Recent Announcements for Faculty

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.

• 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 3  

Student Success Communication Campaign. We’re back!!  Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Connect with Your Professors. See Timely Teaching Tip below.

• Find the message to Students HERE under Week 3.
• Faculty – please amplify the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic. 

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Connections. Here are some ideas for helping students understand that the benefits of connecting with their professors go well beyond being present (see Week 2).

Office Hours are our super power! Ways we might encourage students to attend:

• Explain what “office hours” are to demystify them.
• Rename them as “student hours” or “power hours” (see this week’s slide), for example, to communicate their audience and purpose.
• Invite students to use them as learning opportunities, perhaps for credit (e.g., ask about assignments; discuss connections between course learning objectives and their career plans; discuss which parts of the course will be challenging and strategies for success).
• Share this fun “public service” video from ASU on battling FMOOWMP (Fear of Meeting One-on-One With My Professor) in FOH (Faculty Office Hours).

Shared activities. Share course-related event info and encourage students to participate for extra credit – or attend as a class. To fund class activities, apply to the Faculty/Staff Student Engagement Program (e.g., field trip to a local museum/event; or see CUNY Arts). Two deadlines per semester. The next is this Friday, February 6 (for Feb-March events). See here for details and to apply. Questions to fse@jjay.cuny.edu.

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 Discussions & Interacting with Students, Weds, Feb 11, 2-3pm, ZOOM. Meeting ID: 820 5748 8314; Passcode: 167087.
2. Join this spring's The Write Space! Faculty from all departments are invited to join The Write Space and commit to writing for 2 hours online each week, without interruptions! Click here for more details and to sign up: https://forms.gle/JZvwA8ATohfE7PQy9
   The deadline for sign up is Tuesday, February 17.
3. 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.
4. 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)
5. 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.

5.  Accessibility Training: Learn How to Make Materials Accessible  

Accessibility Training Series:  The Americans with Disabilities Act Title II updates take effect in April 2026, and now is the perfect time to strengthen your accessibility skills and empower your work with inclusive design! 

This series offered by CUNY CIS Training includes webinars focused on accessibility best practices, tools, and techniques to make your content usable for everyone:

• 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)
• Building Accessible Excel Spreadsheets (Tues, Mar 3, 1pm)
• Ensuring Accessibility in Brightspace (Thurs, Mar 5, 10am)
• Writing Effective Alternative Text (Mon, Mar 9, 12pm)
• Making PDFs Accessible with Adobe Acrobat (Wed, Mar 11, 1pm)

Complete schedule of webinars here to help us build accessibility and inclusive design skills. Register here (advance registration required; log into your CUNY Login account to access the registration form). For more information and assistance, email the Office of Digital Learning - Learning Management System Support team at lms.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu. 

6.  Community Events   

1. TODAY! Food for Thought lunch and learn with colleagues. Weds, Feb 11, 1:30-2:45pm, Faculty/Staff Dining Room. Host: History. Speakers: Ray Patton, Stephen Russell. Next dates: Tues, Mar 24, Mon, Apr 27.   
2. TODAY! Town Hall, Weds, Feb 11, 4:30-6pm, L.61NB or Zoom (Meeting ID: 840 3753 2442, Passcode: 281278). Comments or questions to TownHall@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Save the Date! Spring 2026 Faculty/Staff Meeting, Mon, Feb 23, 1:30-3pm, 6.68NB (Moot Court). ZOOM. Meeting ID: 891 9655 8683; Passcode: 117223. Questions to Raeanne Raices, rraices@jjay.cuny.edu.

7.  Prizes/Awards  

1. Last call! OAR Awards – Details here. Deadline: Thurs, Feb 12. Submit applications to oar@jjay.cuny.edu. Email OAR for application form.  Faculty Scholarly Excellence Award (tenure-track/tenured) & Donal EJ MacNamara Junior Faculty Award.
2. Last call! The Distinguished Faculty Service to the College Award: a full- or part-time faculty member with exceptional achievement in service and/or leadership. Deadline - Feb 15: Nomination Form. Questions to apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. The Faculty Service to Students Award: full- or part-time faculty member who makes 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.
4. Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. Deadline: April 1. Faculty submit all materials, but students and colleagues should encourage outstanding mentors to apply. More information HERE. Questions: osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE. Info on: Verification of Enrollment reporting.

• 8-Week-1 session:  VOE Rosters close Thurs, Feb 5.
• Regular session:  VOE Rosters close Sun, Feb 15.
• College closed: Thurs, Feb 12 & Mon, Feb 16. No classes: Tues, Feb 17.

1. Adjunct Pay Dates: begin Feb 5. Check for accurate payment for course load. Contact your Chair if not paid. (Faculty hired near the semester start may experience a delay.)
2. FERPA Reminder – To protect student privacy, faculty should avoid posting (even within Brightspace) information on student academic progress that is individually identifiable.
3. Book Adoptions – If you have not, please post your book/materials information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES NOW, even ifno purchases are required. (284 sections to go).

• 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 1  

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

• Find the message to Students HERE under Week 1.
• Faculty – please amplify the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic. 

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

     Increase presence with awareness and recognition. This week’s student success tip focuses on presence. How can we increase student presence in our courses?

     Students tell us they want to be seen as individuals with contributions to make. We can do this! And we can encourage students to see each other as contributing individuals. Students are more likely to value and visit spaces where they feel known and respected. 

     Quick tip: Ask your students (and do this yourself) to address each other by their preferred names. If the preferred name isn’t known, we can ask before we share our thoughts. Keep in mind that many students don’t know OUR names and are unlikely to know peers’ names.

     We recommend these student-created resources from John Jay PASS, a group of Psychology students who continue to share innovative and practical information about student perspectives on teaching and learning: https://passjohnjay.com/resources-for-faculty

Last call!  Faculty Funded Seminars: See links below for details and to apply. Full- and part-time faculty welcome. Deadline to apply: Sun, Feb 8, 11:59 pm.

• Executive Functioning Seminar (in person only): https://forms.gle/pDvAdMiHZwmpiU426
• Flipping the Pyramid: Developing Critical Thinking Skills with Gen AI Seminar (one in person cohort; one zoom cohort): https://forms.gle/hzPueXMHsct4iDjP6

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 Opportunities  

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! ODL LMS: Brightspace Assignments, Weds, Feb 4, 2-3pm, ZOOM. 
   Meeting ID: 876 1105 9844; Passcode: 899584.
2. ODL LMS Brightspace Drop-In Lab, Thurs, Feb 5, 1:40-2:55pm, L2.72.03NB
3. Faculty 1st Friday – Resources for Research, Fri, Feb 6, 1:30-2:30pm, 335HH (TLC) with Anthony Carpi & Ellen Sexton. RSVP (apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu) by Thurs, Feb 5 at 5pm.
4. Work Smarter, Not Harder: Save Time with WeVideo’s NEW AI Interactions, Tues, Feb 10, 2-3pm. ODL workshop to introduce AI Interactions, a feature that helps instructors quickly turn videos into engaging, interactive lessons. More info and register at: https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/meeting/register/v6aplzczT8uDTLDGCbNtnw#/registration
5. 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)
6. 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.

5.  Community Events  

1. The Future of the Humanities in CUNY: virtual panel discussion focused on the evolving role of the Humanities across the University. Tues, Feb 10, 1-2:30pm, Virtual,
   Zoom Registration Link. *ASL and CART services will be provided.
2. Spring Food for Thought lunches! Join us to lunch and learn with colleagues. Each event is 1:30-2:45pm in the Faculty/Staff Dining Room. Dates: Weds, Feb 11 (History); Tues, Mar 24, Mon, Apr 27.  RSVP HERE
3. Town Hall, Weds, Feb 11, 4:30-6pm, L.61NB or Zoom (Meeting ID: 840 3753 2442, Passcode: 281278). Comments or questions can be shared at TownHall@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. Save the Date! Spring 2026 Faculty/Staff Meeting, Mon, Feb 23, 1:30-3pm, 6.68NB (Moot Court). ZOOM. Meeting ID: 891 9655 8683; Passcode: 117223. Questions to Raeanne Raices, rraices@jjay.cuny.edu.

6.  Prizes/Awards   

1. OAR awards – See award program details here. Deadline:Thurs, Feb 12. Submit applications to oar@jjay.cuny.edu. Email OAR for application form: (a) Faculty Scholarly Excellence Award: Tenure-track or tenured faculty.  (b) Donal EJ MacNamara Junior Faculty Award:  Instructor or assistant professor.
2. The Distinguished Faculty Service to the College Award: a full- or part-time faculty member with exceptional achievement in service and/or leadership. Deadline - Feb 15: Nomination Form. Questions to apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. The Faculty Service to Students Award: full- or part-time faculty member who makes 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.
4. Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. Deadline: April 1. Faculty submit all materials, but students and colleagues should encourage outstanding mentors to apply. More information HERE. Questions: osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE including religious holidays and final exam calendars. Please read the Registrar’s email on Verification of Enrollment reporting when it arrives.
   1. 8-Week-1 session:  VOE Rosters open Mon, Feb 2 - Thurs, Feb 5.
      1. Regular session:  VOE Rosters open Mon, Feb 2 - Sun, Feb 15.
2. Reference guides and instructions: M365 Email (Outlook.com) Migration webpage.
3. Adjunct Pay Dates: The first adjunct pay date for Spring is Feb 5 (then every 2 weeks). Please make sure you are seeing accurate payment according to your course load to avoid over- or underpayment. Contact your Department Chair if you are not paid.  (Note: Faculty hired close to the start of the semester will likely experience a pay delay.)
4. Book Adoptions – Please post your information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES ASAP, even if no purchases are required. (301 sections to go).

• Log in with CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and 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.  Spring Teaching:  Important Policies  

Spring 2026 classes have begun.  Are you ready?  Here are three important reminders.

1. Class Cancellations:  Missed class time must be accounted for/made up – that includes Monday, if anyone cancelled class. If you get sick and must cancel class as a last resort, notify your students and department chair ASAP. For in-person classes, a department rep should post a class cancellation note on the classroom door. If outside business hours, notify Public Safety (212-237-8524) and request that a security officer post the cancellation note. All class time counts toward state education requirements, so please make available alternative exercises (e.g., recorded talks, videos, an activity) to compensate for missed class time. For more info: Faculty Handbook.

   2. Online Classes – Make Course Active:  Fully online classes need to be made active and visible to students ASAP (first day of the semester). If you need assistance, please email the LMS team (LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu) or attend their Open Q&A or drop-in hours. To Make your course Active (Available) in Brightspace:  (1) In your Course, select Course Admin on the top blue Course Navbar; (2) Select Course Offering Information; (3) Select Course is active box; and (4) Click Save to retain changes.

   3. Digital Accessibility Will Be Required: The Department of Justice updated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to require all digital materials offered by public institutions comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1, Level AA in late April 2026.  This includes instructional content posted on Brightspace.

        What does that mean for faculty?  Consider accessibility of all digital materials.  More resources to come, but for information now, see the Accessibility subsections on the LMS User Guides and Tutorials website for accessibility guides. CUNY Computer and Information Services Training (CISTraining) will offer webinars beginning February to help us build accessibility and inclusive design skills. Register here (advance registration required; log into your CUNY Login account to access the registration form). 

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Apply today! Faculty Funded Seminars: The TLC is offering two seminars, one in person only and one with both in-person and Zoom cohorts this spring.  See application forms (links below) for details and to apply. Both full-time and part-time faculty are welcome. 
Application Deadline (for all seminars): Sun, Feb 8, 11:59 pm.

Options

1. Executive Functioning Seminar (in person only) 
   Application link: https://forms.gle/pDvAdMiHZwmpiU426
   Facilitator: Claudia Zuluaga
2. Flipping the Pyramid: Developing Critical Thinking Skills with Gen AI Seminar
   Application link: https://forms.gle/hzPueXMHsct4iDjP6
   Facilitator: Gina Rae Foster (one in person cohort; one zoom cohort)

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 Opportunities  

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! ODL LMS: Brightspace Open Q & A, Weds, Jan 28, 2-3pm, ZOOM. 
   Meeting ID:  865 3972 6702; Passcode: 633331.
2. ODL LMS Brightspace Drop-In Lab, Thurs, Jan 29, 1:40-2:55pm, L2.72.03NB
3. Deadline Extended! Call for Proposals: CUNY-Wide Teaching & Learning Conference. Reimagining Possibilities: Adult Learning for a Changing World. Submit proposals HERE by Tues, Feb 3(use CUNY Log in (Jane.Doe20@login.cuny.edu) and CUNYfirst password).
4. Faculty 1st Friday – Monthly new faculty orientation meeting: Resources for Research, Fri, Feb 6, 1:30-2:30pm, in 335HH (TLC) with Anthony Carpi & Ellen Sexton. RSVP (apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu) by Thurs, Feb 5 at 5pm.
5. ODL LMS Workshop:   Work Smarter, Not Harder: Save Time with WeVideo’s NEW AI Interactions, Tues, Feb 10, 2-3pm. Register at https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/meeting/register/v6aplzczT8uDTLDGCbNtnw#/registration

     ODL is excited to introduce AI Interactions, a powerful new feature in WeVideo that helps instructors quickly turn videos into engaging, interactive lessons. Imagine uploading a video (or linking one from YouTube) and having WeVideo’s AI instantly generate meaningful questions aligned to Bloom’s Taxonomy. In this session, you’ll discover how AI Interactions analyzes video transcripts to auto-create questions at varying levels of complexity. You’ll learn how to:

• Select a video and access its transcript
• Set AI parameters such as question type and cognitive level
• Instantly populate a video with interactive questions
• Review, edit, and enhance AI-generated questions using prompts
• Customize interactions to meet your instructional goals

Whether you’re new to interactive video or already using WeVideo, see how AI can streamline lesson creation while increasing student engagement. Join us to explore how AI Interactions can transform videos from passive to active learning experiences.

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.

• Winter session – Last day/finals: Fri, Jan 23. Grade rosters open Jan 23 to Jan 26.
• Spring – Classes begin Mon, Jan 26.

2. Book Adoptions – Please post your information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES ASAP, even if no purchases are required. (491 sections to go).

• Log in with CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and 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

3. We transitioned to Microsoft 365 (M365) Email (Outlook.com).

• Reference guides and step-by-step instructions: M365 Email Migration webpage
• When contacting Helpdesk include: full name, CUNYfirst login, EMPLID, JJ email.
• DoIT support is available: Helpdesk (on L2, NB); Phone (212-237-8200); remote support by the Helpdesk (email:  helpdesk@jjay.cuny.edu).

2.  Spring Teaching Resources

Resources below to facilitate spring planning – note accessibility requirements in revised syllabus info.  Faculty Handbook here.  Remember to include your AI policy (p.19 guidelines).

• Syllabus Guidelines:  https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/sites/default/files/2026-01/Guidelines_Model%20Syllabus_01.20.26.pdf
• Model/template syllabus (revised):  https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/sites/default/files/2026-01/Model%20Syllabus%20Template_01.20.26.docx

A brief note about the Spring 2026 final exam schedule: 

• We are short one Tuesday class by the time 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 have finals 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.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC 

Faculty Development Day is tomorrow, Thurs, Jan 22, 9am-2:30pm, Zoom & New Building. Explore our theme, Taking the Lead: How We Educate for Justice in a Changing World, in breakout sessions, community discussion, and lunch conversations.

Schedule and program on our website: jjayfdd.commons.gc.cuny.edu.

Click here to RSVP. Deadline to RSVP is TODAY, January 21, 2026.

Faculty Funded Seminars:   The TLC is offering three (3!) this spring. See application forms (linked below) for details. Application deadline (for all seminars): Sun, Feb 8, 11:59 pm.

Options

1. Executive Functioning Seminar (in person only) 
   Application link: https://forms.gle/pDvAdMiHZwmpiU426
   Facilitator: Claudia Zuluaga
2. Flipping the Pyramid: Developing Critical Thinking Skills with Gen AI Seminar
   Application link: https://forms.gle/hzPueXMHsct4iDjP6
   Facilitator: Gina Rae Foster (one in person; one zoom version)

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 Opportunities  

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! Learn about Pivot-RP, an online tool to help researchers identify and connect with global funding and collaboration opportunities, Weds, Jan 21, 12–1:00pm, on Microsoft Teams Join the meeting (Meeting ID: 218 407 061 4495; Passcode: 96JF6qF7)
2. TODAY!  To support faculty with the OneRF grants management system, the OAR Post-Award team is hosting virtual office hours  Weds, Jan 21 at 10am & 1pm.
3. TODAY! ODL LMS: Brightspace Semester Quick Start, Weds, Jan 21, 2-3pm,  
   Meeting ID:  852 6503 5458; Passcode: 096944.
4. ODL LMS Brightspace Drop-In Lab, Thurs, Jan 22, 1:40-2:50pm, L2.72.03NB
5. Call for Proposals: CUNY-Wide Teaching & Learning Conference (Fri, May 8, CUNY Grad Center). Reimagining Possibilities: Adult Learning for a Changing World. Submit proposals HERE by Thurs, Jan 22. See Call for Proposals. Note: Log in with Office365 username (i.e., Jane.Doe20@login.cuny.edu) and password (CUNYfirst password)
6. 2026 Faculty & Staff Conference on Undergraduate Research, Fri, Jan 23, 9am-5:30pm, John Jay College.  Program HERE.   Registration Form HERE.  Discuss ways to expand mentorship training opportunities for all students across disciplines at CUNY and support student researchers toward career pathways, and more!  
   - Open access Undergraduate research mentoring Handbook.

5.  Community Events

1. Library Author Series & OAR Book Talks – Spring kickoff! Tues, Feb 3, 1:40-2:50pm, 630HH. Michael Brownstein (PHI) will discuss Somebody Should Do Something: How Anyone Can Help Create Social Change. RSVP: https://dosomething.eventbrite.com
2. Save the dates! For spring Food for Thought lunches! Join us to lunch and learn with colleagues. Each event is 1:30-2:45pm in the Faculty/Staff Dining Room. Dates: Weds, Feb 11 (History); Tues, Mar 24, Mon, Apr 27.   RSVP HERE

6.  Prizes/Awards 

1. Call for Applications: The Office for the Advancement of Research (OAR) recognizes faculty achievement through the programs below. Deadline:Thurs, Feb 12. Submit applications to oar@jjay.cuny.edu. Email OAR for application form.

• Faculty Scholarly Excellence Award: Tenure-track or tenured faculty with exceptional scholarship in the last 3 calendar years (2023, 2024, 2025).
• Donal EJ MacNamara Junior Faculty Award:  Instructor or assistant professor with a significant scholarly contribution in last 2 years to criminal justice or criminology.

2. Nominations OPEN: The Distinguished Faculty Service to the College Award recognizes a full- or part-time faculty member for special achievement in service and/or leadership. Honorees have a sustained record of outstanding service contributions to the College and receive $1,000. Nominations may be submitted by faculty or staff. Deadline - Feb 15: Nomination Form. Questions to apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu.

3. Nominations OPEN: The Faculty Service to Students Award, for a full- or part-time faculty member who makes exceptional contributions to the lives of JJ students. Recipient receives recognition and $1,000. Nominations due by Feb 20.  Submit a 1-page nomination letter outlining reasons a faculty member is deserving of the award to Michael Lee, Administrative Executive Assistant, milee@jjay.cuny.edu.

4. Nominations OPEN:  2026 Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. Application deadline: April 1. Faculty submit all materials, but students and colleagues should encourage outstanding research/creative work mentors to apply. For information: jjay.cuny.edu/faculty-mentor-award. Questions: osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.       

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE. Winter session has begun!
2. Immigrant and Undocumented Student Support: Quick Guide for John Jay Faculty
3. Student Success Communication Campaign – Please share feedback on the campaign from fall and on this weekly Dean of Faculty email: Survey - Communication Feedback
4. Book Adoptions – Please post your information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES ASAP, even if no purchases are required. (535 sections to go– almost there!!!).

• Log in with CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and 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.  IMPORTANT:  Email transition is happening! & CUNY Login Facelift 

It’s happening … the email transition is happening! This evening, between 5:00 PM and 11:30 PM, John Jay College email will transition to Microsoft 365 (M365) Email (Outlook.com). All new email messages will be delivered to M365 once the transition begins.

What You Need to Do (if you haven’t already):

• Log in to https://outlook.com using your @login.cuny.edu username and password.
• You may be prompted to set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) for Microsoft 365.
• Reconfigure mobile email apps and/or desktop email clients (e.g., Outlook, Apple mail).

Additional Information:

• Reference guides and step-by-step instructions here: M365 Email Migration webpage
• When contacting the Helpdesk, please include:
  • Your full name, CUNYfirst login, EMPLID, John Jay email address
• If you have questions or concerns, DoIT support is available:
  • In person at the Helpdesk on L2 in the New Building
  • Via remote support by appointment by contacting the helpdesk
  • Phone:  212-237-8200
  • Email:  helpdesk@jjay.cuny.edu
• High support volume is expected. Email-related support requests will be prioritized.
• Some emails may not be immediately available and will continue to update as they perform a final sync. If you are missing recent email, no need to contact the Helpdesk.  

Redesigned CUNY Login Page:

• Starting Jan 15, we will see a new, sleeker CUNY Login page when accessing applications like Brightspace and CUNYfirst. It also has these improvements:
• No need to enter "@login.cuny.edu" as part of your username
• Responsive design for use across devices and improved error handling
• Note:  A genuine CUNY Login page URL always starts with https://ssologin.cuny.edu.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Spring 2026 Faculty Development Day is almost here! Join us for the festivities on Thursday, January 22, 9am-2:30pm, Zoom & New Building. 

Our Spring 2026 Faculty Development Day theme is Taking the Lead: How We Educate for Justice in a Changing World. As the nation’s best-known college for criminal and social justice, how are we teaching, investigating, and practicing justice education in this unprecedented year for justice issues? Please join us in exploring this question through our breakout sessions, community discussion, and lunch conversations.

See the schedule and program on our website (and below): jjayfdd.commons.gc.cuny.edu.

Click here to RSVP. Deadline to RSVP is January 21, 2026. 

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 Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! GrantForward Training for CUNY Grant Seekers, Weds, Jan 14, 12 – 1:30pm. GrantForward is an extensive database of funding opportunities across all disciplines from sponsors worldwide. Registration HERE.  Join via this URL link.  Agenda HERE.
2. TODAY! ODL LMS: Brightspace Open Q & A, Weds, Jan 14, 2-3pm, ZOOM. 
   Meeting ID:  884 9182 3306; Passcode: 030747.
3. 2026 Faculty & Staff Conference on Undergraduate Research, Fri, Jan 23, 9am-5:30pm, John Jay College.  Program HERE.   Registration Form HERE.  Discuss ways to expand mentorship training opportunities for all students across disciplines at CUNY and support student researchers toward career pathways, and more!
4. Italian Diaspora Studies Summer Seminar, June 15-July 3, 2026, free for up to 4 faculty members and/or HEOs. Inquiries to Rosaria.Musco@qc.cuny.edu. Applications to calandra@qc.cuny.edu by Feb 27.  Information and application form HERE.

5.  Prizes/Awards  

1. Last call! John Jay’s Finest is looking for your students’ best undergraduate writing from both 2025 semesters from across disciplines at the college. Deadline: January 15. (Past issues here.) Faculty can send up to three pieces to jjfinest@jjay.cuny.edu.
2. Call for Applications: The Office for the Advancement of Research (OAR) recognizes faculty achievement through the award programs below. Applications due by Thursday, February 12. Late applications will not be considered. Applications must be submitted in electronic format to oar@jjay.cuny.edu. Request application form from OAR.

• Faculty Scholarly Excellence Award: Up to five tenure-track or tenured faculty who demonstrated exceptional scholarship in the previous three calendar years (2023, 2024, and 2025) will be awarded one or two courses of reassigned time during the 2026 – 2027 academic year.
• Donal EJ MacNamara Junior Faculty Award: Award of $2,000 given to an instructor or assistant professor who made a significant scholarly contribution in the preceding 2 years to the fields of criminal justice or criminology (broadly defined).

3. Nominations OPEN: The Distinguished Faculty Service to the College Award recognizes a full- or part-time faculty member for special achievement in service and/or leadership. Honorees will have a sustained record of outstanding service contributions to the College and receive $1,000. Nominations may be submitted by faculty or staff. Deadline - Feb 15: Nomination Form. Questions to apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. Nominations OPEN for The Faculty Service to Students Award, presented each year to a full- or part-time faculty member who makes exceptional contributions to the lives of students at JJ. Demonstrations of service may include but are not limited to ad-hoc or formal mentoring, support of student activities, and advisement. Recipient receives recognition and $1,000. Nominations are due on or before February 20, 2026.  Please submit a 1-page nomination letter outlining reasons a faculty member is deserving of the award to Michael Lee, Administrative Executive Assistant, milee@jjay.cuny.edu.
5. Nominations OPEN for 2026 Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. Application deadline: April 1, 2026. Faculty submit all materials, but students and colleagues should encourage outstanding research/creative work mentors to apply. For information: jjay.cuny.edu/faculty-mentor-award. Questions: osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.

6.  Calls for Proposals – Teaching Conferences  

1. Call for Proposals: CUNY-Wide Teaching and Learning Conference, Fri, May 8,  CUNY Graduate Center. Reimagining Possibilities: Adult Learning for a Changing World. Submit proposals HERE by Thurs, Jan 22. See Call for Proposals. Note: to complete the proposal form, log in with your Office365 username and password (i.e. username: Jane.Doe20@login.cuny.edu, password: CUNYfirst password).
2. Call for Proposals: CUNY Neurodiversity Conference, Fostering Neurodivergent Joy in Higher Education: Reimagining Learning, Belonging, and Success, Fri, Mar 27 (in-person) and Fri, Apr 17 (virtual). Proposals invited for 50-minute breakout sessions or panel presentations. Deadline: Tues, Jan 20. Submit proposals here. Questions to disability@jjay.cuny.edu.

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE. Winter session has begun!
2. Immigrant and Undocumented Student Support: Quick Guide for John Jay Faculty Developed by Nancy Yang, with Cynthia Carvajal (CUNY) and Denise Vivar, this guide provides key campus and CUNY-wide resources to help faculty support undocumented and mixed-status students.
3. Remember that Student Success Communication Campaign last semester? (Students received weekly Tips for Success, faculty received a matching slide, and our Timely Teaching Tips supported the theme.)  Invitation to please share feedback on the campaign and on this weekly Dean of Faculty email. Your input is appreciated!   Survey: Communication Feedback
4. Book Adoptions – Please post your information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES ASAP, even if no purchases are required. (565 sections to go– almost there!!!).

• Log in with CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and 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, CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies. Faculty Handbook

2.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Syllabus time already?  Not quite. But January is a great time to revise and plan ahead. A helpful starting point when thinking about a syllabus is:  What am I saying to my students with this document?  For more ideas on how to create (or revise) a syllabus, see this article.)  

Want help getting things in order before Spring 2026 starts? Take the 10-Day Syllabus Challenge! Organized by Hunter College's Academic Center for Excellence in Research & Teaching and Center for Digital Learning and Innovative Pedagogy, the 10-Day Syllabus Challenge breaks up syllabus (re)design into small, manageable tasks which will be sent to participants’ inboxes each weekday morning for 10 days (Jan 12-23). All materials will be held in a Brightspace course for participants to access anytime. Join a supportive program to (re)design your syllabus and transform the traditional syllabus with student-centered approaches to learning. Sign up to take the challenge here!  Questions to acert@hunter.cuny.edu with "Syllabus Challenge" in the subject line. 

And don’t forget – Faculty Development Day is coming!  Thursday, January 22.  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. 

3.  Professional Development Opportunities  

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! ODL LMS: Brightspace Open Q & A Webinar, Weds, Jan 7, 2-3pm, ZOOM. Meeting ID:  838 3392 2218; Passcode: 002876.
2. Module Making Camp (online), Tues, Jan 13-Thurs, Jan 15, 10am-12pm & 2-4pm. CDLIP at Hunter College invites you to Module Making Camp, a 3-day event focused on building or refreshing modules in your in-person, hybrid, or online courses. Register here.
3. Apply to attend the Italian Diaspora Studies Summer Seminar, June 15-July 3, 2026, free for up to 4 faculty members and/or HEOs. Participants attend professional development seminar on the Italian diaspora, stay at a 4-star hotel for 3 weeks, attend classes at Roma Tre University, and receive breakfast and lunch. Fellowship covers the seminar fee (airfare and other fees not included). Inquiries to Rosaria.Musco@qc.cuny.edu. Submit applications to calandra@qc.cuny.edu, no later than February 27, 2026.   Information and application form HERE.

4.  Prizes/Awards  

1. Last call! John Jay’s Finest is looking for your best undergraduate writing from both 2025 semesters from across the disciplines at the college. To be considered for the anthology, a student’s work much be nominated/submitted by their professor. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2026. (See past issues here.) So, please look over the spring and fall ’25 semester’s strongest student work (essays, research projects, analyses, arguments, stories, poems, or personal narratives), and send up to three pieces to jjfinest@jjay.cuny.edu.
2. Nominations OPEN: The Distinguished Faculty Service to the College Award recognizes a full- or part-time faculty member for special achievement in service and/or leadership. Honorees will have a sustained record of outstanding service contributions to the College and receive $1,000. Nominations may be submitted by faculty or staff. Deadline - Feb 15: Nomination Form. Questions to Angela Crossman at: apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Nominations OPEN for The Faculty Service to Students Award, presented each year to a full- or part-time faculty member who makes exceptional contributions to the lives of students at JJ. Demonstrations of service may include but are not limited to ad-hoc or formal mentoring, support of student activities, and advisement. The recipient receives recognition and $1,000. Nominations are due on or before February 20, 2026.  Please submit a 1-page nomination letter outlining reasons a faculty member is deserving of the award to Michael Lee, Administrative Executive Assistant, milee@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. Nominations OPEN for 2026 Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. Application deadline: April 1, 2026. Faculty submit all materials, but students and colleagues should encourage outstanding research/creative work mentors to apply. For information: jjay.cuny.edu/faculty-mentor-award. Questions: osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.

5.  Calls for Proposals – Teaching Conferences  

1. Call for Proposals: 3^rd Annual CUNY-Wide Teaching and Learning Conference, Reimagining Possibilities: Adult Learning for a Changing World. Celebrate the creativity and commitment of CUNY faculty who design transformative learning experiences for adult learners. Conference will be Fri, May 8, at the CUNY Graduate Center, open to all members of the CUNY community. We invite faculty, administrators, and researchers to submit proposals for in-person sessions that highlight promising practices, research, and strategies that advance adult learning at CUNY and beyond.

   If you are interested in presenting, submit your conference proposal by Thurs, Jan 22. Refer to the Call for Proposals for additional information. Note: to complete the proposal form, you will need to log in with your Office365 username and password (i.e. username: Jane.Doe20@login.cuny.edu, password: your CUNYfirst password).  

   2.  Call for Proposals: 8^th CUNY Neurodiversity Conference, Fostering Neurodivergent Joy in Higher Education: Reimagining Learning, Belonging, and Success. Conference will be held on Fri, Mar 27 (in-person) and Fri, Apr 17 (virtual). Proposals invited from neurodivergent individuals and allies across universities, higher education institutions, and community organizations, including but not limited to faculty, instructors, disability support professionals, researchers, advocates, and students, for 50-minute breakout sessions or panel presentations. Deadline: Tues, Jan 20. Submit proposals here. Questions to disability@jjay.cuny.edu.

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.

• Regular session: Grade rosters close Dec 26, 11:00pm.
• 8-Week-2 session: End/finals: Mon, Dec 22. Grade rosters open: Dec 22-27, 11:00pm
• Final exam schedules here: Tues, Dec 16-Mon, Dec 22 (8-Wk-2: Dec 22). Faculty may not change the date/time of finals. Exam time must be used. (Faculty Handbook)

2. Immigrant and Undocumented Student Support: Quick Guide for John Jay Faculty Developed by Nancy Yang, with Cynthia Carvajal (CUNY) and Denise Vivar, this guide provides key campus and CUNY-wide resources to help faculty support undocumented and mixed-status students at John Jay. Faculty are encouraged to be aware of these resources, share them widely with students, and make referrals as needed.
3. If you missed the Fall 2025 All Faculty Meeting, the slides presented are posted HERE.
4. Book Adoptions – Please post your information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES ASAP, even if no purchases are required. (Only 26%to go – YAY – almost there!!!  THANK YOU!).

• Log in with CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click faculty link.
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• We 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: Requesting Feedback  

At (nearly) the end of the semester, we want to check in with faculty on our integrated  Student Success Communication Campaign. Recall that students received weekly Tips for Success, faculty received a slide, PDF and infographic reinforcing that message, and the Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC in these emails supported the same theme. 

     Invitation for Feedback! Please take a few minutes to share feedback on how the campaign worked for you – as well as on this weekly Dean of Faculty email more generally. Your input is sincerely appreciated!  Brief Survey: Communication Feedback

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Reminder Notes. Grading, Meetings, Emails. Student needs. Our own necessary lives. Right now, let’s ease the pressure on ourselves by creating reminder notes as we engage with all of these demands. For example, jotting down what we're learning as we grade and engage in end-of-term communications with students--reminder notes can short, in the moment words, phrases, or other means of recording what we'll want to know in January before classes start and don't have time to think through and act on now. These can be analog or digital and will support our spring course prep as pre-resolution drafts.

Enjoy the winter break and make time to renew and restore. Many thanks for teaching and guiding our students!

     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 Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! ODL LMS: Brightspace Open Q & A Webinar, Weds, Dec 17, 2-3pm, ZOOM. Meeting ID:  876 9513 4614; Passcode: 318927.
2. TODAY! OAR Research Open Forum: Weds, Dec 17, 12:00pm–1:15pm, Zoom. Open to faculty and staff engaged or interested in research, proposal development, funding opportunities, or available support services. Hear updates and learn about two systems that will improve how we apply for and manage grants across CUNY:  
   • OneRF – RFCUNY’s new finance, grant management, procurement and HR system
   • Cayuse – CUNY’s Electronic Research Administration system for proposal prep, submission, routing, and compliance.
3. ODL LMS Brightspace Drop-In Lab, Thurs, Dec 18, 1:40-2:50pm, L2.72.05NB.
4. NEW!  The Italian Diaspora Studies Summer Seminar™ (IDSSS) is delighted to offer free enrollment for IDSSS this summer, June 15-July 3, 2026, for up to four members of the teaching faculty and HEO series. Funded by fellowships from CUNY EVC for Academic Affairs Alicia Alvero, four CUNY colleagues will attend the professional development seminar on the Italian diaspora at no cost. Participants stay at a 4-star hotel for 3 weeks, attend classes at Roma Tre University, and receive breakfast and lunch. The fellowship covers the seminar’s $3,500 fee (airfare and other fees not included). Direct inquiries to The John D. Calandra Italian American Institute Director of Administration, Rosaria Musco, Rosaria.Musco@qc.cuny.edu. Interested faculty and HEOs should complete the application form and send it to calandra@qc.cuny.edu as soon as possible, no later than February 27, 2026.  Informational flier and application form HERE.

5.  Prizes/Awards  

1. Please share this award opportunity with students:  Black History Month Student Recognition Award (BHM-SRA): Established to encourage general interest and academic research related to Black History. Undergrads (including BA/MA), from any major, are eligible to apply for the monetary award. Top award for 2026 will be $1000. To apply: Students a submit cover page and academic/research paper to mjohnson@jjay.cuny.edu by Mon, Jan 5 with subject line: BHM-SRA Application. Complete instructions here: BHM-SRA Page. Award recipient(s) will be announced during Black History Month (Feb 2026). Questions: mjohnson@jjay.cuny.edu
2. New! Call for Nominations! The John Jay Distinguished Faculty Service to the College Award recognizes a full- or part-time faculty member for special achievement in service and/or leadership. Honorees will have a sustained record of outstanding service contributions to the College and receive $1,000. Nominations may be submitted by faculty or staff. Deadline - Feb 15: Nomination Form. Questions to Angela Crossman at: apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Nominations OPEN for The Faculty Service to Students Award, presented each year to a full- or part-time faculty member who makes exceptional contributions to the lives of students at JJ. Demonstrations of service may include but are not limited to ad-hoc or formal mentoring, support of student activities, and advisement. The recipient receives recognition and $1,000. Nominations are due on or before February 20, 2026.  Please submit a 1-page nomination letter outlining reasons a faculty member is deserving of the award to Michael Lee, Administrative Executive Assistant, milee@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. Nominations OPEN for 2026  Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. Application deadline: April 1, 2026. Faculty submit all materials, but students and colleagues should encourage outstanding research/creative work mentors to apply. For information: jjay.cuny.edu/faculty-mentor-award. Questions: osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.

6.  Faculty Survey on EAB Navigate – Due Dec 17 

Invitation! Please complete this brief survey about faculty experiences with EAB Navigate alerts and progress check-ins. Responses are anonymous and will be used to help improve the user experience and implementation of coordinated care. You can also email feedback to the team directly at navigatesupport@jjay.cuny.edu. 
Deadline TODAY – Weds, Dec 17: https://jjay.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eKivJjBXFfHhlxY

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.  Regular session: Last day of classes: Mon, Dec 15. Grade rosters open: Dec 16-26.  8-Week-2 Grad session: Last day/finals: Mon, Dec 22. Grade rosters open: Dec 22-27
2. PSC CUNY Programs - Dec 15 deadline: PSC-CUNY Research Award Program Guidelines
3. Student Evaluation of Faculty (SEOF): Tues, Dec 2 – Mon, Dec 15. Please provide 20 mins of class time for SEOF completion and encourage/remind students to participate.
4. Final exams (schedules here): Tues, Dec 16 – Mon, Dec 22. (8-Wk-2: Dec 22)
   • Faculty MAY NOT CHANGE the date/time of their final exams. Scheduled exam time must be used. (See Faculty Handbook for info on final exams and grades.)
5. Book Adoptions – Please post your information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES ASAP, even if no purchases are required. (Only 28%to go – YAY – almost there!!!  THANK YOU!).

• Log in with CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click faculty link.
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• We 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. See Timely Teaching Tip below.

• The Student message is HERE under Week 16.
• Faculty – please reinforce the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Planning for Final Grade Decisions:  INC and Academic Integrity.

1. 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”.
   -   A grade of WU (unofficial withdrawal) should only be assigned to students who have stopped participating and have not completed the course.   
   -   College grade info (INC guidelines and what W grades mean) available HERE.
    
2. Academic integrity concerns: When concerns about cheating, plagiarism, etc. arise, the first step for instructors is to talk with their students as early as possible:
   • Invite student to explain their process (e.g., Walk me through how you approached the assignment. What resources did you use? Can you explain this section to me?)
   • Review what the academic integrity policy means in relation to your assignment/class.
   • Directly solicit the student’s response to your concerns about their work (e.g., Do you understand the concerns? Do you see/acknowledge the problem with your work?)
   • Clarify or reinforce expectations; consider alternatives (e.g., ‘regret clause’: student rescinds problematic assignment for 0 credit; revise/resubmit for partial credit, etc.).
     
     The CUNY/College Academic Integrity Policies require that instructors share their concerns and students be given the opportunity to respond before any further steps are taken. However, at the end of the semester there may not be sufficient time to hold this discussion before final grades are due. In that case, please review the Academic Integrity Reporting process here. For further guidance, please contact Jennifer Dobbins (jedobbins@jjay.cuny.edu) as early as possible, especially if a student’s grade could be impacted. You may want to contact your chair as well for support or advice.

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 Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! AI Ethics: TLC Brown Bag Lunch Discussion, Weds, Dec 10, 12-1pm, 335HH (TLC): Offloading & Deskilling.
2. ODL LMS Brightspace Open Q & A Webinar, Weds, Dec 10, 2-3pm, ZOOM. 
   Meeting ID:  893 9253 3014; Passcode: 124565
3. ODL LMS Brightspace Drop-In Lab, Thurs, Dec 11, 1:40-2:50pm, L2.72.05NB.
4. Workshop:Create Explainer Videos with Notebook LM, Fri, Dec 12, 1-2pm, Virtual.  Hands-on NYCIT workshop on Notebook LM, an AI-powered tool to organize content and generate engaging explainer videos. Transform complex topics into clear, concise visual narratives with curated sources, structured outlines and AI-assisted scripts. Emphasizes pedagogical strategies for storytelling, accessibility and engagement. Register Here.

5.  Community Events  

1. TODAY! All Faculty Meeting, Wed, Dec 10, 1:30-3pm, 6.68NB (Moot Court). ZOOM. Meeting ID: 899 3699 5757; Passcode: 385762. Questions to Raeanne Raices, rraices@jjay.cuny.edu.
2. Finalist for Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs will be on campus to meet the JJ community Thurs, Dec 11. Open forum, L.63, 1:45-2:45pm.
3. OAR Research Open Forum: Weds, Dec 17, 12:00pm–1:15pm,  Zoom. Open to faculty and staff engaged or interested in research, proposal development, funding opportunities, or available support services. Hear updates and learn about two systems that will improve how we apply for and manage grants across CUNY:  
   • OneRF – RFCUNY’s new finance, grant management, procurement and HR system
   • Cayuse – CUNY’s new Electronic Research Administration system for proposal preparation, submission, routing, and research compliance.

More community events here

6.  Prizes/Awards 

1. NEW! Please share this award opportunity with your students!  Black History Month Student Recognition Award (BHM-SRA): Established to encourage general interest and academic research related to Black History. Undergraduates (including BA/MA), regardless of major, are eligible to apply for the monetary award that will be presented during Black History Month. Top award for 2026 will be $1000. 
   To Apply: Students submit cover page and academic/research paper, described below, to mjohnson@jjay.cuny.edu by Mon, Jan 5 with subject line: BHM-SRA Application.   
     1]  Cover Page form (visible here BHM-SRA Page) includes: title of paper, student author’s name, date of submission and Abstract of the paper that describes/ outlines relevance of the manuscript to research and investigation in Black History
     2]  Academic/research paper without the student’s name or identifying information. It is acceptable for students to receive advice and editing in preparation of their submission, but the paper must be written by the student alone.
        Submissions will be ‘blind’ reviewed by a faculty panel. The awarded papers(s) will demonstrate/illustrate the value of Black History as an academic endeavor. At the discretion of the faculty panel, applicants may be required to orally defend their submission via a virtual review (Zoom) session. Award recipient(s) will be announced during Black History Month – February 2026. Questions to mjohnson@jjay.cuny.edu.
2. Nominations OPEN for The Faculty Service to Students Award, presented each year to a full- or part-time faculty member who makes exceptional contributions to the lives of students at JJ. Demonstrations of service may include but are not limited to ad-hoc or formal mentoring, support of student activities, and advisement. The recipient receives recognition and $1,000. Nominations are due on or before February 20, 2026.  Please submit a 1-page nomination letter outlining reasons a faculty member is deserving of the award to Michael Lee, Administrative Executive Assistant, milee@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Nominations OPEN for 2026  Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. Application deadline: April 1, 2026. Faculty submit all materials, but students and colleagues should encourage outstanding research/creative work mentors to apply. For information: jjay.cuny.edu/faculty-mentor-award. Questions: osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.         

7.  Faculty Survey on EAB Navigate – Due Dec 17 

Invitation! Please complete this brief survey about faculty experiences with EAB Navigate alerts and progress check-ins. Responses are anonymous and will be used to help improve the user experience and implementation of coordinated care. You can also email feedback to the team directly at navigatesupport@jjay.cuny.edu. 
Deadline – Weds, Dec 17: https://jjay.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eKivJjBXFfHhlxY

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.  Deadline to submit grade changes in CUNYfirst for resolution of INC grades from Winter Spring or Summer 2025 is Fri, Dec 5. Last day of fall classes, Mon, Dec 15.
2. PSC-CUNY Research Awards Program: Dec 15 deadline. See: RF CUNY - PSC CUNY Programs and RF CUNY - PSC-CUNY Research Award Program Guidelines
3. Student Evaluation of Faculty (SEOF): Tues, Dec 2 – Mon, Dec 15. Please provide 20 mins of class time for SEOF completion. Encourage and remind students to participate. You can remind them that:  it’s an opportunity to support your growth as a teacher; you will implement suggestions in future semesters (and have in the past); and results are not available until the next semester. You could try giving credit for a group threshold (e.g., everyone gets 0.5 pt on final exam score if 75% of students respond.)
4. Final exams (schedules posted here): Tues, Dec 16 – Mon, Dec 22. (8-Wk-2: Dec 22)
   • Faculty MAY NOT CHANGE the date/time of their final exams.
   • The scheduled final exam time must be used (e.g., give an exam; class discussion; student meetings). (See Faculty Handbook for more info on final exams and grades.
5. Book Adoptions – Please post your information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES ASAP, even if no purchases are required. (Only 30%  to go – getting there!!!  THANK YOU!).

• Log in with CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click faculty link.
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• We 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 Your Stress to Boost Your Finals. See Timely Teaching Tip below.

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

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Address Stress to Ease the End of Fall Term.  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 attached 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.

The attached PDF, designed by Cornelia Preda in Student Academic Success Programs (and lightly edited by TLC Director Gina Rae Foster), can be posted over your desk or kept open on your devices for quick consultation when you want ideas for returning to your center.

And don’t forget to submit a proposal for Spring 2025 Faculty Development Day! See call for proposals below. 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 Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! ODL LMS Computing Final Grades in Brightspace, Weds, Dec 3, 2-3pm, Zoom.
   Meeting ID: 864 9380 3352, Passcode: 113996.
2. TODAY! Library Hybrid Workshop (registration not required): Weds, Dec 3, 1:40pm-2:10pm in the library classroom and Zoom How to increase your scholarly reach by uploading publications to CUNY Academic Works, our institutional repository.
3. CUNY IT Conference, Dec 4-5, at John Jay.  Conference website here.  Register here.
4. Faculty 1st Friday: Enacting Our 7 Principles in the Classroom, Fri, Dec 5, 1:30-3pm, 335HH or Zoom. With Drs. Jessica Gordon-Nembhard (AFR) and Mangai Natarajan (CRJ). RSVP by Thurs, Dec 4 at apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu.
5. Student-Led, Interactive Faculty Workshop: The Trust Crisis and Your Syllabus: What Students Wish You Knew About AI, Care and Connection, Tues, Dec 9, 1:40-2:55pm, 335HH (TLC). Your syllabus is the first impression you make. Does it say "I see you as a learner" or "I'm watching for cheaters"?  Facilitated by PASS student leaders Joshua Cedeno, Nataly Gonzales, Yexayra Cabrera Martinez.
6. AI Ethics: TLC Brown Bag Lunch Discussion, Weds, Dec 10, 12-1pm, 335HH (TLC): Offloading & Deskilling.
7. ODL LMS Brightspace Open Q & A, Weds, Dec 10, 2-3pm.
8. ODL LMS Walk-In Session, Thurs, Dec 11, 1:40-2:50pm, L2.72.05NB.

5.  Community Events  

1. TODAY Is Academic Freedom Dying at American Universities? Wed, Dec 3, 1:30-2:50pm, L.63. Speaker: Jonathan R. Cole (Columbia), Moderator Verónica Michel (POL). Register HERE.
2. Town Hall, Mon, Dec 8, 1:40-2:55pm, L.61NB or Zoom (Meeting ID: 841 6864 0814, Passcode: 152886). Comments or questions can be shared at TownHall@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. All Faculty Meeting, Wed, Dec 10, 1:30-3pm, 6.68NB (Moot Court). ZOOM. Meeting ID: 899 3699 5757; Passcode: 385762. Questions to Raeanne Raices, rraices@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. Finalists for Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs will be on campus to meet the JJ community Weds, Dec 10 & Thurs, Dec 11. Both days: Open forums, L.63, 1:45-2:45pm. An additional session will be held for faculty, Dec 10, L.63, 3pm (after the All Faculty meeting). Names, resumes, zoom link to be shared Dec 5.

More community events here

6.  Faculty Prizes/Awards/Participants

1. Nominations OPEN for the 2026 Distinguished Teaching Prize. Annual award honoring excellence in teaching. Nominees must have taught at least 3 consecutive years at John Jay (Spring 2023-Fall 2025). Questions to Dr. Gina Rae Foster, TLC Director, gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.  Deadline: Mon, Dec 8.  Nomination form: here.
2. NEW! Call for Proposals: Spring 2026 Faculty Development Day, Thurs, Jan 22, 9am-2:30pm. Theme: Taking the Lead: How we Educate for Justice in a Changing World. See FDD details and submit proposals HERE. Submission deadline: Tues, Dec 9, 11:59pm.
3. Nominations OPEN for 2026 Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. The OSRC gives 3-4 annual awards to recognize faculty providing exceptional mentoring of students in research or creative work. Application deadline: April 1, 2026. Faculty submit all materials, but students and colleagues should encourage outstanding mentors to apply. For information: jjay.cuny.edu/faculty-mentor-award. Questions: osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.                 

7.  Faculty Voices:  3 Survey Invitations!  

1. Invitation! John Jay’s AAC&U Institute for AI, Pedagogy, & the Curriculum Team is exploring how JJ is engaging with Generative AI (GenAI)—and wants to hear from you! Their survey (approx 10 mins) invites you to share how you’re learning about and using GenAI tools and what kinds of support or training would be most helpful to you. Your perspective matters. Please complete this faculty survey by Fri, Dec 5.
2. Invitation! The Office for the Advancement of Research is planning their Spring 2026 Bootcamp Series and wants to ensure the topics align with faculty needs and interests. Please take a moment to complete this brief survey and share any suggestions for additional topics you’d like to see in future bootcamps by Fri, Dec 5.
3. We know faculty and staff engage in Professional Development (PD) on and off campus! CUNY is requesting info on our PD – and we want to share all you do. If you participate in PD, particularly outside JJ, please share it using the link below. Feel free to save the link to add over time. Professional Development Activity - REPORT FORM

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.  College is closed Nov 27-28. No classes Nov 29-30. Annual Health Benefits Transfer Period/Open enrollment ends Nov 30.
2. Final exams (schedules posted here):  Tues, Dec 16 – Mon, Dec 22.
   • Faculty MAY NOT CHANGE the date/time of their final exams.
     • The scheduled final exam time must be used to meet with students (e.g., give an exam; discuss the semester; feedback on paper drafts before final draft due). (See Faculty Handbook for more info on final exams and grades.
3. Student Evaluation of Faculty (SEOF) dates:  Tues, Dec 2 – Mon, Dec 15.
4. Book Adoptions – Please post your information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES ASAP, even if no purchases are required. (Only 31%  to go – getting there!!!  THANK YOU!).

• Log in with CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click faculty link.
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• We 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:  Rest and Enjoy! 

No Student Success Communication Campaign message this week. Instead, we focus directly on you. If you are experiencing stress due to almost-end-of-semester pressures, or maybe from holiday pressures, here are some research-backed suggestions for relief:

• Listen to calming music, perhaps while visualizing a peaceful scene.
• Practice deep breathing (e.g., box breathing: inhale 4 seconds; hold 4; exhale 4; hold 4).
• Enjoy a piece of dark chocolate or sip some herbal tea.
• Engage in physical activity (e.g., a walk in nature; some jumping jacks; yoga stretches).
• Connect with friends and/or family – laugh as much as possible.    

For more support, the TLC Faculty Student Wellbeing Resource Page shares tips, readings, videos, and podcasts (curated by our colleague Stephanie Simpson). And all faculty (and our families) can access support with free services through the Employee Assistance Program: CCA@YourService. Call 1-800-833-8707, go to www.myccaonline.com, Code: CUNY.

3.  Professional Development Opportunities

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! ODL LMS Brightspace Open Q & A, Weds, Nov 26, 2-3pm, Zoom.
   Meeting ID: 835 6549 0425, Passcode: 244463
2. OAS Workshop:  Last Minute Accommodations, Mon, Dec 1, 1:40-2:55pm, 335HH (TLC). With Dr. Elena Beharry. Learn: how students apply for accommodations; how faculty are notified of student accommodation needs; and how faculty can access accommodations for their students. Specific accommodations will be reviewed and questions answered.
3. Library Hybrid Workshops (registration not required):
   • Mon, Dec 1, 1:40pm-2:10pm, library classroom and Zoom:  How to use RefWorks to manage and format your research sources/citations.
   • Weds, Dec 3, 1:40pm-2:10pm, library classroom and Zoom:  How to increase your scholarly reach by uploading publications to CUNYAcademic Works, our institutional repository.
4. CUNY IT Conference, Dec 4-5, at John Jay. Conference website here.  Register here.
5. Faculty 1st Friday: Enacting Our 7 Principles in the Classroom, Fri, Dec 5, 1:30-3pm, 335HH or Zoom. With Drs. Jessica Gordon-Nembhard (AFR) and Mangai Natarajan (CRJ). RSVP to me by Thurs, Dec 4 at apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu. 

4.  Community Events 

1. BRAVO! Employee and Team Recognition Event, Tues, Dec 2, 1-3pm (lunch at 12:30pm), Student Dining Hall. RSVP required: https://jjay.cc/BRAVO25.  
2. Is Academic Freedom Dying at American Universities? Wed, Dec 3, 1:30-2:50pm, L.63. Speaker: Jonathan R. Cole (Columbia), Moderator Verónica Michel (POL). Register HERE.
3. All Faculty Meeting, Wed, Dec 10, 1:30-3pm, 6.68NB (Moot Court). ZOOM. Meeting ID: 899 3699 5757; Passcode: 385762. Questions to Raeanne Raices, rraices@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. Save the Dates! Finalists for Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs will be on campus to meet the JJ community Weds, Dec 10 & Thurs, Dec 11. Both days: Open forums, L.63, 1:45-2:45pm. An additional session will be held for faculty, Dec 10, L.63, 3pm (after the All Faculty meeting). Names, resumes, zoom link to be shared Dec 5.

More community events here

5.  Faculty Awards/Funding

1. Call for Proposals: CUNY  AI Innovation Fund. Full-time faculty, administrators and staff are eligible to apply for up to $25k for projects in these 4 priority areas:  AI Education & Literacy; AI-Enabled Student & Academic Support; AI in Courses; or Addressing Ethical & Social Implications of AI.  Application HERE.  Deadline: Mon, Dec 1, 5pm.
2. Nominations OPEN for the 2026 Distinguished Teaching Prize. Annual award honoring excellence in teaching. Nominees must have taught at least 3 consecutive years at John Jay (Spring 2023-Fall 2025). Questions to Dr. Gina Rae Foster, TLC Director, gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.  Deadline: Monday, December 8.  Nomination form: here.
3. Nominations OPEN for the 2026 Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. The Office of Student Research & Creativity gives 3 or 4 annual awards to recognize faculty providing exceptional mentoring of students in scholarly research or creative work. Application deadline: April 1, 2026. Faculty formally self-nominate and submit all materials, but students and colleagues should encourage outstanding mentors to apply. For information: jjay.cuny.edu/faculty-mentor-award. Questions to osrc@jjay.cuny.edu.

6.  Faculty Voices:  3 Survey Invitations!  

1. Invitation!Our AAC&U Institute for AI, Pedagogy, & the Curriculum Team is exploring how JJ is engaging with Generative AI (GenAI)—and would like to hear from you! This survey (~ 10 mins) invites you to share how you’re learning about and using GenAI tools and what support/training would be most helpful to you. Your feedback will shape training, resources and campus initiatives around use of GenAI. Whether new to it or using it regularly, your perspective matters. Please complete THIS SURVEY by Fri, Dec 5.
2. Invitation! The Office for the Advancement of Research is planning their Spring 2026 Bootcamp Series and wants to ensure the topics align with faculty needs and interests. Please take a moment to complete this brief survey and share any suggestions for additional topics you’d like to see in future bootcamps by December 5.
3. We know faculty and staff engage in Professional Development (PD) – on and off campus! CUNY is requesting info on our PD – and we’d love to share all you’re doing. If you participate in PD, particularly outside JJ, please share it using the link below. Feel free to flag trainings you think colleagues would like. If you save the link, you can keep adding more over time. Thanks! Professional Development Activity - Report Form

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.  College is closed Nov 27-28. No classes Nov 29-30.
2. Final exams (schedules posted here):   Tues, Dec 16 – Mon, Dec 22.
   • Faculty MAY NOT CHANGE the date/time of their final exams.
     • The scheduled final exam time must be used to meet with students (e.g., give an exam; discuss the semester; feedback on paper drafts before final draft due). (See Faculty Handbook for more info on final exams and grades.
3. Student Evaluation of Faculty (SEOF) dates:  Tues, Dec 2 – Mon, Dec 15.
4. Annual Health Benefits Transfer Period/Open enrollment ends Nov 30.
5. Book Adoptions – Please post your information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES ASAP, even if no purchases are required. (We are at 68% completion – getting there!!!   😊).

• Log in with CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click faculty link.
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• We 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: Preparing for Finals. See Timely Teaching Tip below.

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

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC:  Supporting Finals Prep  

As our students prepare for finals, here are some ways we can support their preparations. 

• Revisit your policies on grading, attendance, and participation
• Discuss good preparation strategies (see suggestions here)
• Review remaining assignments and due dates to help planning. (Exam schedules here)
• Review the academic integrity policy. If concerns arise, discuss them with the impacted student and invite them to explain their work process. See the AI violation reporting process and resources here. You can consult with our Academic Integrity Officer Jennifer Dobbins (jedobbins@jjay.cuny.edu) as needed.
• Referrals to the Wellness Center (for health, counseling, accessibility, emergency funding, food, and other needs) and academic support services may be timely.

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 Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! Full-time faculty: How to Lead Study Abroad Programs, Wed, Nov 19, 1:40-2:50, 1.76NB.
2. TODAY! ODL LMS Brightspace Grading, Weds, Nov 19, 2-3pm, Zoom.
   Meeting ID: 884 2213 2568, Passcode: 523346.
3. Workshop: Join Dr. Tina Skinner of the Researcher Wellbeing Project. Learn to maintain emotional wellbeing when researching emotionally challenging topics. Thurs, Nov 20, 11am-2pm, 520.18HH. Lunch provided. Space limited. RSVP rbarberet@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. CUNY IT Conference, Dec 4-5, at John Jay. Conference website here.  Register here.

5.  Community Events 

1. 60^th Anniversary Campus Celebration, Thurs, Nov 20, 2-6pm: Kroll Atrium, Hound Square, Mezzanine and Jay Walk (weather permitting).  RSVP HERE.  All are welcome!
2. Food for Thought lunch & learn. Mon, Nov 24, 1:30-2:45pm, Faculty/Staff Dining Room (2^nd fl NB). Host: English. Speakers will be Drs. Ray Rosas and Charissa Che. RSVP HERE by NOON, Friday, 11/21.  (Last one of the fall semester)
3. The Lysistrata Project or No Womb Left Behind, play sponsored by the ENG Dept. Mon, Nov 24 & Tues, Nov 25:   1:40-3:15pm & 7:30-9pm, Lynch Theater. GET TICKETS HERE.
4. Rescheduled:  Immigration Town Hall, Tuesday, Nov 25, 1:30-3:30pm, 335HH (TLC). International colleagues - learn about immigration processes and timing, meet immigration attorneys from Gibney law firm, confer on individual situations. RSVP by Mon, Nov 24^th to apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu.
5. All Faculty Meeting, Wed, Dec 10, 1:30-3pm, 6.68NB (Moot Court).

More community events here

6.  Faculty Awards/Funding  

1. NEW! Call for Proposals: CUNY AI Innovation Fund. Full-time faculty, administrators and staff are eligible to apply for up to $25k for projects in these 4 priority areas:
        * AI Education & Literacy
        * AI-Enabled Student & Academic Support
        * AI in Courses 
        * Addressing Ethical & Social Implications of AI
       See attached for more info on how to apply. Application Deadline: Mon, Dec 1, 5pm
    
2. Nominations OPEN for the 2026 Distinguished Teaching Prize. Annual award honoring excellence in teaching. Nominees must have taught at least 3 consecutive years at John Jay (Spring 2023-Fall 2025). Questions to Dr. Gina Rae Foster, TLC Director, gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.  Deadline: Monday, December 8.  Nomination form: here.
    
3. NEW! Nominations OPEN for the 2026 Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards. Each year, the Office of Student Research & Creativity gives 3 or 4 awards to recognize faculty providing exceptional mentoring of students in scholarly research or creative work.  Application deadline: April 1, 2026. 
   
   Awards are: Junior Mentor Award (within first 6 years as a mentor; $1200), Senior Mentor Award ($1500) and Lifetime Mentor Achievement Award (biennially; $2000). Faculty formally self-nominate and submit all materials, but students (including graduate students) and colleagues should encourage role models and peers to apply. For information: jjay.cuny.edu/faculty-mentor-award. Questions to osrc@jjay.cuny.edu

7.  Faculty Professional Development Resource Sharing  

1. The Office of Digital Learning has concluded this semester’s 5-part GenAI series focused on how to approach AI for teaching and learning. If you were unable to attend any of the sessions or would like to view the recordings and resources shared, please visit the Brightspace organization, Innovative Pedagogy with GenAI: A Self-Paced Workshop. 

     To add yourself to this organization, please follow these steps: 

          1.      Click on “Discover” at the top of the Brightspace homepage.
          2.      Next, type in “genai” into the search field.
          3.      Once the workshop displays, select the name, and then click on Enroll in Course.
          4.      While in the workshop, materials are in the Live Session Materials module. 
     To suggest sessions/topics for spring, email digitallearning@jjay.cuny.edu.

2. We know faculty and staff engage in Professional Development (PD) – on and off campus! CUNY is requesting info on our PD – and we’d love to share all you’re doing. If you participate in PD, particularly outside JJ, please share it using the link below. Feel free to flag trainings you think colleagues would like. If you save the link, you can keep adding more over time. Thanks! Professional Development Activity - Report Form

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.  College is closed Nov 27-28. No classes Nov 29-30.
2. Annual HealthBenefits Transfer Period/Open enrollment ends Nov 30.  HR Virtual Office Hours: Fridays, 11am-1pm, Zoom. Inquiries to Benefits@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Blackboard retirement: Dec 18. Deadline for Blackboard course restoration requests: Nov 15. Deadline for Blackboard assistance from LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu: Dec 1.
4. Book Adoptions – Please post your information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES ASAP, even if no purchases are required. October 31was the due date (we are at 61% completion).

• Log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click 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 12 

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Winter & Spring Registration is Now Open. See Timely Teaching Tip below.

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

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC:  Celebrating our Teaching Wins 

As nominations for the Distinguished Teaching Prize come in, I’m reminded that our faculty have many, many teaching wins to celebrate. We can do this for ourselves at any time, and right now, just past the mid-term crush, is a critical time to remember what we do well.

Counting our wins includes

·      being specific about what is working and why

·      reflecting on what is context-dependent (such as this group of students, this set of readings, activities, assignments, or classroom set up)

·      making notes about what we want to repeat next term or with the next class sessions

·      identifying common factors or features of our wins that define our teaching styles

When we count our teaching wins, 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 TLC News & Opportunities and JJ Distinguished Teaching Academy site celebrating our fantastic teachers! Contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.

4.  Professional Development Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! AI Ethics: TLC Brown Bag Lunch Discussion, Weds, Nov 12, 12-1pm, 335HH (TLC): Bias and Misinformation.
2. TODAY! ODL LMS Brightspace Quizzes, Weds, Nov 12, 2-3pm, Zoom.
   Meeting ID: 815 0725 3810, Passcode: 901590
3. Scholarly Publishing Workshop: Impact Factor & Other Research Metrics: What They Mean and What They Don’t, Thurs, Nov 13, 6:30-7:30pm & Fri, Nov 14, 2-3pm. Info and registration: Library Events - CUNY Graduate Center's Mina Rees Library
4. CITA Workshop: Designing Adult-Centered Curriculum, Fri, Nov 14, 11am-noon, virtual. Practical approaches for creating flexible, relevant, career-connected courses. REGISTER.
5. Full-time faculty: How to Lead Study Abroad Programs, Wed, Nov 19, 1:40-2:50, 1.76NB
6. Workshop:  Join Dr. Tina Skinner of the Researcher Wellbeing Project. Learn to maintain emotional wellbeing when researching emotionally challenging topics. Thurs, Nov 20, 11am-2pm, 520.18HH. Lunch provided. Space limited. RSVP rbarberet@jjay.cuny.edu
7. CUNY IT Conference, Dec 4-5, at John Jay. Conference website here.  Register here.

5.  Community Events  

1. TODAY! Academic Affairs OPEN FORUM, Weds, Nov 12, 1:40-2:55pm, L.61NB or Zoom (ID: 861 0875 5237, Code: 126626). Join Provost Pease and the Academic Deans to discuss our strategic plan, academic advising model, education in an age of AI … etc.
2. Town Hall, Thurs, Nov 13, 1:40-2:55pm, L.61NB or Zoom (Meeting ID: 825 6582 3934, Passcode: 168206)
3. HBO Film Screening: The Alabama Solution, Thurs, Nov 13, Moot Court (6.68NB). Reception @ 5:15pm, Screening @ 6pm, Talk back & discussion @ 8pm. A great extra credit opportunity! RSVP here. Questions to externalaffairs@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. The Anya and Andrew Shiva Gallery exhibition, On Absence, will be on view Nov 13-Feb 6 (M-F, 10am-5pm). Opening reception: Thurs, Nov 13, 5:30-7pm. Gallery is at 59^th St/11^th Ave. Email Dr. Macushla Robinson (AMU), Gallery Director, to arrange a class visit.
5. Immigration Town Hall, Mon, Nov 17, 1:30-3:30pm, 335HH (TLC). International colleagues - learn about immigration processes and timing, meet immigration attorneys from Gibney law firm, confer on individual situations. RSVP to apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu.
6. Fall 2025 All-Staff Meeting, Mon, Nov 17, 1:30pm, 9.64NB & Zoom.
   Meeting ID: 895 6371 6956, Passcode: 001898
7. JJ Academic Freedom Series, Tues, Nov 18, L.63, community hour. Topic: Antisemitism, Islamophobia & the Preservation of Universities as a Space for Academic Deliberations. Moderated by Dr. Avram Bornstein (ANT), the event will feature Dr. Mucahit Bilici (SOC) and Dr. Jack Jacobs (POL). Refreshments will be provided and all are welcome.
8. Food for Thought lunch & learn. Mon, Nov 24, 1:30-2:45pm, Faculty/ Staff Dining Room (2^nd fl NB). Host: English. Speakers will be Drs. Ray Rosas and Charissa Che. RSVP HERE by NOON, Friday, 11/21.  (Last one of the fall semester)

More community events here

6.  Call for Faculty Participants  

1. Innovative Pedagogy with Gen AI Challenge– Goal is for 50 faculty to complete the self-paced Innovative Pedagogy with Gen AI workshop on Brightspace. To self-enroll, log into Brightspace, look for the Discover tab, type “genai” in the search bar and enroll.
2. Call for Nominations is OPEN for the 2026 Distinguished Teaching Prize! The DTP ($5,000) is awarded annually to up to two (2) full time or part time members of the JJ faculty to honor excellence in teaching. Nominees must have taught at least three (3) consecutive years at John Jay (from Spring 2023-Fall 2025). Questions to Dr. Gina Rae Foster, Teaching and Learning Center Director, gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.  Nomination Deadline: Monday, December 8.  Nomination form:  here.

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.  Nov 6: Last day to drop regular fall class with grade of W.  8-Week-2 Graduate Classes:  VOE rosters close Nov 7.
2. Full-Time Faculty:   The online  e-Workload application is open for your review, editing and approval until Fri, Nov 7. Please check to ensure your fall information is accurate.
3. Annual Health Benefits Transfer Period/Open enrollment ends Nov 30. HR Virtual Office Hours: Fridays, 11am-1pm, Zoom. Inquiries to Benefits@jjay.cuny.edu
4. Blackboard sunsets in December. Request help downloading your course content from LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu by Nov 15. Workshop TODAY!  See 4a below.
5. Book Adoptions – Please post your information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES ASAP, even if no purchases are required. October 31was the due date (we are at 48% completion).
   • Log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com and click 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: Registering for Winter and Spring.

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

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC: Plans and Connections  

This week, many of our students start registering for their spring courses. How can we support these plans while maintaining our students’ focus on their learning with us now? Encouraging our students to make plans to finish the term well and to make connections in their learning across terms are two easy strategies for academic success.

End Goal Plans: With 6 weeks left, prompt students to plan backwards from their final projects and exams to the present. For each week, they can list their goals and assigned work, their available time, their resources, and any challenges they foresee in staying on track. The attached table may be helpful to modify for your needs and share with students.

Learning Connections: Try a short freewriting exercise in which your 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.

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

4.  Professional Development Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY!  Blackboard Retirement: What you need to know, Weds, Nov 5, 2-3pm, Zoom. 
   Meeting ID: 858 5413 4829, Passcode: 173995
2. Faculty 1st Friday: Thinking About Service Strategically + Personnel Process Primer, Fri, Nov 7, 1:30-3pm, 335HH or Zoom. RSVP by Thurs, Nov 6 to apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. ODL: Using AI to Aid in Course Design, Preparation and to Enhance Instruction, Tues, Nov 11, 1:40-2:40 pm. Registration link. Learn practical and ethical strategies.
4. CUNY Professional Development Conference (Nov 12-13, virtual).  Conference Agenda. Register here by Mon, Nov 10.
5. Scholarly Publishing Workshop: Impact Factor & Other Research Metrics: What They Mean and What They Don’t, Thurs, Nov 13, 6:30-7:30pm & Fri, Nov 14, 2-3pm. Info and registration: Library Events - CUNY Graduate Center's Mina Rees Library
6. CITA Workshop: Designing Adult-Centered Curriculum, Fri, Nov 14, 11am-noon, virtual. Practical approaches for creating flexible, relevant, career-connected courses. REGISTER.
7. Full-time faculty: How to Lead Study Abroad Programs, Wed, Nov 19, 1:40-2:50, 1.76NB
8. Workshop: Join Dr. Tina Skinner of the Researcher Wellbeing Project to learn tools to maintain emotional wellbeing when researching emotionally challenging topics. Thurs, Nov 20, 11am-2pm, 520.18HH. Lunch provided. Space limited. RSVP rbarberet@jjay.cuny.edu
9. CUNY IT Conference, Dec 4-5, at John Jay. Conference website here.  Register here. 

5.  Community Events  

1. TODAY! "I Stand with Immigrants" National Day of Action, Weds, Nov 5, 1:40-2:40pm in Hound Square. Community activities recognizing and uplifting the contributions, struggles, and voices of immigrant communities, within our campus and beyond.
2. Library Author Series: Thurs, Nov 6, 1:40-2:50pm, 2^nd fl library class. Vicente Lecuna (MLL), A Promising Past Remodeling Fictions in Parque Central, Caracas.  RSVP to attend.
3. Leaders of Justice Series: The Honorable Raymond P. Fernandez, Supreme Court Justice, Bronx County, in conversation with President Mason. Thurs, Nov 6, 1:45pm, Moot Court (6.68NB). Refreshments provided. RSVP: www.jjay.cuny.edu/fernandez. Event page.
4. OAR Book Talk: Gloria J. Browne-Marshall (LPS), A Protest History of the United States, Thurs, Nov 6, 4:30-6pm, 630 HH. RSVP here.
5. Film Screening: Sixteen Years, Tues, Nov 11, 6-8pm, L.63NB. This private film screening continues the exploration of Jeffrey Deskovic’s wrongful conviction and fight for justice.
6. HBO Film Screening: The Alabama Solution, Thurs, Nov 13, Moot Court (6.68NB). Reception @ 5:15pm, Screening @ 6pm, Talk back & discussion @ 8pm. Could be a great extra credit opportunity! RSVP here. Questions to externalaffairs@jjay.cuny.edu. 

More community events here

6.  Call for Faculty Participants  

1. Innovative Pedagogy with Gen AI Challenge – Goal is for 50 faculty to complete the self-paced Innovative Pedagogy with Gen AI workshop on Brightspace. To self-enroll, log into Brightspace, look for the Discover tab, type “genai” in the search bar and enroll.
2. Call for Nominations is OPEN for the 2026 Distinguished Teaching Prize! The DTP ($5,000) is awarded annually to up to two (2) full time or part time members of the JJ faculty to honor excellence in teaching. Nominees must have taught at least three (3) consecutive years at John Jay (from Spring 2023-Fall 2025). Questions to Dr. Gina Rae Foster, Teaching and Learning Center Director, gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.  Nomination Deadline: Monday, December 8.  Nomination form:  here.

7.  Cheering on our JJ Bloodhound Scholar Athletes!

We know that JJ’s scholar athletes kill it inside the classroom. This semester, they are also, yet again, killing it in the gym and on the field!  The #1 ranked Women’s Soccer team will play City College on Saturday, Nov 8, 11:30am at York College to defend their CUNYAC championship title. The game will be live streamed (https://johnjayathletics.com/), but drop by to watch if you’re in the area!   Whatever your sport of choice (women’s volleyball won the regular season title last night; CUNYAC championships are Nov 13 & 14) – check out the Bloodhound contests livestreamed here. 

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE.  Nov 6: Last day to drop regular fall class with grade of W.  8-Week-2 Graduate Classes:  VOE rosters open from Nov 3 - Nov 7.
2. Fall Multiple Position Reports are due Fri, Nov 7. Questions about your report or the policy? Ask TODAY! Weds, Oct 29, 1:40 PM, Zoom, Meeting: 461 223 6540, Code: 1023
3. Full-Time Faculty:   The online e-Workload application is open for your review, editing and approval until Fri, Nov 7. Please check to ensure your fall information is accurate.
4. Annual Health Benefits Transfer Period/Open enrollment ends Nov 30. HR Virtual Office Hours: Fridays, 11am-1pm, Zoom. Inquiries to Benefits@jjay.cuny.edu
5. OAS Support for Faculty:  Faculty view accommodation letters, approve exam requests, and upload exams with CUNY Accommodate - see Handbook for Faculty for its use.
6. Blackboard sunsets in December. Request help downloading course content from LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu by Nov 15.
7. It’s that time again! Book Adoptions – to ensure students can find the most affordable course materials (and meet their accessibility needs), please post your book/material adoption information FOR ALL SPRING CLASSES, even if no purchases are required.
   • October 31 is the adoption due date (we are at 25%).
   • To submit or indicate “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.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 10 

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Staying Engaged for a Strong Finish. See Timely Teaching Tip below.

• Find the super cute Students message HERE under Week 10.  
• Faculty – please reinforce the info by sharing this google slide, PDF or infographic.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC: Staying Engaged for a Strong Finish

     Next week, students will decide whether they are staying in our classes or choosing to withdraw. How can we help them make informed, supported decisions?

     This is a great week not only to include the Student Success Communication slide linked above, but also to share this information in live class sessions and emails to our students. (Brightspace makes emailing our classes easy!)

Some information you might add when you share:

·      Benefits that students experience when they attend classes and participate (e.g., additional information, different perspectives, opportunities to ask questions)

·      Learning centers  

·      Counseling Center 

·      Academic Advisement Center:  Note the virtual walk-in time, 11:15 am-2:45 pm

We can invite questions about progress and make referrals early (Navigate360) when we sense students may need support to stay with their courses and achieve their goals.

Explore TLC News & Opportunities and JJ Distinguished Teaching Academy site celebrating our fantastic teachers! 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, Oct 29, 2-3pm, Zoom. 
   Meeting ID: 837 2466 6249, Passcode: 757614
2. Faculty 1st Friday – Monthly new faculty orientation meeting: Thinking About Service Strategically + Brief Personnel Process Primer, Fri, Nov 7, 1:30-2:30pm, 335HH or Zoom with Karen Kaplowitz. RSVP (apfaculty@jjay.cuny.edu) by Weds, Nov 5.
3. Registration open!  2025 CUNY Professional Development Conference, Nov 12-13, virtual. Theme: The Human Renaissance: Reimagining Leadership and Innovation in Higher Ed. Conference Agenda here. Register here.  Deadline: Mon, Nov 10.
4. Save the date! Learn how to get involved in JJ Study Abroad. Full-time faculty are invited to: How to Lead Study Abroad Programs, Weds, Nov 19, 1:40-2:50pm, 1.76NB.
5. Registration open! CUNY IT Conference, Dec 4-5, at John Jay. Theme: “Moving Forward: Reimagining CUNY in an AI-Enhanced World.” Conference website here.  Register here.  Keynote: C. Edward Watson, VP for Digital Innovation at AAC&U.

5.  Community Events  

1. TODAY!  Dia de los Muertos, Wed, Oct 29, 1:35-3:00pm, Moot Court (6.68NB). 5^th annual event brought to us by LLS.
2. Alumni Reunion, Thurs, Oct 30, 6pm+ - 100% of net proceeds to benefit student success. Register today. Schedule: 6:30pm-Cocktail reception, 7:15pm-Recognition of Honorees, 8:30pm-After Party. Inquiries to Rosann Santos, rsantos@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Final Fall 2025 Library Author Series talk: Thurs, Nov 6, 1:40-2:50pm, 2^nd fl library classroom Vicente Lecuna (MLL) will discuss his book, A Promising Past Remodeling Fictions in Parque Central, Caracas.  RSVP to attend
4. Leaders of Justice Series: The Honorable Raymond P. Fernandez, Supreme Court Justice, Bronx County, in conversation with President Mason. Thurs, Nov 6, 1:45pm, Moot Court (6.68NB). Refreshments provided. RSVP: www.jjay.cuny.edu/fernandez. Event page.
5. OAR Book Talk: Gloria J. Browne-Marshall (LPS) presents her book, A Protest History of the United States, Thurs, Nov 6, 4:30-6pm, 630 HH. RSVP here.

6.  Asian American/Asian Research Institute Faculty Funding Opportunity 

NEW 2026 CUNY Faculty Research Support Program – Submissions Due 11/3/25

The Asian American/Asian Research Institute is accepting proposals for the 2026 CUNY Faculty Research Support Program to support research on Asian American and Asian diasporic communities.

Focus: Research across all disciplines, including the social sciences, humanities, arts, and health sciences. Priority is given to projects that support a work in progress (e.g., a book, article, or major proposal) or address current policy questions. AAARI seeks to fund research on a diversity of Asian ethnic communities.

Funding: Up to five (5) awards of up to $10,000 per award. Funds must be spent by the end of the Spring 2026 semester.

Eligible to Apply: CUNY full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty, full-time Doctoral Lecturers

Use of Funds:  Funds are intended to support research in progress and can be paid as either:

• Summer Salary or Stipend (paid directly to you, subject to payroll taxes)
• Released Time (up to $7,000 for a course release). Note: Requires written confirmation from your campus Provost.

Commitments:  Awardees must agree to:

• Produce a white paper (or creative work) by 6/3/26 and allow AAARI to post it online
• Deliver an in-person presentation on their research at an AAARI-sponsored event in the Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 semesters.

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE. Classes meet on a Monday schedule, Fri, Oct 24.
   8-Week-1 Graduate Classes:  Grade rosters close Sat, Oct 25.
   8-Week-2 Graduate Classes:  Session begins Tues, Oct 28.
2. Annual Health Benefits Transfer Period/Open enrollment is Oct 15 - Nov 30. Want to make changes? Want a flu shot? Visit TODAY: JJ Benefits Fair, Oct 22, 11am-2pm, Student Dining Hall East, NB. Or connect with HR during Virtual Office Hours: Fridays, 11am-1pm, Zoom (Meeting ID 882 6174 5353, Passcode: 967236). Inquiries to HEgrant@jjay.cuny.edu or at Benefits@jjay.cuny.edu
3. OAS Support for Faculty: CUNY Accommodate is our accommodation management system. Students use it to request accommodations, exams, and begin their application with the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS). Faculty can view accommodation letters, view approved exam requests, upload exams.  OAS created this Handbook for Faculty to assist with navigation of the system.  See the OAS website with faculty resources.
4. Blackboard sunsets in December. Please plan ahead: request help from LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu by Nov 15 with downloading your course content.
5. The PSC-CUNY Research Awards Program changed. Due Dec 15. PSC CUNY Programs.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 9 

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Planning for Winter & Spring Registration. See Timely Teaching Tip about feedback.

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

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC:  Feedback Strategies 

At this point of the term, timely, effective feedback is increasingly important to our students. At the same time, some of us may be hitting our mid-term points of fatigue. With small, focused activities, we can meet students’ feedback needs and take care of our energies. Here are two excerpts on live feedback strategies that are quick, but impactful (with links).

Formative Assessments in Large Classes.  Formative assessments are often low stakes, with little or no point value. They engage students and provide timely feedback to students and faculty.  Some ways to add formative assessments in class: short quizzes, polls, in-class problems, and discussion-oriented activities. Students practice course-related skills and demonstrate comprehension, but these do not require time intensive grading. Tulane University, Teaching Large Classes Guide.

Immediate Versus Delayed Feedback Classes.  Timing of feedback matters. Immediate feedback is helpful for learning concepts, delayed feedback for applying learning. Immediate feedback could include in-class concept questions where students know right away whether they understood material they just learned. Or in-class discussions, where students hear feedback on their ideas in real time. Delayed feedback (e.g., homework problem set, essays): students apply what they learned and receive ‘delayed’ feedback via grading. From MIT, Teaching+Learning Lab.

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

4.  Professional Development Opportunities 

Professional Development Calendar

1. TODAY! Workshop: Pros & Profs: Collaborative Academic & Career Advising, Weds, Oct 22, 10am-1pm, L.61NB or zoom. Faculty are invited to this professional development morning of presentations (10am & 11am), lunch & networking (noon) to share strategies for guiding students toward their academic and career goals. RSVP HERE. Or join zoom: https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/j/85831050386?pwd=b9Tp0xUzgmZ2YBMjzP1nB3hlziLslm.1
2. TODAY! ODL LMS Brightspace Grading, Weds, Oct 22, 2-3pm, Zoom. Link: https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/j/81338212392?pwd=5TzefP0Jeeh0SBa1JdycQrjpjGlMeD.1
3. OAR’s “Elevate Your Scholarship” Bootcamp Series, Thurs, Oct 23, 1:45 PM, in the TLC (335 HH). Hands-on session, "Identifying Funding Opportunities that Match Your Project Goals," by Susy Mendes Cullen, Director of Sponsored Programs, and Molly McLaughlin, Pre-Award Specialist, will help you explore and align potential funding sources with your projects. Please bring your laptop and RSVP. Zoom option will also be available - link will be sent to those who register. Questions to Preeti Chauhan at pchauhan@jjay.cuny.edu.
4. Workshop:  Tenure & Promotion, Mon, Oct 27, 1:40-2:55pm, 335HH (TLC) or zoom. With Kyeanna Bailey, Angela Crossman. Meeting ID: 861 0817 0212, Passcode: 290177. Link: https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us/j/86108170212?pwd=14Sa7PhDXpb47vCZzB1hcBAKMa02Md.1
5. ODL LMS Brightspace Open Q&A, Weds, Oct 29, 2-3pm, Zoom.
6. Registration open! 2025 CUNY Professional Development Conference, Nov 12-13, virtual. This year’s theme: The Human Renaissance: Reimagining Leadership and Innovation in Higher Ed. Conference Agenda here. Register here.  Deadline: Mon, Nov 10.
7. Save the date! Learn how to get involved in JJ Study Abroad. Full-time faculty are invited to: How to Lead Study Abroad Programs, Weds, Nov 19, 1:40-2:50pm, 1.76NB.
8. Registration open! CUNY IT Conference, Dec 4-5, at John Jay. This year’s theme: Moving Forward: Reimagining CUNY in an AI-Enhanced World. Conference website here.   Register here. Keynote: C. Edward Watson, VP for Digital Innovation at AAC&U.  

5.  Community Events  

1. TODAY! Library Author Series: Wed, Oct 22, 1:40-2:50pm, 2^nd fl library classroom. Simone Martin-Howard (PAD) will discuss, Correctional Staff: COVID-19, Confinement, and Culture at Rikers Island Jail. RSVP at https://jjay.libcal.com/event/15433727?hs=a.
2. Save the Date! Our annual Alumni Reunion, Thurs, Oct 30, 6pm+! 100% of net proceeds to benefit student success. Register today. Discounted package to the reception and after party is available, along with sponsorship opportunities. Schedule: 6:30pm-Cocktail reception, 7:15pm-Recognition of Honorees, 8:30pm-After Party. For details on the event and premier sponsorship opportunities, contact Rosann Santos, rsantos@jjay.cuny.edu.

6.  IMPORTANT REMINDER:  Sign up for MFA NOW…  

… Or Lose Brightspace (etc) Access.  If you have not yet set up CUNY MFA - Please ACT NOW

All JJ students, faculty, and staff will be required to use CUNY MFA to access key university systems. Without CUNY MFA the following university systems will be inaccessible to you:

• Brightspace (D2L), CUNYfirst, Zoom, EAB Navigate, CUNYBuy, DegreeWorks, LinkedIn Learning, CUNY Library Ezproxy … among others!

If you have not setup CUNY MFA, please take immediate action to ensure continued access to university systems. 

  The John Jay website with information on how to configure CUNY MFA for DUO and Microsoft Authenticator can be found here: https://doitapps2.jjay.cuny.edu/MFA/index.php

  For assistance configuring CUNY MFA, or for any other questions, please contact the John Jay Helpdesk at helpdesk@jjay.cuny.edu, 212-237-8200 or in person floor L2 in the new building.

7.  AI Tools for Research and Pedagogy: 2 Calls for Faculty Participants  

1. Scopus AI Trial – Library Invitation. Our library is conducting a trial of Scopus AI this Oct. Please test the tool with your own research questions or how you envision your students using it.You can get started with this short intro webinar or this longer advanced webinar. Or schedule a walk-through with Prof Ignacio Sanchez, electronic resources librarian (isanchez@jjay.cuny.edu) – he would be grateful for your feedback.  

2. Innovative Pedagogy with Gen AI Challenge - AAC&U AI, Pedagogy & Curriculum team  

   Goal:  50 faculty complete the self-paced Innovative Pedagogy with Gen AI workshop on Brightspace. Created by our Office for Digital Learning, the workshop is available for self-enrollment. To access it, log into Brightspace and look for the Discover tab. Then type “genai” in the search bar and enroll in the course.   

1.  Important Information/Dates

1. Academic calendars HERE. No classes Mon, Oct 20. Classes on Mon schedule, Fri, Oct 24
   8-Week-1 Graduate Classes: Finals/session end: Oct 20. Grade rosters open Oct 20-25.
2. Annual Health Benefits Transfer Period/Open enrollment for the NYC HealthBenefit Program is Oct 15 - Nov 30. Want to make changes? Thinking of retirement? Get info at the JJ Benefits Fair, Oct 22, 11am-2pm, Student Dining Hall East, NB. Or connect with HR during Virtual Office Hours: Fridays, 11am-1pm, Zoom (Meeting ID 882 6174 5353, Passcode: 967236). Inquiries to HEgrant@jjay.cuny.edu or at Benefits@jjay.cuny.edu
3. Adjunct-CET Professional Development Fund: Funds for adjunct faculty professional development. Next deadline Nov 3 for Dec-Feb 2026.  Information here.
4. Blackboard sunsets in December. Please plan ahead: request help from LMS.faculty@jjay.cuny.edu by Nov 15 with downloading your course content.
5. The  PSC-CUNY Research Awards Program changed. Due Dec 15. PSC CUNY Programs

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 8   

Student Success Communication Campaign. Students receive weekly Tips for Success. This week: Mid-Semester Progress. See the Timely Teaching Tip about the halfway point.

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

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC:  Mid-Semester Progress 

Midterm weeks are excellent times to check in with students on their progress. It supports their time management, prioritization, planning, and other academic and professional skills.