deadlines – March 15 deadline to notify Provost Pease in writing (email ok) of intent to apply for (early) tenure and/or promotion this fall. Copy Kyeanna Bailey (kbailey@jjay.cuny.edu), your dept chair, and attach your CV.
7. Peer observations of teaching must be conducted by Tues, Mar 31. I am out of the office next week, so if access is needed next week, please submit Brightspace enrollment requests to apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu at least 24 hours in advance.
8. Save the Date! The 2026 John Jay Commencement Ceremony will be the afternoon of Mon, June 1 at Barclays Center. Commencement website. Graduate hooding: May 28.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 6 

Student Success Communication Campaign. We’re back!!  Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Find and Access Resources. See Timely Teaching Tip below.

• Find the message to Students HERE under Week 6.
• Faculty – please amplify the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic. 

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Checking In. The semester began with a disruptive weather-driven pivot online. As we emerge from this challenging winter, we can review plans and student progress toward our learning objectives. Here are 3 quick tips for course progress recovery and reassurance:

1. Schedule review: Review your course schedule with your students, either in person or in a discussion post online. What changes have you made, if any? How close are you to staying on track with assignment deadlines, exams, and content sharing?
2. Learning objective check-in: Note for yourself which learning objectives have been achieved or partially achieved (yay!). Ask your students to do the same. You can both note in free-writing, small group discussion, Zoom chat, or harvesting activities what you’ve learned and what progress you anticipate by Spring Recess.
3. Attendance and participation confirmation: Check your attendance and participation records and share your overall findings with your students. Follow up individually with students who are frequently absent or hesitant to engage. Consider sending a short message of appreciation to individual students who show up and participate regularly.

Small, intentional efforts can catalyze substantial learning and growth. 

Sometimes academic support is not enough. For students experiencing crisis and trauma due to personal, social, political, or other circumstances, please have these referrals at hand:

• Wellness Center: https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/student-life/wellness-center
• Immigrant and Student Success Center:https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/student-life/immigrant-student-success-center/resources-undocumented-immigrant-students
• Tutoring and Academic Support: https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/academics/academic-resources-services/tutoring-academic-support  
• Faculty may submit any-time alerts in Navigate for any student in class. Visit Navigate360 Support site for how to submit alerts or for support/training.

Feel free to explore the TLC’s Teaching Essentials page for information on various effective pedagogies and practices. Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.  

4.  Professional Development/Opportunities  

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! ODL LMS: Brightspace Open Q&A, Weds, Mar 4, 2-3pm, ODL LMS ZOOM. Meeting ID: 867 9814 8235; Passcode: 884011.
2. The Learning in Practice course project is creating curricula to help students investigate links between their majors and professional aspirations. Faculty of all ranks are invited to a paid opportunity to adopt an existing syllabus and prepare to teach a course in 2026-7. Learn more about the project and how to apply here. Deadline: Friday, March 6.
3. CUNY CIS Trainings (CIS schedule here) to build accessibility and inclusive design skills (etc). Register here for CIS (advance registration required; log into CUNY Login account). For more info, email the ODL LMS Support team at lms.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu.

• Ensuring Accessibility in Brightspace (Thurs, Mar 5, 10am)
• Writing Effective Alternative Text (Mon, Mar 9, 12pm)
• Making PDFs Accessible with Adobe Acrobat (Weds, Mar 11, 1pm)
• Accessibility Basics: Why you should care(Fri, Mar 13, 12pm)

4. Teaching Without Tech or AI: Build the Skills for Student Success, Thurs, Mar 5, 12-1pm on Zoom. This Hunter ACERT seminar explores student-centered teaching practices that minimize or eliminate AI and technology use, emphasizing the pedagogical value of simplicity, presence, and low-tech learning environments. Register-teach without tech.
5. Faculty First Friday, Fri, Mar 6, 1:30-3pm, 335HH (TLC) or ZOOM Meeting ID: 841 3638 2630, Passcode: 523938.  Peer Wisdom Panel – Meet, talk and learn from colleagues. RSVP to apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu by 10am Friday.
6. Reminder: John Jay has an NCFDD institutional membership. All faculty – part-time, full-time, and doctoral students – can access a free individual account. See my faculty resources page under NCFDD for how to claim/activate your NCFDD account. Priority registration for the Faculty Success Program (May 18-July 26) ends Fri, Mar 6!Full-time faculty can apply for funds through the Faculty Opportunity Fund (Opportunity Fund Application) to participate – Please apply ASAP.
7. Call for Proposals: Grants Supporting Innovative Research on Social Mobility - Colin Powell School, City College. For information on research by previous grantees, see https://colinpowellschool.ccny.cuny.edu/social-mobility-lab/sml-grantees/. All faculty and doctoral students are eligible to apply. This cycle will support up to six projects with up to US$10,000. Awards may be used for expenses directly related to the research project, including but not limited to: salaries or stipends for principal researcher(s) and research assistants, tuition or methods training courses, participant compensation, travel expenses for conference or research purposes, payment to other providers, supplies, etc. (not for course releases). Please submit applications at The Social Mobility Lab 2026 Proposal Portal.  Deadline: Sun, Mar 22, at 11:59pm EST.

5.  Community Events & Faculty Awards 

1. TODAY! Library Author Series: Weds, Mar 4, 1:40-3pm, 2^nd fl library classroom. Medar de La Cruz (ISP), will discuss his book-in-progress based on the Pulitzer Prize winning New Yorker article, “Diary of a Rikers Island Library Worker.”  RSVP to attend.
2. Take advantage of an exceptional JJ resource - Bring your class to the Shiva Gallery! The exhibition On Absence, which explores the theme of absence as a political concept, continues until May 15. Why not plan a visit with your class? The Gallery offers curator-led tours, workshops for classes, a range of exciting public programs, and an education kit with suggested assignments, further reading and a glossary of key terms. Framing the art space as a somatic classroom, we enrich student’s learning with conceptual development driven by visual and material practices – and we remind our students that art galleries are spaces for them, too! To register your class or discuss a visit, please email Macushla Robinson: marobinson@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. Deadline: April 1. Application information HERE. Questions to: osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.

6.  Digital Accessibility Primer: Some Initial How’s  

Last week we shared what and why on digital accessibility because our JJ website and all digital materials for classes (now and going forward) and are covered by the law. Now let’s begin with some How’s. (See the CUNY trainings listed in Professional Development above.)

We can start with ‘low hanging fruit’: Links.

1. Review your Brightspace or website and make sure all of your links work.
   1. Differentiate your links (e.g., not “here” or “link”). Why? To ensure people can skim, even if using a screen reader. Otherwise, one might have to review every link to find the one they are looking for (e.g., “CISTraining Webinar Registration  (Spring 2026)”)
   2. Embed links in descriptive text rather than posting the link in its entirety – otherwise a screen reader reads it letter for letter (not fun): https://p45b/B;dighelthdMUb3850d
   3. Avoid underlining text that is not a link – people assume it’s a hyperlink.
   4. Avoid all caps – can be confused for an acronym (and reads like yelling).
   5. The library has this useful guide: LibGuide: Links - Digital Accessibility Best Practices

For questions about library resources or basic digital accessibility troubleshooting, email Ingrid Conley-Abrams (iabrams@jjay.cuny.edu). For questions about student accommodations, email the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS@jjay.cuny.edu). For questions about the JJ website, email Kira Poplowski (kpoplowski@jjay.cuny.edu). For inquiries about Brightspace, contact ODL LMS (LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu).                   

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.
2. Full-time faculty – Upcoming personnel deadlines:
   • March 1:  Fellowship leave application for Spring 2027 due to dept chair. Leave Application Form here. Note TODAY’s faculty leave workshop – details below.
     • March 15: Deadline to notify Provost Pease in writing (email acceptable) of intent to apply for (early) tenure and/or promotion this fall. Copy Faculty Services Director Kyeanna Bailey (kbailey@jjay.cuny.edu), your dept chair, and attach CV.
3. Annual Re-Inventory of Property. If you have a JJ laptop, please have it inventoried at the Laptop Scanning Station, NB main lobby, 12-4pm, Mon, Tues & Weds, until Mar 11.
4. Save the Date! The 2026 John Jay Commencement Ceremony will be the afternoon of Mon, June 1 at Barclays Center. Commencement website. Graduate hooding: May 28.
5. Book Adoptions – 206 sections did not upload book information THIS SEMESTER.

• To do so - Log in with CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com. Click faculty link.
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 5  

Student Success Communication Campaign. We’re back!!  Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Sign up for Majors & Minors Events.

• Find the message to Students HERE under Week 5.
• Faculty – please amplify the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic. 

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC 

Sharing the joys of analog teaching. One of the most immediate and yet lasting rewards of teaching arises from connecting with our students face to face. Many of us continue to teach in person classes, and many of us enjoy the opportunities to co-create learning with our students with limited or no interactions with digital technology.

Following robust discussion at the faculty/staff meeting, Provost Pease created an online space for faculty to share their analog teaching strategies and experiences. The conversations are inspiring, diverse, and timely. Please join as a reader or contributor here.

Looking for more? The TLC’s Teaching Essentials page provides information on a variety of effective pedagogies and practices. Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.  

4.  Professional Development/Workshops  

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! ODL LMS: Brightspace Quizzes, Weds, Feb 25, 2-3pm, ZOOM. Meeting ID: 892 3941 8069; Passcode: 409068.
2. TODAY! Workshop: Faculty Leaves, Weds, Feb 25, 1:30-3pm, Zoom. Kyeanna Bailey, Heather Grant (HR), Christina Lee (HR). Meeting ID: 817 6976 2008, Passcode: 844971.
3. Hunter ACERT: AI & Accessible Visual Presentations that Inspire Student Engagement and Innovation: Using Canva, Claude, Gamma AI, and More, Thurs, Feb 26, 12-1pm, Zoom. Explore how to design beautiful presentations that are usable by all students.
4. The EIHS Immigrant Student Success Center invites you to participate in the BRIDGE Certification Program (Building Resources for Immigrant Dreams, Growth, & Empowerment), a 9-session virtual certification course to strengthen our institutional capacity to support immigrant and undocumented students. It runs March-May 2026. Attend on zoom once per week (Weds or Thurs). We have space for 50 participants. We encourage you to register by Fri, Feb 27 with this BRIDGE Participant Intake Form.
5. Proposal Development Workshop Series for faculty in the Creative Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education (CASSHE Faculty). The CUNY Office of Research arranged this workshop series led by Dr. Barbara Walker (UC Santa Barbara). It includes:

• A two-hour virtual workshop Fri, Feb 27, to build foundational research funding proposal development skills
• A full-day, in-person workshop Fri, Mar 6, focused on hands-on research funding proposal development

Space for the in-person workshop is limited, so please register for series with this link.  For questions, please contact Tiffiny Chen at Tiffiny.Chen@cuny.edu.

6. CUNY CIS Trainings (schedule here) to build accessibility and inclusive design skills. Register here (advance registration required; log into CUNY Login account). For more info, email the ODL LMS Support team at lms.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu.

• Building Accessible Excel Spreadsheets (Tues, Mar 3, 1pm)
• Ensuring Accessibility in Brightspace (Thurs, Mar 5, 10am)

7. Teaching Without Tech or AI: Build the Skills for Student Success, Thurs, Mar 5, 12-1pm on Zoom. This Hunter ACERT seminar explores student-centered teaching practices that minimize or eliminate AI and technology use, emphasizing the pedagogical value of simplicity, presence, and low-tech learning environments. Register-teach without tech.

5.  Community Events & Faculty Awards 

1. The 36^th Annual Malcolm/King Awards Breakfast is Fri, Feb 27, 8:30am, 4^th fl gym HH. Keynote speaker: Rocky Bucano, founder of The Hip Hop Museum. Honoree: Datwon Thomas, Vibe magazine. Special guests: Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, Alvin Bragg. Donate and/or Register for the breakfast here. Seating is limited, so please get your tickets as early as possible. Questions to Rulisa Galloway-Perry at rgalloway@jjay.cuny.edu.
2. Library Author Series: Weds, Mar 4, 1:40-3pm, 2^nd fl library classroom. Medar de La Cruz (ISP), will discuss his book-in-progress based on the Pulitzer Prize winning New Yorker article, “Diary of a Rikers Island Library Worker.”  RSVP to attend.
3. Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. Deadline: April 1. More information HERE. Questions to: osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.

6.  Digital Accessibility Primer: We start with What and Why? 

The updated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all digital materials offered by public institutions to comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1, Level AA. This applies to instructional content on Brightspace and information on our website going forward.  You might ask:  What is digital accessibility and Why is it important?

Digital accessibility means making digital materials usable by everyone, including those with disabilities and/or using assistive technology such as screen readers. It is beneficial for:

1. Disabled students and faculty: 1 in 5 students and 1 in 4 Americans are disabled
   1. English learners: ELs often benefit from captions on videos and text formatted for text-to-speech: Provides multiple means for presenting content to range of learners
   2. Those with a high cognitive load: Professors, students, staff. Anyone with lots on their minds – so everyone! Less frustrating digital environments are more usable for all of us
   3. Tech-hesitant users/Digital novices: Accessible content lessens tech-related difficulties
   4. Users of all ages: From age 25, we begin to lose the ability to navigate online spaces
   5. Those with RSI: Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) results from overusing the hands to perform a repetitive task, such as typing or using a mouse. Accessible digital spaces value keyboard use over mouse use, lowering risk of developing or exacerbating RSI.

For questions about library resources or basic digital accessibility troubleshooting, email Ingrid Conley-Abrams (iabrams@jjay.cuny.edu). For questions about student accommodations, email the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS@jjay.cuny.edu). For questions about the JJ website, email Kira Poplowski (kpoplowski@jjay.cuny.edu). For inquiries about Brightspace, contact ODL LMS (LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu).

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.  

• Ramadan began last evening. Note the CUNY policy on religious accommodations.

2. Navigate Early Check-Ins: Weds, Feb 18: Faculty receive Early Check-In requests for select students. Faculty may also submit any-time alerts in Navigate for any student in class. Starting March: Faculty will be notified by email of outcomes from staff outreach related to alerts they submit. Visit Navigate360 Support site for how to submit Early Check-Ins or alerts, to join an “office hour” with user support or to request training.
3. For students: The Multilingual Meetup hopes to bring together multilingual students from across John Jay to practice their English skills in an informal setting. New date: First meeting: Thurs, Mar 26, community hour, English Dept Conference Room.
4. Property Management’s 2026 Annual Re-Inventory of Capital Assets and Sensitive Equipment. If you have a JJ laptop, please bring it to the Laptop Scanning Station to be inventoried. The scanning station will be open in the main lobby of the New Building from 12pm-4pm, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, until Weds, Mar 11.
5. Save the Date! The 2026 John Jay Commencement Ceremony will be Mon, June 1, in the afternoon at Barclays Center. Additional details will be shared as the date approaches and posted on the Commencement website. Graduate hooding: May 28.
6. Book Adoptions – There are still 238 sections that have not uploaded book information for THIS SEMESTER, even ifno purchases are required. The number went UP!?

• Log in with CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com. Click faculty link.
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Consider no-cost Open Educational Resources. If you ask students to buy a book from which you earn revenue, Conflict of Interest Policy applies. Faculty Handbook.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 4 

Student Success Communication Campaign. We’re back!!  Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Make the Most of Your Time. See Timely Teaching Tip below.

• Find the message to Students HERE under Week 4.
• Faculty – please amplify the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic. 

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC 

Support student time management skills. This week’s student success tip offers three approaches to time management: chunking, calendaring, and buffering. We can support students in our Brightspace course design and in live sessions with these simple strategies.

1. Use headers and numbering in assignments to help “chunk” the assignments into visual components that students can address individually even when these components depend on each other as steps in a sequence.
2. Encourage students to click on their Brightspace calendars, then click the “Subscribe” button under “Discussions” on the menu bar. Students can then add the calendar to their preferred calendar apps and keep their academic work in their schedules.
3. Share backwards planning tips with your students to help them create buffers against late and incomplete assignments or inadequate exam preparation. This page from UVICLearn offers easy to understand explanations, examples, and advice.

Want more ideas? Ask your students what works and doesn’t work for them. Crowdsourcing their successes and challenges may lead others to effective strategies and resources.

Explore TLC News & Opportunities, JJ Distinguished Teaching Academy site and John Jay AI Plus hub. Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.  

4.  Professional Development/Workshops 

1. TODAY! ODL LMS: Brightspace Open Q & A, Weds, Feb 18, 2-3pm, ZOOM. Meeting ID: 891 8618 5874; Passcode: 604607.
2. AI Ethics: TLC Brown Bag Lunch Discussion: Environment & Sustainability, Weds, Feb 18, 335HH (TLC) & Thurs, Feb 19, Zoom; 1:40-2:50pm: Faculty, staff with AI ethics concerns.
3. CUNY Beyond: Integrating Career-Connected Learning Across the Curriculum, Fri, Feb 20, 1-2pm, Zoom Registration. Join Charissa Townsend, CUNY Assistant Dean, Office of Careers and Industry Partnerships, for an info session on CUNY Beyond. Over 60 faculty across disciplines researched best practices for embedding career-relevant information into their existing content. More info on the CUNY Beyond website.
4. CUNY CIS Trainings (schedule here) to help us build accessibility and inclusive design skills. Register here (advance registration required; log into your CUNY Login account). For more info, email the ODL LMS Support team at lms.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu.

• Accessibility Basics: Why it Matters (Fri, Feb 20, noon)
• Creating Accessible Word Documents (Mon, Feb 23, 11am)
• Designing Accessible PowerPoint Presentations (Wed, Feb 25, 11am)

5. Hunter ACERT: Teaching for Career Readiness and Success, Tues, Feb 24, 12-1pm, Zoom Registration. How do we prepare students for a lifetime of meaningful work? Explore approaches to teaching that center transferable skills, adaptability, creativity, and confidence - qualities increasingly essential in today’s rapidly evolving workforce.
6. Workshop:  Promotion to Full Professor, Tues, Feb 24, 1:40-3pm, Zoom. With Kyeanna Bailey, Angela Crossman. Meeting ID: 827 2165 8070, Passcode: 811100. (Full-timers)
7. Workshop: Faculty Leaves, Weds, Feb 25, 1:30-3pm, Zoom. With Kyeanna Bailey, Heather Grant (HR), Christina Lee (HR). Meeting ID: 817 6976 2008, Passcode: 844971.
8. Hunter ACERT: AI & Accessible Visual Presentations that Inspire Student Engagement and Innovation: Using Canva, Claude, Gamma AI, and More, Thurs, Feb 26, 12-1pm, Zoom. Explore how Canva, Gamma AI, and other platforms can help instructors design beautiful presentations that are usable by students with diverse access needs.

5.  Community Events   

1. Spring 2026 Faculty/Staff Meeting, Mon, Feb 23, 1:30-3pm, 6.68NB (Moot Court). ZOOM. Meeting ID: 891 9655 8683; Passcode: 117223. (Send questions to Raeanne Raices, rraices@jjay.cuny.edu.) To prepare for the meeting, we are invited to read “Is a Four-Year Degree Worth It?” by Sian Leah Beilock, president of Dartmouth College. 

Questions we are invited to consider:

1a.What is one change JJ faculty and staff should make in the next year to help the college adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape?

1b. What specific steps could you and/or your dept take to help make this change? (e.g. adjust a process, update an initiative, strengthen training for faculty or staff, etc.)

2a. The first wave of Generation Alpha [born 2010-2024] will enter college in about two years. What are 3 specific things JJ faculty/staff can do in 2026 and 2027 to prepare?

2b. Are there steps you and/or your dept could take to implement your 3 suggestions?

2. Library Author Series: Weds, Mar 4, 1:40-3pm, 2^nd fl library classroom. Medar de La Cruz (ISP), will discuss his book-in-progress based on the Pulitzer Prize winning New Yorker article, “Diary of a Rikers Island Library Worker.”  RSVP to attend.

6.  Opportunities/Prizes/Awards

1. NEW! Call for Participation – United Nations Crime Congress 2026. John Jay has been granted permission by the Congress organizers to form a delegation and been granted ancillary sessions in Abu Dhabi, UAE, 25–30 April 2026. Sessions will be held in hybrid format, and align with the overall theme:  “Accelerating crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law: protecting people and planet and achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the digital age”. Further details on the Congress can be found here: UNODC Congress website.

   Current John Jay full-time and part-time faculty, research staff and graduate students (MA or Ph.D.) are invited to submit a proposal to participate in the Congress by February 27, 2026. Details on submission are in the attached Call for Participation and below. Please direct questions to rbarberet@jjay.cuny.edu.

   1.  If you wish to present your research at one of our ancillary sessions, send:

   1. Your name, affiliation to John Jay and preferred email address

   2. Title of your presentation

   3. A 250-word abstract

   4. A short bio (50 words or link)

   5. Your preference for an in-person or online presentation 

   2.  To attend the Congress in person, but not present research at an ancillary session:

   1. Your name, affiliation to John Jay and preferred email address

   2. A letter of intent specifying your interest in attending the Congress

2. Last call! Faculty Service to Students Award: full- or part-time faculty member making exceptional contributions to the lives of JJ students. Deadline: Feb 20. Email 1-page nomination letter saying why faculty member deserves the award milee@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. Deadline: April 1. More information HERE. Questions to:  osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE. Info on: Verification of Enrollment reporting.
   • Regular session:  VOE Rosters close Sun, Feb 15.
   • College closed: Thurs, Feb 12 & Mon, Feb 16. No classes: Tues, Feb 17.
2. Please share with students:  Drs. Tomasita Ortiz and Charissa Che are excited to launch The Multilingual Meetup, to bring together multilingual students from all classes and across disciplines at John Jay to practice their English listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in an informal setting. During Community Hour, the Meetup will feature guided freewriting, one-on-one and group conversations about current events, culturally-relevant readings and discussions, and of course, snacks. The first meeting is Thurs, Feb 19 in the English Department Conference Room (see flyer below).
3. Navigate Early Check-In timeline:
   February 18: Faculty receive Early Check-In requests for select students and have a bit over 2 weeks to complete them. Faculty may also submit any-time alerts in Navigate for any student in their classes whenever concerns arise.
   Starting March: This term, faculty will be notified by email of outcomes of staff outreach related to alerts they submit, providing greater visibility into student support.
   Visit the Navigate360 Support site for step-by-step instructions on submitting Early Check-Ins or alerts, joining an “office hour” with user support or to request training.  https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/web-apps/navigate360/navigate360-support
4. Save the Date! The 2026 John Jay Commencement Ceremony will be Mon, June 1, in the afternoon at Barclays Center. Additional details will be shared as the date approaches and posted on the Commencement website. Graduate hooding: May 28.
5. Book Adoptions – There are still 231sections that have not uploaded book information for THIS SEMESTER, even ifno purchases are required.